The Battle is the Lord's Daniel 10-12, BSF Exile and Return Lesson 8

Here is Daniel, having lived through three different kingdoms rising and toppling: Israel, Babylon, and the Medo-Persians. He has seen his share of nation rising up against nation, the excesses of the rich and powerful and their unrepentant, haughty attitudes, and the dreaded feeling of not knowing what the point of it all really is. He’s around 85 years old, and have lived most of his life in a pagan land of all kinds of idolatry and wicked practices. He longs to see God show nations His Holy and Righteous ways through Israel’s restoration in repentance into God’s promises so that God’s people can reveal what is true and eternal. But he’s crying out to God in repentance on behalf of a self-satisfied, ungrateful people who may not necessarily care for the plans and will of God. Sounds familiar? How can we develop into God’s people have if we live just like the world, indiscriminating adopting its selfish, arrogant, sinful philosophy of life, its resistance against God's principles that lead to peace and life?I. in chp10. We learn about The Truth of the Spiritual Realm - DANIEL 10:1-11:1(The material realm is a small part of a much larger world of entities, actors, and forces)A.) Spiritual Struggle in Prayer and Understanding 10:1-9B.) Spiritual Conflict and Battle Revealed 10:10-11:1In chp 11, we learn aboutII. The Truth behind Earthly Conflicts - DANIEL 11:2-45(Governmts care less about living according to God’s values and ways, but by their own predatory schemes and strategies. There is no ultimate hope in human governmts).A.) Earthly Battles Are Foreknown 11:2-35B.) Battles Prelude the Anti-Christ and through his powerful deception 11:36-45III. The Truth of the End Times - DANIEL 12A.) Deliverance and Resurrection will mark the beginning of the end 12:1-3B.) The Prophecy is sealed; but endurance reveals those who are Steadfast Heart through purification12:4-13PRINCIPLES:1. The visible world veils an unseen spiritual movement that affects everyone.2. God calls out and invites “open immigration” to His Kingdom for all who will repent and seek Him.3. Only His Kingdom will endure forever: He is our eternal inheritance.