Topic tonight is: The Strange Man of Mud and Metal. Predicting the future can be risky business Consider with me some of the following predictions:

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Rolf Dean
5 years ago
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(Appeal song: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus ) 02-B The Strange Man of Mud and

future can be risky business Consider with me some of the following

passengers, unable to breathe, would die of asphyxia.

'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a

" Internal memo, Western Union, 1876 4 Heavier-than-air flying machines

" Lord Kelvin, president, Royal Society, 1895 3 "It doesn't matter what

1 (Appeal song: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus ) 02-B The Strange Man of Mud and Metal Topic tonight is: The Strange Man of Mud and Metal Predicting the future can be risky business Consider with me some of the following predictions: 1 "Rail travel at high speed is not possible, because passengers, unable to breathe, would die of asphyxia." Dionysius Lardner, British scientist, "Louis Pasteur's theory of germs is ridiculous fiction." Pierre Pachet, Professor of Physiology at Toulouse, 1872 "This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. This device is inherently of no value to us." Internal memo, Western Union, Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible." Lord Kelvin, president, Royal Society, "It doesn't matter what he does, he will never amount to anything." Albert Einstein's teacher, Everything that can be invented has been invented." Charles H Duell, commissioner, US Office of Patents, International English Version B 1

"The problem with television is that the people must sit and keep their eyes glued on a screen; the

" The New York Times, after a prototype demonstration at the 1939 World's Fair 8 I think there is a

" Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943 9 "Man will never reach the moon, regardless of all future

" Lee DeForest, radio pioneer, 1957 10 There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.

2 "The problem with television is that the people must sit and keep their eyes glued on a screen; the average American family hasn't time for it." The New York Times, after a prototype demonstration at the 1939 World's Fair 8 I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, "Man will never reach the moon, regardless of all future scientific advances." Lee DeForest, radio pioneer, There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." Ken Olson, president, chairman, and founder of Digital Equipment Corporation, Well were all these people fools? Hardly! Many were very intelligent But takes more than intelligence accurately predict future Everybody knows or at least can learn what has already happened past International English Version B 2

But who can know what happen in future? Do you know for sure tonight exactly what happen to you tomorrow? Next year? Five years from now?

Weather forecasters try Palm readers psychics astrologers claim know future All kinds of people in all kinds of religions claim be prophets and know future And every year gossipy

Yes, there is Someone who does And He sees future more clearly any of us can see past God knows everything that s happened everything ever will happen And best of all, He has

3 But who can know what happen in future? Do you know for sure tonight exactly what happen to you tomorrow? Next year? Five years from now? 12 Trying to see into future like trying read with blindfold on or trying drive car on pitch-black night without headlights But that doesn t stop people trying to predict future Weather forecasters try Palm readers psychics astrologers claim know future All kinds of people in all kinds of religions claim be prophets and know future And every year gossipy tabloid newspapers make scores wild predictions never come to pass So does anybody really know the future? Yes, there is Someone who does And He sees future more clearly any of us can see past God knows everything that s happened everything ever will happen And best of all, He has shared things really important us to know, through His chosen prophets Do we have better info than astrologers/fortune tellers? Indeed, we do 13 Go to the Word of God Book unfailingly reveals future through the ages God challenges false prophets Isaiah 46:9, 10: 14 International English Version B 3

For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end

the end from the beginning Has Bible outlined history in advance Yes!

s Dream 17 We go through famed Ishtar Gate heart of Babylon itself 18 King Nebuchadnezzar

4 For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, 15 and from ancient times the things that are not yet done God declares the end from the beginning Has Bible outlined history in advance Yes! Invite you palace King of Babylon Nebuchadnezzar 16 Return 2,500 years study an Ancient King s Dream 17 We go through famed Ishtar Gate heart of Babylon itself 18 King Nebuchadnezzar sleep one night strange dream powerful Next morning troubled by dream Significant couldn t remember it Ever happened to you? Decided get help remembering it Called wise men psychics astrologers clairvoyants fortune tellers 19 Read Daniel described experience (Dan 2:1-3): International English Version B 4

And in the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep 20 So the king summoned the magicians,

that troubles me and I want to know what it means 22 Magicians cut the liver of a calf looked for designs dropped oil on water studied patterns this is

sky to predict the future Nebuchadnezzar called so-called wise men Commanded tell him what he had dreamed They said tell us your dream we will tell you its

5 And in the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep 20 So the king summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers to tell him what he had dreamed 21 When they came in and stood before the king, he said to them, I have had a dream that troubles me and I want to know what it means 22 Magicians cut the liver of a calf looked for designs dropped oil on water studied patterns this is what your dream means Sorcerers communicated with the dead discover truth about life and the living 23 Astrologers (not astronomers) Studied patterns in sky to predict the future Nebuchadnezzar called so-called wise men Commanded tell him what he had dreamed They said tell us your dream we will tell you its meaning King said tell me my dream and its meaning or cut off arms legs and cut off your head Wise men baffled no idea what the dream was International English Version B 5

King said, execute them 02-B The Strange Man of Mud and Metal 24

captive brought from Jerusalem Called before the king 25 Daniel

secret to God Daniel faced death if could not explain dream Daniel

will do that for you too facing problem in your marriage are you

6 King said, execute them 02-B The Strange Man of Mud and Metal 24 Among wise men of Babylon young Hebrew late teens Daniel Hebrew captive brought from Jerusalem Called before the king 25 Daniel served true God promised ask God about King s dream said nothing is secret to God Daniel faced death if could not explain dream Daniel knew just what to do 26 He knew Prayer Makes a Difference 27 God will do that for you too facing problem in your marriage are you concerned for your children God in heaven has the answer 28 International English Version B 6

Daniel came before king Nebuchadnezzar And Daniel said, Daniel 2:28: 29 But there is a God in heaven who reveals

unravels mysteries your life gives you guidance wisdom direction He made known what will be latter days dream

Image carved without hands Daniel began to describe that image head of gold breast and arms of silver thighs of

image rock grew filled whole earth Nebuchadnezzar wanted to know what does the dream represent?

7 Daniel came before king Nebuchadnezzar And Daniel said, Daniel 2:28: 29 But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known what will be in the latter days 30 There is a God in Heaven Reveals secrets unravels mysteries your life gives you guidance wisdom direction He made known what will be latter days dream Daniel s day to the latter days Daniel began reminding king what seen in dream 31 He said you saw a great image Image carved without hands Daniel began to describe that image head of gold breast and arms of silver thighs of brass legs of iron feet of iron and clay Rock flying through the air smashed the image on the feet ground up the image rock grew filled whole earth Nebuchadnezzar wanted to know what does the dream represent? Who gave dream to Nebuchadnezzar? God Why not let God interpret the dream? Daniel said to Nebuchadnezzar (2:38): 32 International English Version B 7

You are that head of gold 02-B The Strange Man of Mud and Metal 33 God outlined

Named first three nations Described New Testament fourth nation Described happen

following this prophecy like blueprint for 2,500 years Nebuchadnezzar s Babylon

describes the wealth and splendor of Babylon 36 Says whole earth bowed prostrate

feet (30 meters) high wide enough three chariots side by side River Euphrates

8 You are that head of gold 02-B The Strange Man of Mud and Metal 33 God outlined nations would dominate world Daniel s time to our time He said, there would be four Named first three nations Described New Testament fourth nation Described happen after four nations down to our day 34 We can have confidence Bible says History following this prophecy like blueprint for 2,500 years Nebuchadnezzar s Babylon ruled the world 35 Archaeologists discovered tablet letter from Nebuchadnezzar describes the wealth and splendor of Babylon 36 Says whole earth bowed prostrate her feet the feet of Babylon Babylon More than 60 miles (100 km) around Walls 90 feet (30 meters) high wide enough three chariots side by side River Euphrates through center provided water Inhabitants constant 20-year food supply 37 International English Version B 8

Clay tablet inscription Nebuchadnezzar said 38 The excellence of this kingdom, may it last forever 39

some buildings at the site of ancient Babylon. But would ancient Babylon continue to rule the world?

after Babylon Babylon ruled world 605-539 B.C.

9 Clay tablet inscription Nebuchadnezzar said 38 The excellence of this kingdom, may it last forever 39 Babylon 60 miles (100 km) south Baghdad modern-day Iraq In recent years Saddam Hussein - started to restore some buildings at the site of ancient Babylon. But would ancient Babylon continue to rule the world? 40 This prophecy is up to date Bible said first, Babylon was the head of gold Another kingdom would come after Babylon Babylon ruled world B.C. 41 The statue and the prophecy continues looking through window starts in past takes us to future curtain of prophecy pulled aside 42 Daniel 2:39: International English Version B 9

But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours.

silver inferior to gold Medo-Persia less powerful than Babylon 44 How did Babylon fall?

Bloodless hand wrote mysteriously on the wall 45 Bloodless hand wrote words of fire

Nobody in Babylon could read them The words like this: 46 MENE God has numbered thy

10 But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours... Next nation to be world power Medo-Persia 43 As described breast and arms of silver silver inferior to gold Medo-Persia less powerful than Babylon 44 How did Babylon fall? King Belshazzar drunken feast throne room Served wine sacred vessels Jerusalem temple Bloodless hand wrote mysteriously on the wall 45 Bloodless hand wrote words of fire Palace wall of Babylon Urging of the Queen Daniel called read the words on the wall Nobody in Babylon could read them The words like this: 46 MENE God has numbered thy kingdom, and finished it 47 TEKEL Thou art weighed in the balances, and found wanting 48 International English Version B 10

PERES Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians 49 Bible named Medes/Persians

wrote Thus says the Lord to His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held--to subdue nations

not be shut. (Isa 45:1) 51 History tells how Medes/Persians overthrow Babylonians?

outlast you 52 Cyrus dammed up Euphrates diverted river into the desert Marched army dry river bed

11 PERES Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians 49 Bible named Medes/Persians Described the Medo-Persian empire Cyrus named approximately 150 years before his birth 50 Isaiah wrote Thus says the Lord to His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held--to subdue nations before him And loose the armor of kings, to open before him the double doors, so that the gates will not be shut. (Isa 45:1) 51 History tells how Medes/Persians overthrow Babylonians? 20-year food supply Babylonians threw food over walls Said to Medes/Persians don t worry we ll outlast you 52 Cyrus dammed up Euphrates diverted river into the desert Marched army dry river bed under the gates into city came up behind Belshazzar s throne room Babylon fell without battle one night 53 International English Version B 11

Looking Cyrus cylinder British Museum in London Describes Cyrus s attack overthrow of Babylon Read it Bible also

55 After that another kingdom would rise described thighs of brass 56 Daniel 2:39: then another, a third kingdom

57 Greek empire Alexander the Great At 33 Alexander rose to prominence 58 Greeks came mighty warriors overthrew

12 Looking Cyrus cylinder British Museum in London Describes Cyrus s attack overthrow of Babylon Read it Bible also recorded rocks 54 Bible is accurate does not guess Medo-Persia ruled world from B.C. 55 After that another kingdom would rise described thighs of brass 56 Daniel 2:39: then another, a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth. Daniel 2:39 What nation overthrew the Medes/Persians? 57 Greek empire Alexander the Great At 33 Alexander rose to prominence 58 Greeks came mighty warriors overthrew the Medo-Persians Historian said reputation of Alexander the Great zeal Greek soldiers overthrow Medes/Persians 59 International English Version B 12

I am persuaded that there was no nation, city, nor

to have been some divine hand presiding both over his

Destiny of nations Divine hand was guiding 61 Would

No Greeks fell to the mighty armies of Rome 62 Greece

63 Then iron monarchy Rome demonstrate military

Daniel 2:40: 64 Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom,

13 I am persuaded that there was no nation, city, nor people where his name did not reach 60 There seems to me to have been some divine hand presiding both over his birth and actions Even secular historians recognize Destiny of nations Divine hand was guiding 61 Would Greece rule supreme forever? No Greeks fell to the mighty armies of Rome 62 Greece ruled the world from B.C. 63 Then iron monarchy Rome demonstrate military supremacy Rome described 4th kingdom The Bible says, Daniel 2:40: 64 Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron for iron breaks smashes everything 65 Indeed Roman empire extended then-known world 66 International English Version B 13

Historians recognize Rome followed in this sequence 67 Rome ruled 168 B.C. mid-4th century A.D.

silver, of brass, that might serve to represent the nations and their kings, were successively broken

Was Rome overthrown by 5th ruling empire? No!

advance 70 Daniel 2:41 says: Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of

14 Historians recognize Rome followed in this sequence 67 Rome ruled 168 B.C. mid-4th century A.D. 68 Greatest historian of Rome Gibbon borrows imagery from the book of Daniel and the images of gold, of silver, of brass, that might serve to represent the nations and their kings, were successively broken by the iron monarchy of Rome Would there be a 5th nation overthrow Rome? Was Rome overthrown by 5th ruling empire? No! It was divided 69 For prophecy to be accurate must describe division Roman empire hundreds of years in advance 70 Daniel 2:41 says: Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided;... Kingdom divided as Bible said it would be Ten barbarian tribes Eastern/Western Europe overthrew Rome occupied its territory 71 International English Version B 14

Alamanni settled in Germany Burgundians Switzerland Franks France Lombards Italy Saxons

divided Bible says: Babylon/Medo-Persia/Greece/Rome Bible predicts Europe would be

72 73 And as you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men:

Europe would be divided Political leaders intermarry unite Europe 75 Napoleon married

15 Alamanni settled in Germany Burgundians Switzerland Franks France Lombards Italy Saxons England Suevi Portuguese Visigoths Spanish Three tribes now extinct Europe tonight is divided Bible says: Babylon/Medo-Persia/Greece/Rome Bible predicts Europe would be divided History following this pattern like a blueprint Prophecy to our day Daniel 2:43: And as you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men: 74 Bible predicted divided attempt to unite mingling of seeds intermarriage God said Europe would be divided Political leaders intermarry unite Europe 75 Napoleon married Louise of Austria united with the Hapsburg line If you go to Denmark 76 International English Version B 15

and travel to Fredriksborg, 02-B The Strange Man of

wall in royal chambers royal family tree of Europe 78

intermarriage through King Frederick and Queen Diana

to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.

Europe eloquent testimony accuracy reliability of

Charles the V attempted to unite Europe They have

Kings and politicians attempted subvert prophecy

16 and travel to Fredriksborg, 02-B The Strange Man of Mud and Metal 77 And if you visit Fredriksborg Castle wall in royal chambers royal family tree of Europe 78 All royal families Europe at that time united by intermarriage through King Frederick and Queen Diana As we read from Daniel 2:43: but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. Just as iron and clay will not combine Divisions of Europe eloquent testimony accuracy reliability of Bible prophecy Would-be rulers, Louis XIV, Charles the V attempted to unite Europe They have failed 81 They will not adhere to one another 82 Kings and politicians attempted subvert prophecy These words have rung true through history 83 International English Version B 16

17 They will not adhere to one another 84 Napoleon tried to unite all of Europe God had determined attempt would fail 85 Evident Napoleon knew Bible prophecy 86 After defeat 1815 Battle of Waterloo Reported that he said, God Almighty is too much for me 87 God s Word proven true through the centuries 88 They will not adhere to one another, and they haven t 89 Historian describing the defeat of Napoleon, said 90 International English Version B 17

What was the principal adversary of this tremendous power?

91 By none and by nothing but the direct and manifest interposition of God (by Arnold)

History is not a king, president, or dictator History is in the hands of God 92 Bible

millions of lives lost all to unite Europe Destiny of this world in the hands of God

Hitler Truman Eisenhower Castro all hoped to shape destiny of the world Only one

18 What was the principal adversary of this tremendous power? By whom was it checked and resisted, and put down? 91 By none and by nothing but the direct and manifest interposition of God (by Arnold) Evident The nations are in God s hands History is not a kaleidoscope of random events History is not a king, president, or dictator History is in the hands of God 92 Bible says rulers would try to unite Europe 93 Last century World War I and World War II millions of lives lost all to unite Europe Destiny of this world in the hands of God 94 Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin Yalta decide political future after WW 2 DeGaulle Hitler Truman Eisenhower Castro all hoped to shape destiny of the world Only one shapes world s destiny Jesus Christ 95 The head of gold breast and arms of silver thighs of brass legs of iron feet of iron and clay 96 International English Version B 18

History confirms what the Bible said 2500 years in advance:, the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof is sure But the dream

97 Bible goes on to say A rock cut out without hands Notice Daniel 2:44: 98 And in the days of these kings shall the God of Heaven set up

all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever The rock represents Christ s eternal Kingdom We re not in the time of head of gold breast

19 History confirms what the Bible said 2500 years in advance:, the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof is sure But the dream doesn t end there. What is the next event? 97 Bible goes on to say A rock cut out without hands Notice Daniel 2:44: 98 And in the days of these kings shall the God of Heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: 99 and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever The rock represents Christ s eternal Kingdom We re not in the time of head of gold breast and arms of silver thighs of brass legs of iron divided Europe 100 We re at the time rock is about to come The rock represents the kingdom of God Stone cut out without hands The Rock Jesus Christ International English Version B 19

Next event in the prophecy return of our Lord Bible says Christ kingdom consume all these kingdoms 101 It shall stand forever Babylon rose and fell Medo-Persia rose and fell Greece rose and fell Rome

20 Next event in the prophecy return of our Lord Bible says Christ kingdom consume all these kingdoms 101 It shall stand forever Babylon rose and fell Medo-Persia rose and fell Greece rose and fell Rome rose and fell Kingdom on its way is permanent never fade away The eternal kingdom of our God God wants to you live in that kingdom No more suffering no more heart ache no more sorrow Jesus Christ, offers you that eternal kingdom (ILL:) During the second world war, bombs were dropping on London The earth was shaking Buildings were crumbling A father and his 7-year-old daughter were the only ones that remained in their family Two sons were killed in the bombing The mother was killed in the bombing Dad and his daughter were in a bomb shelter And as they were there, the little girl was so frightened The earth was just trembling She said, Daddy--I m afraid of the bombs We re in a bomb shelter We re protected Daddy, I can t go to sleep unless you hold my hand He reached over, took her hand A bomb came down that shook the shelter Daddy, I m afraid I can t go to sleep Oh, honey, go to sleep Go to sleep, honey I can t go to sleep, Daddy, unless I know your face is turned toward me God s face turned toward this earth This earth won t be destroyed in some famine or holocaust International English Version B 20

21 This earth is in the hand of God Very soon Christ will come Soon heavens will be illuminated with His glory Soon we ll be taken to a land no more sickness, sorrow, death Soon at His feet, we ll sing Holy, Holy in kingdom lasts forever Are you afraid tonight? Like the little girl in London, are you afraid when it seems the whole world is becoming a war zone? Are you afraid when you think of terrorists out to destroy good and freedom in the world? Are you afraid when you hear of violent criminals striking randomly all around you? Are you tired tonight? Are you tired of saying a final goodbye to your loved ones who die? Are you tired of all the sickness and suffering and pain? Are you tired of divorce and heartache and anger between people? Then take courage tonight, friends. All of this is soon to end forever. Jesus is coming to put an end to evil and begin an eternity of only good and peace and joy. The only question is, Are you on His side? Have you given your life to Him? Yes, His face is turned toward you at this very moment. Why not turn your face toward Him too? Turn your eyes upon Jesus tonight, my friends, and all the problems of your life will grow strangely dim as you behold Him. Listen as sings, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. After the first stanza, join [her, him] on the chorus. International English Version B 21

22 O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There s a light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free! Refrain: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; Over us sin no more hath dominion For more than conquerors we are! Refrain: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. His Word shall not fail you He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell! Refrain: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. Now let s pray together tonight. Let s ask Jesus to enter our lives so that one day we can live in the kingdom that lasts forever. Would you like to raise your hand and say, Lord, I want to live in that kingdom? Father, we long to live with You, in all eternity, and bow at Your feet and cry Holy. When the kingdoms of earth are passed away, when Christ establishes His kingdom, we want to be there. We see that this world is not in the hands of man, but in the hands of God. We thank You that soon You will come, and a new world order will be ushered in. And Christ s kingdom will be established forever. In Jesus name. Amen. International English Version B 22

Lesson 10 The King s Dream

Lesson 10 The King s Dream 1) What astounding claim does God make about Himself? Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is ; I am God, and there is like me, Declaring