Join us on Hope for Today with David Hawking as we navigate the profound teachings found in the book of Daniel. As we explore prophecies that hold global significance, the focus remains steadfast on the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth. In this episode, we discuss the character, purpose, and everlasting nature of God’s dominion. Dare to delve into what it means to live in anticipation of the biblical prophecies of old coming to life before our eyes.
Boy, God’s got a great future for those of us who are believers. You know that? Maybe we don’t talk enough about it. We kind of wander around in the mire and mud of this earth, and we’re trying to make it through and encourage one another, and so we should. But maybe we’re forgetting a little bit about where we’re headed. Hey, folks, we’re on the winning side. Did you know that? Everything you could ever imagine of whatever happened to you on planet Earth is. Everything you wanted to achieve in your life, all the success, all the things that are carnal motivations… In fact, one day he’ll be given to you. Just given to you. After God smashes to smithereens all of your problems of self-esteem and worth, he will tell you that he’ll give you everything you ever wanted to have and do it by grace alone.
SPEAKER 02 :
Well, you’re in touch with the Monday edition of Hope for Today with Bible teacher and author, David Hawking. On today’s program, we bring you the final part of our message from Daniel chapter 7 called, A Coming World Leader. The prophecy is terrifying. It’s a prophecy that’s going to happen. A beast that crushes everything in its path. A little horn that rises to power. And a global leader who wages war against the saints. But today, the focus shifts. From earth to heaven. The Ancient of Days takes his seat. The court is called and the books are opened. And the final verdict is handed down. The kingdoms of this world fall, but the kingdom of God endures forever. Well, stay with us. The conclusion of this powerful message begins in just a moment. First of all, I’d like to tell you about our website, davidhawking.org. You know, if you’re hungry for truth, well, this is a great place to be. Unfiltered Bible teaching, straight talk, no fluff, no compromise. You can catch up on Miss Broadcast, for instance, a Download Powerful Studies, order books and DVDs, or dive into resources that will challenge you, encourage you, help you grow, and get you into the Word of God. Amen. Plus, if you need prayer or if you want to stand with us in this ministry, you can do that as well on the website, davidhawking.org. Well, as promised, here’s David to open up today’s lesson with a word of prayer.
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Father, we thank you for your Word. Help us to be careful with it. It’s your word, and we believe that every word in these prophecies is true and will come to pass. Help us to understand them with caution, carefulness, and may it do something to our hearts to realize that we’re on the brink of the return of Jesus Christ. May it do something to us in our lifestyle to remember that Jesus is soon to appear. Every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Back to Daniel 7. We looked at the empires of world history, the entrance of the little horn. Take a look at the execution of God’s judgment. Chapter 7, Daniel, verse 9 to 12. Now be careful what you argue here. A lot of Bible teachers hustling too quickly, I think, have argued that this is the great white throne judgment. I don’t think so. Verse 9 says, I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated. His garment was white as snow, the hair of his head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him. A thousand thousands ministered to him, ten thousand times ten thousands stood before him, all the angels. And the court was seated, and the books were open. Because of the phrase, the books were open, people remember that’s also in Revelation 20, verses 19. 11 to 15, it’s a great white throne judgment. How do I know it’s not the great white throne judgment? Because that judgment does not occur until a thousand years after the events of Daniel 7. No, what we’re talking about here, I believe, is the judgment of the nations of the world. That judgment is spoken of in Matthew 25, 31 to 46. Daniel 7, 9 to 12. The fourth thing that I bring to your attention is the establishment of God’s kingdom. And I want you to see this in all its glory. Let’s start at verse 13. It says, I was watching in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one forever. which shall not be destroyed. I’d like you to notice the following things about the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth. First, it requires the coming of the Son of Man. Amen? When are we ever going to have peace? When the Prince of Peace comes. When they say peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them as travail upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. 1 Thessalonians 5, 1 to 3. When the Son of Man comes, we will have peace. Isaiah said, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government, the government of the whole world, shall be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” And of the increase of his government and peace, there will be no end. On the throne of his father David to order it and establish it with justice forevermore. And the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. When are we ever going to have peace? When the Prince of Peace comes. The establishment of God’s kingdom on earth requires the coming of the Son of Man. Now you’re saying to me, well we agree with you, move on. Just a minute now before you move on too quickly. There are denominations after denominations who believe that through the efforts of Christians we can establish God’s kingdom on earth. My dear friends, we cannot establish God’s kingdom. What we can do is introduce people to the kingdom, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, watch them be born again into the kingdom of God, which is the entrance requirement. And that great kingdom that will be set up on earth, with Christ ruling in Jerusalem on the throne of His father David, that kingdom will not be set up until the Prince of Peace comes. I love what the Orthodox rabbis, not only in Brooklyn, but in New York, say. When you discuss with them the building of the temple, you’ve got a problem, because the truth is they would like to have one built. The truth is they’ve examined it. They’ve been very much involved in the archaeological work in Jerusalem and at the Temple Mount. But that’s what they’re doing now. without folks knowing, although everybody now knows about it. At least the archaeologists do. But the official view of the Orthodox Rabbinical Council is that we cannot have the kingdom temple without the king. I like that, don’t you? God bless them. We’re waiting for the Messiah, friends, the King of kings and Lord of lords. And he’s going to come. The establishment of God’s kingdom requires the coming of the Son of Man. Secondly, in addition to the coming of the Son of Man, we have the ultimate cause behind all of this. Why establish God’s kingdom on earth? Why not just blow the thing sky high and never start it over? Why not say, from now on, we’re going to be on the moon? You say, well, we need something bigger. Well, how about Jupiter? I mean, why have the kingdom of God on earth at all? Why even do it? And the Bible tells you. I love this. Daniel chapter 7, verse 14. To him was given dominion and glory in a kingdom that, here’s the reason, all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. That’s why. In the very place where they’ve rebelled, on the very planet where they tried to be in charge and resisted His dominion all these years, refused to bow the knee to Him on that same planet, God will establish His kingdom. Why? What will be His ultimate cause? So that all these peoples and nations and languages will bow the knee to Him and serve Him all of their days. Might as well get started now, don’t you think? Amen. Might as well get used to it now. And the third thing I want to mention about the establishment of God’s kingdom is the control of the kingdom is given to the believers. How interesting. This is mentioned in verse 18. The saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever. Sounds like a long time to me. Verse 22, it says, “…until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.” Verse 27, Then the kingdom and dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. So the kingdom of the Messiah is going to be given to the saints. Well, friends, this should not be a surprise if you study your New Testament. Turn to the book of Revelation, please, chapter 1. Boy, God’s got a great future for those of us who are believers. You know that? Maybe we don’t talk enough about it. We kind of wander around in the mire and mud of this earth, and we’re trying to make it through and encourage one another, and so we should. But maybe we’re forgetting a little bit about where we’re headed. Hey, folks, we’re on the winning side. Did you know that? Everything you could ever imagine of whatever happened to you on planet Earth is. Have you ever thought about that? Everything you wanted to achieve in your life, all the success, all the things that are carnal motivations… In fact, one day it will be given to you. Just given to you. And you did nothing to earn it or deserve it or anything. After God smashes to smithereens all of your problems of self-esteem and worth, He will tell you that He’ll give you everything you ever wanted to have and do it by grace alone. I think that’s fantastic. You know, we’ve been working so hard to prove how worthy we are, and we want folks to stroke us to make us feel comfortable and appreciate us and be thankful in all of this. Hey, if you don’t get a dime of it, let me tell you, one day God is going to honor you like you cannot believe. Eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither has entered the heart of those whom God loves what He has prepared for us. God has promised us so much. Look at Revelation 1, verse 5. It says about Jesus Christ, Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us humble servants of the Lord, destined to be in poverty most of their lives. Is that what it says? Yes. No, it says He’s made us kings and priests to His God and Father. To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Turn to chapter 20, please. Skipping over a lot of good things out of the seven churches of Revelation, which remind us of the coming reward of God. Look at Revelation 20, please. Verse 4, I saw thrones and they sat on them and judgment was committed to them. I saw the souls of them, those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshipped the beast or his image and not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years, the rest of the dead. that’s the unbelieving dead, did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This, referring to the previous verse, is the first resurrection. All believers are in the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such, the second death has no power, and they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Amen? Not bad. Go to chapter 22, please. Verse 3, There shall be no more curse in that heavenly city, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there. They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light, and they shall reign forever and ever. The establishment of God’s kingdom on earth requires the coming of the Son of Man, the ultimate cause and purpose, of putting this on this planet is that all these peoples, nations, and tongues who have been in rebellion against God will now bow the knee and serve Him. And the control of the kingdom is given to the saints of the Most High. We are going to rule and reign with Christ. Number four, under the establishment of God’s kingdom. Not only the coming of the Son of Man and the ultimate cause behind all of this and the control of it being given to Christians, but I want you to look at the character of that kingdom as we wrap it up. It is described over and over again in the Bible. Here in Daniel, emphasized very strongly. Daniel chapter 7, verse 14. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away. And his kingdom, the one which shall not be destroyed. Verse 18 says, The kingdom forever, even forever and ever. Verse 27. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and all dominions shall serve and obey him. What is the character of the kingdom of God? And there’s one simple word. Everlasting. It’s never going to be destroyed. It will never pass away. Turn to 2 Peter 3 and let me show you why that’s so important. 2 Peter 3. Did you know that everything that you’re probably going to do tomorrow is not going to last? The world is passing away, but there’s one thing that will last forever and ever, the kingdom of God. In 2 Peter 3, verse 9, “…the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us,” meaning Christians. “…not willing that any should perish would be any of us, but that all,” meaning all of us, “…should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as the thief in the night.” By the way, what verse 9 means is that everybody that God wants to be saved will be saved. Can you imagine saying that God wants everybody to be saved, but not all of them will? Can you imagine people arguing that the will of man can resist the will of God? Excuse me, if God wills it, then He’s going to see that it’s done. God is God. So everybody that’s going to be saved is going to be saved. You say, wait a minute, I resent that. Really? I’d be careful about saying that. The Bible says, what right does the clay have to save the potter? Why did you make me like this? Listen, none of us will ever turn to the Lord unless God the Holy Spirit works on us. And I’ve seen people say about some folks, they’re so rotten they’ll never be saved. I think heaven smiles and says, just watch. Amen. God saves a lot of stinkers. Some of them are sitting right beside you. And I love to say, if you knew what was in the heart of the person sitting next to you, you would move. You’d get out of there. Praise God for His grace and forgiveness. It’s a wonderful thing. And we look here and understand that God’s going to save everybody He wants to save. God doesn’t want anybody that He intends to be saved to ever perish. And all of them, no matter who they are, in what nation, tribe, tongue, people, or time, all of them are going to repent and be saved. Everyone that God wants to be saved. Does that include everybody? No. Why does God choose some and not all? Good question. Thought you would ask. The reason is so that you will glorify His grace. That’s the reason. If God lets everybody go to heaven regardless of Jesus Christ, then He is a monster of the worst order. Because His Son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross to pay for our sins. And those who believe in Jesus Christ alone are going to be in heaven, not be in hell. And the reason that’s going to happen is because God worked on their hearts and caused them to want Him. And God’s going to fulfill His purpose no matter what. Look at verse 10. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat. Both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat. Nevertheless, we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace without spot and blameless.” Verse 17, You therefore, beloved, since you know these things beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the air of the wicked. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. And all God’s people said, Amen. God bring your kingdom on earth. Thy will be done on earth as is in heaven. Deliver us this day from the evil one. But thine is the kingdom and the glory and the power forever and ever. Praise the Lord. Let’s pray. Father, we’re not afraid of wicked men or events. For we know about Bible prophecy and how it’s going to turn out. We know what our great God and Savior is going to do. Some of our friends in the Lord have already died and gone home to be with the Lord. And you’re assembling that church in heaven, you tell us in Hebrews chapter 12. And I thank you, Lord, that when we die, we’re absent from the body, but we are present with the Lord. Awaiting that day of resurrection when a brand new body will be given to us with no more decay or deterioration possibility. It’ll be fashioned like under the glorious body of our resurrected Lord. We shall stand in your likeness. We shall appear in glory with you. God, we thank you for our hope. Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Father, I pray that we would take the admonition we just read. That if we understand these things and know these things and believe these things, what manner of persons ought we to be in this world? We ought to live like children of the king. Our lives ought to be holy and blameless before you. We ought to be busy about our master’s business, knowing that one day soon, perhaps even this night, the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout and with the voice of the archangel and the trumpet of God. The dead in Christ will rise first, and we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with him in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so shall we ever be with the Lord. Hallelujah. We thank you, Lord. I pray for those in our midst that are not sure of their relationship to you, God, by the power of your Holy Spirit. I pray you draw them to the Lord Jesus Christ. They’d put their faith and trust in him before it’s eternally too late. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
SPEAKER 02 :
Amen. Amen. And friend, if you’re wondering what it really means to follow Jesus, if you’re ready to stop running and start searching, we want to send you two free resources by David that could change everything. The first is his straight shooting booklet called What is Christianity? No religious games here. No, no churchy fluff. Just the truth from God’s word, the Bible about who Jesus is and why it matters for you. The second is our Bible study by mail, which is an easy step-by-step study that gets you into the Word of God and keeps you there. This isn’t theory. It’s how you build a life that lasts. Call 800-75-BIBLE in the U.S., 800-75-DIY. 888-242-53. In Canada, call 888-75-BIBLE, 888-75-242-53. Listen, don’t put it off. This could be the most important call you will ever make. Well, and just before David returns, for everyone listening, Matt and I want to tell you about a wonderful study resource.
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The book of Daniel is often quoted in the New Testament, well, in Revelation. And in many ways, the two books need to be studied together. Daniel lived at a consequential and strategic time in history. And his story and God-given visions are critical to our understanding of Revelation and what’s happening in our world today. That’s why this month, Matt, we’re featuring your dad’s book, Daniel, Prophecies of the Last Days.
SPEAKER 02 :
It’s an exciting companion to our radio series going into additional depth and detail to what David’s sharing on the air.
SPEAKER 01 :
Yeah, he covers the topics and questions just mentioned and so much more. You can get Daniel Prophecies in the Last Days, and it’s just $20 at davidhocking.org. Or call us. In Canada at 1-888-75-BIBLE.
SPEAKER 02 :
In the U.S., call us at 1-800-75-BIBLE. And Bible by the numbers? 24253. That’s what it is. And a quick reminder that your purchase today will not only bring encouragement and answers to your life, but it will also help the ministry of hope for today. Please pray for the ministry.
SPEAKER 01 :
Yeah, and prayerfully consider a purchase or a donation today. DavidHawking.org or call us in Canada at 1-888-75-BIBLE. In the U.S., call 1-800-75-BIBLE. Well, Matt, I also want to mention the Daniel Series Message Pack.
SPEAKER 02 :
This is David’s complete teaching through the entire book of Daniel, what we’re studying now on radio. You’ll get the full series on MP3 to save and preserve everything you’re learning for just $30 or on audio CDs for $50. And if you really want to follow along, Add the sermon notes. These are David’s original sermon notes and outlines for each and every message, and that’s just $10 more. To order, call 800-75-BIBLE in the U.S. or 888-75-BIBLE in Canada. You can order easily online at davidhawking.org. And if you’d like to write us for any reason, here’s our address. Hope for Today, P.O. Box 3927, Tustin, California, 92781. That’s in the U.S. or in Canada. Hope for Today, Box 15011, RPO7OAKS, Ebbetsford, B.C., V2S 8P1. We read every letter that comes in, and boy, they sure do bring joy to our hearts, and we’re grateful for everyone who takes the time to reach out. And thank you for standing with us. Well, as promised, once again, here’s David.
SPEAKER 03 :
Thanks for listening to our teaching on Daniel. We’re in Chapter 7, and trying to wrap it up today about a coming world leader. We’re talking about the Antichrist, and I want to answer the questions we’re getting. We’re getting a lot of them. Are we going to see the Antichrist soon, and who is the Antichrist? And guesswork is being done by many of you. Listen, folks, 2 Thessalonians 2, the opening verses, make it clear that the rapture, our gathering together unto Him— is going to happen before the Antichrist is revealed, so we can stop trying to figure out who it is. I would say that the world is setting up itself for his arrival, but we don’t know who he is, and you think you do? I don’t think so. But he’s going to try to change times and laws, and we already got that kind of stuff going on. But his power is going to exist for three and a half years, half of the Great Tribulation. Revelation calls it time, times, and half a time, 42 months, 1260 days. Wow. And this is coming, my friends. But those who are believers in our blessed Lord are going to be out of here by the rapture of the church. Praise the Lord. And thanks for listening to Hope for Today. And we’ll be back again. with chapter 8.
SPEAKER 02 :
God bless you. Thank you, David. Well, next time on the broadcast, a ram charges, a goat strikes, and prophecy comes to life. Daniel 8 unfolds a vision with global implications. Don’t miss it right here on Hope for Today.
