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Series Code: TPP
Program Code: TPP000002A
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00:13 Welcome back. 00:14 We have a very interesting study that we're going to do now, 00:19 and that is, Who Changed God's Times. 00:24 But before we do, we want to have a word of prayer, 00:26 so I invite you to bow your heads with me. 00:28 Father in heaven we thank you for your wonderful word 00:33 assure guide in a world that is so confused. 00:36 We ask that that word will speak to us 00:39 as we study about the change in God's times. 00:42 We thank you Father for hearing our prayer, 00:45 we ask it in the precious name of Jesus, Amen. 00:49 Well let's do a little bit of review 00:51 of what we studied in our first subject together. 00:55 We have been studying the great prophetic chain. 00:57 The chain begins with which Kingdom? Babylon. 01:00 Then it continues with Medo-Persia, 01:03 then Greece, then the Roman Empire. 01:07 Then what happens to the Roman Empire? 01:09 It divides into ten kingdoms, 01:11 and then, who rises among the ten? 01:15 The little horn, and it uproots how many kingdoms? It uproots 01:18 three, and rules then 01:21 1260 what? Years. And the 1260 years 01:26 end what date? 1798, when the papacy received the deadly wound. 01:33 Is that the end of the papacy? 01:36 No,no it's not the end of the papacy 01:38 because revelation tells us that its deadly wound 01:40 is going to be what? Is going to be healed, the whole world 01:44 will wonder after the beast. What or 01:47 who is it that is going to help this first beast 01:50 recover its power? What nation? 01:53 The beast that rises from the earth 01:55 the United States of America believe it or not. 01:58 It almost seems impossible. Now we notice that the little horn 02:01 represents the Roman Catholic papacy 02:03 and I want to reiterate 02:05 that we're not talking about the individuals 02:07 in the Roman Catholic Church. 02:08 There are many sincere loving Christians 02:10 in the Roman Catholic Church. 02:11 They serve God the best they can according to their knowledge. 02:15 Many of them are more faithful with 02:17 with what they believe than we are 02:19 with what we believe to be honest with you. 02:22 But that doesn't mean that the papacy is God's system. 02:27 Even though there are sincere individuals in the system, 02:30 it doesn't mean that the system is God's system. 02:33 The system is apostate. 02:34 The papacy which is the union of church and state, 02:38 mainly the high hierarchy 02:39 of the church is where the problem is. 02:42 We gave several characteristics that identify the Antichrist. 02:47 The little horn. 02:48 First of all it has to rise after the year 476. 02:52 Secondly it has to rise in Western Europe. 02:54 In the third place, 02:56 it has to uproot three of the 10 kingdoms 02:58 into which the Roman Empire was divided. Four, it 03:02 would speak blasphemy is against 03:03 God claiming to have the power to forgive sins 03:07 and have the representative of Christ on earth. 03:09 Then it would persecute the saints of the most time 03:12 which is what the papacy 03:13 did through mechanisms such as the Inquisition. 03:17 Then it says that he would think that he could change times 03:22 and the law. 03:23 And we notice that the papacy does claim 03:25 to have changed God's law. 03:27 It removes the second commandment from the catechism, 03:30 and it clearly states 03:32 that it has changed the day of worship from Sabbath to Sunday. 03:36 And then we notice that the papacy was going to rule 03:39 1260 years time times in the dividing of time. 03:44 Now there is one point that we did not look at 03:48 in our first presentation, 03:50 and that is what does it mean in Daniel 7 03:53 when it says that the little horn would think 03:58 to change the times. We know 04:01 what it means that he would try to change the law, 04:04 that the papacy would try to change the law. 04:06 But what does the change of the times mean. 04:10 Well you know some scholars in the Adventist church have said 04:12 that really what it means is that the papacy would think 04:15 to change the times in the law. Times in the law. 04:20 But that's not what the Hebrew text says. 04:23 The Hebrew text says that he would think to change 04:25 times and law. There are two separate things. 04:30 So what does it mean that the papacy would think 04:33 that it would change the times. 04:34 We already know what it means that it would think 04:37 to change the law, but what does it mean 04:39 that the papacy would think to change the times. 04:42 Well let's go to Daniel chapter 2 and verse 21. 04:46 I believe that this is the central verse of the whole book. 04:50 It has three phrases that I want us to notice 04:54 here, three sentences. 04:56 These are three things that God does. 04:59 It says there in Daniel 2:21 05:03 << And He (that is God) changes the times 05:07 and the seasons; ..who changes the times and the seasons? 05:11 God changes the times and the seasons, 05:14 that's the first thing that God does. 05:16 Secondly, he what?.. He removes kings and raises up kings; 05:23 ..and in the third place, What does he do?.. 05:26 He gives wisdom to the wise 05:28 and now knowledge to those who have understanding. >> 05:33 Now it's interesting these three phrases 05:36 are actually illustrated in Daniel chapter two 05:40 and Daniel chapter three. 05:43 You remember that the king had a dream, 05:47 and he couldn't remember the dream. 05:49 So who gave Daniel wisdom in order to tell the king 05:55 what the dream was? God. 05:58 So God gives wisdom to Daniel to interpret the dream. 06:04 And then if you read Daniel 2:37-38 06:07 it says there that Nebuchadnezzar was ruling 06:11 because God placed him on the throne. 06:14 See that's another phrase that we find in Daniel 2:21. 06:17 He puts kings in place and he what? 06:20 And he removes kings. That's in Daniel 2: 37 and 38. 06:25 And then the third point is that God changes the times 06:28 and the seasons. 06:30 I believe that primarily what he's saying is 06:32 that he changes the times 06:33 and the seasons that human beings try to manipulate 06:38 into changing what God has said that is going to take place. 06:42 And that is illustrated, we're going to find, 06:44 in Daniel chapter 3. In Daniel chapter 3, 06:48 we're going to find that God has told 06:50 Nebuchadnezzar how history is going to flow. 06:53 But Nebuchadnezzar attempts to change the flow of history 06:58 that God has revealed, 06:59 and God will intervene to interrupt the king's plans 07:05 to change God's prophetic calendar. 07:07 In other words, what I'm saying 07:08 is that what the change of the times 07:12 means is that the papacy was going to attempt to change 07:18 the order of prophetic events 07:20 that God has established in his calendar. 07:24 The papacy was going to try 07:26 and implement a counterfeit prophetic scenario. 07:29 And we're going to notice that that is illustrated 07:31 in Daniel chapter 2 and Daniel chapter 3. 07:34 Now, you'll notice here that it says in Daniel 2:21 07:38 that God changes the times and the seasons. 07:43 Now the question is, is the change of the times 07:47 one thing and the change of the seasons 07:49 another thing, or are we to take this as an idiomatic expression 07:54 that means that God is in control of prophetic events? 07:59 I believe that we're going to see in our study 08:02 that when it says that God changes the times 08:05 and the seasons, it is an expression 08:07 that means that God is in control of prophetic events. 08:12 The change in the times is not one thing 08:14 and the change in the seasons is that another thing. 08:17 They really are to be coupled together 08:20 and they basically mean that God has control of human events. 08:25 Now it's interesting to notice that in the book of Daniel 08:29 there are two words that refer to time. 08:35 One is the word Iddan, and tomorrow 08:38 if you come I'm gonna give you several pages 08:40 that have all of these words 08:42 as they appear in the book of Daniel. 08:44 The word Iddan and the word Zeman. Now the word Iddan 08:49 is translated 08:50 God changes the times, and the word Zeman is 08:55 God changes the seasons. Iddan, times, and Zeman, seasons. 09:02 Now, let's turn in our bibles to Daniel chapter two 09:07 and verses eight and nine. 09:10 Daniel Chapter 2 and verses 8 and 9. 09:13 I'm going to show you that these words are synonymous. 09:16 In other words, this expression 09:17 God changes the times in the seasons, 09:20 doesn't mean that he changes the times 09:22 and changing the seasons is another thing. 09:24 It's an idiomatic expression 09:26 that means that God is in control of prophetic events. 09:29 Everything transpires as God has delineated 09:33 in his prophetic calendar. 09:34 And so it says there in Daniel chapter 2 verse 8. 09:38 << The king answered and said, I know of certainty 09:42 ..he's speaking to the wise men of Babylon.. 09:45 that ye would gain the time, 09:50 ..In other words, you're trying to buy time. 09:52 You want a period of time until my wrath passes away.. 09:55 because ye see the thing is gone from me.>> Now, the word 10:00 that is used there is the word Iddan. In other words, 10:04 you're stalling for Iddan, you are stalling for time. 10:08 Now, when you go to chapter two and verse sixteen, chapter two 10:13 and verse sixteen, the same concept 10:15 is there of buying time but the word that is used 10:19 is not Iddan, the word that is used 10:22 is Zeman which shows that they're synonymous. 10:24 Basically they mean the same thing. 10:26 Notice Daniel chapter 2 and verse 16. 10:29 << Then Daniel went in, and desired of the King 10:32 that he would give him time...>> 10:35 So you see that they're synonymous? 10:37 Iddan in Daniel chapter 2 verse 8, 10:40 and Zeman in Daniel chapter 2 verse 16. 10:43 So when it says that God changes the times 10:45 and the seasons, it's basically saying the same thing. 10:48 It's saying that God is in control of human events. 10:52 So, the word Iddan and the word Zeman 10:55 can refer to a period of time buying a period of time, 11:00 but it can also refer to a point of time. 11:04 Both words. Let us notice Daniel chapter 3 and verse 5. 11:08 Daniel chapter 3 and verse 5 Here the word 11:11 that is used, is Iddan. Daniel chapter 3 and verse 5. 11:17 It says, < 11:25 dulcimer, and all kinds of music, 11:28 ye fall down and worship the golden image 11:30 that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up.>> 11:32 So notice that says, when the moment arise 11:34 when the time arrives that you hear the music, 11:37 you're supposed to bow before the image. 11:39 That's a point of time, isn't it? 11:41 Now notice Daniel chapter 3 and verse 7, the word Zeman. 11:46 It's the other word for time, 11:48 and it's clearly shows that it's synonymous 11:51 because in Daniel Chapter 3 and verse 7 11:53 it says, << Therefore at that time, when all the people heard 11:57 the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, spaltery, 12:01 and all kinds of music, all the people, the nations, 12:03 and the languages fell down in worshipped the golden image...>> 12:06 Is that the same concept that we found in verse 5? 12:10 The point of time, exactly. But in Daniel 3 verse 5 12:13 the word that is used Iddan. In Daniel chapter 3 and verse 7, 12:18 it's the word Zeman. 12:19 So what my point is this, that when Daniel Chapter 2 verse 21 12:24 says that God changes the times and the seasons 12:29 and really these are synonymous terms, 12:31 it means that God is in control of prophetic events. 12:34 God has established a prophetic calendar 12:38 of how events are going to take place. 12:40 Are you with me or not? 12:42 Now, let's noticed several other verses that use these words 12:47 Iddan and Zeman. Go with me to Daniel chapter 4 and verse 32. 12:52 >> Daniel chapter 4 and verse 32. 12:56 This is speaking about the time 12:57 when Nebuchadnezzar kind of lost it for seven years 13:01 and God cause him to become a vegetarian. 13:06 And you know it really helped him 13:07 because at the end he came to his senses. 13:09 He was thinking straight. 13:12 I'm just kidding, I'm not making a point out of that. 13:15 But Daniel chapter 4 verse 32 says, 13:17 speaking about Nebuchadnezzar, 13:20 << They shall drive you from men, and your dwelling 13:24 shall be with the beasts of the field: 13:27 they shall make you eat grass like oxen, 13:29 and seven .. Iddan .. seven times shall pass over you.. 13:36 Is God announcing a prophetic period? 13:39 Is he announcing, this is going to happen, 13:42 this is according to my calendar? 13:43 Absolutely. 13:45 So it says.. and seven times shall pass over you, until you 13:48 know that the most High rules in the kingdom of men 13:51 and gives it to whomever he chooses.>> 13:54 But then it's very interesting in verse 36, 13:57 if you go with me to verse thirty-six, 13:59 the word that is used Zeman 14:03 and it's the same concept. So there is Synonymous. Notice 14:07 once again Daniel chapter four and verse thirty six. It says 14:12 there, and this whole chapter deals 14:14 with Nebuchadnezzar's insanity, 14:16 And at the same time... that is when the seven years were up, 14:21 he says at that time, at that point of time 14:25 and the word is Zeman here... my reason returned unto me; 14:30 and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honor 14:32 and brightness returned unto me; 14:34 and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; 14:36 and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent 14:39 majesty was added unto me. 14:42 So are Iddan and Zeman synonymous? 14:46 >> Absolutely. 14:47 >> And as I mentioned, if you come tomorrow to the meeting 14:50 and you know my production crew doesn't like me 14:52 to say that I'm promising to give you something 14:55 because everybody who watches on television 14:57 then they're calling this and saying send me one too. 15:00 But anyway, I promise that I'm going to send you this handout 15:03 where you can check out all of the references 15:06 in the book of Daniel to Iddan and to Zeman, 15:10 and you're going to see that they're synonymous. 15:12 >> The point that I'm trying to make folks 15:14 is, that the expression times and seasons simply means 15:18 God's prophetic calendar. The way in which prophecy 15:22 is gonna be fulfilled, the prophetic chain 15:24 if you please that God is established. 15:27 Did God establish a prophetic chain for Nebuchadnezzar's 15:30 insanity? Did God 15:31 say, you are going to go insane for seven years 15:34 and then after that you are going to get your reason back. 15:37 Did God make that prediction? Established that period of time? 15:41 He most certainly did. 15:43 Now, let's go also to Daniel chapter 7 and verse 12, 15:48 and then we will read verse 22 and you're going to see 15:52 once again that these words are synonymous. 15:55 Daniel chapter 7 verse 12, 15:57 and we're not going to interpret this verse 16:00 because it would take us far beyond the time that we have. 16:04 But it says there in Daniel chapter 7 and verse 12, 16:08 And concerning the rest of the beasts, 16:12 they had their dominion taken away, 16:15 yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. 16:21 So is that basically saying the same thing? 16:24 For a period of time, a season and a time is a period of time. 16:28 The word that is used there, the word season, 16:34 is the word Zeman, and the word time Iddan. 16:38 So you'll notice once again in the same verse 16:40 you have these two words that are linked together 16:44 that basically are supposed to be understood as together. 16:49 And then let's notice verse 22. Daniel chapter 7 and verse 22 16:55 It says, Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment 16:59 was given to the saints of the most High; 17:02 and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. 17:07 Now when we find in Daniel seven verse twelve 17:10 that God extended the period for these beasts a time in a season, 17:14 does that mean that God established a certain time 17:17 for this to happen to these beasts? 17:20 Was God establishing a prophetic time? 17:22 Absolutely, and in verse twenty two, is there a specific time 17:26 when the Saints are going to receive the kingdom from Jesus? 17:29 Is that a prophetic event that's under God's control? Absolutely. 17:33 So the words Iddan and Zeman are used to describe 17:36 prophetic events. God's control of the prophetic calendar 17:41 if you please. 17:43 Now, let's notice an illustration that we find 17:46 in Daniel chapter 2 and Daniel chapter 3. 17:51 >> You remember the story of Daniel Chapter 2. 17:55 >> The king had a dream. 17:58 And this dream, he forgot when he woke up. 18:02 So he did what a normal King would do back then, a pagan king. 18:06 >> He called all of his astrologers, and his magicians, 18:09 and the Chaldeans, the experts of the kingdom, 18:11 to tell the King 18:12 not only the interpretation but the dream. 18:16 >> By the way, this shows that Satan is not able 18:18 to read the mind. 18:20 Because I'm sure the devil was dying 18:21 to read the mind of the king to know what he had dreamed, 18:26 but he couldn't. 18:28 >> And so these charlatans were unmasked. 18:32 It was proved that they were charlatans, 18:34 that they didn't know what they were doing. 18:36 And so you know the story, calls the wise men, 18:39 they're not able to tell the dream 18:41 and much less the interpretation. 18:43 So eventually the king, Daniel goes in 18:49 and says to the king now please give me some time 18:52 and I'll go look in my crystal ball 18:54 and then I'll let you know. No, that's not what he said. 18:58 Give me some time I'll go outside 19:00 and look at the stars at night and astrology 19:02 will tell me the King's dream. No no no. 19:05 >> What did Daniel do? He went to his private chambers 19:10 and he prayed to the Lord for wisdom. 19:14 Which we find in Daniel chapter two and verse twenty one. 19:18 And so, Daniel is given wisdom to give the dream 19:25 and the interpretation of the dream. 19:27 >> So that's the first aspect that we find 19:29 in Daniel chapter 2 verse 21. It's actually the third item, 19:33 and that is that God gives wisdom 19:35 and understanding to the wise. That's what he did to Daniel 19:39 so that Daniel could explain the vision 19:42 and could actually give him the vision. 19:44 But notice Daniel two verses thirty seven and thirty eight. 19:48 This is very interesting 19:50 because we have the second element of Daniel 2:21. 19:54 It says: You, O King,... here Daniel is 19:56 speaking to Nebuchadnezzar... You, O king, 19:57 are a king of kings 20:00 >> Why was he a king of kings? >> Well, he had better weapons, 20:04 he was much more intelligent. 20:06 Is that the reason why? No, You O king, 20:09 >> are a King of Kings for the God of heaven 20:12 has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory; 20:16 who places kings and removes Kings 20:18 according to Daniel 2:21? God does. See, here 20:21 Daniel is reminding Nebuchadnezzar of that 20:25 and God gave Daniel wisdom 20:27 in order to tell him this beforehand. 20:29 So you have two elements there from Daniel two verse 20:32 twenty one. And then I continue saying: 20:35 and wherever the children of men dwell, 20:38 or the beasts of the field and the birds of the air. 20:41 He has given them into your hand, 20:43 and has made you ruler over them all. 20:46 Who is it that places kings and removes kings, 20:48 who determines who rules? God does. Who gives wisdom 20:53 so that an individual can tell the king his dream, 20:57 and what the dream means? God does. 21:00 But there is a third element. This is very interesting. 21:04 The third element is that God changes the times 21:07 and the seasons. 21:08 Now let's pursue that for a moment. 21:12 After Nebuchadnezzar heard his dream 21:15 he said yeah this is what I dream. 21:18 >> And after Daniel explained his dream, you know, 21:22 that there was gonna be the head of gold, Babylon; breast 21:25 and arms of silver, Medo-Persia; the belly of bronze, 21:29 Greece; the legs of iron, Rome; 21:31 and the ten toes which are the same thing 21:33 as the ten horns in Daniel chapter seven, 21:35 which means that there was gonna be a division. Nebuchadnezzar, 21:40 at first he was amazed he says, 21:42 wow, look at this guy so wise. 21:45 His God must be the true God. That's what he thought. 21:49 But then after a little 21:51 while Nebuchadnezzar said to himself, huh, 21:56 so Babylon is only going to be the head of gold. 22:01 That's not the way history is going to transpire. History 22:06 isn't going to transpire the way God says. 22:09 I am in control of history. 22:12 So what did then Nebuchadnezzar do? Nebuchadnezzar 22:16 made an image totally of gold. what is that Nebuchadnezzar is 22:22 really saying? He's saying history 22:25 is not going to follow the way 22:27 God says, it's going to flow the way I say. 22:32 He's trying to take control of God's prophetic calendar. 22:36 He's trying to counteract God's prophetic calendar. 22:39 That's the third element and Daniel to verse twenty one 22:42 right before this whole story takes place. 22:46 And so the King makes an image totally of gold. 22:50 And you know the story. He commands 22:52 everyone in his realm who was present there to worship the image 22:57 that he has raised up. But there are three young men 23:01 that say we will not bow down on worship. 23:03 >> Now, we need to understand that the issue here 23:05 is greater than the issue of worship. 23:08 >> The issue is these three young men 23:10 are not only not willing to worship, practice false worship, 23:14 but they are unwilling to believe the prophetic scenario 23:18 that the king is portraying. 23:20 Because God has said how history is going to develop. 23:24 So they're not only saying, 23:25 we're not going to practice false worship, 23:27 they are saying we are not going to believe 23:32 the prophetic scenario that the king is giving. 23:35 Where he's trying to take control of God's times. 23:39 And so Nebuchadnezzar hears that there are three young men 23:44 that did not bow down to worship the image. 23:48 So the king says, bring those three young men here 23:51 and he threatens them. He says to them: 23:54 is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego that 23:57 you don't worship the image that I raised up? which Ellen 24:00 White says represented the eternity of Babylon. That Babylon 24:04 would last forever. The Babylon would never fall. 24:08 >> You don't accept my perspective of history, 24:10 you don't worship my image. 24:13 >> Do you see that fiery furnace over there? 24:16 If you don't bow and bow down and worship 24:20 you'll be thrown into that fiery furnace, 24:23 and what god will be able to deliver you from my hand? 24:29 It's a direct challenge against God. 24:34 >> He's saying I, am more powerful 24:36 than the God of the Hebrews. Let me ask you, 24:39 >> did God change the king's plans? He most certainly did. 24:46 You know the story. The three young men 24:49 were thrown into the fiery furnace 24:51 and Nebuchadnezzar says, problem solved. 24:56 >> This shows that I'm in control of history, 24:58 that's my scenario, there's no opposition now. 25:01 Suddenly he looks into the furnaces and says: 25:04 >> did we cast into the furnace three men? 25:08 Well, I see four men walking like in the garden. 25:14 And they're not consumed, and 25:16 the figure of the fourth individual 25:18 is like the son of God. 25:23 Did the Lord change Nebuchadnezzar's scenario? Did God show 25:29 that he is sovereign, and that history will develop 25:32 as he had said that it will develop? 25:35 >> Absolutely. 25:37 In other words, God is in control of the kinds of Iddan and Zeman. 25:45 Now, Ellen White has a perceptive concept 25:48 that we find in Patriarchs and Prophets page 25:50 five hundred and four, speaking about why Nebuchadnezzar 25:53 raised up that image totally of gold. 25:56 She wrote: Instead of reproducing the image as he had seen it, 26:01 he would excel the original. His image 26:07 should not deteriorate in value from the head to the feet, 26:12 but should be entirely of gold- symbolic throughout of Babylon 26:18 as an eternal, indestructible all powerful kingdom, 26:23 which would break in pieces all other kingdoms 26:28 and stand forever. 26:33 >> Did God interrupt Nebuchadnezzar's perspective 26:38 of history? That God take control and say history will develop 26:42 as I say, not as you say? He most certainly did. 26:47 So we have these three expressions in Daniel 2:21. 26:50 If we had time I would show you that this theme runs 26:53 in all of the chapters of Daniel. The central theme of Daniel 26:57 is that God is in control of human history, 27:01 and whoever allies himself with God 27:05 will end up victorious with God 27:08 because God is in control of prophetic events. 27:13 We have another illustration of this. 27:16 In Daniel chapter 6. 27:18 You remember the story of Daniel in the lion's den. 27:21 You know when I was a kid I used to love 27:23 that story, specially when it got to the part 27:24 of Daniel 27:26 being thrown into the lion's den. 27:29 You know, and not being eaten by the lions. 27:32 The king established a law that for 30 days, 27:36 is that a set time a specific time? 27:38 Absolutely. That no one could make a request of God 27:43 or man other than the king. So he makes this decree. 27:48 And the interesting thing is that then the King 27:51 after he gives the decree, 27:53 he discovers that what these evil men wanted 27:58 was to get rid of Daniel, and the king loved Daniel 28:02 But he's been tricked into this, and the laws of the Medes 28:04 and Persians could not be changed. 28:07 >> And so now it appears that Daniel is going to cat food. 28:12 >> And so the king, he goes right before Daniel 28:15 is cast into the lion's den 28:18 and he says: Daniel, I am bound by my own law. 28:26 >> I cannot deliver you, may the God 28:30 who you continually serve deliver you 28:34 because I can't. Did God 28:39 intervene and change the king's plans? 28:44 He most certainly did. You know the story. 28:47 >> Daniel it's taken, he's thrown into the lion's den. 28:52 And the enemies say problem solved. 28:57 >> And so the king he's not able to sleep, 29:00 no musicians are brought before him. 29:02 >> He's suffering terrible insomnia all night 29:08 because his friend Daniel is in the lion's den. 29:11 So the next morning he goes to the lion's den 29:13 and he says: 29:15 Oh Daniel, has the God whom you continually serve 29:20 been able to deliver you from the lions den? 29:23 >> Has he overturned my law and protected you? 29:27 >> And Daniel says what? Daniel said, 29:30 the Lord sent his angel 29:36 >> and he shut the lion's mouth 29:39 so that the lions would not eaten me. Was God in control? 29:43 Does God care really when human beings 29:45 establish a time period for something to happen? 29:48 Can God intervene and can he interfere with that 29:51 and make his plan be fulfilled? 29:54 >> Now I want you to notice Daniel 6. 29:56 This is really important there's a key word here. 29:59 Daniel Chapter 6 and we'll start reading at verse 14. 30:03 The key word is changed. Then the King, 30:08 when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself,... 30:12 this is when he discovers the plot of the enemies of Daniel... 30:16 and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured 30:20 till the going down of the sun to deliver him. 30:24 Then these men assembled unto the King, and said unto the king, 30:29 Know, O king, that the law the Medes and Persians 30:32 is, that no decree nor statute 30:35 which the king established may be changed. 30:37 >> This is the the prophetic period 30:39 that established for thirty days. 30:42 >> Verse 16, Then the king commanded, 30:44 and they brought Daniel, 30:46 and cast him into the den of lions. 30:48 Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God 30:52 whom thou servest continually, 30:54 he will deliver thee. And the stone was brought, 30:57 and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it 31:00 with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; 31:03 that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. 31:09 But did God change the plan concerning Daniel? 31:13 >> He most certainly did. >> So what I'm saying folks 31:17 is that the expression, 31:21 he shall think to change times in the law 31:25 and the times, the law, we know what that means. 31:29 >> It means that the papacy would remove 31:32 the second commandment basically 31:34 and he would think that he could change 31:36 the commandment concerning the Sabbath. 31:38 But the change in the times 31:40 would mean that somehow the little horn 31:44 or the papacy would try to interfere 31:46 with God's prophetic calendar. Are you understand me? 31:52 In other words, somehow the little horn would attempt 31:56 to change God's scenario of prophetic events. 31:59 How events are going to transpire in history. 32:03 Perhaps hide the identity of the Antichrist 32:07 by establishing a counterfeit prophetic scenario. 32:11 Are u understanding what I am saying? 32:12 That's what the change in the Ttmes means. 32:15 And the question is, did the Roman Catholic papacy 32:19 attempt to meddle 32:21 with God's prophetic calendar, with God's chain. 32:25 if you please, and institute a counterfeit way 32:30 of interpreting events to distract people 32:33 from the true meaning of Bible prophecy? 32:37 In the next several presentations 32:38 we're going to notice that that is exactly what happened. 32:42 Now we also need to examine the expression times and times 32:48 and seasons in the New Testament. 32:50 Because those words are used in the New Testament, 32:54 they are Greek words. They're not Iddan and Zeman. They are Kairos 32:59 and Chronos where we get the word chronology from. 33:03 But the parallel is there. 33:05 So let's examine what the word time or times 33:09 in a prophetic context represents in the New Testament. 33:12 Go with me to Galatians chapter 4 33:14 and verse 4. Galatians chapter 4 and verse 4. 33:19 Very interesting verse. 33:21 Did God have a specific date when he was going to send 33:24 Jesus to this world to become incarnate? 33:27 Did God had that on this calendar? Ellen White 33:30 has a remarkable statement in Desire of Ages 33:32 where she says that everything that Jesus did on this earth 33:36 was in harmony with the calendar that they had settled 33:39 in eternity past. Every single event. 33:42 An amazing statement. Notice Galatians four verse four. 33:46 when the fullness of the time had come, 33:50 God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law. 33:55 Does that word time have anything to do 33:57 with God's prophetic calendar? Sure. 34:01 When the time arrived in God's calendar, 34:05 The Messiah came to the world. Noticed Mark 34:09 chapter one and verse fifteen. What I want you to see now folks, 34:14 this is very important, is that the word 34:16 time and times when it refers to Bible prophecy, 34:19 is referring to God's calendar or prophetic events. 34:22 Events that God has established 34:24 that are going to happen in his timing and in his way. 34:27 Notice Mark 1 verse 15. 34:31 >> Jesus has just been baptized, and now he's gonna say something 34:36 at the very beginning of his ministry. 34:38 He says, The time is fulfilled,... 34:44 >> Tht word Kairos in Greek... The time is fulfilled, 34:49 and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent 34:54 and believe the gospel. 34:56 >> What was Jesus referring to when he says 34:59 that time is fulfilled? 35:03 >> He is referring to the conclusion 35:08 of the prophecy of the 70 week. You'll see, his baptism 35:13 was predicted the exact moment of his baptism 35:16 was predicted in Daniel chapter 9. 35:20 >> And so after Jesus is baptized 35:22 which is his anointing as the Messiah, 35:24 he says, the time is fulfilled. So does the word time 35:29 has anything to do with prophetic events? 35:32 It most certainly does. Let me read you from Ellen White. 35:35 Desire of Ages page two hundred and thirty two. 35:39 The time which He declared to be fulfilled 35:43 was the period made known by the angel Gabriel to Daniel. 35:48 So the time that Jesus said is fulfilled, 35:51 is what God revealed to Daniel. What did he reveal to him? 35:54 'Seventy weeks' said the angel, 35:56 'are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, 36:00 to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, and 36:02 to make reconciliation for iniquity, 36:04 and to bring in everlasting righteousness, 36:06 and to seal up the vision and prophecy, 36:08 and to anoint the most holy'. So when 36:12 Jesus said the time is fulfilled, 36:14 is he talking about specific event on God's calendar 36:17 that took place exactly when God said it was going to take place? 36:20 Absolutely. Notice Acts 1: 7 and 8. 36:24 This very interesting verse, similar to Daniel 2:21. 36:28 Acts chapter 1 verses 7 and 8. 36:31 Before we read those two verses let me say 36:34 that Jesus is responding to a question 36:36 that his disciples asked. 36:38 >> Let's read Acts chapter 1 and verse 6, 36:41 and then we'll read verses 7 and 8. 36:44 The disciples come to Jesus and they ask him: Lord will you 36:50 at this time restart the kingdom to Israel? 36:55 You know , on your prophetic calendar, 36:58 is this the moment to restore the kingdom of Israel? 37:03 What was the answer of Jesus? Notice, And he said unto them, 37:09 it is not for you to know times or seasons. 37:13 >> Does that sound familiar? Is that referring to a prophetic event? 37:18 >> Yes!, It is not for you to know times or seasons 37:22 which the Father has put in His own authority. 37:26 So who is in control of the times and the seasons? 37:30 Jesus is saying to them, it's none of your business 37:34 because the times and seasons are in God's control. 37:38 He says when things are going to happen. 37:41 So it says, 37:43 And he said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons 37:47 which the Father has put in His own authority. 37:50 But you shall receive power 37:52 when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; 37:54 and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, 37:57 and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." 38:02 >> So let me ask you, what would times and seasons refer 38:05 to in Daniel chapter 2 and verse 21? 38:08 >> He changes the times and the seasons. 38:11 It must refer to God's prophetic what? God's prophetic calendar. 38:15 How he has revealed that prophetic events will transpire. 38:19 In some way, the little horn was going to attempt 38:23 to change God's prophetic calendar. 38:26 He was going to try to deflect the true fulfillment of prophecy 38:30 by establishing a counter-fit scenario, 38:34 and I'm going to show to you in the next several lectures 38:37 how the Roman Catholic papacy did that. 38:40 >> It is historical. It is exactly what took place. 38:43 And I'll get a little bit ahead of myself. 38:45 The Roman Catholic papacy instituted a system 38:48 of prophetic interpretation called preterism. 38:51 The idea that the prophecy of the little horn 38:57 was fulfilled in the old testament 38:58 was the person called Antiochus Epiphanes. 39:03 If that prophecy of the little horn 39:05 was fulfilled in the old testament, 39:08 it has nothing to do with the papacy. 39:11 Are you with me or not? 39:13 >> Also a Roman Catholic Jesuit established another system 39:16 of interpretation called futurism. 39:19 And basically he thought that the Antichrist will arise 39:23 at the very end of human history. 39:26 And if that's true the papacy does not fulfill that prophecy. 39:31 Is this changing God's times, 39:34 changing God's prophetic scenario? 39:36 >> You're gonna be amazed as you hear this story 39:39 in the next several presentation. 39:41 It's gonna it's gonna take us five or six presentations 39:44 to fully develop this in the next several lectures. 39:48 Now let's go to first Thessalonians chapter 5 39:51 and verses 1 and 2. First Thessalonians 39:53 chapter 5 and verses 1 and 2. 39:55 Once again we find the same expression times and seasons. 40:01 >> Notice what it says there. The Apostle Paul writes, 40:07 But concerning the times and the seasons, 40:17 brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 40:24 Once again the same expression times and seasons. Now, 40:27 what was the apostle Paul saying when he said to them, 40:30 about the times and seasons 40:33 I have no need that I should write to you? 40:35 >> Well we need to look at the following verses. 40:37 In the following verses 40:39 the apostle Paul is talking about the clause of probation 40:43 and the second coming of Christ. 40:46 He says, I don't have to really instruct you about the times 40:50 and the seasons. Which does God has a date 40:53 for the close of probation? Does God has a date 40:57 in his calendar for the close of probation? 40:59 >> Yes, Does God has a date for the second coming? 41:03 You say, well no, the date is movable. 41:06 No it isn't. 41:08 God has a date on his calendar for the second coming. 41:12 But we don't know the day or the hour. 41:14 >> That's what Jesus said. No one knows the day and the hour, 41:17 but there is a day and an hour. 41:20 Was there a day an hour to begin the judgment? 41:23 Absolutely. 41:24 And so the apostle Paul when he says 41:26 but concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, 41:28 you have no need that I should write to you. 41:30 >> In other words, I've talked to you 41:31 about these prophetic events 41:33 before. In the succeeding context in verses 2 through 6, 41:39 the apostle Paul is describing events relating to the end. 41:44 He is describing events that have to do 41:47 with the closer of probation and the second coming of Jesus. 41:51 By the way, this 41:53 word for, this expression times 41:57 and seasons according to the Greek lexicon, 42:01 one of the better Greek lexicon's of the New Testament. 42:05 >> It's called the Greek- English Lexicon 42:10 of the New Testament and other Christian Literature, 42:14 basically it says that these words can mean- 42:17 definite, fixed, determined or alloted time. 42:23 And then it goes on to explain that the word Kairos 42:26 is one of the chief eschatological terms. 42:30 The word eschatological means, end time terms, 42:32 having to do with Bible prophecy. So are u understanding this point? 42:40 >> What did the little horn do? 42:43 The little horn ,not only thought it could change God's holy law 42:47 by removing the second commandment from the catechism, 42:51 >> even though it's in Roman Catholic Bibles, 42:53 and by attempting to change the day of worship 42:56 from Sabbath the Sunday. But it even went so far 42:59 as to attempt to change the order of prophetic events 43:04 that God established just like Nebuchadnezzar tried to do 43:07 when he built the image 43:09 saying Babylon will be eternal, prophetic history 43:12 will not transpire as God has said, it will transpire as I say. 43:17 >> Now let's notice a few other texts 43:19 that describe the times. Luke chapter 21 verse 43:24 twenty four, Luke 21 and verse twenty. 43:29 This speaks about a very interesting period. 43:33 And you're going to see what the word times means. 43:37 >> It says here in Luke 21 and verse 24. 43:41 speaking about the Jews the Jewish nation. 43:44 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, 43:50 and be led away captive 43:51 into all nations. Was that literally fulfilled 43:54 after the destruction of Jerusalem with the Jews? 43:57 Absolutely. And then it says, 44:00 >> And Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles 44:04 until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 44:11 Has God establish a certain period 44:13 that is called The times of the Gentiles? Yes. 44:18 >> And you say, what are those times of the Gentiles? 44:20 I wish I had time to expound upon 44:23 this one verse. What are the times of the Gentiles? 44:25 Well, when we go to Revelation chapter 11 in verse 2 44:30 we find a very interesting expression. 44:33 Let's go there for a moment to Revelation 44:36 chapter 11 verse 2. There you're gonna find 44:39 what the times of the Gentiles are. What period it is. 44:44 >> So it says there in chapter eleven 44:47 and verse two of the book of Revelation, 44:52 >> But the court which is without the temple 44:55 leave out, and measure it not; for 44:58 it is given unto the Gentiles: 45:03 and the the holy city shall they tread under foot,... for how long? 45:09 Forty two months. So, 45:10 how long does the times of the Gentiles last? 45:14 It last forty two months. Is that a prophetic period? 45:18 >> Is it a specific prophetic period that God is established 45:21 that must be fulfilled the way that God has said 45:23 it's going to be fulfilled? 45:24 Absolutely. Was it fulfilled to the very letter? 45:28 Yes. But you'll notice that it is called 45:32 the times of the Gentiles. Once again the word times deals 45:36 with a specific period of prophetic events. 45:40 Now in second Thessalonians chapter two, go with me 45:44 to second Thessalonians chapter two. 45:47 And we're going to notice something very interesting 45:49 about this same period. The forty two months 45:52 the twelve hundred and sixty days, 45:54 or what is also called the time times and the dividing of time. 45:58 >> Second Thessalonians chapter two and verse six. 46:03 This is talking about the man of sin. 46:05 Do you know who the man of sin is? 46:07 It's the same as the little horn. 46:10 Different names are given to this system, 46:11 to the papal system. 46:13 In some places it's called the little horn, 46:15 in Daniel 7 and 8. In Revelation 46:18 13 it's called the beast. In second Thessalonians 2, 46:22 it's called the man of sin In Revelation 17 46:26 this system is called the harlot. 46:29 In first John chapter 2, 46:31 >> it's called the Antichrist. In Matthew 24 46:34 it's called the abomination of desolation. 46:36 In Daniel 11 this system is called the king of the north. 46:40 In other words, all these names 46:42 applied to the very same system in prophecy. 46:45 >> Different names that describe the same power. 46:49 >> Now, notice chapter two and verse six. For a while 46:55 the Man of Sin was not visible. 46:59 He was under the radar, if you please. 47:02 But there was a certain moment when the Man of Sin 47:05 was gonna stick up his head 47:07 and people was gonna see, he was gonna be revealed. 47:10 Notice second Thessalonians Chapter 2 and verse 6. 47:14 The apostle Paul says, 47:16 And now you know what withholdeth. 47:18 And we're going to study this a little bit later 47:20 in more detail. And now you know what withholdeth. 47:25 There is something holding back the manifestation of the Man of Sin. 47:30 But then it says, that he might be revealed in his time. 47:38 Was there a specific time in which the Man of Sin 47:42 was going to manifest himself so that people could see him? 47:46 >> Absolutely. When was that time? Time, 47:50 times, the dividing of time. 47:53 Twelve hundred and sixty days. Forty two months. 47:58 When that time came the Man of Sin revealed himself. 48:03 But notice once again that the word time is used here 48:06 to say that when the time comes 48:08 that God is established on this calendar the Man of Sin 48:12 will reveal himself. Notice first Timothy chapter six. 48:18 First Timothy chapter six and verse fifteen. 48:22 Once again the word times refers to prophetic events. 48:27 First Timothy chapter six and verse fifteen. 48:32 Let's read verse fourteen to get the context. 48:36 It says in verse fourteen, that they'll keep his commandments 48:40 without spot, unrebukeable 48:44 until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 48:47 What does it say next? 48:50 Which in his times he shall show, 48:56 Is there a time for him to show? 48:59 Yes. In his times he shall show. 49:04 Who is the blessed and only Potentate, 49:08 The King of kings and Lord of lords; 49:12 who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light 49:14 which no man can approach unto; whom no man has seen 49:18 nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. 49:23 >> Amen. So once again, he will shows himself 49:28 when the time comes. 49:32 Notice also Revelation chapter 11. 49:35 Revelation Chapter 11, and let's read 49:41 verse 18. Revelation chapter 11 and verse 18. 49:46 Are you catching the gist of what we're studying? 49:50 Are you understanding the point 49:51 that I'm trying to make with all of these verses? 49:54 The point is folks, that when the Bible uses the word time 49:59 and times in a prophetic context 50:01 it refers to God's prophetic calendar, events 50:03 that he has established that will be fulfilled 50:06 at a certain time with certain individuals in a certain place. 50:09 >> Now notice Revelation chapter 11 verse 18, Revelation 11 50:14 and verse 18. That the nations were angry and 50:19 thy wrath has come and the time of the dead, 50:24 that they should be judged. 50:27 Does God have a specific time for the 50:29 judgment of the dead? 50:33 Does he have a specific moment 50:34 that he has established in time 50:37 for the judgment of the righteous dead? 50:40 >> What date is that? October 22, 1844. 50:45 Onto 2300 days and the sanctuary shall be cleansed. 50:50 >> Is that clearly in God's calendar? 50:52 Has he established that date for the judgment of the righteous? 50:56 Yes. 50:57 Has God also established a date for the judgment of the wicked? 51:01 This actually is referring to the judgment of the wicked, 51:04 it's not referred to the judgment of the righteous. 51:06 >> Let me ask you when are the 51:08 wicked gonna be judged? 51:13 They are going to be judged during the millennium. 51:18 Do you think God has a date for the beginning of the millennium? 51:23 Do you think God has a date from the beginning of the millennium? 51:26 That's what it says here. 51:28 It says in verse 18, and the nations were angry 51:31 and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, 51:36 that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward 51:40 until thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, 51:43 and them that fear thy name, small and great; 51:46 and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. 51:51 So you'll see here once again that very clearly God 51:56 has established a time for the judgment of the dead 52:00 both of the righteous and also of the wicked. 52:05 >> Now let's go to our last reference. 52:09 >> It's also in Revelation chapter 52:11 eleven, Revelation chapter eleven 52:14 and we are going to read in this chapter, 52:18 let's see if I can find it here. 52:22 >> Actually Chapter 10 not Chapter 11. 52:24 We just went to Chapter 11. 52:26 Let's go to Chapter 10 and verse 6 52:31 and I'm reading from the King James Version. 52:33 Modern versions don't really catch the nuance 52:36 of what this verse is saying, they translated 52:42 differently only the King James version 52:45 has the correct translation of this verse. 52:47 Notice what it says in verse six. 52:50 You're acquainted with the little book episode right? 52:53 In Revelation Chapter 10 an angel descends from heaven 52:57 with little book in his hand. You know what that book is? 53:02 It's the message concerning the judgment in the book of Daniel. 53:05 So it comes down with that little book 53:07 and he tells John to eat the book. 53:10 And the book is what? Sweet in his mouth but... 53:14 bitter in his stomach. What does that mean? 53:17 It means that the message of the judgment 53:20 that is contained in Daniel when it was first assimilated. 53:25 It was gonna be a sweet experience 53:27 but it would be followed by a bitter aftermath. 53:31 >> Did then happen leading up to the 1844 movement? 53:36 Did they suffer a severe disappointment? 53:38 Did they proclaim the judgment? 53:39 Was that a sweet message at first? 53:41 Oh absolutely. But then it became what it became bitter. 53:46 Now it's interesting to notice 53:48 in Revelation Chapter 10 verse 6. 53:50 Then once again, that this angel with the little book 53:55 after the book is open. 53:56 In fact after the great disappointment 53:59 the angel lifts up his hand to heaven. 54:04 And he says something very interesting verse six... And sware 54:08 by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, 54:12 and the things that are there in, and the earth, 54:15 and the things that they're in are, and the sea 54:18 and the things which are there in, that 54:21 there should be time no longer . 54:29 >> What did the angel say? Time would be no longer. 54:33 Is this talking about the end of the world? 54:37 It's not referring to the end of the world. 54:39 How do we know that it's not talking about time 54:41 comes to an end? For two reasons. Number one, this 54:49 is happening during the sixth trumpet 54:53 and the world doesn't come to an end until the 7. So that time 54:59 you cannot be referring to the end of the world . 55:03 >> And secondly, because after the angel swears 55:07 that time will be no longer, John has told prophesy again. 55:13 >> What good would it do to prophesy again 55:16 if the world had come to an end? 55:19 >> So what must this refer to? It must refer to prophetic time, 55:25 and that's how Ellen White describes it. 55:28 >> And so what this is saying is that 55:31 after October 22 1844 55:34 there will be no more prophecies that have to do with time. 55:43 So have we provided enough evidence from scripture 55:47 that the expression he changes the times and the seasons 55:50 simply means that God is the one 55:53 that establishes the course of prophetic events, 55:57 and when human beings mess with that, God changes their plans 56:03 and he institutes his plan according to his calendar. 56:09 >> So basically folks we're gonna see in our next studies 56:14 that the papacy has attempted 56:18 to change God's prophetic calendar 56:22 by projecting the fulfillment of the Antichrist 56:24 prophecies to the distant past 56:27 or the distant future. 56:29 >> And meanwhile the papacy hides its identity 56:32 because people are looking at the wrong time 56:35 in the wrong place. 56:37 And the sad story is that the Protestant churches 56:43 the conservative Protestant churches 56:46 have bought this hook, line and sinker, 56:51 fishing pole, fishermen, and boat. 56:57 And fish. Protestantism has bought this. 57:04 >> They are totally gone away from their roots 57:08 in the Protestant Reformation, 57:10 and for this reason they look to the Middle East, 57:13 they talk about the Muslims, 57:15 they talk about all of these events 57:17 that are taking place in the world in the Middle East. 57:21 >> And meanwhile the power of the papacy grows in Rome, 57:25 and apostate Protestantism in the United States 57:28 comes closer and closer to Rome. 57:30 And they cannot see prophecy being fulfilled 57:33 because they're looking in the wrong place, 57:36 in the wrong time, for the wrong people. 57:41 This is vitally important so I hope that 57:44 you continue coming. Spread the word, spread the word. 57:49 >> We'd like to have this place totally full 57:51 so that we can see how God's prophetic events will transpire 57:56 so that we can be prepared 57:58 for what's coming very soon upon this world. /JAB 20190219 |
Revised 2019-07-17