Introduction

The Book of Daniel, Chapter 7, presents a bit of a challenge. Why? Because what is described in Daniel 7 sounds like a myth. I believe everyone has read it once or twice, but expecting to understand it after just one reading is unrealistic. If you're not grasping the text, it's likely because you haven't read it enough times to catch the key points.

The earlier chapters of Daniel are easier to read, but from Chapter 7 onwards, it becomes more difficult. In fact, when I started leading everyone through Daniel, I was already anticipating the challenge of Chapter 7. How would I guide the study? But as the saying goes, The cart will find its way up the mountain, and The boat will straighten itself when it reaches the bridge. At this point, I want to teach everyone how to study the Bible. I asked the brothers and sisters, after reading Chapter 7, what do you think is the main theme? Grasping the theme is key. If you think the theme is the beast with seven heads and ten horns, that's trouble. What exactly is that beast? No one can say for sure.

In reality, as you read this chapter, you will eventually grasp a theme: The holy people of the Most High will receive the everlasting kingdom. Or: The kingdom, power, and dominion over all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the holy people of the Most High. When studying the Bible, always start by grasping the theme. How do you do that? Read it multiple times. After a hundred readings, the meaning will become clear, and the rest will be easier to understand.

The theme of Daniel is: God reigns in the kingdoms of men. Chapter 7 speaks of the final end. Know that no matter how many beasts there are, don't think they are outside of God's plan. Whether it's the beast with seven heads and ten horns or the great red dragon, these are all part of God's plan.

What is God's ultimate plan? It is that the holy people of the Most High will receive and enjoy the kingdom, and this kingdom is eternal. Once we know the end of the matter, there's no problem. For example, if you already know you will get into Peking University before taking the college entrance exam, is there a problem? Many say this sounds mysterious, but the end result is most important.

Some of us are influenced by the world, caring only about immediate gratification, thinking this is the truth. But it's not. We should care about enduring forever. We need to know that ultimately, we will receive and enjoy the kingdom, and this kingdom is eternal. We will possess this kingdom forever, and all authority, power, honor, and glory in heaven and on earth will be given to us.

Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him. (Daniel 7:27)

This is very interesting. What's going on? Let's look at the scripture:

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying on his bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream. Daniel said: “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea. Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea. The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a human being, and the mind of a human was given to it. And there before me was a second beast, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up and gorge yourself with flesh!’ After that, I looked, and there before me was another beast, one that looked like a leopard. And this beast had four wings like those of a bird and four heads. And it was given dominion.

“After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns. “While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like human eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully.” (Daniel 7:1-8)

“As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was a fiery flame, and its wheels were blazing fire. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. “Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time. “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. “I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me. (Daniel 7:9-15)

Generally, if someone has a dream, they might dismiss it if it seems nonsensical. But not Daniel. After having this dream, he was troubled in spirit and disturbed by the visions. We need to consider why Daniel took this dream so seriously.

“I approached one of those standing there and asked him the true meaning of all this. “So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things.” (Daniel 7:16)

This is the end of the matter. I, Daniel, was deeply troubled by my thoughts, and my face turned pale; but I kept the matter to myself. (Daniel 7:28)

We need to clarify things one by one. The first thing I want to explain is: Why was Daniel troubled in spirit and disturbed by the visions? The second thing: explain the four winds stirring up the great sea. The third thing: the four great beasts coming up out of the sea. The fourth thing: the four beasts, especially focusing on the fourth beast. The fifth thing: I want to guide everyone to understand the Book of Revelation, which also talks about this passage. John also saw this vision and the beast with seven heads and ten horns, the great red dragon. Since we've come this far, we're essentially talking about the end of the world.

Why Was Daniel Troubled in Spirit and Disturbed?

Why was Daniel disturbed? Many people have dreams, and if they can interpret them, they do; if not, they dismiss them. But this isn't the right attitude. Consider that Daniel held the position of prime minister in the Babylonian empire, a very powerful man. So why was he disturbed by this dream? First, he knew the dream was definitely from God, carrying a revelation, but he didn't understand its meaning.

When faced with something they don't understand, people adopt one of two attitudes: either they dismiss it, or they take a rigorous approach. I encourage everyone to cultivate a rigorous attitude. If I don't understand something, I need to figure it out; it's important. If you observe what we do today, you'll see that we highly value understanding, because I like to get to the bottom of things intellectually.

For example, when I read Genesis, I asked many people what Genesis 1 was about. Not understanding it, I trembled and sought an answer. Many said Genesis 1 describes God's creation, but I wasn't satisfied with that answer. So I started praying, seeking the correct answer. Later, God gave me a very clear revelation: Man is made in God's image! We should do things the way God does. After receiving this answer, I was very excited. When I led the brothers and sisters through Genesis 1, I was very satisfied.

Can we start adopting the idea of trembling at God's word? Trembling at God's word is a very correct attitude. We need to seek God, who has more power than an atomic bomb. If we handle atomic bombs carelessly, we're flirting with death! Anything with great power requires rigor. Today, we believe in the God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. This gospel is the power of God; we can't be careless! So we need to cultivate a rigorous attitude.

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What house will you build for me? Where will my resting place be?’” (Isaiah 66:1)

Why does God need a resting place? Because God sees that people are indifferent to His word! Some think, I'm not Daniel or the Apostle Paul, and start messing around. Others think they don't have enough education to understand. But it's not about education; it's about attitude. What is God looking for? God is looking for those who tremble at His word.

“Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?’ declares the Lord. ‘These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.’” (Isaiah 66:2)

Do you understand? God cannot rest because there are no people on earth who tremble at His word. God made all these things, but He looks on those who are humble, contrite, and tremble at His word. I can tell you, I am someone who trembles at God's word.

You might say, Look at him, bragging again! It's not bragging. Trembling at God's word is an attitude every Christian should have. Without a humble and contrite heart, if you ask someone what Genesis 1 is about, they'll say it's about God's creation, which is nonsense.

For example, if you tell a non-believer that God created everything, including humans, how do you argue it? It seems like you can, but you can't. They ask why, and you say the Bible says so. Then they say, I believe in the Quran, the Buddhist scriptures, and the Tao Te Ching! What do you do then?

There's an interesting joke: The Israeli government says that the land of Palestine belongs to them, and they have proof! People ask, Where's your proof? They say it's in the Bible. Then the Palestinians and Arabs pick up the Quran and say, This is our proof; it's ours! Then the Chinese pick up the Classic of Mountains and Seas! Open it up, and everything on earth is in there. You can't argue like that; it doesn't solve the problem.

So those who tremble at God's word need to cultivate a rigorous habit. Those who tremble at God's word carefully seek when they hear God's word. If you don't seek carefully, you're like a hypocrite.

But whoever sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a person, and whoever offers a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever presents a grain offering is like one who offers pig’s blood, and whoever burns incense is like one who worships an idol. They have chosen their own ways, and their souls delight in their abominations; (Isaiah 66:3)

These kinds of people choose their own ways! I think it's like this, I think it's like that. Does thinking work? God reveals things very clearly in the Bible. If people tremble and fear God's word, they will seek diligently. What's the result of seeking diligently? God is already waiting for you! If people don't seek diligently, they choose their own ways.

So I will choose harsh treatment for them and bring on them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened; they did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.” Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at his word: “Your own people who hate you, who reject you because of my name, have said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see your joy!’ Yet they will be put to shame. (Isaiah 66:4-5)

So those who tremble at the word of the Lord are you, or us. Then there are those who hate those who tremble at the word of the Lord. What's the result? Those who hate you and cast you out in God's name will ultimately be put to shame. After reading this, those who tremble at the word of the Lord and those who mess with the word of the Lord are separated.

If you're listening to my Bible study online and you're a pastor, you must tremble at the word of the Lord! If you don't tremble, that's deadly! In the end, who will be put to shame? If you are put to shame, who's fault is it? Know that Daniel's attitude is very good, so he was disturbed and pondered, What's going on here? What should I do? How should I record this word? He had a very serious attitude and kept things in his heart. I hope the brothers and sisters among us have this attitude towards God's word.

Four Winds, the Sea, and Four Beasts

Daniel dreamed of the four winds of heaven stirring up. The wind is spirit. When we talk about the four winds, actually, the Bible mentions it several times. Those who control the four winds of earth are the angels of God, they are spirits. Wind is closely related to spirit. So everyone, begin to understand. Traditional Chinese medicine often talks about evil wind. This evil wind comes in, and the person's mouth becomes crooked, their eyes become slanted; evil wind is an evil spirit. Wind is very interesting. The four winds stirred up the great sea. After the wind rises, God's spirit is operating over all the earth. The result of the operation is disaster.

When reading the Book of Revelation, you will also read about the four winds. God says, Do not blow it yet, until I put a seal on the foreheads of all my servants. After sealing is finished, nothing in heaven and on earth will harm God's servants. Because they have God's mark on their heads. Previously, I talked about the Mark of Jesus Christ on the body. This mark is very good. When it gets to the end days, nothing can harm you.

After the sealing of all the servants' foreheads, those four winds rose and stirred up the great sea. Know that wind is controlled in the hand of God. God is reigning in the kingdoms of men. Can it be that the beasts of earth are not in God's control? Of course they are in God's control. Wind stirring up the great sea with four beasts rising out of the sea. Is this not a good thing? Actually, not.

God reigns in the kingdoms of men. Could it be these beasts on the earth are not under God's control? Of course they are under God's control. Wind stirring up the great sea and the beasts rising out of the sea. These four beasts are four kings. Why are they rising out of the sea? The problem of the sea is very important. Humanity's history is closely related to the sea. We, the Chinese nation, are a very powerful nation. Even at the time of Zheng He's voyages, that was already a large fleet. Much more progressive than the West. But Zheng He's voyages weren't for conquest. He didn't go looting with an army. He went around scattering money by bringing the benefits of the Celestial Empire. Then later, Western powers began to rise.

Actually, the Chinese nation has always had a very clear understanding of the sea. For example, the South China Sea, the Nansha Islands, the Xisha Islands, there are still many disputes about sovereignty. Why? The issue of maritime hegemony is the four beasts rising out of the sea. This issue of maritime hegemony, when did humans realize it? Actually, the Chinese nation recognized it a long time ago. But the Western powers only recognized it a hundred years ago. During a period of two, three, or four hundred years, these maritime powers have successively been Portugal, Spain, Holland, England, until today's America. This is a maritime hegemon.

In 1890, an American named Mahan wrote a book called The Influence of Sea Power upon History. This book talks about how as long as you control the sea, you'll control the ocean world trade. You control the world trade, and you control the world's wealth. You control the world's wealth, and you'll control the entire world. This is why all countries strive to develop their navies. The earliest maritime hegemons were Portugal, Spain, Holland. Then later it was England, the British Empire. The British navy dominated the world. Colonizing everywhere, the Americas, Africa, Asia, all were its colonies. Such as Singapore, Malaysia, and India were all British colonies.

You say England is such a small country, how can it control these places? Actually, it can't control these territories completely. For example, Hong Kong was previously a British colony. By the end of World War II, America became the maritime hegemon. Today, the world's maritime military power is the United States. Actually, the Bible's description of the four great beasts rising out of the sea, I feel that these are four different kingdoms becoming maritime hegemons. If we arrange them like this, Portugal, Spain, Holland are the first wave. England is the second wave. And America is the third wave.

The development of humanity's history has progressed to today, and it is advancing exactly as the Bible reveals. It's as if these maritime hegemons can be divided into three waves. You can divide them into four waves or five waves, it doesn't matter. Maybe America is the fourth beast. We can't say for sure. We'll see slowly. Throughout the ages of humanity's history, two thousand years ago, the ocean didn't seem that important. A thousand years ago, the ocean wasn't that important either. But in these recent centuries, everyone has competed to control the sea. Previously, no one wanted the Nansha Islands, but now it's incredible. Why? Because you can build an unsinkable aircraft carrier on the island.

Four beasts rose out of the sea. Humanity's history is developing in one direction: the holy people of the Most High will receive and enjoy the kingdom forever. Whenever I think of the holy people of the Most High receiving and enjoying the kingdom forever, I feel so hopeful! It's very hopeful. It's so very hopeful! We must have the mark of Jesus Christ on our body in order to be the holy people of the Most High in the future, therefore, we will necessarily receive Jesus Christ's eternal kingdom, forever and ever.

Striving to Become Saints of the Most High

Let us now discuss these four beasts. We will not cover the first three beasts, as the fourth beast is quite different. It has iron teeth and bronze claws, devouring and crushing, and trampling what remains. This fourth beast is formidable, with its iron teeth and bronze claws, representing that the era of the fourth king is an age of iron and steel.

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. Daniel 7:7

We must understand that to dominate the seas, you need to build ships. To build ships, you need steel. Why use bronze? Because electrical wires require copper. Without copper, electricity cannot flow. Thus, copper plays a crucial role in the essential systems on a ship. This is quite interesting.

What I say may not be entirely correct. Understand that this fourth king is powerful, highly modernized, with iron teeth and bronze claws. This fourth beast also speaks boastful words, with a fierce appearance, exceeding its counterparts. This horn makes war with the saints and prevails against them. This is indeed formidable.

Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled what was left with its feet; and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows. I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them. Daniel 7:19-21

Christians fighting against this beast with seven heads and ten horns are ultimately defeated. In this passage of Scripture, we see that it is best to avoid this beast, as the situation is not favorable if it becomes too powerful. As Christians, always remember that our kingdom is not of this world. The kingdoms of this world belong to the god of this world, though ultimately they belong to God. As saints of the Most High, we will be persecuted on earth, and this is normal.

Why are saints of the Most High persecuted on earth? Because persecution tests our true faith. If you have true faith, you are a saint of the Most High. If you lack faith and readily receive the mark of the beast when oppressed, then trouble ensues. Therefore, consider these matters. Daniel saw these things, and later, in Revelation, John saw these things as well. The entire process of God's saints inheriting the kingdom is clearly described, so I will briefly share about Revelation.

Revelation's historical description begins with the seven churches, followed by the seven seals. The first four seals are the four horsemen. The spirit of the old horse we speak of today is these four horsemen. After these horsemen pass, when the seventh seal is opened, the seven trumpets begin to sound. After the trumpets, there are seven bowls, and so the process goes. If human history slowly progresses through this process, then when the trumpets sound , the rhythm of human history greatly accelerates.

When the seventh trumpet begins to sound, the Third World War will begin. The United States killed an Iranian general, triggering a series of problems. The hot search on the internet was Third World War. This means that the powder keg of the Third World War could be ignited by anyone at any time. What will happen then? The seven trumpets will begin to sound.

This Third World War should not last long. They say that after the Third World War, only cockroaches will remain, as cockroaches have strong vitality. No one dares to wage this Third World War, but it will definitely be waged. Why? Because I am speaking according to the Bible. God reigns in the kingdoms of men, and God has long told us the course of human history, so that we may have faith in Him. Ultimately, we are to inherit the kingdom and enjoy it, as saints of the Most High. The question is whether you and I are saints of the Most High.

Our church has very high standards. Do not think that you can be lax in church; that is not the case. In fact, Jesus said that the kingdom of God suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. How can you enter if you do not strive? Can you enter casually? There is only one place you can enter casually. Thus, after the Third World War, the entire world will become one country.

Daniel said, The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces. This fourth beast represents a kingdom that unifies the world, devouring the entire earth. Therefore, after the Third World War, there will be no need for the United Nations; there will only be one country, the country of the Antichrist. That great red dragon, the beast with seven heads and ten horns, will devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces.

This is a sign. At that time, I will tell you, it is Revelation chapter 11. If you live to chapter 12, good luck! If you live to chapter 13, you will only have the option of martyrdom, either receiving the mark of the beast or being martyred. There is no other choice. Therefore, Revelation chapter 11 is very important.

After the first six trumpets sound, the Third World War will end. When the seventh trumpet is about to sound, something will happen: the whole world will become one country. At that time, two preachers will be killed and lie in the streets of the great city of Jerusalem, and no one will bury their bodies. They will lie there for three and a half days, being watched by people from all over the world. After three and a half days, the breath of life from God will enter them, and they will rise from the dead. After they are resurrected, they will ascend to heaven in a cloud, and people all over the world will be watching.

If you see such things happen, the seventh angel is blowing the trumpet, and the church will be raptured. If you are a saint of the Most High, and a victorious saint, you will be raptured. The victorious church is here. Therefore, you must know that as a Christian, you must be a victorious Christian at all costs. In the church, you must be in a victorious church.

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!' And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: 'We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned. The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth.' Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail. Revelation 11:15-19

This is the end of the world. If you see two preachers resurrected and ascend to heaven, and you are still on this earth, you can roughly know what is about to happen. The Antichrist will reign on earth, and God will pour out his wrath on this world. There will be no chance to eke out a living for many years. If you receive the mark of the beast, God's fire will burn you, and wrath will come upon you. If you do not receive the mark of the beast, you will have no chance. What 666 is, I hope it has nothing to do with us, because we have been raptured.

Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne. Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days. Revelation 12:1-6

When you read Revelation 12, you will read about a woman with the moon under her feet, the sun on her head, and twelve stars. That is Israel. Why? Joseph once had a dream in which the sun, moon, and twelve stars bowed down to him, which means it represents [Israel]. As a result, this woman gave birth to a child, and the child born is Christianity, it is the victorious church. This victorious church was caught up to God and His throne, and this woman had to do certain action on the earth. I mean, everyone be a victorious Christian!

And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, 'Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.' Revelation 12:7-11

War broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. Church is victorius and the dragon will be throwdown to the earth. The church can overcome the dragon by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives even to death. What is the result? The victorious have already been raptured.

After the devil went down to earth, he fought against the rest of her children:

And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17

But those who were not raptured were left behind. God allowed him to make war with the saints and prevail against them. That is to say, at this time, the saints no longer have the concept of victory, only the concept of martyrdom. So, if Christians are left in Revelation chapter 13, then be martyred!

It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. Revelation 13:7

Know that to the end of human history, the saints of the Most High will inherit the eternal kingdom. Therefore, these light afflictions, which are but for a moment, are working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory! Our brothers and sisters must begin to know that the price we pay is far less than nothing, because this world and its desires pass away, but the kingdom of God endures forever!

Without these devils and these things on earth, being a Christian would just be casually strolling along, with no talk of victory. God made everything beautiful in its time. All these things of the world, including the beast with seven heads and ten horns, are all under God's control! Never forget that all things in this world are under God's control in the kingdoms of men!

Summary

God reigns in the kingdoms of men, and God wants a victorious people! Only the victorious can inherit the kingdom of God, and only the victorious can inherit the promises of God. This is the key. The kingdom of God suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. If you are muddle-headed, love the world, gratify the flesh, and like to discern good and evil, how can you be victorious? You have to work hard to go to college, so it is worth the effort to be a saint of the Most High! If you are going to do it, be a victorious Christian! You can manifest the glory of God in this world!

If you have God's presence in this world, you will return to God in the future! If you have a demon with you in this world, where will you go in the future? It is easy to imagine. I hope that this group of us, the saints of the Most High, will inherit the eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ in the future! Amen!