2017 and Beyond By Pastor Dan Kennedy © January 1, 2017 It seems the world may be facing more hazards than we are facing hope on this earthly planet. Hazards which our world is facing: · Natural Catastrophes – earthquakes, weather related, floods, fires, tornados, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, etc. · Stellar Hazards: EMPs, Astronomical anomalies… · Rogue Nation hazards – nuclear event potentials · Terrorism · Power grid issues · Hacking · Economic hazards · Global Warming · Health hazards – Zika, Bird Flu, other Flu epidemic, STD’s, super infections · Etc., etc. Personal Hazards which you and I may or will be facing sometime in the future: What Is Your Sense, or the Sense in The World Regarding Our Future? Positive, Negative, or somewhere in-between – on a Scale of 1-10? Pessimistic – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 – Optimistic If the forward outlook of the world can be somewhat pessimistic right now, what should be a logical event for the world, in a time, chosen by God, in the future, if those in the world consistently choose to disregard God and insistently crave a hedonistic and wildly successful world on their own terms? • “The Man of Sin” – the rise of a godless, and powerful World Ruler “The Man of Sin” (See ENDNOTES) Daniel 7:7-8; 15-27 • …A little [horn], which came up among them [the ten horns]; • and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. • This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man • and a mouth that spoke boastfully. Qualities of the Man of Sin from Daniel 7:7-8 • He is hungry for Power: The Little Horn that gains world domination through deceit…three leaders fall under his ruthless quest for domination. • He is thirsty to “See”, to “Perceive”…: A “Horn” [dominant leader] which has Eyes like a Man. Perceiving Eyes. • He boasts in Proud self-centeredness: The Boastful Mouth full of prideful blasphemies. What is the Only Hope for the Believer in Jesus Christ in a world recklessly careening toward the Final Days of History? A Sincere and True Relationship with God · Salvation from the guilt and penalty of sin · Security for our Spirit · Sustenance for our Soul · Strength for our Mind The Certainty of God’s Power to Care for Us The Purpose of God’s Salvation to Redeem Us The Plan of God’s Redemption to give us Eternal Life Our Blessed Hope We who are believers in Jesus Christ, hold on, by faith, to the certainty of “The Blessed Hope!” We wait for the Glorious Appearing of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ! (Titus 2:13-14) Reaching Out to Others to Build The Kingdom Of God • The privilege we have here in this Church, to have multiple pastors teaching sound doctrine from God’s Word, and fellowship with believers, and interaction in the community. • What tools, what friends, what knowledge do we have to reach out to others to build the Kingdom of God – with our life? • No matter what happens in this coming year, or in the future, with our personal life, or in the world; who can we be and what can we offer, with that which God has given us…for His Kingdom? A New Year’s Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving me Your gift of Salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for all the wonderful things You have done for me and given me. Thank You for this Church and this Community; for my friends and my family. I want to be a blessing to Your Kingdom this coming year. Strengthen me, empower me and give me wisdom and ability to be who You want me to be, and to know what You want me to do these coming days, and throughout this coming year. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ENDNOTES The Man of Sin “For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray…” Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. - spoken by Jesus Christ, in Matthew 24:5,23-25 *** Scripture Reading: Daniel 7:7-27 Daniel 7:7–27 7 “After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns. 8 “While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully. 9 “As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. 10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. 11 “Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. 12 (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.) 13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. The Interpretation of the Dream 15 “I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me. 16 I approached one of those standing there and asked him the true meaning of all this. “So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things: 17 ‘The four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. 18 But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever—yes, for ever and ever.’ 19 “Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others and most terrifying, with its iron teeth and bronze claws—the beast that crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. 20 I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell—the horn that looked more imposing than the others and that had eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully. 21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom. 23 “He gave me this explanation: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. 24 The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. 25 He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time. 26 “ ‘But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. 27 Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.’” One day the most “spiritually” dynamic and powerful man ever to lead in world politics will arise. This man will be hand picked to be indwelt by the spirit of Satan himself. One may question the reality of this coming antichrist, but is the potential so far-fetched, when Satan continually mimics the plan of God and wants to be like God in all other ways? If God has shown that He can be incarnate in Christ Jesus, then Satan will incarnate himself, to the degree that he is able, within the antichrist, to seek to establish what he has always wanted: world domination and world adulation. While the Man of Sin is ruling it will be a time of unspeakable catastrophe and trouble in the world…never before seen in all of its history (Dan. 12:1; Matt. 24:21; Rev. 16:18); and, the greatest terror of his reign will be his final 3 ½ years. 2 Thessalonians 2:7–9 7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders…. There has always been a longing in the hearts of mankind, supported through prophecies in God’s Word even at the fall of man (Gen. 3:15), of the coming of a Messiah who would set things right in our sad world. Satan, on the other hand, has cast a spell on the world to reject the true Messiah and receive the evil spirit of unbelief instead. The concept of “antichrist” is more than a person; it is a spirit – a spirit that has prevailed in the world from the beginning of the fall of mankind, beginning with Satan’s coy deceptive words, “Has God said?” 1 John 4:2–3 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. 1 John 2:18 18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come…. Satan is a deceiver, illusionist and counterfeiter (2 Thess. 2:9–12). He knows more than anyone on earth that the Messiah, Jesus Christ has come as Redeemer and will one day come again as King. Satan hates that reality, in fact, he would rather not believe it at all and would just as soon no one else in his dark kingdom would believe it either. He would prefer that his own “antichrist messiah” rule the world under his own spiritual domination to further deceive and destroy mankind. He still has that not-too-secret desire to be God, and he will make the most of his “final stand”. How will we know who this Man of Sin will be? In Daniel 7, the Scripture gives us three “identifiers” that may give us a look at who this man will be. · The Three Identifiers of the Man of Sin in Daniel Daniel 7:7–8 7 “After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns. 8 “While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully. ~ He is hungry for Power: The Little Horn that gains world domination through deceit. ~ He is thirsty to Perceive…to be the one “who sees:” The Perceiving Eyes. A Horn has Eyes like a Man. ~ He boasts in Proud self-centeredness: The Boastful Mouth full of prideful blasphemies. ~ He is hungry for Power: The “Little Horn” that Gains World Domination through Deceit. Satan will influence and possess this leader, as much as he can replicate satanic incarnation, in his desire to imitate God. 2 Thessalonians 2:9–12 9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. As Jesus Christ was God incarnate, so the antichrist will seek to be Satan incarnate. The Man of Lawlessness, the Man of Sin begins as “a little horn” that grows exceedingly great in Power  The Hebrew word “Little” (צָעִיר ) used in this verse, translates in other portions of Scripture, as “younger”, “least”, “youngest”, “little”, “little ones”, “small one”, and “small”… (Strong’s Concordance) So we see that the word “small” that grows great in power, can also be referenced to possibly a younger, relatively unknown and initially seemingly unremarkable person who phenomenally increases in his power throughout the first part of the Tribulation, to totally dominate the world scene the last half of the Tribulation. He could possibly be a key player, in the “peace” established (Daniel 9:27) through the treaty with Israel, at the beginning of the seven-year Tribulation period. Watch out for the middle of the Tribulation, when the Man of Sin cements the pentacle of world adoration by establishing himself as “god” (in the Temple). This is when he fulfills the “abomination of desolation” event, prophesied by Daniel (Dan. 9:27) and noted by Jesus, in Matthew 24:15. 2 Thessalonians 2:1–4 2 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. Daniel 8:9–14 9 Out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the Beautiful Land. 10 It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them. 11 It set itself up to be as great as the Prince of the host; it took away the daily sacrifice from him, and the place of his sanctuary was brought low. 12 Because of rebellion, the host of the saints and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground. 13 Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, “How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled—the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, and the surrender of the sanctuary and of the host that will be trampled underfoot?” Daniel 8:25 25 He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power. Daniel 9:27 27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” Daniel 11:31 31 “His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. Daniel 12:6–13 6 … “How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?” 7 The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever, saying, “It will be for a time, times and half a time. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed.” 8 I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?” 9 He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand. 11 “From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. 12 Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days. The Man of Sin comes as an angel of light (of “righteous” peace) – but his deeds will give him away! 2 Corinthians 11:13–15 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. The Man of Sin will become Powerful after raising himself up and using the subjection of others to obtain his own ends. Daniel 11:36 36 “The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. He will destroy (uproot) three “kingdoms” or dominions and replace them with himself. Daniel 7:20–24 20 I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell—the horn that looked more imposing than the others and that had eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully. 21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom. 23 “He gave me this explanation: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. 24 The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. He will seek to alter or change the times, seasons and/or decrees established by God, to enact his own laws and establish his own spiritual authority. He will be given a certain amount of authority the final three and a half years of the Tribulation. This certainly involves the breaking down of the “laws of temple worship” (Dan. 8:11-13), and may involve other consistent allocations of especially meaningful “times and seasons” in the Jewish or Christian calendar (Galatians 4:10), or more radical changes throughout the world. Daniel 7:25 25 He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time. The Man of Sin is deceitful.  As Satan is father of lies, John 8:44, so the antichrist is a liar in the most deceitful of ways. Daniel 8:23–25 23 “In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue, will arise. 24 He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men and the holy people. 25 He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power. The Man of Sin is ruthless.  As Satan is a murderer, John 8:44 so he is a murderer; as Satan’s name is Apollyon (the Destroyer), Rev. 9:11, so he is a destroyer.  He wants to ensnare his victims, as does Satan, 1 Tim. 3:7; 2 Tim. 2:26.  o He will be given the Authority to Defeat, Imprison and Destroy Believing Saints especially during the last 3 ½ Years – called “The Great Tribulation” Remember that Job, in his trial, recorded in the book of Job, suffered his testing only after God authorized Satan to touch him. God protects His people with a special protection, unless, for reasons most times unknown to us, He allows testing for His Glory and our own refining and good – trials which all believers must experience. (1 Peter 4:12, 13; James 1:2-5; etc.) Remember “all things work together for good to them who love God…” (Rom. 8:28) God wouldn’t have put this verse of comfort in the Scripture without Him establishing some protection for His own! This protection is lifted during this terrible time of testing in the last half of reign of the Man of Sin. God’s protection will be lifted and Satan will focus his deadly destruction and fury, through the Man of Sin, on God’s holy people. Even though this is the most devastating cruelty experienced by God’s people in the history of the world, there is also a special place that these alone will be given in Christ’s Presence throughout eternity (Rev. 7:9-27). Never does any believer’s endurance, during the intense fire of a trial, go unnoticed or unrewarded by God. The Believer’s Devastation during the final half of the Tribulation Daniel 7 21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom. … After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. 25 He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time. Daniel 8 9 Out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the Beautiful Land. 10 It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them. 11 It set itself up to be as great as the Prince of the host; it took away the daily sacrifice from him, and the place of his sanctuary was brought low. 12 Because of rebellion, the host of the saints and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground… 23 “In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue, will arise. 24 He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men and the holy people. 25 He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. Revelation 13 7 He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation…. 9 He who has an ear, let him hear. 10 If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints. Revelation 17 6 I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus…. 12 “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. 13 They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. In the end, the Man of Sin’s demonic authority will be taken away for good! There will be a time of horrible “Jacob’s Trouble” (Jer. 30:7KJV) for the Jews and for those coming to Christ from the witness of the 144,000 Jewish Believers, “yet he shall be saved out of it.” (Jer. 30:7; Dan. 12:1) The world will be tested as never before during the dictatorship and vile, deceitful cruelty of the antichrist. The authority given to the Man of Sin, by God, to deceive those three and a half years, will be taken away, and the final Authority will then be given to God’s Saints from then on, for eternity! Daniel 7 21 As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom… 26 But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end. 27 And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.’ The first identifier of the antichrist is that he is Power Hungry: he is the “Little Horn” in the vision of Daniel the Prophet, who Gains World Domination through Deceit. The second identifier we will look at focuses on his eyes… ~ He is Perception Thirsty: The Perceiving Eyes that see. It is interesting that in the Daniel 7 passage there are two descriptive parts to the little horn. It has Eyes and a Mouth. Eyes are an interesting feature. Daniel 7 7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. 8 I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things. Eyes: Seeing is not just visually viewing something – it encompasses a wide range of perception. Below are some examples of such seeing: Seeing: A Revelation of something you haven’t known before…  Comprehension, Understanding and/or Perceptive Intelligence. o Adam and Eve’s “eyes” were opened to good and “evil” after they ate the forbidden fruit. (Genesis 3:5, 7) o Hagar was able to “see” the well of water, when previously she could not, when she believed she was going to die of thirst. Genesis 21:19 o Abraham “saw” the ram caught in the thicket and understood that this was the sacrifice God would have him make on the altar, instead of Isaac. Genesis 22:13 Seeing: Acceptability, Discernment, or Approval in the eyes of another.  o Noah found grace in the “eyes” of the Lord. Genesis 6:8; o Others seeking “approval”. Genesis 34:11; 50:4; Exodus 15:26; o Hidden from the “eyes”. Leviticus 4:13, Numbers 5:13 o Discernment by the one in authority. Leviticus 13:5, 37 Seeing: Coveting certain things – an expression of what our heart may desire.  o Illustrated by Potiphar’s wife who “cast her eyes” on Joseph. Genesis 39:7 The Man of Sin will be able to “See” the People and Events of the world as it relates to him, in far more comprehension, understanding and ability to react, respond and retaliate, than any ruler has been able to “see” in the history of the world. He will be able to “keep watch” on almost everyone and know things that “get out of line” with his administration. Special Information: His government will have full access to all the information that up-to-date data and multiple levels of surveillance can provide. Supernatural Comprehension: He will have uncanny, supernatural “eyes” and powers that his spiritistic incarnation will give him. No one will be able to conspire against him without his awareness during his allotted time. He will seek out and destroy those who oppose him – especially believing Children of God. Daniel 8:23c …a king of bold face, one who understands riddles, shall arise. Supported Supernatural Authority: He will have further authority, as world ruler, with continued affirmation from the False Prophet, who does miracles on his behalf and further forces allegiance to his person and government. (Rev. 13) Matthew 24 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 2 Thessalonians 2 9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing…. Sympathetic Emotions: He will have sympathy from the world because of his great accomplishments in “peaceful negotiations” and especially because of the “deadly wound” (Rev. 13:3,4,14) that was healed – certainly received while in “dedicated service” for “peace” in the world. The world will give him any support needed to do anything he pleases…including finding anyone opposed to his government. There will be no safe havens for those in opposition. He will have the power and authority to do as he wishes to anyone, without question. Revelation 13:10 If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. He will see! Our world has already gone far beyond the world that George Orwell’s 1984 envisioned. Invasive government will be more and more of a reality than ever before, in the world dominated by the Man of Sin. ~ He Pridefully boasts in his self-centeredness: The Boastful Mouth full of blasphemies. He insists that all must call him “god.” He raises himself up above all things and makes himself to be equal to God, our Creator. As Satan has been given for a time the authority as the spiritual prince of the power of the air in this world (Eph. 2:2); ruler of the darkness of this world (Eph. 6:12); the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4); and power of darkness (Col. 1:13); so the Man of Sin wants to be physical dominator and ruler of all – he wants to be, as Satan who indwells him desires, to be “Beelzebul” the “lord of the house” – the lord of the world (Matt. 12:24).  Daniel 7 25 He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High. Revelation 13 5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months [3 ½ years]. 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. He is a Proud, Bold, Unapologetic Boaster! But he does it in such a suave and mesmerizing way that the world loves it and calls him god!  Daniel 7 20 and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions. Daniel 7:25b … and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. Daniel 11 36 “And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done. 37 He shall pay no attention to the gods of his fathers, or to the one beloved by women. He shall not pay attention to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all. He does as he wills.  He exalts and magnifies himself above every god.  He speaks astonishing things against the God of gods.  He prospers until everything meant for his indignation, has been accomplished – what has been decreed is done.  He magnifies himself above all.  This man is so full of himself and asserts his authority over the whole earth that he makes himself an “all knowing god.”  Primary Identifiers of the Antichrist: ~ He is Power hungry: The Little Horn that gains world domination through deceit. ~ He is Perception thirsty: The Perceiving Eyes that see. ~ He is a Proud boaster: The Boastful Mouth full of prideful blasphemies. Daniel 11:45b …Yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him. Conclusion The Final Victory is with Jesus Christ! Will believers be helpless and at the Man of Sin’s mercy during the final half of the Tribulation? Yes. Will they feel that all may be lost? Yes. Will they feel horribly discouraged and defeated? Most likely. God has told us in His Word that these things will come to pass. He has not left us without that knowledge. Who is going to win? Believers suffering through this Great Tribulation will, as will all Believers in Jesus Christ, continue to have “The Blessed Hope!” Jesus Christ, The Son of Man Is Given Dominion Daniel 7 13 I saw in the night visions and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 14 And 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 one that shall not be destroyed. 2 Thessalonians 2 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. Daniel 7 21 As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom. … 26 But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end. 27 And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.’ We have “read the final chapter” and know how the story of the history of the world will turn out! There is complete and everlasting Victory in The Lord Jesus Christ! We who are believers in Jesus Christ, hold on, by faith, to the certainty of “The Blessed Hope!” We wait for the Glorious Appearing of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ! (Titus 2:13-14) Additional Notes The Times of the Tribulation Prior to Jesus Christ return in Power and Glory, the Tribulation period is counted in exact days (in agreement with the Lunar/Hebrew 30-day month religious calendar, based on the cycles of the moon’s lunar phases, not the modern Gregorian 28/30/31-days per month solar calendar, based on the revolution of the earth around the sun). 70 “sevens” or “weeks”, and the final “week” or “seven”  Daniel 9:24–27 (NIV84) 24 “Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. 25 “Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. 26 After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. 27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” 1,260 days (3 ½ years) Revelation 12:6 (these days and “time, times and half a time” are mentioned together, identifying what “time, times and half a time” means… in Rev. 12:6 and 14   Time, Times and Half a Time (3 ½ years) Daniel 7:25; 12:6-7, 11-12; Revelation 12:14   42 months (3 ½ years) Revelation 11:2b; 13:5-8   1,290 days (3 ½ years plus one month, we assume to allow the setting up of the abomination) Daniel 12:11  1,335 days (3 ½ years plus one month, we assume to allow for the setting up of abomination before, and 45 days following the 3 ½ year last half of the Tribulation, we think this may allow for the establishing of Christ’s new Millennium Kingdom following the defeat of the antichrist) Daniel 12:12.  2,300 days Daniel 8:13,14 (see explanation above verses below)  All of these days, months and years add up to one factor: The seven-year Tribulation Period; and specifically, the last half of the Tribulation period is known as the Great Tribulation, “Jacob’s Trouble” (Jer. 30:7KJV) and the time of the outpouring of God’s Wrath on the world – will be a time of distress so great it has never before been seen in the history of the world. Daniel 7:25 25 He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to achange the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for ba time, times, and half a time. Daniel 12:6-7, 11-12 6 And someone said to othe man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream,3 p “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?” 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a stime, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of tthe power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished. 8 I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” 9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, wfor the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. Revelation 11:2b The conclusion of the “Times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24) …for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for pforty-two months. [Equaling 3 ½ years or 1,260 days] Revelation 12:6,14 Those redeemed in Israel (symbolically called “the woman” in this passage) are protected during this second half, 3 ½ year period, of the Tribulation known as the time of God’s “wrath” 6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for q1,260 days. [Equaling 3 ½ years in 30-day months (Lunar/Hebrew calendar) or 42 months] 14 But the woman was given the two gwings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished ifor a time, and times, and half a time. Revelation 13:5-8 The “Beast” exercises his absolute authority 42 months 5 And the beast was given xa mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for yforty-two months. 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling,1 that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 Also it was allowed zto make war on the saints and to conquer them.2 And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8 and all awho dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in bthe book of life of cthe Lamb dthat was slain. It seems the Temple will be build, enjoy a regular burnt offering, have that cut off and be faced with the abomination that makes desolate to the end of the tribulation for the period of 2,300 days before being restored again. If this is so, the temple construction may possibly begin at the time of the covenant and take some seven months to be built before it can begin to be used for the regular sacrifice, prior to the abomination. See Daniel 8:13-14 below. Daniel 8 13 Then I heard ra holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one who spoke, s “For how long is the vision concerning the regular burnt offering, tthe transgression that makes desolate, and the giving over of the sanctuary and host to be trampled underfoot?” 14 And he said to me,3 “For 2,300 uevenings and mornings. Then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state.” This exact time period of three and one half years is the final stand of evil on the earth…evil incarnated into the Man of Sin, his world domination and damnable mark. It all begins with “a covenant” he makes with Israel (Dan. 9:27). Half way through that seven year period, the antichrist breaks that covenant and takes over the temple (which he possibly negotiated building in the first place – predictably, at the time of “the covenant”), he sets up his image on a wing of the temple, the image becomes alive through the spiritistic, satanic power through the false prophet (Rev. 13:13-18) – the “abomination of desolation” is established and is now in place; the world economy and worship are consumed with the beast’s mark which is enforced on pain of death. Following the final and terrible three and one half years (1,260 days), from the setting up of the “abomination” (at which time the Man of Sin sets himself up as god), which “makes desolate.” Then, Jesus returns in the clouds, in Power and great Glory! Even so, Come Quickly, Lord Jesus! a ch. 2:9, 21 b ch. 12:7; Rev. 12:14 o ch. 10:5; Ezek. 9:2 3 Or who was upstream; also verse 7 p ch. 8:13 s ch. 7:25 t [ch. 8:24] w [ver. 4] p ch. 12:6; 13:5 q ch. 11:2; 13:5 g See Ex. 19:4 i Dan. 7:25; 12:7; See ver. 6 x Dan. 7:8, 11, 20; 11:36; [2 Thess. 2:4] y ch. 11:2; 12:6 1 Or tabernacle z ch. 11:7; 12:17; Dan. 7:21 2 Some manuscripts omit this sentence a See ch. 3:10 b See ch. 3:5 c See ch. 5:6 d [Acts 2:23; 1 Pet. 1:19, 20] r See ch. 4:13 s ch. 12:6; [Rev. 6:10]; See ch. 9:21-27 t See ch. 11:31 3 Hebrew; Septuagint, Theodotion, Vulgate to him u [ver. 26]

2017 and Beyond

By Pastor Dan Kennedy

It seems the world may be facing more hazards than we are facing hope on this earthly planet.

Hazards which our world is facing:

· Natural Catastrophes – earthquakes, weather related, floods, fires, tornados, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, etc.

· Stellar Hazards: EMPs, Astronomical anomalies…

· Rogue Nation hazards – nuclear event potentials

· Terrorism

· Power grid issues

· Hacking

· Economic hazards

· Global Warming

· Health hazards – Zika, Bird Flu, other Flu epidemic, STD’s, super infections

· Etc., etc.

Personal Hazards which you and I may or will be facing sometime in the future:

What Is Your Sense, or the Sense in The World Regarding Our Future? Positive, Negative, or somewhere in-between – on a Scale of 1-10?

Pessimistic – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 – Optimistic

If the forward outlook of the world can be somewhat pessimistic right now, what should be a logical event for the world, in a time, chosen by God, in the future, if those in the world consistently choose to disregard God and insistently crave a hedonistic and wildly successful world on their own terms?

• “The Man of Sin” – the rise of a godless, and powerful World Ruler

“The Man of Sin” (See ENDNOTES)

Daniel 7:7-8; 15-27

• …A little [horn], which came up among them [the ten horns];

• and three of the first horns were uprooted before it.

• This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man

• and a mouth that spoke boastfully.

Qualities of the Man of Sin from Daniel 7:7-8

• He is hungry for Power: The Little Horn that gains world domination through deceit…three leaders fall under his ruthless quest for domination.

• He is thirsty to “See”, to “Perceive”…: A “Horn” [dominant leader] which has Eyes like a Man. Perceiving Eyes.

• He boasts in Proud self-centeredness: The Boastful Mouth full of prideful blasphemies.

What is the Only Hope for the Believer in Jesus Christ in a world recklessly careening toward the Final Days of History?

A Sincere and True Relationship with God

· Salvation from the guilt and penalty of sin

· Security for our Spirit

· Sustenance for our Soul

· Strength for our Mind

The Certainty of God’s Power to Care for Us

The Purpose of God’s Salvation to Redeem Us

The Plan of God’s Redemption to give us Eternal Life

Our Blessed Hope

We who are believers in Jesus Christ, hold on, by faith, to the certainty of

“The Blessed Hope!” We wait for the Glorious Appearing of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ! (Titus 2:13-14)

Reaching Out to Others to Build The Kingdom Of God

• The privilege we have here in this Church, to have multiple pastors teaching sound doctrine from God’s Word, and fellowship with believers, and interaction in the community.

• What tools, what friends, what knowledge do we have to reach out to others to build the Kingdom of God – with our life?

• No matter what happens in this coming year, or in the future, with our personal life, or in the world; who can we be and what can we offer, with that which God has given us…for His Kingdom?

A New Year’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for giving me Your gift of Salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for all the wonderful things You have done for me and given me. Thank You for this Church and this Community; for my friends and my family.

I want to be a blessing to Your Kingdom this coming year. Strengthen me, empower me and give me wisdom and ability to be who You want me to be, and to know what You want me to do these coming days, and throughout this coming year.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

ENDNOTES

The Man of Sin

“For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’

and they will lead many astray…”

Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.

- spoken by Jesus Christ, in Matthew 24:5,23-25

***

Scripture Reading: Daniel 7:7-27

Daniel 7:7–27

7 “After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.

8 “While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully.

9 “As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. 10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.

11 “Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. 12 (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.)

13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

The Interpretation of the Dream

15 “I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me. 16 I approached one of those standing there and asked him the true meaning of all this.

“So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things: 17 ‘The four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. 18 But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever—yes, for ever and ever.’

19 “Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others and most terrifying, with its iron teeth and bronze claws—the beast that crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. 20 I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell—the horn that looked more imposing than the others and that had eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully. 21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.

23 “He gave me this explanation: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. 24 The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. 25 He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time.

26 “ ‘But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. 27 Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.’”

One day the most “spiritually” dynamic and powerful man ever to lead in world politics will arise. This man will be hand picked to be indwelt by the spirit of Satan himself. One may question the reality of this coming antichrist, but is the potential so far-fetched, when Satan continually mimics the plan of God and wants to be like God in all other ways? If God has shown that He can be incarnate in Christ Jesus, then Satan will incarnate himself, to the degree that he is able, within the antichrist, to seek to establish what he has always wanted: world domination and world adulation. While the Man of Sin is ruling it will be a time of unspeakable catastrophe and trouble in the world…never before seen in all of its history (Dan. 12:1; Matt. 24:21; Rev. 16:18); and, the greatest terror of his reign will be his final 3 ½ years.

2 Thessalonians 2:7–9

7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders….

There has always been a longing in the hearts of mankind, supported through prophecies in God’s Word even at the fall of man (Gen. 3:15), of the coming of a Messiah who would set things right in our sad world. Satan, on the other hand, has cast a spell on the world to reject the true Messiah and receive the evil spirit of unbelief instead.

The concept of “antichrist” is more than a person; it is a spirit – a spirit that has prevailed in the world from the beginning of the fall of mankind, beginning with Satan’s coy deceptive words, “Has God said?”

1 John 4:2–3

2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

1 John 2:18

18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come….

Satan is a deceiver, illusionist and counterfeiter (2 Thess. 2:9–12). He knows more than anyone on earth that the Messiah, Jesus Christ has come as Redeemer and will one day come again as King. Satan hates that reality, in fact, he would rather not believe it at all and would just as soon no one else in his dark kingdom would believe it either. He would prefer that his own “antichrist messiah” rule the world under his own spiritual domination to further deceive and destroy mankind. He still has that not-too-secret desire to be God, and he will make the most of his “final stand”.

How will we know who this Man of Sin will be? In Daniel 7, the Scripture gives us three “identifiers” that may give us a look at who this man will be.

· The Three Identifiers of the Man of Sin in Daniel

Daniel 7:7–8

~ He is hungry for Power: The Little Horn that gains world domination through deceit.

~ He is thirsty to Perceive…to be the one “who sees:” The Perceiving Eyes. A Horn has Eyes like a Man.

~ He boasts in Proud self-centeredness: The Boastful Mouth full of prideful blasphemies.

~ He is hungry for Power: The “Little Horn” that Gains World Domination through Deceit.

•Satan will influence and possess this leader, as much as he can replicate satanic incarnation, in his desire to imitate God.

2 Thessalonians 2:9–12

9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

As Jesus Christ was God incarnate, so the antichrist will seek to be Satan incarnate.

•The Man of Lawlessness, the Man of Sin begins as “a little horn” that grows exceedingly great in Power

The Hebrew word “Little” (צָעִיר ) used in this verse, translates in other portions of Scripture, as “younger”, “least”, “youngest”, “little”, “little ones”, “small one”, and “small”… (Strong’s Concordance)

So we see that the word “small” that grows great in power, can also be referenced to possibly a younger, relatively unknown and initially seemingly unremarkable person who phenomenally increases in his power throughout the first part of the Tribulation, to totally dominate the world scene the last half of the Tribulation. He could possibly be a key player, in the “peace” established (Daniel 9:27) through the treaty with Israel, at the beginning of the seven-year Tribulation period. Watch out for the middle of the Tribulation, when the Man of Sin cements the pentacle of world adoration by establishing himself as “god” (in the Temple). This is when he fulfills the “abomination of desolation” event, prophesied by Daniel (Dan. 9:27) and noted by Jesus, in Matthew 24:15.

2 Thessalonians 2:1–4

2 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

Daniel 8:9–14

9 Out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the Beautiful Land. 10 It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them. 11 It set itself up to be as great as the Prince of the host; it took away the daily sacrifice from him, and the place of his sanctuary was brought low. 12 Because of rebellion, the host of the saints and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground.

13 Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, “How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled—the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, and the surrender of the sanctuary and of the host that will be trampled underfoot?”

Daniel 8:25

25 He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.

Daniel 9:27

27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”

Daniel 11:31

31 “His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.

Daniel 12:6–13

6 … “How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?”

7 The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever, saying, “It will be for a time, times and half a time. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed.”

8 I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?”

9 He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

11 “From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. 12 Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.

•The Man of Sin comes as an angel of light (of “righteous” peace) – but his deeds will give him away!

2 Corinthians 11:13–15

13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

•The Man of Sin will become Powerful after raising himself up and using the subjection of others to obtain his own ends.

Daniel 11:36

36 “The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place.

1. ◦He will destroy (uproot) three “kingdoms” or dominions and replace them with himself.

Daniel 7:20–24

20 I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell—the horn that looked more imposing than the others and that had eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully. 21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.

1. ◦He will seek to alter or change the times, seasons and/or decrees established by God, to enact his own laws and establish his own spiritual authority. He will be given a certain amount of authority the final three and a half years of the Tribulation.

This certainly involves the breaking down of the “laws of temple worship” (Dan. 8:11-13), and may involve other consistent allocations of especially meaningful “times and seasons” in the Jewish or Christian calendar (Galatians 4:10), or more radical changes throughout the world.

Daniel 7:25

25 He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time.

•The Man of Sin is deceitful.

As Satan is father of lies, John 8:44, so the antichrist is a liar in the most deceitful of ways.

Daniel 8:23–25

23 “In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue, will arise. 24 He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men and the holy people. 25 He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.

•The Man of Sin is ruthless.

◦As Satan is a murderer, John 8:44 so he is a murderer; as Satan’s name is Apollyon (the Destroyer), Rev. 9:11, so he is a destroyer.
◦He wants to ensnare his victims, as does Satan, 1 Tim. 3:7; 2 Tim. 2:26.

o He will be given the Authority to Defeat, Imprison and Destroy Believing Saints especially during the last 3 ½ Years – called “The Great Tribulation”

Remember that Job, in his trial, recorded in the book of Job, suffered his testing only after God authorized Satan to touch him. God protects His people with a special protection, unless, for reasons most times unknown to us, He allows testing for His Glory and our own refining and good – trials which all believers must experience. (1 Peter 4:12, 13; James 1:2-5; etc.) Remember “all things work together for good to them who love God…” (Rom. 8:28) God wouldn’t have put this verse of comfort in the Scripture without Him establishing some protection for His own!

This protection is lifted during this terrible time of testing in the last half of reign of the Man of Sin. God’s protection will be lifted and Satan will focus his deadly destruction and fury, through the Man of Sin, on God’s holy people. Even though this is the most devastating cruelty experienced by God’s people in the history of the world, there is also a special place that these alone will be given in Christ’s Presence throughout eternity (Rev. 7:9-27). Never does any believer’s endurance, during the intense fire of a trial, go unnoticed or unrewarded by God.

The Believer’s Devastation during the final half of the Tribulation

Daniel 7

21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.

… After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. 25 He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time.

Daniel 8

Revelation 13

7 He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation….

9 He who has an ear, let him hear. 10 If anyone is to go into captivity,

into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.

Revelation 17

6 I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus….

12 “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. 13 They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast.

In the end, the Man of Sin’s demonic authority will be taken away for good!

There will be a time of horrible “Jacob’s Trouble” (Jer. 30:7KJV) for the Jews and for those coming to Christ from the witness of the 144,000 Jewish Believers, “yet he shall be saved out of it.” (Jer. 30:7; Dan. 12:1)

The world will be tested as never before during the dictatorship and vile, deceitful cruelty of the antichrist. The authority given to the Man of Sin, by God, to deceive those three and a half years, will be taken away, and the final Authority will then be given to God’s Saints from then on, for eternity!

Daniel 7

21 As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom…

26 But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken

away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end.

27 And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the

kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the

saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting

kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.’

The first identifier of the antichrist is that he is Power Hungry: he is the “Little Horn” in the vision of Daniel the Prophet, who Gains World Domination through Deceit. The second identifier we will look at focuses on his eyes…

~ He is Perception Thirsty: The Perceiving Eyes that see.

It is interesting that in the Daniel 7 passage there are two descriptive parts to the little horn. It has Eyes and a Mouth. Eyes are an interesting feature.

Daniel 7

7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. 8 I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.

Eyes: Seeing is not just visually viewing something – it encompasses a wide range of perception. Below are some examples of such seeing:

•Seeing: A Revelation of something you haven’t known before…

Comprehension, Understanding and/or Perceptive Intelligence.

o Adam and Eve’s “eyes” were opened to good and “evil” after they ate the forbidden fruit. (Genesis 3:5, 7)

o Hagar was able to “see” the well of water, when previously she could not, when she believed she was going to die of thirst. Genesis 21:19

o Abraham “saw” the ram caught in the thicket and understood that this was the sacrifice God would have him make on the altar, instead of Isaac. Genesis 22:13

•Seeing: Acceptability, Discernment, or Approval in the eyes of another.

o Noah found grace in the “eyes” of the Lord. Genesis 6:8;

o Others seeking “approval”. Genesis 34:11; 50:4; Exodus 15:26;

o Hidden from the “eyes”. Leviticus 4:13, Numbers 5:13

o Discernment by the one in authority. Leviticus 13:5, 37

•Seeing: Coveting certain things – an expression of what our heart may desire.

o Illustrated by Potiphar’s wife who “cast her eyes” on Joseph. Genesis 39:7

The Man of Sin will be able to “See” the People and Events of the world as it relates to him, in far more comprehension, understanding and ability to react, respond and retaliate, than any ruler has been able to “see” in the history of the world. He will be able to “keep watch” on almost everyone and know things that “get out of line” with his administration.

Special Information: His government will have full access to all the information that up-to-date data and multiple levels of surveillance can provide.

Supernatural Comprehension: He will have uncanny, supernatural “eyes” and powers that his spiritistic incarnation will give him. No one will be able to conspire against him without his awareness during his allotted time. He will seek out and destroy those who oppose him – especially believing Children of God.

Daniel 8:23c

…a king of bold face, one who understands riddles, shall arise.

Supported Supernatural Authority: He will have further authority, as world ruler, with continued affirmation from the False Prophet, who does miracles on his behalf and further forces allegiance to his person and government. (Rev. 13)

Matthew 24

24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

2 Thessalonians 2

9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing….

Sympathetic Emotions: He will have sympathy from the world because of his great accomplishments in “peaceful negotiations” and especially because of the “deadly wound” (Rev. 13:3,4,14) that was healed – certainly received while in “dedicated service” for “peace” in the world. The world will give him any support needed to do anything he pleases…including finding anyone opposed to his government. There will be no safe havens for those in opposition. He will have the power and authority to do as he wishes to anyone, without question.

Revelation 13:10 If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed.

He will see! Our world has already gone far beyond the world that George Orwell’s 1984 envisioned. Invasive government will be more and more of a reality than ever before, in the world dominated by the Man of Sin.

~ He Pridefully boasts in his self-centeredness: The Boastful Mouth full of blasphemies. He insists that all must call him “god.”

1. ◦He raises himself up above all things and makes himself to be equal to God, our Creator. As Satan has been given for a time the authority as the spiritual prince of the power of the air in this world (Eph. 2:2); ruler of the darkness of this world (Eph. 6:12); the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4); and power of darkness (Col. 1:13); so the Man of Sin wants to be physical dominator and ruler of all – he wants to be, as Satan who indwells him desires, to be “Beelzebul” the “lord of the house” – the lord of the world (Matt. 12:24).

Daniel 7

25 He shall speak words against the Most High,

and shall wear out the saints of the Most High.

Revelation 13

5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months [3 ½ years]. 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.

1. ◦He is a Proud, Bold, Unapologetic Boaster! But he does it in such a suave and mesmerizing way that the world loves it and calls him god!
Daniel 7

20 and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions.

Daniel 7:25b

… and shall think to change the times and the law;

and they shall be given into his hand

for a time, times, and half a time.

Daniel 11

36 “And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done. 37 He shall pay no attention to the gods of his fathers, or to the one beloved by women. He shall not pay attention to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all.

•He does as he wills.
•He exalts and magnifies himself above every god.
•He speaks astonishing things against the God of gods.
•He prospers until everything meant for his indignation, has been accomplished – what has been decreed is done.
•He magnifies himself above all.
•This man is so full of himself and asserts his authority over the whole earth that he makes himself an “all knowing god.”

Primary Identifiers of the Antichrist:

~ He is Power hungry: The Little Horn that gains world domination through deceit.

~ He is Perception thirsty: The Perceiving Eyes that see.

~ He is a Proud boaster: The Boastful Mouth full of prideful blasphemies.

Daniel 11:45b

…Yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him.

Conclusion

The Final Victory is with Jesus Christ!

Will believers be helpless and at the Man of Sin’s mercy during the final half of the Tribulation? Yes. Will they feel that all may be lost? Yes. Will they feel horribly discouraged and defeated? Most likely. God has told us in His Word that these things will come to pass. He has not left us without that knowledge.

Who is going to win? Believers suffering through this Great Tribulation will, as will all Believers in Jesus Christ, continue to have “The Blessed Hope!”

Jesus Christ, The Son of Man Is Given Dominion

Daniel 7

13 I saw in the night visions and behold, with the clouds of heaven

there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days

and was presented before him.

14 And 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 one that shall not be destroyed.

2 Thessalonians 2

7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.

Daniel 7

26 But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away,

to be consumed and destroyed to the end.

27 And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High;

their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.’

We have “read the final chapter” and know how the story of the history of the world will

turn out! There is complete and everlasting Victory in The Lord Jesus Christ!

We who are believers in Jesus Christ, hold on, by faith, to the certainty of

“The Blessed Hope!” We wait for the Glorious Appearing of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ! (Titus 2:13-14)

Additional Notes

The Times of the Tribulation

Prior to Jesus Christ return in Power and Glory, the Tribulation period is counted in exact days (in agreement with the Lunar/Hebrew 30-day month religious calendar, based on the cycles of the moon’s lunar phases, not the modern Gregorian 28/30/31-days per month solar calendar, based on the revolution of the earth around the sun).

•70 “sevens” or “weeks”, and the final “week” or “seven”

Daniel 9:24–27 (NIV84)

24 “Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy.

25 “Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. 26 After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. 27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”

•1,260 days (3 ½ years) Revelation 12:6 (these days and “time, times and half a time” are mentioned together, identifying what “time, times and half a time” means… in Rev. 12:6 and 14
•Time, Times and Half a Time (3 ½ years) Daniel 7:25; 12:6-7, 11-12; Revelation 12:14
•42 months (3 ½ years) Revelation 11:2b; 13:5-8
•1,290 days (3 ½ years plus one month, we assume to allow the setting up of the abomination) Daniel 12:11
•1,335 days (3 ½ years plus one month, we assume to allow for the setting up of abomination before, and 45 days following the 3 ½ year last half of the Tribulation, we think this may allow for the establishing of Christ’s new Millennium Kingdom following the defeat of the antichrist) Daniel 12:12.
•2,300 days Daniel 8:13,14 (see explanation above verses below)

All of these days, months and years add up to one factor: The seven-year Tribulation Period; and specifically, the last half of the Tribulation period is known as the Great Tribulation, “Jacob’s Trouble” (Jer. 30:7KJV) and the time of the outpouring of God’s Wrath on the world – will be a time of distress so great it has never before been seen in the history of the world.

Daniel 7:25

25 He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to achange the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for ba time, times, and half a time.

Daniel 12:6-7, 11-12

6 And someone said to othe man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream,3 p “How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?” 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a stime, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of tthe power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished. 8 I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” 9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, wfor the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.

Revelation 11:2b The conclusion of the “Times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24)

…for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for pforty-two months. [Equaling 3 ½ years or 1,260 days]

Revelation 12:6,14 Those redeemed in Israel (symbolically called “the woman” in this passage) are protected during this second half, 3 ½ year period, of the Tribulation known as the time of God’s “wrath”

6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for q1,260 days. [Equaling 3 ½ years in 30-day months (Lunar/Hebrew calendar) or 42 months]

14 But the woman was given the two gwings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished ifor a time, and times, and half a time.

Revelation 13:5-8 The “Beast” exercises his absolute authority 42 months

5 And the beast was given xa mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for yforty-two months. 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling,1 that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 Also it was allowed zto make war on the saints and to conquer them.2 And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8 and all awho dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in bthe book of life of cthe Lamb dthat was slain.

It seems the Temple will be build, enjoy a regular burnt offering, have that cut off and be faced with the abomination that makes desolate to the end of the tribulation for the period of 2,300 days before being restored again. If this is so, the temple construction may possibly begin at the time of the covenant and take some seven months to be built before it can begin to be used for the regular sacrifice, prior to the abomination. See Daniel 8:13-14 below.

Daniel 8

13 Then I heard ra holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one who spoke, s “For how long is the vision concerning the regular burnt offering, tthe transgression that makes desolate, and the giving over of the sanctuary and host to be trampled underfoot?” 14 And he said to me,3 “For 2,300 uevenings and mornings. Then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state.”

This exact time period of three and one half years is the final stand of evil on the earth…evil incarnated into the Man of Sin, his world domination and damnable mark. It all begins with “a covenant” he makes with Israel (Dan. 9:27). Half way through that seven year period, the antichrist breaks that covenant and takes over the temple (which he possibly negotiated building in the first place – predictably, at the time of “the covenant”), he sets up his image on a wing of the temple, the image becomes alive through the spiritistic, satanic power through the false prophet (Rev. 13:13-18) – the “abomination of desolation” is established and is now in place; the world economy and worship are consumed with the beast’s mark which is enforced on pain of death. Following the final and terrible three and one half years (1,260 days), from the setting up of the “abomination” (at which time the Man of Sin sets himself up as god), which “makes desolate.”

Then, Jesus returns in the clouds, in Power and great Glory!

Even so, Come Quickly, Lord Jesus!

a ch. 2:9, 21

b ch. 12:7; Rev. 12:14

o ch. 10:5; Ezek. 9:2

3 Or who was upstream; also

verse 7

p ch. 8:13

s ch. 7:25

t [ch. 8:24]

w [ver. 4]

p ch. 12:6; 13:5

q ch. 11:2; 13:5

g See Ex. 19:4

i Dan. 7:25; 12:7; See ver. 6

x Dan. 7:8, 11, 20; 11:36; [2 Thess. 2:4]

y ch. 11:2; 12:6

1 Or tabernacle

z ch. 11:7; 12:17; Dan. 7:21

2 Some manuscripts omit this sentence

a See ch. 3:10

b See ch. 3:5

c See ch. 5:6

d [Acts 2:23; 1 Pet. 1:19, 20]

r See ch. 4:13

s ch. 12:6; [Rev. 6:10]; See ch. 9:21-27

t See ch. 11:31

3 Hebrew; Septuagint, Theodotion, Vulgate to him

u [ver. 26]