♪ theme music ♪
(Derek) Welcome to Hope Sabbath School,
an in-depth, interactive study
of the Word of God.
We are concluding an amazing series
of studies on the book of Daniel.
I hope you've been with us
for the whole series.
If you've missed any,
go to our website, hopetv.org/hopess.
You can watch the entire series,
today, From Dust to Stars,
from death, resurrection, to glory;
it's an amazing future that is ours
through faith in Jesus.
Welcome to Hope Sabbath School today,
and welcome to our team, glad you're here.
It's going to be a great study.
We're praying that God would guide.
There are still some things in Daniel 12
that are a little challenging for us,
but one of the lessons
that we've learned in our series
is to see the big picture.
That is that there's a Most High God
who rules over the affairs of history,
and He is working out His divine purpose,
which is ultimately the plan of salvation
saving us as His redeemed people forever.
So, it's good news we're going
to study together today.
But before we do, I just want to say
thank you for being part
of our Hope Sabbath School family.
And here's a note from Bob;
thanks for writing from the Netherlands.
Bob says, "Hello, brothers and sisters
in the Hope Channel studio."
(Team) Hello!
(Derek) "As a family,
we enjoy Hope Sabbath School.
My wife and I use input
for our Sabbath School at our church
in Amsterdam North.
Your approach gives us the feeling
that we're joining with the whole team.
I'm afraid that your studio is too small
for all of the participants
on this beautiful planet," that's true.
By the way, we're in over 200 countries
around the world.
"That's why we're glad that your team
of 13 brothers and sisters
is a good reflection
of all the beautiful people in the world."
Take a look at each other;
you don't all look the same.
We come from many different countries
and backgrounds,
and that's what Bob's saying;
it's good to see that we're all part
of the world family of God.
"We thank God for Hope Sabbath School
and all of the team.
Be blessed and stay blessed."
Well, Bob, thanks for writing to us
from the Netherlands.
It's good to hear from you,
and God bless you in your ministry there.
Here's a note again from Jamaica.
We have a lot of Jamaicans, Nicole,
watching Hope Sabbath School.
I think we must have hundreds of thousands
just in Jamaica.
(Nicole) That's right.
(Derek) "We listen to Hope Sabbath School
on a regular basis.
As soon as my husband,
who had a stroke some years ago,
hears your voices,
he says, 'Don't change the channel.
It's Hope Sabbath School!'
We're learning so much
from your Spirit-filled Hope
Sabbath School team.
A special thanks; may God
continue to bless you all.
Enclosed, find a small donation."
Well, thanks so much
for writing to us from Jamaica
and for your prayerful support.
Here's a note from a donor in Montana
in the United States of America.
Some of you lived in Montana
at some point.
"Keep up the good work."
Now, this is interesting
because many people
who watch Hope Sabbath School
get involved in ministry,
which is what God wants.
"Over four years ago, four of us
felt led to start a small group
to reach out to missing members,"
people who used to walk with Jesus,
used to be part of a spiritual fellowship,
but they're gone.
"The first year saw over 100 visits
by our small group,
and two people were baptized."
(Team) Amen.
(Derek) "God has continued
to bless this tiny group.
Each member gives back to the group
and teaches.
Hope Sabbath School is really a help to us
to feel capable to lead out.
Thank you for all that God provides,"
and the donor sent a gift of 100 dollars
to help Hope Sabbath School.
Well, we want to send a gift back to you.
I won't mention the name,
a couple there in Montana,
but we want to send a gift back
and say, "We're going to be praying
for you and your small group.
That is a ministry that is blessed by God.
Thoko, Thokozile is the full name,
but Thoko writes from South Africa
and says, "I'd like to thank you
for Hope Sabbath School
and especially the theme songs
because that's the best way
I and my daughters learn
to memorize the Bible.
The lessons are the best way
to start our week.
I was glad to be introduced
to the Seventh-day Adventist faith in 2004
and I was baptized in 2008,
and I've never looked back."
(Team) Amen.
(Derek) "Thank you for making
the Bible study so simple
and straight to the heart.
We love your team."
Well, Thoko, thanks for writing to us,
and God bless you for not looking back.
Didn't Jesus say something
about not looking back
when you decide to follow Him?
One last note, from Kabwe, Kabwe
in the great country of Zambia.
Lots of Hope Sabbath School members
in Zambia.
"My name's Kabwe;
I'm a Sabbath School teacher
at my local church,
and I like your approach
to the study of the Bible.
I've adopted the same approach,
and everyone is enjoying my class
and eagerly looking forward
to the next week!
The class is growing each Sabbath.
My 10-year-old daughter Natasha
always enjoys singing the Scripture songs
along with you.
She sends greetings to Jason,"
well, Jason, would you wave to Natasha,
she's 10 years old, in Zambia,
"and to the rest of you.
May God continue blessing your ministry."
Well, Kabwe and Natasha,
we are thankful that you're part
of our Hope Sabbath School family.
And, actually, Natasha, 10 years old,
we need you to help us
sing our theme song.
It's taken from Daniel,
chapter 2, verses 20 to 23.
If you don't have it, by the way,
you can download it from our website,
but let's sing it together now.
♪ music ♪
(Derek) I always remember
someone telling me, if they were
ever asked a difficult question
from the Bible,
they would just say, "I think I'll ask
Jesus that question when I see Him."
And that's a good answer, isn't it?
Because, if we study all of the Scripture
but we don't plan to meet Jesus with joy,
we've missed everything.
As we study Daniel, chapter 12,
From Dust to Stars, we're going to see
that God's greatest desire is that we
be part of that redeemed throng.
Let's pray the Holy Spirit
will guide us in our study today.
Father in Heaven, thank You so much
for this amazing book of Daniel.
You inspired the prophet Daniel,
first as a young man
and throughout his life,
to record faithfully messages
given by You,
not only for the blessing
of his people in his day,
but for throughout the history
of the plan of salvation,
You have blessed those
looking forward to the Prince
of the covenant,
the Messiah Jesus, who would come.
And for us now living
in the very last days of Earth's history,
this book is so relevant.
So, as we study from Daniel,
chapter 12, today,
may Your Holy Spirit be our Teacher,
may lives be transformed, blessed forever,
is our prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
(Team) Amen.
(Derek) Daniel, chapter 12,
if you have your Bible open
to that chapter,
we've got 13 verses.
That's a lot less than the 45
in chapter 11,
but there are some powerful insights,
and so let's begin with verse 1
of Daniel, chapter 12.
And, Pedro, would you
begin our study today?
(Pedro) Yes, I'll be reading
from the New King James Version,
Daniel 12, verse 1:
(Derek) Now, we're going to come
to what the book is,
but that's the most important message
of Daniel,
is that God wants us to be part
of those who are delivered. Amen?
(Team) Amen.
(Derek) But Michael stands up,
the great Prince.
Where have we heard of Michael before,
here in the book of Daniel?
(Christian) In chapter 10.
(Derek) Okay. He comes
to the aid of Gabriel,
who is a covering cherub
but needs some help
because a force opposed to God,
described as the prince of Persia,
not talking about a human monarch there;
there's a spiritual battle going on,
and Michael comes to the aid of Gabriel.
But He's also called the great Prince.
Christian, when you hear that,
"the great Prince,"
that's also Daniel's language, isn't it?
Where do you hear
that great Prince language?
(Christian) Yes, in Daniel,
chapter 10, verse 13,
he's referred to as the chief Prince.
(Derek) Okay, the chief Prince.
Is there another verse, though,
that you can think of that's important
in speaking about the Prince? Yes, Travis?
(Travis) Daniel, chapter 9, verse 25.
(Derek) Would you read that for us?
We've been studying chapter by chapter.
By the way, while you're finding that,
I want to speak
to our Hope Sabbath School family.
We've got a great series
on Daniel and Revelation,
chapter by chapter.
Go to HopeBibleStudy.org
because we're not done with our study
just because we're finishing this series.
HopeBibleStudy.org is a free
Bible study series for you.
But Daniel 9 and verse 25
speaks about the Prince.
Would you read it for us?
(Travis) And I'll be reading
from the New King James Version:
(Derek) So, is it possible that Michael
is none other than Messiah,
is that possible?
(Team) It is.
(Derek) What does the name...
We've got to be careful
because some people might get
confused here, right,
because He's called the Archangel, right?
What does the name Michael mean?
Anybody know? Christian?
(Christian) It means, "Who is like God."
(Derek) "Who is like God."
El, you've got "El" there, Michael, right?
"Who is like God."
That's a significant name, by the way.
Archangel, does that automatically mean
that Michael is a created being? Pedro?
(Pedro) We see that the word angel
in the Bible
is described as not only
as a heavenly being
but also as humans and God.
You know, God, sends the angels,
the messengers of God.
(Derek) Okay, so the word aggelos
(ANG-eh-los) in the Greek,
and in the Hebrew the word
translated angel
can mean messenger, okay?
Because angels are created beings, right?
Both those who are still faithful to God
and those who revolted against God,
they're created; we know that
because it speaks of Lucifer,
"From the day you were created," right?
But Michael, someone might say,
"It can't be Messiah," Jonathan,
"because we do not believe
that the Son of God is created," right?
And Messiah is not created;
He's from eternity past;
"In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God."
That's the One who "became flesh
and dwelt among us."
So, He's from eternity past. Jonathan?
(Jonathan) Just the multiple times
in the Old Testament
where you see "the angel of the Lord,"
used in language that obviously hints
at this Being being worshiped,
being considered to be God,
so that that tradition
is already laid out in Scripture.
(Derek) Maybe not tradition,
but the pattern, right?
By the way, in Revelation,
when there's a real angel
that someone tries to worship,
the angel says what?
"Don't do it. Worship..."?
(Team) God.
(Derek) Worship God. Yes, Christian.
(Christian) A very interesting insight
that I have seen is that in
the book of Joshua, chapter 5,
Joshua is confronted by the Commander
of the army of the Lord.
And those words "Commander" and "Prince,"
are actually the same Hebrew word.
And so that gives us an insight as well.
(Derek) All right. I think
it's in the little book of Jude,
which only has one chapter,
so Jude, verse 9,
that Michael appears again, right?
I think that's where He's called
the Archangel, is that right?
Could someone find that little book,
right before the book of Revelation.
Let me know when you've found it.
Nicole, it looks like you have it there.
So I don't have to say, "chapter 1,"
because there's only 1, so Jude, verse 9.
(Nicole) The New International
Version says:
(Derek) And we could go
to Deuteronomy 34 where it says
the Lord buried him and...
speaking about Moses,
but we don't have time for that right now.
But I think that's the only place
where archangel is mentioned,
archangel and Michael together,
the Commander, Christian, you said,
of the angelic host, all right?
He stands up, and it's over, right?
I mean, there's something very significant
about when the Commander
of the angelic host stands up. Travis.
(Travis) And I would also like
to point out that Malachi 3:1 refers
to Jesus the Messiah as a Messenger.
(Derek) Okay. All right, so a messenger
can apply to a variety of people, right?
In fact, are we not also messengers?
The three angels flying
in the midst of heaven
are not actually angels, they're people,
and they're flying because it's urgent,
and they're "crying out
with a loud voice."
Well, we want to continue.
The significance of Michael standing up,
what's the significance
of Michael standing up?
Is there some significance to that?
Help me, someone. Standing up. Sean?
(Sean) One thing to consider
is that you can stand up
in a judgment type of sense.
So, you understand, "This is it.
I have the final say,"
when it comes over to, "The great Prince
who stands watch over the sons
of your people."
The other one could be
in more of a commander sense
where He's going to have
some actions that take place
based on what follows in the chapter.
(Derek) Right, and I want
to come to the book,
but in verse 2 it does
talk about those "who sleep
in the dust will arise."
So, this is not like, "Somewhere
along the way."
This is at the end, right,
when Michael stands up. Travis?
(Travis) We talked in previous studies
about the Day of Atonement
and judgment beginning in 1844,
and so this talking about Michael
standing up
is the ending of that judgment.
We talked about the sheep
and the goats, you know, being...
(Derek) So, if we were to use
the language of Revelation,
and we've been saying Daniel
and Revelation should be studied together,
it's when the judgment concludes
and, "It is finished."
"It is finished." Yes, Pedro.
(Pedro) Even in chapter 7, verse 10,
the courts were seated.
The judgment started at that point,
and now, when Jesus stands up,
basically court is (adjourned).
(Derek) Alright, now I've
got to get to this book
because if someone misses everything else,
I want them to know
how they can get their name in the book.
So, remember we read about the book.
All right, it's at the end of the verse,
"Every one who is found
written in the book will be delivered."
So, what is the book
that it's talking about?
Well, are there various books, Christian,
that are mentioned?
(Christian) Well, this particular book
would be the Book of Life.
(Derek) And where do we
find out about the Book of Life?
It doesn't call it the Book of LIfe,
but it's obviously the Book of Life
because those whose names
are in it are...?
(Derek, Team) Delivered.
(Derek) They're going to live, right?
Where do we learn about that?
Maharani, could you take us to Revelation?
Keep our place there in Daniel.
Remember we're studying
these books together.
Right at the end, Revelation, chapter 20,
verse 12 and verse 15
talk about a Book of Life.
Would you read, starting
in Revelation 20 and verse 12?
(Maharani) Okay, and I will be reading
from the New King James Version:
(Derek) And then verse 15
of the same chapter.
(Maharani) Verse 15:
(Derek) Would you say it's good
to be written in the Book? Absolutely.
So now the next question,
and this is really important.
Some of you might say, "Derek,
I know that," but let's say someone
is watching for the first time.
Amy, how do I get my name in the book?
Well, would you look at another verse
with us in Revelation, still,
chapter 13, verse 8,
and 21, verse 27, because it speaks
a little more about this Book of Life.
Revelation, chapter 20 and verse 12.
Excuse me; I'm backtracking.
Revelation 13, verse 8, and 21,
verse 27, thank you.
(Amy) Revelation 13, verse 8, and I'm
reading from New King James, and it says:
(Derek) And then chapter 21, verse 27,
giving us a little more information
about this Book of Life.
(Amy) Chapter 21, verse 27,
again New King James Version:
(Derek) So, what additional information
do you see there, Heide,
that wasn't in the previous verse
we read in Revelation, chapter 20?
(Heide) It tells you certain things
that you should abstain from,
certain things...
(Derek) Oh, it does that, too,
but I'm talking about the book itself.
It's called, not just the Book
of Life, but...
(Team Member) The Lamb's.
(Derek) The Lamb's Book of Life,
that's right.
Who's the Lamb in the book of Revelation?
(Team) Jesus.
(Derek) Jesus is the Lamb, right?
You go back to Revelation, chapter 4.
And, of course, even back to the Gospels,
when John the Baptist
sees the Messiah coming, he shouts out...?
(Derek, Team) "Lamb of God."
(Derek) That's all part
of that ceremonial system
pointing to the Messiah to come, right?
So, it's not just the Book of Life,
it's the...?
(Derek, Team) Lamb's Book of Life.
(Derek) That means it's the Book of Jesus,
right, the Savior.
How do I get my name in the book, Amy?
(Amy) To accept His death as yours.
(Derek) So, I'm accepting Jesus as my...?
(Team) Savior.
(Derek) The word is redeemed, right?
They're going to be redeemed.
I'm accepting Jesus as my Redeemer,
as my Savior,
and I'm simply saying, "Lord Jesus,
write my name in Your book," right?
How many does Jesus want to be saved?
(Team) All.
(Derek) Everybody.
Who will be saved?
(Team) All who choose Jesus.
(Derek) All who choose
to accept the gift of salvation.
So, would it be true, then,
that when we accept the gift of salvation,
our name is written in the book?
(Team) Amen.
(Derek) So, maybe someone's watching,
and they go, "I don't know if I did that.
I grew up in a Christian home;
I believe that Jesus is the Messiah;
I believe He's coming back again in glory;
I want to be ready.
I don't know if I ever asked Him
to write my name in the book!"
Do we have to know
that we made that decision,
what do you think?
Or is it okay to be...?
What do you think, Maharani?
Do I need to know?
(Maharani) "Believe" is
a really strong word,
so, if you believe something,
it influences your actions, your decisions
and choices in life.
And so, if someone accepts Jesus
as their Savior,
it influences their entire life
to reflect God's character.
(Derek) So, would it be possible
to say, "I don't remember
exactly when I did that,
but I'm living for Jesus,
and my heart's surrendered to Jesus.
So, I know I must have done it somewhere,
and so my name's in the Book"?
Or, Christian, do you think it's important
to be able to mark that time,
what do you think?
(Christian) Well, the Apostle John,
in his epistle, 1 John, chapter 5,
writes it in the simplest way...
(Derek) Would you like to read it?
(Christian) Sure.
(Derek) Tell us where it's found
before we start.
Give us a moment to find it.
(Christian) I'm reading
from the New King James Version,
and this is 1 John, chapter 5,
and I'll read verses 11 and 12.
(Derek) All right, give us
a moment to find that,
1 John, chapter 5:11-12.
So this would be, you'd say,
the way that I get my name
written in the Lamb's Book of Life?
(Christian) The simplest way.
(Derek) Okay, this is important.
Let's hear what it says.
(Christian) It says, verse 11,
"And this is the testimony:
That God has given us eternal life,
and this life," which is eternal life,
"is in His Son."
Verse 12:
(Derek) So, you would say,
back to what Amy said.
When I say, "Jesus, be my Savior" -
Jesus redeemed, to use
the word of Daniel,
right, the redeemed? -
"Redeem me, forgive me of my sins,
save me" - then that's when my name
is written in the Book of Life.
You know, I would agree with you, Nicole.
If I have any question about that,
just do it.
If I have any question,
"I don't know if I ever asked,"
would you say, "Just do it today." Amy?
(Amy) And I think we need
to do it on a daily basis,
because the choices that we make
can either turn us towards
or away from God...
(Derek) So, I want to challenge that
just a little bit,
though I understand what you're saying,
because I ought to not wake up
wondering if my name's in the Book.
But what can I do every day?
(Christian) Invite Jesus to come
into your heart.
(Derek) Can I also thank Him
that my name's in the book,
you know, right?
"Thank You for writing
my name in the book,
and be in my heart,
Lord of my life today." Sure, Victoria?
(Victoria) You also have to live your life
according to the Word of God.
(Derek) We do, and yet that comes
out of a living connection with Him,
like Maharani was saying, right?
And this is crucial.
We don't get our names written in the Book
by how we're doing.
Otherwise we'd all be in serious trouble.
"For by grace we've been saved
through faith."
But when we have that living connection
with Jesus,
Maharani said it changes
everything, right?
It changes the way we live.
One of my favorite preachers said,
"I'm not the man I should be,
but I praise God I'm not the man
I used to be;
I've been changed,"
so that transformation,
for sure, does occur.
Well, in this same verse...
By the way, this is packed;
I thought we only had 13 verses, Pedro,
but there's this time of trouble
such as never was; Michael stands up.
What is that talking about?
What is this time of trouble?
Is this a spiritual battle,
or is it a little trouble, Christian?
(Christian) This is a reference
to a time period that Revelation,
chapters 15 and 16, refer to,
the seven last plagues.
(Derek) So, it's real,
literal troubled time.
By the way, are God's people
sheltered from those plagues,
or do they experience them, too,
with everybody else?
(Team) Sheltered.
(Derek) They're sheltered, Travis?
Well, it says "delivered," right?
(Travis) In the book of Psalms,
Psalm 91 is written specifically
about that event.
And only with the eyes
will the righteous see the destruction.
(Derek) Is that where, "A thousand
may fall at your right hand
and ten thousand..." Yes, Christian.
(Christian) I might even say, though,
that they are sheltered
because they're not delivered
until the end of the plagues.
So, during the plagues,
they truly are sheltered.
God shelters them through the trouble,
and then delivers them at the very end.
(Derek) Okay, so it may seem like
the whole world is falling apart,
because it is,
but our deliverance is sure.
(Team) Amen.
(Derek) Yes, Pedro.
(Pedro) I think in Psalm 27 we find,
talking about the time of trouble,
how we'll be delivered.
(Derek) Would you read that for us?
This is a psalm of David.
You know, my wife likes
to write Scripture songs,
and she's actually composed
quite a few songs for these
because we don't know
the original tunes from these,
but they would sing these songs, right?
Are you reading verses 4 and 5
of Psalm 27?
And how does that read in your Bible?
(Pedro) I'll be reading
from the New King James Version,
Psalm 27, verse 4:
Verse 5:
(Derek) And there's another Psalm
that says, "The Lord is my hiding place,"
which would reinforce, Christian,
what you're saying.
Things may be happening all around us,
but if the Lord is our hiding place,
we don't need to be afraid.
Now, have you ever met someone
that was really afraid
of, like, the end time
and the seven last plagues,
and, you know, it's every island
moved out of its place?
I mean, that's Revelation, isn't it?
It seems like a fearful time.
What word of assurance would you give
to someone who feels, "Ooh!
I don't want to go through that"?
Have you ever met anyone like that?
You said, "It's me."
Evelyn, what would you say?
Maybe a friend comes to you at university,
and they say, "I'm just terrified
about all of that with the plagues,
and the elements melting
with fervent heat."
Of course, that happens later,
but, you know, just fearful
about this time of trouble
"such as never was."
(Evelyn) One assurance that we have
in the Bible is the Israelites
during the time of Moses,
they also went through a series
of 10 plagues in their time,
and God delivered His people.
Everyone around them
that didn't trust in the Lord,
they perished, and they did suffer
the consequences of the plagues.
But those people who followed God
and had Him in their hearts
were completely saved
from any of that destruction.
(Derek) And back to the salvation issue,
the tenth plague, when the death angel
flew over,
what did they have to do
if they were choosing God's redemption?
(Team) Put blood on their doorposts.
(Derek) A lamb was slayed,
which, you know, lambs can't save you;
it's pointing forward to...?
(Team) Jesus.
(Derek) The Lamb of God, right, Jesus,
and where did they put the blood?
(Team) Doorposts.
(Derek) Do you know, anyone
who chose to go in was protected?
Right? Isn't that right?
Including the firstborn, so he was glad
that his father put the blood
over the doorpost, right?
We could spend a lot of time there,
but we won't.
All right, so here is
this time of trouble,
but if we are standing
under the protection of our Savior,
we don't need to be afraid.
Something else is going to happen, though.
Verse 2, and, Jonathan,
would you read that for us
in Daniel, chapter 12 and verse 2?
Michael stands up;
we've considered that symbolism,
and there is a time of trouble,
but what do you read in verse 2?
(Jonathan) All right, I'll be reading
from the English Standard Version:
(Derek) Is there any other prophet
in the Bible who speaks
of death as a sleep?
Do you say, "Well, is Jesus a prophet?"
Yeah, well, He's Prophet, Priest,
and King, isn't He? And Messiah.
Does Jesus speak of death as a sleep?
(Team) Yes.
(Derek) Where does Jesus
speak of death as a sleep?
In John, chapter 11.
Shall we take a moment? Is it important?
A lot of people have misunderstandings
about what happens when we die,
don't they?
John, chapter 11, verses 11 to 14.
Amy, would you be able
to read that for us?
This is a great story of God
raising a man named Lazarus from the dead,
but let's look at verses 11 to 14.
(Amy) John, chapter 11, verses 11 to 14,
and this is the New King James Version:
(Derek) So, Jesus speaks
of death as a sleep.
If death is a sleep, resurrection
would be...?
(Team) Waking up.
(Derek) Waking someone up
from their sleep.
A lot more we could look at there,
but in this passage where it speaks
about those who sleep in the dust
shall awake,
it speaks about two resurrections
in Daniel.
Is that found anywhere else
in Scripture? Christian?
(Christian) Yes, it is;
in the New Testament, Jesus Himself
spoke of that in John, chapter 5.
(Derek) Let's take a look at that.
You know, I always like to hear
what Jesus has to say.
As a follower of Jesus,
what He says is important.
And so He's spoken about death
as a sleep.
He's spoken about waking people up
from their sleep, resurrection,
What does He say in John, chapter 5?
Will you be reading verses 25, 28 and 29?
Could you read those three verses for us?
(Christian) Sure, I'm reading
from the New King James Version,
John, chapter 5, verse 25, says:
And then verse 28, He says:
Verse 29:
(Derek) Oh, there's so much there;
I just want to speak
to our Hope Sabbath School members again
because you've got to understand
Revelation, chapter 20
(so, remember HopeBibleStudy.org,
chapter by chapter, Daniel and Revelation)
speaks about those two resurrections
being separated by a thousand years,
right?
(Team) Right.
(Derek) Can't go into all
of those details here,
but here it speaks
about being raised from the dead.
What's the timing, Sean,
of that resurrection?
It speaks about Michael standing up.
Are there any other Bible verses
that speak about when that resurrection
takes place?
(Sean) I think, 1 Thessalonians.
(Derek) First Thessalonians, chapter 4?
Let's take a look at that together.
Verses 13, we could read
all the way to the end of the chapter,
but let's read 13 to 16,
which, as Sean pointed out,
talks about the timing.
We'd learn it from Daniel, wouldn't we?
Daniel says, Michael stands up,
time of trouble, resurrection.
But let's see how the Apostle Paul
writes to Christians in Thessalonica.
(Sean) Sure, I'll be reading
from the New King James Version:
(Derek) I like verse 17,
that, "We who are alive and remain
will be caught up,"
but I'm just going to have
to hold it right there.
It happens when Christ returns in glory.
So, Michael stands up,
returns in glory, resurrection, right?
(Jonathan) And it says archangel.
(Derek) Ah! And it speaks
about the voice of the archangel.
It also speaks in verse 13
about those who sleep.
So it's using this same language
that we find in Daniel, chapter 12.
I'm going to pause and make this
a little more personal, if I can.
Is there someone that you want
to talk to on that day
to tell them how gracious God was to you?
Is there someone that comes
to your mind, Nicole, that you want
to talk to on that day?
(Nicole) My mother.
(Derek) What do you want
to tell your mother?
(Nicole) "Thank you for praying for me
because I'm here with you now."
(Derek) Now, what someone may not know,
because we get lots
of Hope Sabbath School members
joining all along,
is there something important
that your mother didn't know?
Tell us that very briefly.
(Nicole) I mean, of course,
she's been asleep for 20 years,
but she didn't know
that I would come around
and give my life to Christ the way I have.
And when she passed (and she fell asleep),
I was in a different place than I am now.
I was definitely much more worldly
than I am today in terms
of my activities and my behaviors.
And I think she would be very pleased
that her prayers were heard on high,
and that I've turned my life around,
and I'm now a disciple for Christ.
(Derek) Somebody say amen.
(Team) Amen!
(Derek) Isn't that awesome?
I think there are going to be a whole lot
of people happy.
Some others could say, "I have something,"
maybe someone watching somewhere
around the world saying, "I have
someone, because I want to tell them
that their prayers for me
were not wasted," right?
Sometimes prayers are answered
after a person falls asleep.
I do believe those prayers are not wasted.
Well, we're going to keep going here.
We're just moving on to verse 4
of Daniel, chapter 12.
Why do you think this instruction
is given to Daniel?
Daniel, chapter 12, verse 4,
and verse 9 repeats it again.
And, Jason, would you read that for us?
(Jason) Sure, I'll be reading
from the New King James Version,
Daniel, chapter 12, verse 4 and verse 9:
And then verse 9:
(Derek) Now, there is a difference
between the time of the end
and the end of time.
The end of time is...?
(Team Member) When Jesus returns.
(Derek) That's it, right?
That's the end of time.
But there is a period
before the end of time
which is referred to in Scripture
as the time of the end.
Why would such an important book
be sealed up
for many, many, many centuries?
We're talking sixth century, BC,
until the closing part of Earth's history?
Why would the angel give that instruction,
"Seal it up until the time of the end"?
I thought all Scripture was given
by inspiration of God and is profitable,
so help me with that?
Did it mean that no one
should really study it?
Is that what it meant, "Seal it up,"?
What do you think? Sean?
(Sean) I just think there are things
that had to be fulfilled
for you to fully understand.
I shouldn't use "fully,"
but for you to understand
or comprehend a little bit more.
So, it's almost like you have
this letter that's written,
and it's on its way to get to you,
and things have transpired,
and by the time you get it,
it makes more sense
because you see things being fulfilled.
(Derek) Some people have told me that you
really only fully understand prophecy
after it's fulfilled, and you look back.
Now, I think we can see
the signs, for example,
but is it possible that we
don't have it all 100 percent right?
And we might say, "I need
to keep studying,"
because maybe some things
are a little different
from what I thought. Travis?
(Travis) The prophecies here
are specifically talking
about the judgment part
of Daniel that's sealed up,
and that, as we've studied through Daniel,
referred to the time of the end
when the warning would go out,
even in Revelation, chapter 14,
that judgment has come.
And so, it says that knowledge,
in verse 4, knowledge will increase,
and literature proves this to be true.
From 1798 on, the knowledge
of the judgment part
of Daniel's 2,300 days,
hundreds and hundreds of books
have been written about that.
Prior to that, there's hardly
one piece of literature
to even explain that.
It's an amazing revelation.
(Derek) And that resurgence of interest
in studying Bible prophecy
was across the globe, right?
People around the world
with this interest, this sense
that we're living in the time
of the end. Jason.
(Jason) That also came about
because of various technological advances.
So, one of the reasons you didn't have
a lot of books on these types of things
was because you didn't have
that many books, period.
So history also played a role
in this as well.
(Derek) So, you've answered my question,
when the prophecies were unsealed;
did Daniel understand any of this
when he was writing it down?
Oh, the angel explained some of it
to him, didn't he?
(Team) Yes.
(Derek) Yes, but some of it
made him feel sick.
It made him feel weak.
So, it would be fair to say
he didn't understand it all, right?
But it was still revealed to him.
Well, that makes me feel better
because I don't understand it all either.
But did he understand the big picture?
(Team) Yes.
(Derek) What did he know for sure?
(Team) God wins.
(Derek) God wins, right.
Most High God rules; God wins.
He's going to set up a kingdom.
The saints of the Most High
will inherit the kingdom
forever and ever. Amy?
(Amy) I'm just thinking
about not understanding and understanding.
It's of great comfort to me to recognize
that the same Holy Spirit
who inspired Daniel to write this
is the same Holy Spirit
that is helping me to understand
and will open my eyes and my insight
into what God has to tell me.
(Derek) Can you think of a promise
that supports what Amy just said?
That the same Holy Spirit
who inspired the prophets to write
wants to help us to understand.
Can anybody think of a Bible text
that supports that? Jonathan.
I agree with you, Amy; you're right.
I just want to know
where that's found in the Scriptures.
Jonathan, where are you thinking?
(Jonathan) Jeremiah 33:3?
(Derek) Jeremiah 33 and verse 3, okay.
That's one of my favorite Scripture songs.
But you're saying this shows
that God wants to help us
to understand what the Holy Spirit
has inspired someone to write.
Will you read for us
from Jeremiah 33 and verse 3?
(Jonathan) Sure. I'm reading
from the English Standard Version:
(Derek) Okay, now He could give you
a vision or dream, right?
But He could also point you
to the revelation that's already
been given, right?
So that's a great one,
Jeremiah 33, verse 3.
I was thinking of another one. Christian?
(Christian) In John, chapter 16,
verse 13...
(Derek) That's the one I was thinking of!
That's a promise of Jesus, isn't it?
(Christian) Yes, Jesus Himself...
(Derek) John, chapter 16, and verse 13?
(Christian) Yes, I could read that
for you; I'm reading
from the New King James Version.
Jesus Himself said in John 16, verse 13:
(Derek) I remember one time
someone said to me, "I don't
need the Bible anymore;
I have the Holy Spirit."
It's like, "Wait a minute.
The Holy Spirit is the One
who inspired the prophets
to write this down,
and He's not going to tell you
His own things."
In fact, doesn't it say that He will...
"The things that I have said,"
where is that, that, "He will
show you these things,
not His own things."
So He's going to point us
back to Scripture.
He's going to help us to understand
what has been revealed.
So, that's a precious promise, isn't it,
for each one of us.
Well, we want to go
to the closing revelation,
here in the book.
Notice Daniel and Revelation go together.
We're in Daniel, chapter 12,
beginning with verse 5.
Daniel, chapter 12, Christian,
would you read that for us,
starting in verse 5?
I would wish it just got really simple,
but Daniel's not done sharing
some revelation with us.
Let's see what he says.
(Christian) Again, I'm reading
from the New King James Version,
Daniel, chapter 12, verse 5:
Verse 6:
Verse 7:
Verse 8:
Verse 11:
Verse 13:
(Derek) So, it starts with the "time,
and the times and half a time,"
and then it throws in 1290 days,
which, if we know Bible prophecy key,
is 1290 years.
And just in case you didn't have
it all settled yet,
I'm going to throw in a 1,335 years.
And you say, "Oh, I guess there's more
that we need to learn."
But where have we heard the "time,
times, and half a time,"
or dividing of time?
Where have we heard that before, Pedro?
(Pedro) We found this
in Daniel and Revelation,
referring to the time
of the period of Rome, Papal Rome,
destroying.
The little horn power.
(Derek) Okay, and in Revelation,
in Revelation, is it 12:14
where the earth provides
a place for the woman?
And what's that talking about?
We've got to study
Daniel and Revelation together,
where lest the faithful would all perish,
the earth, not the sea but the earth,
that means where there weren't
any people, right,
opens up and provides shelter
for the people of God.
Many see that as being fulfilled
in the New World where many pilgrims came
seeking religious freedom
to what we now call
the United States of America,
which grew up where there weren't
any people.
By the way, there are some things
in Revelation about this beast
that speaks like a lamb
and then starts acting
like a dragon, right?
So, there's so much more we have to learn,
but what I want to ask you is...
"Oh, I don't think I understand
all of that."
Is there a promise that would be
an encouragement to people
as we're wrapping up our study
who are saying, "Oh, now more things
that I need to figure out,
1,290, 1,335..."
Look at the words of Jesus
in John, chapter 16 and verse 4.
Christian read earlier
from the words of Jesus
a little later in that chapter, right,
in verse 13.
Maharani, would you read verse 4 for us?
(Maharani) All right, and I'll be reading
from the New King James Version:
(Derek) "So, I'm not going to tell you
everything right now,
but don't be stressed out
about that," okay?
In fact, the Apostle Paul...
Victoria, maybe you could find
1 Corinthians for us, chapter 13
and verse 12,
in this wonderful chapter about love,
and that's not just talking
about human love between one and another
but the agape love of God, you know.
"These three remain, faith, hope and love,
and the greatest of these is..."?
(Team) Love.
(Derek) The greatest is love,
and that is the love of God,
the immeasurable, unfailing love of God.
And if we have a relationship with Him,
then His love can be revealed through us.
But I want you to note, Victoria,
if you would,
1 Corinthians 13 and verse 12,
what does that say?
(Victoria) I'll be reading
from the New King James Version,
1 Corinthians 13:12:
(Derek) Now, they tell me
that back in those days,
they didn't have the kind
of mirrors we have today.
Do you know how the mirrors
were constructed back then?
Polished metal, right? Polished metal.
And, "Oh, I think I see a face there,"
but I only see it...?
(Team) Dimly.
(Derek) Dimly, right?
It's not like, "Whew!" I see it dimly.
Paul's saying that's kind of how
it is with us.
We see, but we don't see everything.
So, how do we learn
to live with that? Amy?
That we see, but we don't see everything.
(Amy) Through faith and trust.
(Derek) Faith and trust in Jesus,
right? Christian?
(Christian) One of the promises
that speaks to me the most in this context
is found in 2 Timothy, chapter 1, verse 7.
(Derek) Okay.
(Christian) Second Timothy,
chapter 1, verse 7.
(Derek) Can we read that together?
Give us a moment to find it.
This is the Apostle Paul
writing to a young Hope
Sabbath School member.
He was a young man,
passionate about sharing
the gospel, right?
And in this letter, this is
kind of a long text message,
what is he saying in 2 Timothy 1
and verse 7?
(Christian) Reading from the New
King James Version, Paul wrote,
"For God has not given us
a spirit of fear,
but of power," and I love to think,
as opposed to powerless,
you know, as we saw Satan's lies,
so God is speaking truth and power
"and of love," like we just read
in 1 Corinthians 13,
"and of a sound mind."
So God is promising a sound mind
as opposed to confusion.
So God wants to speak clarity
so that we can understand
the things that are to come.
(Derek) So, would you say then,
even if I don't understand everything
in the book of Daniel
or Revelation or somewhere else...
By the way, I am so thankful
for the Gospels, Matthew, Mark,
Luke and John,
which, even those are quite deep,
especially the Gospel of John,
but we ought to go
to the simple, clear teaching of Scripture
as well as wrestling with some
of these complex portions.
But I hear Christian saying,
"Don't give up," right?
Keep praying, keep...?
(Travis) Studying.
(Derek) Studying, right?
"Be diligent to show yourself
approved unto God."
And the Holy Spirit
"will lead us into all truth."
Does that mean we'll know
everything about everything?
(Team) No.
(Derek) What does it mean,
"into all truth"?
(Heide) I think Jesus is
the way and the truth.
(Derek) Ah, so you would say
it would lead us to Him
and to truth that He wants us
to know for today.
You know, we call that "present truth,"
right, Sean? Present truth.
He will lead us to the truth
we need to know,
but He is the truth
that the Spirit leads us to.
Thank you. Travis?
(Travis) We can be confident
that He will lead us
into all the necessary truth
to equip us to be in Heaven.
(Derek) All right, because that's
the goal, right?
(Derek) So, we've got a few minutes left.
The most important lesson
you've learned today?
Victoria, what's the most important lesson
you've learned from our study today?
(Victoria) That we don't have to fear
during the trial and tribulation
because we have Christ on our side.
(Derek) Amen. "Time of trouble
such as never was,"
instead of being afraid, it's like,
"Hallelujah, it's almost over!"
(Team) Amen.
(Derek) Am I am hidden, right?
I'm in that hiding place
under His tabernacle.
Someone else, most important lesson
you've learned. Maharani?
(Maharani) For the book of Daniel,
you think of, like, symbols,
and all these things, and numbers,
but everything points back to Jesus.
So, it's really simple.
(Derek) To the Messiah, right?
To the One that the ancients
looked forward to.
We look back; we have
a big advantage, don't we, look back to.
Another lesson. Heide.
(Heide) I see throughout this book
kind of chaos, honestly.
I see that even in the time of Daniel,
he went from one ruler to another,
his own kingdom to the Babylonian kingdom
to the Medes and the Persians.
And then all the visions
are about the same thing,
one kingdom, a different kingdom,
one ruler, another ruler,
the king of the North,
the king of the South,
and it's just chaos and disorder.
But one day God is going to come
and bring peace and stability.
(Derek) And that is good news. Jonathan?
(Jonathan) Sure. God wants us
to understand.
He gives us these things.
We may be like Daniel,
and we are ready to faint.
We see all these things, and we're like,
"I don't know how to make sense
of things."
But as long as we trust Him, pray,
come to Him with our questions,
He wants us to know,
and He will give us what we need to know
when we need to know it
for where we are in history.
(Derek) And that, my friends,
is good news.
As we continue our study,
don't forget HopeBibleStudy.org,
if you want to study
Daniel and Revelation, powerful lessons
between those two books.
We'll learn that Jesus is
the Alpha and the Omega;
He's the Beginning and the End.
He is the One who was and is,
and is to come.
And as was pointed out,
when our security is in Him,
we do not need to fear.
We can face the future with confidence.
But if you've never asked Him
to write your name in His book
and say, "Jesus, be my Savior,"
can I appeal to you to do it today?
Or if you have a loved one,
will you talk to her today?
Send a text message to him today
and say, "While there's time,
accept the gift of salvation through Jesus
so that you can face the future
filled with hope and joy."
Let's pray together.
Father in Heaven, thank You
for this precious series of studies.
Thank You for using the prophet Daniel
for preserving the Scripture for us today.
Thank You for the hope
that is ours in You.
May we not keep that hope to ourselves,
but may we share that hope
with everyone we meet.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
(Team) Amen.
(Derek) Thanks for joining us
for Hope Sabbath School.
What an amazing journey!
You say, "I know so much more."
Well, I'm glad you've learned,
but I hope you've learned most of all
that the Most High God who rules
wants to be your Savior and welcome you
into His eternal Kingdom.
Take that joy, go out and be a blessing
to those around you.
♪ theme music ♪