Daniel For Today (Teen Class)
Stephen Palmer
Mid-Atlantic Christadelphian Bible School (1991)
The prophecy of Daniel is not just ancient history—it is a living message that speaks powerfully to the world we live in today. This series traces the visions and experiences of Daniel, showing how his unwavering faith in God under pressure and the detailed prophecies revealed to him lay out the rise and fall of empires, the corruption of human power, and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. Listeners are invited to see how the lessons of Babylon still echo in modern events and how Daniel’s visions provide a framework for understanding our own times.
Class 1 - Faith Under Pressure
The first class explores Daniel’s early years in Babylon, where as a teenager he refused to compromise with the luxuries and temptations of the empire. His steadfastness led to God’s blessing and wisdom, and through him the dream of Nebuchadnezzar was revealed—a vision of world empires and the coming kingdom of God.
Class 2 - The Shaping of Empires
The second lecture focuses on the prophetic image of the great statue, its metals representing successive empires from Babylon to Rome, and the fragile mixture of iron and clay that speaks of the divided nations of Europe. The study shows how the ancient prophecy continues to unfold in today’s political world.
Class 3 - The Worship of the True God
Attention then turns to Daniel’s companions and their fiery trial in the furnace, contrasting the empty worship of human-made gods with the saving power of the living God. The message calls believers to stand firm in their devotion even when faced with intense opposition.
Class 4 - The Rise and Fall of Kings
This class examines Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling and Belshazzar’s fall, lessons that demonstrate God’s sovereignty over rulers and nations. The theme of human pride meeting divine judgment is underscored, showing that no power can stand against the rule of heaven.
Class 5 - The Law of God Versus the Law of Men
Daniel in the lions’ den is presented not simply as a children’s story but as a profound conflict between the unchanging law of God and the decrees of human kings. Daniel’s loyalty even under threat of death reminds listeners that true discipleship requires courage and trust in God’s deliverance.
Class 6 - Visions of the Kingdom to Come
The series concludes with Daniel’s later visions, from the four beasts representing world powers to the ram and goat of chapter 8, and finally the intricate prophecy of chapter 11. These lessons show how history and prophecy converge, pointing forward to the return of Christ when the kingdoms of this world will be replaced by the everlasting kingdom of God.
This description has been generated by AI and lightly edited.