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Readings: 2 Chronicles 31; Daniel 11; Acts 11-12

When we think of the term ‘rulership’ we may think of a dictatorship, the suppression of a people by a ruling authority or some other idea related to what we have seen or experienced in this world.

The reason why dictatorship and suppression are often linked with rulership today is because mankind is failing and selfish and very often produces a corrupt leader, governor or ruler. Such a leader is greedy and yearns for control.

But when we look at the future kingdom of GOD that will be set up on earth when Christ returns, do you think there will be a rulership in the same way as we see today? Full of corruption, extortion, selfishness and greed?

(Daniel 1)

In the previous part of this study, we began to consider how God guided the commander of Nebuchadnezzar’s officials to cause him to show kindness and favour to Daniel; and how this was a reflection of the way that God Himself had compassion on His faithful servant.

Readings: 2 Chronicles 23; Daniel 4; Acts 2

“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6). This miracle performed for a lame man outside the temple in Jerusalem is a significant step in the spread of the gospel after the Holy Spirit has been given to the apostles on the day of Pentecost.

The book of Acts will tell this story in four stages (Acts 1:8). It starts in Jerusalem and continues to the uttermost parts of the earth. A major thread that runs throughout will be reference to the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. More than thirty times it will be the included in the gospel message being preached. The book of Acts mentions this name far more than any other book of the New Testament.

(Daniel 1)

In the previous part of our study, we said that each candidate amongst the exiles who was selected to stand before Nebuchadnezzar, was required to fulfil nine criteria, and we looked at the first four. We remarked that these may be considered to have more to do with physical attributes and status at birth. The remaining five have more to do with mental acuity and capacity for instruction.

Readings: 2 Chronicles 10-11; Ezekiel 45; John 12

For our exhortation I want us to spend some time looking at the beautiful picture of the kingdom we have described for us in Isaiah. But before we look at Isaiah, I want us to spend a few minutes thinking about the attitude of the Lord Jesus to the kingdom age. We read in Hebrews 12:1-2;

(Daniel 1)

Nebuchadnezzar became king of Babylon, following the death of his father Nabopolassar, in BC604. He was a highly active and skilful general and is regarded as being one of the most successful monarchs of his age. Nebuchadnezzar is noted particularly for his ambitious building projects in the city of Babylon. He established a dynasty that lasted for seventy years. He reigned in Babylon for 43 years.

Readings: 1 Chronicles 29; Ezekiel 38; John 4

In our readings in 1 Chronicles 29 we see David at the close of his life and reign over Israel preparing his son Solomon to reign over the nation in his place. Huge amounts of costly materials have been brought to prepare for the building of the new temple, and David is grateful for the generosity of the people who have given so willingly.

In Ephesians, Paul references the concepts of "heaven and earth" or "the heavenly places" eight times, along with the related idea of being "near" or "far" from God. Understanding how Paul uses these terms is key to answering some important questions: how does the concept of heaven and earth advance Paul’s argument? How does it relate to his references to the world's rulers and authorities?

Paul structures his argument in Ephesians across two distinct sections:

1. Chapters 1-3: The mystery of the Gospel revealed: Paul emphasizes that God’s plan from the beginning was to unite all things in heaven and on earth in Christ. This unity brings together Jews and Gentiles.