Santhana David

Q3. a) Luke17:20-21 - How do you understand Jesus' saying, "The Kingdom is within you" or "in your midst"? To many the Kingdom is some futuristic sovereignty that will appear with the 2nd Coming of Christ, and which will realized after a number of catastrophic presence of destructive signs. The Pharisees on the other hand had very grand notions of the extent of the Messiah’s kingdom, which can be astronomically observed and realized possibly in their lifetime. To me the Kingdom is the spirituality within every person who has been born again and have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, and more importantly within every person who has allowed the inner spiritual reality of God’s rule to be in control within their hearts. Therefore I choose to acknowledge and embrace the kingdom of God in its spiritual entirety as taught by the resurrected Christ who suffered to redeem me. What does this teach us about Jesus? Every Christian’s depiction of the affiliation between God and humanity must essentially involve the concept of God as King living among us and within our hearts. Unlike the Jews and Pharisees of the time of Christ, Christians all over the globe must not look for a Deliverer in anticipation of liberation of their nation, but grasp, soak up in and realize Jesus’ Good News of repentance, faith and hope. Then, and only then, will our God “set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.” (Dan 2:44) And finally the Kingdom of God will replace the sinful and unbelieving governments of this world.

Q2. a) What did the term "Messiah" mean to the Jews? We have read and had been taught the term “Messiah” means the “anointed one” or the “chosen one” – and in the days of old the anointed one is a person with a special role assigned by God. As we, have read numerous times in the Old Testament : 1) God told Elijah to anoint Elisha to succeed him as Israel’s prophet (1 Kgs 19:16). 2) Samuel anointed both Saul and David as kings of Israel (1 Sam 10:1; 16:13). All of these men above held “anointed” positions but then it was also predicted that a Deliverer, chosen by God to redeem Israel will come (Isa 42:1; 61:1–3) – so to the Jews, the Deliverer was the Messiah, a holy, anointed one who would deliver the Jews by overthrowing the Romans and lead Israel. How does Daniel's Son of Man exceed this understanding? As written in the Book of Daniel, “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.” (Dan 7:13) In my opinion, Daniel’s, term Son of Man surpasses the comprehension of the Messiah, because Daniel imagery of the Son of Man was led to have an audience with God, Who gave Him, “authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him.” Well the Jews during that epoch were very familiar with the phrase, Messiah and to whom it was referred to, but they faintly knew that Jesus, who lived among the Jews of the time was in fact the Messiah, the essence God. They were, as mentioned in Q2a, expecting Messiah would be someone who would redeem Israel by overthrowing the Romans and establish a truly Jewish state. c) Why does Jesus primarily use the title Son of Man rather than Messiah or Son of God? Basically, I think it was because the Jewish authorities would have brought to a halt Jesus’ approach to spread the Good News. They would have had Him arrested for blasphemy before His mission was completed.

Q1. (Daniel 7:13-14) What are the elements of Daniel's prophecy of "one like a son of man"? In the Lessons on Daniel, I came across the Aramaic (the language at the time of Jesus) phrase, “bar enasha” which literally means a “son of a human being.” I feel that Jesus drew His ideas from Daniel to express His identity as the “Son of Man” to His listeners. What is he given by the Ancient of Days? As written in the Book, the Son of Man “was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."(Dan 7:14) What clues do you have to the divinity of "one like a son of man" in Daniel's prophecy? First, we need to know who else besides God can have dominion over God’s Kingdom – only a divine and eternal One, right ? As mentioned, in the Gospel of Mark Jesus asserts that He is the Messiah and the Son of God in answer to the high priest but in a quick turn of events amends the titles to His preferred terminology the “Son of Man.” "I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." (Mk 14:62) I believe that this text clearly explains the divinity of Jesus.

Q4. a) What is the relationship between the tabernacle in the wilderness and the Kingdom of God? The relationship is similar to an earthly human king who sits on his throne in his palace within his kingdom, where his country’s citizens live, God sits on the Ark, his Throne, in the Tabernacle which is His Throne Room/Palace among His Kingdom, that is His people. How do God's Kingdom and glory come together in the wilderness tabernacle? Difficult question !!! It’s was God’s eternal plan to be among His creation. Did God leave anything for chance when He gave Moses instructions to build the Tabernacle in the wilderness? God is never slack in accomplishing what He desires to be done. When the Israelites “spoiled” Egypt, God put into the hearts of the Egyptians not only gave them enough of everything, they gave in abundance. He knew the Israelites would need materials to build His Tabernacle in the wilderness. “Every woman is to ask her neighbor and any woman living in her house for articles of silver and gold and for clothing, which you will put on your sons and daughters. And so you will plunder the Egyptians." (Ex 3:22) However, when the Cloud and the Glory of God's covers the Tent, His overwhelming Glory and Presence was so, so, very significant. The Israelites then, and we today, did/do not lived/live in a perfect world, nor was/is our homeland the Garden of Eden. But in the establishment God’s Kingdom in the wilderness God was always in command, in order that no advantage be taken of His people then by Satan because all were made aware of Satan’s evil schemes. (2Cor 2:11)

Lesson 1 Q3. a) Why does Moses hunger to see God's glory? He yearned to see God because of the intimate relationship Moses had with God, a Spirit, Who does not have physicality. And this is why I believe the term “face to face” must never be understood or taken literally as, it is a description some sort similar to “intimately.” Moses must have assumed that God, being so intimate during their conversation, must be have a human physic, and therefore the reason why he wanted to see the face and glory of God. Why does Paul press on? The rationale behind Paul’s “press on” motive was to see God’s glory resonating in Jesus Christ. That was Paul’s goal. c) What spiritual hunger do you see in yourself? d) How might you increase this hunger? e) How might you satisfy this hunger? I truly yearn to connect with God through meditation and increase this hunger by serving spiritual or materialistic needs of others around me. God has said, “You will seek and find me when you seek me with all my heart. I want God’s grace and strength to resist the basic human hunger that leads me to find fulfillment in other areas – I only want the appetite for spirituality in Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God.

Q2. Why do you think God's glory is associated with judgment and consuming fire? I think it’s basically because as God does not favour anyone who oppose Him and therefore portrayed as fire which absolutely consumes and destroys anyone or anything in His path, as mentioned in Duet 9:3. What happens when people willfully disobey God and his laws? Much earlier in Duet 4:23~24, Moses is found warning the Israelites against idolatry. He goes on to say that God is a “jealous God” and most definitely will not compromise even a small portion of His glory to insignificant deities, because idolatry truly provokes Him and He will not condone anything which disrespects His supreme holiness. Why can't God's holiness coexist with sin? Can a rich king and a poor beggar coexist in a small room? What is man who cannot even define sin as only God can define what sin actually is. Following the will of God is about us conforming God’s laws and not God conforming to our standards. This is so because only God can save us from sin. Man’s desire for freedom from God is the mark of sin and holiness is the absence of sin. That being said how can God’s holiness coexist with sin?

Q1. Describe the difference between :- reputation glory - 1) This theme of GLORY is witnessed when we assert God’s greatness by our witness of His very standing in our lives and truly bear witness to others around us on the deeds of our God. derived glory - 2) This type of GLORY in one which we, the people of God receive from our ability to create a close spiritual union with our Creator God. inherent glory - 3) This is the GLORY which belongs to the intrinsic nature of God’s awesomeness and being. Which glory is involved when you praise God? Reputation GLORY is accomplished when we praise God. Which glory is within you? I believe that I only possess derived glory given us by the Almighty.

What does Paul expect God to do for the Philippian believers? Why does he expect God to do this? What is the basis of Paul's confidence? On what basis can we expect God to do this for us? What does Paul expect God to do for the Philippian believers? While being in prison Paul prays that God who started good works that the Philippians will continue to share the manifestation of the Gospel, carry on to completion until the Day of Christ Jesus , and that their love may be abound more and more in the knowledge and depth of insight so that they may discern what is best and remain pure and blameless when the DAY comes. Why does he expect God to do this? What is the basis of Paul's confidence? Not forgetting their generosity Paul expects the Philippians continue the wonderful job in living Christ centered lives,. On what basis can we expect God to do this for us? We need to be committed to doing little things for the glory of God as mentioned earlier in question #2.

Q2. (1:6) When we become financial "partners" with a Christian missionary, minister, ministry, or church, what do we receive out of the partnership? What other kinds of support might we offer beyond financial? When we become financial "partners" with a Christian missionary, minister, ministry, or church, what do we receive out of the partnership? For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth. – (3 Jn 7-8) It’s not an easy thing – this partnership definitely requires faith and certainly must be God’s call upon a Christian missionary to develop ministry partners. And the following needs to be in place :- ministry partnership/relationships must be built on deep foundations communicate consistently, as often as possible one needs to step out of one’s comfort zone and talk to as many people as one can to secure financial donations What other kinds of support might we offer beyond financial? Jesus Christ said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (Jn 15:13). Besides financial support, doing small acts of kindness for neighbors, involvement in community service, fulfilling responsibilities within local congregations and contributing to the humanitarian efforts, can go a long way in supporting the needy. These actions, whether big or small, will let one feel the happiness of connecting with others. These things if done out of sincerity will remind one that God often allows other humans to be the answer to someone else’s prayers.

Q1. (1:1) What is the basic idea of "slave"? What is the root idea of "saint"? In what way are these words saying the same thing about a Christian's relationship to God? What is the basic idea of "slave"? : A slave is a person owned by someone – however that perception has changed with the understanding of the Greek word “DOULOS” – a person committed to his/her master – and in the Christian context we are slaves under the wings of GOD through JESUS CHRIST. What is the root idea of "saint"? : I believe that the word “saint” has it’s origins in Christianity – more so in Catholicism where many who led exemplary Christian lives are canonized after their death – a saint is an ardent follower/believer who is committed in thought, word and deed to Godly works for the glory of God through Christ Jesus. We are saints – we who are the temples of the Holy Spirit. In what way are these words saying the same thing about a Christian's relationship to God? : Both slave or saint are committed Godly living in the Christian framework. Both lead us to God and Christ Himself. A slave demonstrates his commitment to his master in this perspective to God as the Master of all mankind. A saint on the other hand exhibits his / her ability to be consecrated and committed in the service of God. Both complement each other in the virtue of TRUE COMMITTMENT

Q4. How did Jesus' disciples use his name when they healed and cast out demons? “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;” (Mark 16:17) The apostles were empowered by Jesus do carry out healing and casting out evil spirits. In the early church, we’ve read in the Acts of the Apostles that the disciple Paul drove an evil spirit out of a woman, drawing upon the name of Jesus. Healing the sick was another area in which Jesus’ name was employed. Do we have this kind of authority, or was it only for the apostles themselves However we must not only acknowledge that only the disciples were empowered to heal and cast out demons in Jesus’ name but Jesus has given the power to every believer who appreciates the importance of Jesus’ name in order to do the same healing and casting out of the devil in the name of Jesus, the healer. In what way does speaking or acting in Jesus' name demonstrate the concept of power of attorney? In these end times living up to and believing in Jesus’ name is very much still a meaningful concept, a perception which means that every Christians has the power of attorney conferred upon them. Why are we sometimes afraid to speak or act in Jesus' name? How might hearing his voice about a particular matter alleviate that fear? There are those who are not able to comprehend fear, because of their insecurity in Christian beliefs. And I believe these are the ones who take the name of Jesus as a talisman of sorts to have control in situations where casting out a demon is the main aim. This act can produce negative effects. And it is to these people that Paul says “….., be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Eph 6:10~11)

Q3. What does it mean when you pray "in Jesus' name"? Do you use the phrase "in Jesus' name" as you pray? Why or why not? How does praying "in Jesus' name" limit what we will pray for? Offering prayers in Jesus' name is a process through which I offer prayers to the Almighty Father through the ministry and work of Jesus, whom I have received as my personal Savior. The apostle John wrote, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (Jn 14:13~14) So why wouldn’t I want to pray in Jesus’ name ? As long I pray according to the will of God I have confidence that my approach will be blessed and the intention offered heard by the Father. It would be wrong to assume that every prayer in Jesus’ name will be answered, because treating the promise of Jesus in the Gospel of John (14:13~14) as an enchanting formula is absolutely wrong and unchristian. This essentially not biblical at all – one must not treat God like a “Santa Claus” – such impertinence has to be the result of immature faith and spiritual short-sightedness, with unbiblical priorities, an assumption that is not norm – Satanic!!! In my opinion.

In what ways does taking Jesus' name on ourselves, or identifying ourselves with him, open us to shame and persecution? Have you seen examples of this in your own experience? What actions might show that a Christian is ashamed of Jesus? What actions might show that a Christian is unashamed of Jesus? In the Middle East for instance, Syria and Iraq and Nigeria in Africa there is intense persecution of the members of the Body of Christ. In some countries authoritarian governments and even religious terrorists seek to control all religious thought and expression especially that of Christians as part of a plan to control all aspects of political, religious and civic life. In my country, Christians are subject to many limitations and are also faced open verbal abuse and in the name of defending a certain other religion priests have been imprisoned for causing public disorder. And we Christians are sometimes looked upon as enemies of the state because we are thought of as people having religious beliefs that may challenge loyalty to the rulers. The failure to show eagerness to share Jesus before others signifies our ashamedness of Christ. Some of the others are :- to deny Christ to save our own skins – fear of being disgraced for being a Christian in the midst of others – the thought of being better off in a sinful life, because our Christian beliefs points out sinfulness. Identifying and rejecting any and every action that puts a strain on our relationship with Christ Jesus is a desired action of every Christian. Our refusal to introduce destructive heresies about Christian beliefs and denying the sovereignty of our Lord for personal gain and advantages will bring us not only blessings but a place in God’s Kingdom.

Q1. How is the meaning of Jesus' name linked to his mission? What is his mission? How did he fulfill this mission? How did he fulfill his mission in your life? We know that the different names of God as mentioned in the Bible are an authoritative testimony of His great power, glory and majesty. Through the Bible we come to know that God employs names to signify an individual’s role and purpose in God’s plan. It’s no different with the name of Jesus or Yeshua or as mentioned the shorter form of Joshua or Yehoshua. It means God is Salvation – God Saves – God our deliverer etc. – God’s purpose is always reflected in the names of persons to which it is assigned to. The Angel of the Lord in foretelling the advent of the birth of Jesus revealed the mission of Jesus, “She will give birth to a Son and you are to give Him the name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Matt 1:21) The hopeless situation humanity was in without Jesus was really appalling and the death penalty awaiting man was unimaginable. But then again, as Paul wrote, “When we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die…But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:6-8). With the intervention of Jesus in my life God has a need for me and is using me for His purpose. I am not dead – I am not waiting for the death penalty because Jesus has already paid the ultimate price with His life bringing salvation and a relationship with God as God’s child.

Q1. How is the meaning of Jesus' name linked to his mission? What is his mission? How did he fulfill this mission? How did he fulfill his mission in your life? We know that the different names of God as mentioned in the Bible are an authoritative testimony of His great power, glory and majesty. Through the Bible we come to know that God employs names to signify an individual’s role and the name’s purpose in God’s plan. It’s no different with the name of Jesus or Yeshua or as mentioned the shorter form of Joshua or Yehoshua. It means God is Salvation – God Saves – God our deliverer etc. – God’s purpose is always reflected in the names of the persons to which it is assigned to. The angel of the Lord revealed the mission of Jesus, “She will give birth to a Son and you are to give Him the name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Matt 1:21) The hopeless situation humanity was in without Jesus was really appalling and the death penalty awaiting man was unimaginable. But then, as Paul wrote, “When we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die…But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:6-8) With the intervention of Jesus in my life, God has a need for me and is using me for His purpose. I am not dead – I am not waiting for the death penalty because Jesus has already paid the ultimate price with His life bringing salvation and a relationship with God as God’s child.

Q1. How is the meaning of Jesus' name linked to his mission? What is his mission? How did he fulfill this mission? How did he fulfill his mission in your life? We know that the different names of God as mentioned in the Bible are an authoritative testimony of His great power, glory and majesty. Through the Bible we come to know that God employs names to signify and individual’s role and the name’s purpose in God’s plan. It’s no different with the name of Jesus or Yeshua as mentioned the shorter form of Joshua or Yehoshua. It means God is Salvation – God Saves – God our deliverer etc. – God’s purpose is always reflected in the names of persons to which it is assigned to. The angel revealed the mission of Jesus, “…….She will give birth to a Son and you are to give Him the name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Matt 1:21) The hopeless situation humanity was in without Jesus is really appalling and the death penalty awaiting man was unimaginable. But then, as Paul wrote, “When we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die…But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:6-8) With the intervention of Jesus in my life, God has a need for me and is using me for His purpose. I am not dead – I am not waiting for the death penalty because Jesus has already paid the ultimate price with His life bringing salvation and a relationship with God as God’s child.

Q6. (Daniel 12:10) In what way will intense persecution in the End Times lead to many being "purified, made spotless, and refined"? In what ways is the Church in our day in such need of this? How do you think we can prepare ourselves for this time? These words are somewhat similar to the prophecy in Daniel 11:35: “Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.” We’ve been foretold that the people of God will be cleansed and made spotless by the trials and tribulations during the time of trouble which is to come. Because of their iniquitous schemes and works, the cleansing will have no effect on the wicked. Today, as Jesus, said in Matthew 13:25, “…. the enemy has sowed weed among the wheat,” there are within the Church its own share of weed, the hypocrites who interrupt the life of the Church through their impious and heinous schemes, preaching false peace within the Church. These are the activities of these wicked within the current Church these movements must be exposed through prayer and devotion. Though the purification is promised in the end times we must pray and ask God to purify the church here and now. We can prepare ourselves in the following ways :- 1) By praying for believers to be able learn more about what God's plans for the body of Christ in the earth 2) Pray that all believers will acquire the faith necessary to become ENDURERS during the time of the Great Tribulation 3) That through the power of the Holy Spirit, God's enemies would become His footstool 4) Pray that believers will not be forced to worship the beast and his image by the false prophets 5) Pray that the “little horn” – the Antichrist and the false prophet’s planned war against the saints will not be fruitful 6) That all believers will not perish for the lack of faith through misguided hearts and outright desires of the flesh by praying for FORGIVENESS – “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Ps 139:23~24) 7) By helping other believers to change from their sinful ways to live a Godly living because The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives. (Prov 11:30) 8) By guarding our souls from evil ways and temptations 9) Pray that all believers will be spiritually awake and vigilant at all times because “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matt 24:44) 10) Pray for repentance for all believers and that all will be aware that now is the time to direct our hearts more fully to God because we are all in the race against time 11) Pray that all believers will be able to read the Word of God correctly interpreting it within its context and that through the power of the Holy Spirit, grasp the faith that comes from reading the God’s will in it and prepare ourselves mentally and spiritually for the persecution during the great tribulation of three and a half years

Q5. (Daniel 12:5-7). How long will intense persecution last during the final tribulation? What will happen to God's people during this? Why do you think this difficult time is revealed to us people who don't like bad news? The three and a half years of outrageous despondency will shatter the people of God completely. The sacrifices and celebrations which had been resumed will be stopped. Believers will persecuted in every way and everywhere so much so that some them will fall along the way to the wretchedness caused. The reason for the upfront revelation of these times of trouble I believe is for the people of God to wait in anticipation and prepare ourselves for the persecution that awaits us. We need to put ourselves in the right order and frame of mind, praying for strength to endure the sufferings that has been prophesied and be saved to realize the coming of the Kingdom of God. “……but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matt 24:13)

Q4. (Daniel 12:3) What is the end of those who are wise and influential for God? What is their reward? How does God use your influence currently to advance his Kingdom? What would need to change so that you might have greater influence for Christ? Those who walk with God by being wise and influential for His purposes will reach their destination which is the resurrection of everlasting life and their reward : made to “shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” God leads me to many things in life, one of it being in my walk with my evangelizing team – trying to lead lapsed Catholics back to the church. If I have the resources, I would voluntarily go full time into evangelizing. But I have to pay my bills, the house and support my family.

Q3. (Daniel 12:2) What do we learn about resurrection? How does this compare with New Testament teaching? What is the future of the righteous who are raised? Why do you think the unjust will be raised also? Resurrection is basically the restoration of the lives of the dead from the physical body raised to that of a spiritual body, as Paul, the apostle puts it, “….it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” (1 Cor 15:44) He further wrote that in another verse from the same chapter, “I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.” (1 Cor 15:50) Jewish agricultural harvests are used as an analogy to illustrate the resurrection in the New Testament – “Firstfruits.” The Jews normally considered the first part of the harvest to be holy. Jesus if the first of the firstfruits, as written, “…Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Cor 15:20) Here in the New Testament the resurrection became a reality only through Jesus but in the Old Testament it remained as a prophecy. Note: This is something that keeps coming back to my mind and keeps bugging me since we’ve discussed this subject of RESURRECTION. I know that SALVATION is not only for the Jews but it’s also for the Gentiles because Jesus has implied it in Matt 11:20~24. “Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” But what about the billions of people who have died without knowing the One True God or even heard heard the name of Jesus ? Will God punish them for their ignorance ? Will there be no salvation for them ? On the day of fulfillment the righteous will inherit everlasting lives, like stars forever and ever. We need to seriously acknowledge resurrection of both the faithful and the unjust for different purposes. Jesus mentions this in the John’s Gospel, “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out, those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”

Q2. What will happen during the great distress of God's people? In what ways does this time seem to conform to the "great tribulation" spoken of in the New Testament? During the time of this great distress which basically are the wars and uprisings between the two major kings of the north and south, the Jew will be sandwiched and persecuted being in between. My understanding of the 1st verse of chapter 12 may be trivial but I comprehend it like this. The time of Israel’s trouble and woes began when Michael, the protector of the Jews, stood up, however, I believe that God chose to bring salvation to His chosen people through suffering at the time, just as He did when He delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, during their misery. (1a) And at that time will Michael stand up, the great prince which stands for the children of your people: (1b) and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. (Dan 12:1) The time will come as we all know and as Jesus said, “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand)….”(Matt 24:15a). And how I conclude that the time of great distress and the great tribulation correspond to each other is because I see conformance in two ways. Firstly, the biblical words written by Daniel and that of Matthew :- a) And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. (Dan 12:1b) For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now--and never to be equaled again. (Matt 24:21) Secondly, the distress of old in Daniel 12 began when Michael stood up, while yet to happen prophecy will be fulfilled when Jesus comes again – His second coming – both implying stood up or come again - as I mentioned earlier, my thoughts are inconsequential as I’m in the process of learning and trying to make sense by understanding more. Today, religious deception and false prophets have found their ways into our cultures and churches in many countries – wars and earthquakes are already in place – lawlessness has grown and its only a matter of time when Christians, the worshipers of the Most High, the one true God will be hated, hunted and killed – and as were all aware that Christian persecution by the IS has already found it’s advent. Probably the chaos in these times it’ll be much more intense than in those days spoken of by the angel and Daniel.

Q1. (Daniel 11:36-45) What do we learn about the character of this Antichrist figure? What seems to be his prime motivations? What does he have to do with the land of Israel? This Antichrist figure is plainly opposed to every dogmatic spiritual observance of Jewish and now the Christian worship. He blasphemes the One True God, the God of the Jews, by magnifying himself above all gods and claiming to be a god worthy of worship. Those who comply with his ways will find favor. He was a powerful conqueror with ruthless military prowess and successes, through which, being a lover of wealth takes gold and precious stones from the countries he destroyed in battle. His motivation seems to be his ego, because his military prowess and victories in combats resulting in his amassing great wealth seems to push him to “greater heights.” So much so that he exalt himself above all humans, including divine. His utmost intention is to blaspheme the Most High, the God of Israel and to destroy Israel and its origins by persecuting the Jews. He is seen here as a person who does whatever that pleases him.

Q4. (Daniel 11) What does this rehearsal of prophecy and history teach you about the world rulers and geopolitics of our own time? How does the "big picture" inform us about the events of our day? Do you believe that God knows and cares about the details of your country's struggles and future? Are you praying for your country's leaders? The kings prophesied by Daniel were ambitious, aggressive, greedy and tyrants. They desecrated temples abolished daily sacrifices and disrupted the Jewish sacrificial system. Today’s world rulers and leaders practice many more severe forms of atrocities that affect people and their livelihood. The following are some which directly affect citizens of the world :- a) High Taxation ; Treatment of Muslims in Europe ; c) Treatment of Christians in the Muslim World ; d) Racial polarization ; e) Genocidal Policies against Ethnic and Racial Minorities ; f) International Economic Disagreements ; g) Wars and War Crimes ; h) High Level Corruption ; i) Dictatorship ; j) Unexplained executions and assignations ; k) Establishment of Fascism and the list can go on. What happened in the ancient times happens in a more refined terms today. As it is the predictions concerning the antichrists are already taking shape and place, and as in the days of old, countries today want to accumulate territories claiming lands that were in the possession of other countries. The order of the day in these countries is somewhat like the ancient times written in Daniel 11. Every person is a creation of God – why would God not care for us – We know God can build but it must be remembered that God can also destroy. This includes countries, rulers and leaders. God has it - destruction of all who persecute His creation. And yes I do pray for world as well as my country’s leaders.

Q3. (Daniel 11) What is your general impression of Daniel's vision after reading the prophetic words matched by their historical fulfillment? What other Biblical prophecies can you think of that have been fulfilled so precisely? What does this teach you about God? I think that these prophecies through Daniel’s visions are extremely detailed and precise revelations, hundreds of years ahead of its fulfillment, like the one about the advent of our Messiah. As can be seen, the prophecies in Daniel 11 have been fulfilled amazingly, exactly as they were revealed to Prophet Daniel. Who else except GOD can plan and foretell the future of HIS creation. The fulfillment of these prophesies give us confidence that the remaining prophesies of this chapter and others in the bible yet unfulfilled, will find fulfillment as God has decreed. Numerous or rather more than 300 prophecies from the Old Testament prophesying the birth of Jesus has been fulfilled. Jesus himself must have fulfilled more than 100 prophesies. God ? There’s no denying our All Powerful and Almighty GOD and His Omniscience. “He changes times and seasons ; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” (Dan 2:21) For God, nothing is impossible. God's declaration of Himself in the Book of Isaiah must be taken note of. “For I am God , and there is no other ; I am God and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done.” (Isa 46:9~10)

Q2. Why wasn't the angel messenger able to bring his message in a timely manner? Who resisted him? Who helped him? As we’ve read in all the episodes of message delivery Gabriel always was prompt – as soon as Gabriel gets it from God delivery was always ensued. But on this occasion, after telling Daniel that God had already gave the answer to his prayer the moment he started praying, Gabriel told Daniel was held up by some fallen angel (demon) that controlled the Persian kingdom. Michael, another archangel came to assist in securing Gabriel’s release. What does this teach us about prayer? "Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and l have come because of your words.” The words of Gabriel, opens up a different approach to prayer, in which we need to humble ourselves. The 21 days of fasting, Daniel undertook to do, teach us that prayers to God must include fasting or abstaining from lavishness and humility, knowing that God answers our prayers in His time, yes in His time. About spiritual warfare? We, Christians, find ourselves in spiritual battle of some sort on a daily basis, regardless of our opinion on this war we’re in, without even being able to physically see the assailant. Gabriel’s detention by the evil “prince” of the Persian kingdom in just a tip of the iceberg but it gives us an imperative understanding that there is indeed spiritual warfare here on the land as well as in the air.