Clarence

Q2. (Daniel 7:13-14) Since Jesus is the Son of Man in Daniel’s prophecy, what implications does that have for your obedience, your worship, your estimation of Jesus’ power and glory? He is the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16). Jesus is who he claimed to be.

Q1. (Daniel 7:13-14) What attributes does the “one like a son of man” have in Daniel’s prophecy? In what ways does this personage possess divine elements? What authority does he have? How do we know that Jesus identified himself with this Son of Man in Daniel? According to the notes the "son of man: Resembles a man Probably has a heavenly origin, representing God Has authority, glory and sovereign power Is worshiped by all peoples and possesses an everlasting kingdom. The son of man therefore possessed divine qualities and attributes. According to the notes, Jesus used this title 65 times in the gospels, in the third person. Further it was clear that from Jesus exchange with the high priest, at Jesus trial, he saw himself as the "son of man" as referred to by Daniel (Matt 26:63-64).

Q4. (John 4:16; 1 Corinthians 1:24) How does Jesus’ truth contrast with your culture’s dearly held “truths”? How does Jesus’ wisdom differ from the worldly wisdom that your culture teaches you? What would help you hold on to Jesus’ truth and wisdom more effectively? While our culture does hold to some truth, a very little of the truth is from God, the rest is a lie. Jeremiah describes the heart of man as deceitful and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). The bible also says that Jesus truth is the ultimate truth and his wisdom is from God (John 14:6, 1 Corinthians 1:24). In addition there is nothing that anyone has, except what is given him from God (John 3:27). To hold on to Jesus' truth, takes wisdom from God (James 1:5) and study of his word (2 Corinthians 2:15). In addition the bible exhorts believers to draw near to God (James:8),

Jesus was called the true and faithful witness because he went about his father's work (John 5:17, Rev 1:5, John 1:7). Being a faithful witness to our God is not only telling others about him but also my life must measure up to what I profess to believe (Matt 7:16).

Q2. (John 1:1-3, 14) In what sense is Jesus the Word of God? Why do you think he is called this? Why does John call him the Word of Life (1 John 1:1)? What does this say to us about the importance of hearing, meditating on, and internalizing Jesus’ words? John calls Jesus the word of God in order to emphasize his divinity, 'In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God" (John 1:1). John adds- 'all things were made through him', there was nothing made without him. The bible doesn't call Jesus the word of life per se, however he is the author of life as implied by the scripture, -'in him was life' (John 4). He is God! So why would man kind not hang on every word (listen very carefully to) all that he said)?

Q1. What is your relationship to Jesus as your Rabbi? How often do you come to him to teach you? How do you receive his teaching? How teachable do you think you are? This is a hard question. I know that he is with me (Ephesians 3:17). I know that in lots of ways I fail him (Romans 3:23). This question might be better answered from the point of view of someone else who knows me well. I have received him as my Lord and Saviour. I am quite spasmodic in my reading of the word, to be truthful. I am really enjoying these studies, which help me get into the scriptures. I also learn from him from what I observe in my daily life. Sometimes I am not teachable, but I suppose most of the time I am. I guess we will not find out for sure, how well we have done in this world for him, until we get to meet him in paradise (Matt 25:21).

Q4. How did Jesus’ disciples use his name when they healed and cast out demons? Do we have this kind of authority, or was it only for the apostles themselves? In what way does speaking or acting in Jesus’ name demonstrate the concept of power of attorney? Why are we sometimes afraid to speak or act in Jesus’ name? How might hearing his voice about a particular matter alleviate that fear? The disciples used the authority of his name-as the notes put it: " To act in one's name, means that disciples spoke and acted like Jesus, in his place and with his authority" Jesus prayed for all believers (John 17:20-26). He gave all believers his authority just as The Father had given him authority (Matt 28:18-20). It is like power of attorney in that the person appointed acts in the best interest of, and advocates for another, when the other cannot speak or act for themselves. Therefore followers of Jesus act on behalf of and for him, as he has given them the authority to do so. The difference between the power of attorney example, and the believer representing Jesus is that he promises to be with his believers and is in his believers-he is present with them (Matt 28:20). There has been one time in my life where God seemed to lead me to become friends to a down, lonely and bereaved man-life had dealt him a severe blow (several of them actually). This man became a believer, God used other christian people also, who witnessed to him. He has since died and I miss him very much. I am normally timid, but God gave me a kind of compassion for this man.

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? According to the notes, praying in Jesus name- we are praying as if he himself is praying. We, as his believers are representing him. He gave his believers the power of his name (Mark 16:17). Therefore, we are limited to praying according to his will because we cannot credibly represent him and pray against his will.

Q2. 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? Sometimes it is hard to know exactly what to say, when a christian is put in a situation where people are ridiculing and demeaning Christianity in some way. I suppose if a believer is ashamed it is failing to say or do what he/she knows what is the right thing to say or do. I have always struggled in this regard. Sometimes I believe it is pertinent to say nothing. Often it is right to say something. Jesus was silent when he was being accused in front of the High Priest (Matt 26:63). However often he spoke up, with what was appropriate. I think believers need wisdom to react appropriately (James 1:5)

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? The angel instructed both Mary and Joseph to name their baby "Jesus" . In addition, to Joseph, the angel explained that Jesus "... will save his people from their sins" (Matt 1:21). According to the notes, the name Jesus, is from a Hebrew name, a compound word which means "Yahweh saves." This was a common understanding of the Jewish people that the messiah would come to save them, however he did not come to save them from their oppressors -the Romans, Jesus came to save them from their sin. Jesus fulfilled his mission by dying on the cross (Romans 5:8, 1 John 5:11,12). He fulfilled his mission in my life by knocking on the door of my life, revealing himself to me.

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? Because it will force believers to be for Christ or against him. It will be a matter of life or death. It will help believers to realise that their strength is in Jesus Christ, because they will not be able to endure the intense suffering and pain, from persecution, without him. Believers can only prepare themselves by keeping on serving their lord and master, Jesus Christ and abiding/relying totally in him.

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? In the writers opinion the period of time mentioned in the scripture is not conclusive. All we know is that the time of persecution will be limited (Daniel 12:7). The scripture says that the power of God's people will (seem to) be broken. There will be death, then a resurrection. This is God's warning to his people. I think that it has been revealed to us so we can be prepared.

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? The reward of the righteous is that after the resurrection they will be "...caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" (1Thessalonians 4:17)- they will be "...with the Lord forever", have "life". I have asked Jesus to change me and refine me (1 Peter 1:6-7), as I accept I have wrong attitudes towards people at work and in my church, at times.

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? We are told that there will be a physical resurrection of all who have died (Daniel 12:2; John 5:28,29; 1Thessalonians 4:13-18). There appears to be a progression on the resurrection theme in the Old Testament, culminating in the book of Daniel 12:2- "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt." Jesus teaching in the New Testament is consistent with Daniel. Paul continues this theme, including in the book of Acts (24:15) and 1Thessalonians (4:13-18)-the righteous will be raised to "...everlasting life" and the "evil" to condemnation. All will be raised.

Q2. (Daniel 12:1) 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? The writer of the study suggests that the "...time of great distress" (Daniel 12:1) corresponds with the "great tribulation" that Jesus refers to in the New Testament (Matthew 24:21-22; Mark 13:19-20). We do not know the precise duration of this trouble, however, we do know that there will be a time of great persecution of God's people. This time will "be limited" and end with Christ's deliverance (notes). Matt 24:22 says that this time will be so brutal that if it's duration was not shortened, none of the chosen ones would be saved (this writer's paraphrase).

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? He will blaspheme the true God and exalt himself above every other God (from the notes Daniel 11:36-45). He will make much of being wealthy and powerful and wage war (notes). He will sweep aside those who do not support him, but exalt those who do (Daniel 11:39). The Antichrist will invade "the beautiful land" and the "beautiful holy mountain" (Israel and Jerusalem, Daniel 11:41). Ezekiel prophesies final battles on the mountains of Israel (Ezekiel 38:8, 21; 39:2, 4, 17).

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? The antichrist figure has power and wants more. He wins people and nations over for a while, by deception. The antichrist exalts himself above all gods. He wants favour and is prepared to offer bribes to employ people to help him rule over nations.The antichrist is "arrogant" (Isiah 14:13-14) and blasphemes all gods including the only God (Daniel 11:36). He is obsessed with power and riches, he is the epitome of evil. The notes state that the final battle between the forces of God and the forces of Satan will take place in Israel at or near the holy city of Jerusalem. The Antichrist knows that his real enemy is God, the Christ and his people.

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? God does care about the details of our country's struggles and future. Especially pertaining to his elect. God is a God of Justice, the poor and down trodden (Luke 4:18,19), Even in the events in the world today- God allows only what he has appointed (Romans 13:1). God's kingdom is the only kingdom that will last for ever. Every other kingdom will become dross (Psalm 119:119).

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 have heard it said that history is his (Gods) story. God is all knowing. In addition the kingdoms of this world are nothing compared to God's power and sovereignty (Isiah 40:23). Everything that happens in this world happens in God's appointed time (Daniel 11:36). The author of the notes state that he sets out to; "...illustrate how precisely the prophecy given in 536 BC comes to pass". Isiah 53 is another of many examples of the accuracy of of the prophecy of the scripture, this one specifically pertaining to Christ: "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth" (Isiah 53:7).

Q2. (Daniel 10:12-13) Why wasn’t the angel messenger able to bring his message in a timely manner? Who resisted him? Who helped him? What does this teach us about prayer? About spiritual warfare? Verse 13 says that the prince of the Persian kingdom-probably some sort of fallen angel, from the devil resisted him, and prevented him from coming for 21 days. Then Michael "one of the chief princes came to help, probably the angel, this time from God. There was a battle in heaven! In spiritual warfare-prayer, the battle is the Lord's (2 Chronicles 2:15).

Q1. (Daniel 10: 3, 7-11, 15-17) Daniel is old, but why does the vision affect him so greatly? What is the physical effect on him? What is the mental and spiritual effect on him? Why is spiritual “work” so taxing on us? Daniel and his friends found themselves in a frightening situation, as in verse 6 it says that the men who were with Daniel, although they were not seeing what Daniel was seeing- in a vision, fled in "terror". Verse 8 goes on to say, Daniel was sapped of strength, and fell into a deep sleep- a state of unconsciousness. Then it was as though the being he was seeing revived him somewhat (v 10), Daniel felt speechless to begin with after this, still terrified. As a result of what the angel told Daniel, and what he experienced that day, Daniel mourned for 3 weeks (v 2), and ate no meat or drank wine, of used any lotions. The vision had a traumatic effect on Daniel. Probably because the vision from God. That day had dire consequences for Daniels people and the land and region in which he was living-the whole world as he knew it. I have not experienced much trauma in my life as a result of 'spiritual work'. Possibly in 2001 when my wife and I were both diagnosed with cancer, then shortly after my wife's diagnosis, one day we were traveling in our car on a country road, when a truck and trailer unit failed to give way to us and crossed the road in front of us. We nearly smashed into it, missed it by only 1 or 2 meters at the most. Sometimes I think, was something spiritual happening that we were not aware of at the time? Was there a battle in heaven happening? Was the devil trying to destroy us? God had given us two adopted children a few years before this. God has healed us both from cancer.

Q4. Why do you think Daniel’s visions and prophecies have been an encouragement to Christians throughout the centuries when they are undergoing severe persecution? The encouragement could be that there will be an end to the suffering, trials and persecution.

Q3. (Daniel 9:24-27) Why do you think there are so many interpretations of Daniel’s vision of the Seventy Sevens? What is your interpretation of the various key parts of the vision? Perhaps it is because of pride that some passages of scripture are dogmatically interpreted, when there is no conclusive evidence that a scripture could be interpreted in such a way. Perhaps it is because of ignorance, or lack of knowledge about how scripture should be interpreted. For convenience I would use the following headings, borrowed from one of the other contributors in answering the question. Numbers. I find myself confused over all the differing points of view regarding the timing. I am however impressed that Christ's death is close to the prophesied period of time from the declaration of the rebuild of Jerusalem. Anointed One. I believe that "the anointed one" refers to Christ the Messiah. I wonder though that the reference to the anointed place-or anointed one, in verse 24 may be a reference to a new temple. Antichrist. The anti-christ has not been revealed yet and is a future event, although through history there have been many "type"s of anti-christs. The End. And yes, I believe that-as in the notes, "the end" refers to judgement by God-the Ancient of Days and Christ, the Son of Man, when he returns, the believers are raised, and the final judgement takes place.