Raise the standard: Know God deeper Daniel 11:32 Daniel records the vicious attacks of Antiochus Epiphanes, who was a wicked ruler who attempted to annihilate the Jews and wipe Israel off the face of the earth. He furiously attacked the eternal city of Jerusalem one Sabbath day, and brutally slaughtered men, women, and children in his murderous assault. This satanically inspired and blasphemous man, even slaughtered a pig to the honour of the pagan god Zeus on the sacred altar in the Lord's holy Temple. Daniel's prophecy has two fulfilments. The first, in the person of Antiochus Epiphanes, and the second, in a yet unidentified man of sin - the Antichrist. The ongoing, multiple, varied, and vicious attacks on the nation of Israel and the Jewish people indicate that the time for the final fulfilment of Daniel's prophecy is drawing ever closer, when with wicked deception and smooth words, the Antichrist will, "turn to godlessness, all who act wickedly toward Israel." But the chosen people who know their God and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, will display strength and take action for the Lord. As a believing remnant they will be strong in the Lord and do great exploits for their God. They shall act wisely, take action, and display mighty strength. I. THE PEOPLE WHO DO KNOW THEIR GOD. A. In John 17:3 Jesus said, "And this is life eternal, that they may know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." Note: There is a vast difference between knowing God, and knowing about God. 1. First you have to believe in the truth that there is a God. – Psalm 19 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament[a] shows [b]His handiwork. 2 Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. 4 Their [c]line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. Theologians call this general revelation. God has decided to reveal himself through creation yet still some people will deny His presence. All but the fool know about God, it is only the fool who has said in his heart, "There is no God." – Psalm 14:1 Paul said, professing themselves to be wise, they became fools as they sought to change the glory of the incorruptible God and they began to worship and serve the creation more than the creator. Romans 1:22-25 GOD DESIRES THAT WE SHOULD KNOW HIM IN AN INTIMATE WAY. In such a way you carry on daily conversations with Him, and seek His advice before making any major decisions. You look to Him daily for comfort, advise, and strength, He is your closest friend and confidant. How do you get to know God intimately? 2. Through Jesus Christ God who in different times and in various ways spoke to man through His prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His own dear Son. Jesus is the final and perfect revelation of God to man, for He is God. Hebrews 1:1-3 When Philip said to Him, just show us the Father and we will be satisfied, Jesus answered, "Have I been with you all of this time, and have you not seen Me, He that has seen Me has seen the Father." John 14:9 In his latter years John wrote in his 1st epistle, "That which was from the beginning which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life. For the life was manifested and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us." Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh to the Father, but by Me." Again Jesus said, "Neither knoweth any man the Father except the Son, and he to whom the Son revealeth Him." Jesus is the true revelation of God for He is God. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God,
