Daniel 8 reveals God's sovereign control over history, showing the rise and fall of empires and the ongoing battle between good and evil. The vision foretells the power struggles of the Medo-Persian and Greek empires, leading to the rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a ruler who foreshadows the Antichrist. His persecution of the Jewish people and desecration of the temple reflect the deeper spiritual conflict at work in the world.

Daniel was troubled by his vision of powerful kingdoms rising, speaking against God, and waging war on the saints. The forces of darkness seemed unstoppable, but their end was certain. The Lord reigns, and His kingdom will never be destroyed. Evil is still at work, opposing Christ and His people. It seeks to wear down the faithful and turn them from the truth. But like Daniel, we must not be shaken. The kingdoms of this world will fall, but God’s rule is everlasting.

The conflict between God’s kingdom and worldly powers is ongoing. Our faithfulness isn’t to gain favor or success, but because we serve the living God. Like Daniel, we work for the Lord, not for men, even when we’re mocked for it. Daniel’s enemies schemed to trap him because they knew he wouldn’t break God’s law. Sin is irrational and blind to good. The same happens today—governments reject God’s law, pass sinful decrees, and impose harsh penalties for disobedience.

This foundational doctrine of the Reformation emphasizes that we are justified by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Unlike the Roman Catholic view, which sees justification as a process tied to sacraments and works, the Protestant understanding declares that justification is an act of God’s free grace. Through the imputation of Christ’s righteousness, sinners are pardoned and accepted as righteous in God’s sight. Rooted in Scripture (Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:15-16, John 14:6), this truth affirms that salvation is not earned but freely given through Christ’s perfect work. As Martin Luther proclaimed, we are "simul justus et peccator"—at the same time righteous and sinners. This teaching reminds us of the sufficiency of Christ and the unshakable assurance found in Him.

Daniel exemplifies God's plan for redemption throughout history. Despite apparent failure and defeat, Daniel's story reveals vindication. Nebuchadnezzar sought an interpreter who could explain and prove the validity of his dream's interpretation. Only Daniel, through God's supernatural revelation, accomplished this.

Bible Study - Week 3 The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail September 18th, 2024

Bible Study - Week 2

The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail: An Overview of Church History Bible Study - Week 1

From the Act Like Men Conference hosted by Redeemer Church of South Hills, Pittsburgh, PA Session 1: Act Like Men (Introduction) Session 2: Fatherlessness Session 3: Dominion In The Home Session 4: Men As Protectors Session 5: Men & Work Session 6: Men In Public Life Session 7: Men In The Church Friday, June 21st and Saturday June 22nd, 2024 www.redeemerchurchofsouthhills.org

The resurrection of Jesus Christ was not just a mere occurrence that was fabricated to save faith after his death. It was a promise long foretold in the scriptures, for it has always been a part of God's plan of redemption. Jesus presented himself alive, proving the truth of his resurrection. Although his tomb was empty, he didn't disappear but instead appeared to his followers, filling their hearts with hope and courage. His appearance was a powerful affirmation for those who believe and trust in him. He stayed with them for forty days, giving them a witness to instill confidence in their faith whenever they wavered. His resurrection is the foundation of Christianity, the source of everlasting hope and joy. It assures us that his elect will come to a saving knowledge of our savior. His triumph over death has transformed our lives as Christians, and we are called to share the fullness of the gospel, to proclaim the problem of sin, the penalty we deserve, the provision made for us in a sinless savior, the price paid in the death of Jesus, the proof given to us in the resurrection, and the promise of everlasting life to those who believe and trust him. The resurrection is a testament to his boundless love, as he has given us a witness that we can always look to and may never have to rely on blind faith. Scripture: Psalm 16, Luke 24: 1-49

The message conveyed in these verses is a powerful reminder that as Christians, we are called to foster unity and love among ourselves. We must be mindful of our maturity as believers and how it influences our behavior towards others. It's essential to recognize that we all have areas where we may lack understanding or have weaker faith. In such cases, we should avoid insisting on things that the Bible doesn't declare as sin. To promote unity, we should welcome our brothers and sisters and avoid quarreling over mere opinions. We should accept them with sincerity, care, respect, and genuine love. We should not keep them at a distance, despise them, or treat them as less than Christian. Instead, we ought to approach them with humility and a willingness to learn from one another. When it comes to areas of sin, we have a duty to confront, rebuke, and urge repentance to the Lord in a loving way. In doing so, we must be careful to judge with right judgment and avoid passing judgment on things that Scripture doesn't declare as sin.

As Christians, we can expect pushback and even hostility from the world, so how do we deal with people who don't like us, or more accurately, who we represent very much? We're not "fight fire with fire" or repay evil for evil, even when we're right, for this is where we fall into sin ourselves, but instead, we should seek to bless them, for we have that they need. Pray for them, preach the gospel, be patient, and love them with the love of Christ, even when they don't see it that way.

When God lifts the restraints on a godless world, and sin abounds, there is no shame when there ought to be. Sinful behavior is normalized, a sign of man’s arrogance, selfishness, rebellion, and deep fallen nature.