Daniel was just a man who started as a captive, yet he created a new culture in two different empires. Two kings acknowledged Daniel’s God was God. Daniel also had a number of visions about the end times and what would happen.

1. The End

Daniel 12: 1 Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence.

The most talked about people int he bible are:

  1. Jesus
  2. Moses
  3. Abraham
  4. Antichrist

The end of all things will conclude with:

  1. Time of seven year rule which is called the great tribulation
  2. One man will rule over the world and everyone will worship him
  3. It is a time of God’s wrath (Daniel 8: 19)
  4. There will be epic upheavals in nature, politics and calamities
  5. Time of greater anguish than any since nations came into existence.

How are we to respond in these days?

2. Know Favor

Ephesians 2:7 And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us through Christ Jesus.

You have to know you have the favor of God in your life

Not something we can earn

Galatians 4: 10 You are trying to find favor with God by what you do or don’t do on certain days or months or seasons or years.

2 Timothy 2: 1 Timothy, my dear son, be strong with the special favor God gives you in Christ Jesus. Timothy, my dear son, be strong with the special favor God gives you in Christ Jesus.

Daniel had the favor of God as God told him three times:

  1. Daniel 9: 23 Precious to God
  2. Daniel 10: 11 You are very precious to God
  3. Daniel 10: 19 for you are very precious to God. Peace! be encouraged and be strong.

We can dream that if we only had an angel tell us that, then we would feel more precious, well the Bible tells us that the testimony of Jesus is better than any angel (See Hebrews 1: 1 – 4)

Daniel had the favor of God but that did not mean that he never faced any battles. His life was threatened numerous times.

Moses was frustrated in the midst oft he battle and cried out to have God kill him.

Numbers 11: 14, 15 I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy. If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery.

God revealed himself int he midst of the battle.

Vs 23 Has my arm lost its power? Now you will see whether or not my word comes true.

3. Battle the Darkness

We must do something with the favor of God.

2 Thessalonians 2: 5 – 7 5 Don’t you remember that I told you this when I was with you? 6 And you know what is holding him back, for he can be revealed only when his time comes. 7 For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way.

We are holding back the powers of darkness and must continue to do this

God says that if we will deal our bread to the hungry, bring the poor into our house, cover the naked, and give of our own soul to the starving and suffering, He will guide us and provide for us
continually. We will be like a well-watered garden — a spring whose waters
never fail (see Isaiah 58:10-11)

I can only tell you that God will answer this prayer: “Lord, I see all the human need around me. I know that the only Jesus my city may ever see is the one they will see through me and my church. God, You are going to have to direct me. I’m ready with my wallet, my house, my time, so show me where to go, Lord.” Rest assured that God will bring those needs to your doorstep.

4. How will it all end?

Daniel 12: 2, 3 Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who turn many to righteousness will shine like stars forever.

We are promised a resurrection where we will reign with God forever. We may not walk out of every den of lions we enter, but we are promised the never ending presence of God.

Daniel 12: 13 As for you, go your way until the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you.”

Key Point: Until that day, we are called to Create a new Culture of where we live.