Author Archives: A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green

Time’s Up!

In Daniel 5 we’ve moved forward an indeterminate amount of time. Chapter 4 takes place during Nebuchadnezzar’s reign (which ended in 562 BC). Chapter 5 takes place as the Medo-Persians come to power (539 BC), so we know at least 23 years have transpired. Despite this chronological gap, the two chapters from a couplet ofContinue reading “Time’s Up!”

Hurting for Humility

Who would you rather be: a prisoner of war or someone who occupies an important position of power and influence?  Doesn’t seem like much of a choice, does it? But what if I told you the prisoner of war is Daniel, and the person with power and influence is Nebuchadnezzar? That would change things, wouldn’tContinue reading “Hurting for Humility”

When Temptation Calls Your Name

In Daniel 3, Nebuchadnezzar has gathered his advisers, officials, and administrators from all over the kingdom on the plain of Dura (v. 2). Per Daniel 1, this included people from “all of the nations and peoples of every language” (v. 7). The scope of attendees suggests that this gathering was no small thing. But there’sContinue reading “When Temptation Calls Your Name”

Sleepless in Babylon

King of the world! That’s what Nebuchadnezzar is. He could literally say, “Jump!” and everyone would ask, “How high?” After all, he’s defeated the Assyrians, Egyptians, and his kingdom knows no rival. He is on the top of the world! But the king of the world can’t get a good night’s sleep. He can controlContinue reading “Sleepless in Babylon”

Sincerely, But No Longer Yours

In Daniel 2 we have the first of the five visions found in the book. God initially gave the vision to Nebuchadnezzar in a dream and enables Daniel (in contrast to the king’s spiritual advisors), not only to tell the king what that dream was, but to explain its significance. This is kind of thingContinue reading “Sincerely, But No Longer Yours”

When Troubles Come

Chapter two of Daniel is part of the historical section of the book (1-6) that features what are often referred to as “court stories.” These stories typically show how Daniel and his friends allow God to work in their lives to solve some type of dilemma with the end result being positive recognition for theContinue reading “When Troubles Come”

Be One of Them!

Despite the faithlessness of the Jewish people (see Daniel’s prayer in chapter 9), God remained faithful. His would send the Messiah through them as He had promised, and He would be a descendant of David (Psalm 89). In chapter 1, we see several manifestations of Yahweh’s faithfulness. 1. He is still present. God’s presence was especiallyContinue reading “Be One of Them!”

Introduction to Daniel

Many people find the book of Daniel intimidating due to its (predictive) prophecies that are often taken out of context and used in support of a wide range of teachings—many quite unbiblical. That’s a shame, because the book is rich and rewarding for those who are willing to push past the hype and work withContinue reading “Introduction to Daniel”

Changing the Kingdom

The greatest selling book of all time is the Bible. The Guinness people estimate the number to be somewhere between five and seven billion. (The Koran’s figures, by comparison, are in the neighborhood of 800 million). There’s a reason for the Bible’s unique status—there is simply no story like the one found in Scripture! There’sContinue reading “Changing the Kingdom”