As we begin a new chapter of Daniel (Daniel 5) we are also introduced to a new king of Babylon and his name is Belshazzar. He is called the son of King Nebuchadnezzar but it is more likely that he is actually Nebuchadnezzar’s grandson. This chapter begins to show the transition and downfall of the Babylonian Empire and the judgment that awaited them for their mistreatment of the Jewish people they had conquered and captured. The best way to summarize the complete failure and downfall of this once prestigious and dominant Empire is to read what Daniel writes in the middle verses of chapter 5;“Yet you, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart even though you knew all this, but you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven……..but the God in whose hand are your life-breath and your waysyou have not glorified” (Daniel 5:22-23). This passage truly depicts the pride and arrogance of a young king who shook his fist at Almighty God and out of defiance he desecrated that which was considered sacred to the Lord and His people. Instead of repenting like King Nebuchadnezzar did, Belshazzar instead throws a party and a hand appears that writes a message that Daniel interprets for him. The message to Belshazzar was clear – your days and the days of the Babylonian Empire are over. This is precisely what happens and sets the stage for the Persians to control the Land of Israel. It will be during the later reign of Cyrus the King of Persia in which the Jewish people will be allowed to return to their homeland in order to rebuild their Temple. All of this was in the plans that the Lord had for His people the Jews in order for Jesus the Messiah to become the Savior of the world! For more information take a look at the complete lesson or feel free to contact me for the answers to the fill in blanks. I will be teaching this series in the fall at Valley View Church in Lincoln – contact me for more details – mikesouthwick@gmail.com

Lesson 5 – Like Father Like Son – Daniel 5

Lesson 5 – Like Father Like Son – Daniel 5 (Teacher)

Lesson 5 -Like Father Like Son – Daniel 5 (PPT)

Chapter 4 of the Book of Daniel reveals a king, who after attempting to elevate himself to the status of a god and suffering the complete embarrassment of a failed attempt to kill 3 innocent young Jewish lads for doing nothing more than worshipping their Creator instead of worshipping Nebuchadnezzar, now finds himself once again troubled by a dream. This time the dream focuses on King Nebuchadnezzar and his arrogant and prideful life that is completely out of synch with the God of the universe. Fortunately for the king he is shown the grace of Almighty God and hears of that grace through the prophet Daniel. Even though Daniel, through the interpretation of the dream, provided plenty of detail as to what would happen if the king did not repent and submit to the sovereign will of the Lord, Nebuchadnezzar continues in his sinful and prideful ways and actually suffer 7 years of living a life of complete insanity. After his experiences of living among the animals and acting just like an animal, the king finally submits to the Lord and acknowledges Him as the sovereign King of the universe. What a telling chapter that reveals the depths to which rebellion from a Holy God can take us – a lesson we should all take to heart. For more information – take a look at the complete lesson or feel free to contact me for the answers to the fill in blanks. I will be teaching this series in the fall at Valley View Church in Lincoln – contact me for more details – mikesouthwick@gmail.com

Lesson 4 – Pride Comes Before a Fall – Daniel 4

Lesson 4 – Pride Comes Before a Fall – Daniel 4 (Teacher Copy)

Lesson 4 – Pride Comes Before a Fall – Daniel 4 (PPT)

Chapter 3 of the Book of Daniel begins with King Nebuchadnezzar erecting a huge gold statue and then requires all the subjects of the Babylonian Kingdom to fall down and worship it. Nebuchadnezzar showed the danger that awaits us when we allow power and pride to control our lives and he evidenced what an arrogant fool he actually was.

What King Nebuchadnezzar should have done after receiving the interpretation of his dream was to submit to and worship the Lord ,but instead he sets himself up to be worshipped and this will lead to his downfall (Proverbs 11:2). He continues with his error by punishing the three young men (Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego) who refuse to bow down to the image and throws them into a blazing furnace. The Lord will once again show His sovereign control by delivering these young men from the flames. Nebuchadnezzar will at least admit to the Lord’s power but he never really submits to the Lord which will cause Nebuchadnezzar to suffer the humiliation of losing his kingdom as we will see in Daniel chapter 4.

It would have done King Nebuchadnezzar well to have paid attention to the words of Daniel when he wrote these words in Daniel 2:20-22; “Daniel answered and said; blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belongs wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings, he gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. Here is the full lesson from Daniel 3 –

Lesson 3 – Power and Pride – A Dangerous Mixture – Daniel 3

Lesson 3 – Power and Pride – A Dangerous Mixture – Daniel 3 (Teacher Copy)

Lesson 3 -Power and Pride – A Dangerous Mixture – Daniel 3 (PPT)

This second lesson covers the dream that troubled King Nebuchadnezzar so much so that he threatens his wise men (astrologers and magicians) to reveal the dream and its interpretation. The wise men of Babylon will fail at that task; however Daniel will not only describe the dream but through special revelation from the Lord will also provide the interpretation. The dream provides a prophetic timetable of events that would have been future events to King Nebuchadnezzar and for the most part historical happenings to us. However, Daniel describes a yet future event in which a kingdom will be established that will last forever. Take a look for yourself…..

Lesson 2 – Disturbed By a Dream – Daniel 2  

Lesson 2 – Disturbed By a Dream – Daniel 2 (Teacher Copy)

Lesson 2 – Disturbed By A Dream (PPT)

I have been asked to teach a series on the Book of Daniel this fall so I will need to put my study regarding the Kings of Israel and Judah aside for a couple of months. I have taught this series on Daniel before but I have decided to do a revision much like I had done to my series on the Book of Esther. Keep checking back from time to time as I will post the lessons as I complete them. As always, if you have question or would like additional information then feel free to e-mail me; mikesouthwick@gmail.com

This first lesson covers chapter 1 of the Book of Daniel and some of the things you will learn here is how Daniel and the people of Judah ended up in Babylon to begin with. In addition to that you will learn how Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego maintained their testimony and did not compromise their beliefs even though that may have been the popular thing to do. This decision will put Daniel in a position to be noticed and will provide the means for him to be able to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and become a close advisor to the king. Take a look…..

Lesson 1 – Daniel in Babylon – Daniel 1

Lesson 1 – Daniel in Babylon – Daniel 1(Teacher Copy)

Lesson 1 – Daniel in Babylon – (PPT)

Lesson 3 in the series “The Rise and Fall of Israel’s Monarchs” covers the period of Israel’s history in which David is chosen by the Lord to be King of Israel and the one in whom a royal dynasty would be established. The Scriptures teach that it would be through David’s lineage that the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, would be born. This lesson also provides an overview of the life of King David, perhaps the most well-known and well-loved King of Israel.

“Now therefore, thus you shall say to My servant David, thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make you a great name, like the names of the great men on earth ” (II Samuel 7:8-9)

Lesson 3 – King David

Lesson 2 in the Series “The Rise and Fall of Israel’s Monarchs” covers the period of Israel’s history at the conclusion of the Judges and leading up to the selection of Saul as the first King of Israel. This lesson primarily incudes the events surrounding the life of Samuel and Saul. See link below –

Lesson 2 – From Samuel to Saul

This study “The Rise and Fall of Israel’s Monarchs” is my newest study that covers the period in the Old Testament known as the Kings. It covers approximately 440 years of Israel’s history and encompasses approximately 22 out of the 39 books of the Old Testament. I am just beginning to develop the series so please check back from time to time or choose the follow button at the bottom of the page to be notified when I make updates. The student notes are listed below and if you are interested in the teacher notes then please just send an e-mail to mikesouthwick@gmail.com and I can forward that to you. Best wishes to you in the New Year 2012.

Lesson 1 – Kings and Queens Overview and Introduction

Esther is a real pivotal book in the Bible as it helps bridge a gap that connects a people once governed by God and His laws to a people ruled by ruthless tyrants and dictators. Their plight continues to this day as they, (the Jews) are hated by those who don’t understand them or willfully choose to reject them.

The story of Esther doesn’t just reveal the triumph of good over evil, but more important it shows the intervention by God who preserved His chosen people through not only a series of unusual circumstances, but by His own sovereign power.

The events recorded in the book of Esther take place over a 10 year period of time (483 B.C. to 473 B.C.), and occurred during the reign of Xerxes (Ahasuerus) who reigned over the Persian Empire from 485-465 B.C. The book of Esther (along with Ezra and Nehemiah) is placed in the middle of our Bibles, however from a chronological standpoint, the events actually occur toward the end of the recorded Old Testament period. (483-473 B.C.)

Esther was clearly chosen for an unexpected calling which was to be used by the Lord to gain the attention of a pagan king and turn his heart in favor of the Jews. The Old Testament Book of Esther remains one of my all-time favorite books of the Bible and I trust you will enjoy the study notes provided here on my web site. These lesson notes are designed for a 10 hour lecture/study and can be broken up over a 10 week period and you are free to download them for your own personal use. If you are interested in having me teach the series with your group then I can be reached at mikesouthwick@gmail.com

Introduction and Overview

Preparations – Esther 1

Providence – Esther 2

Haman’s Plot – Esther 3

Esther’s Purpose – Esther 4

Haman’s Pride – Esther 5

Pride Has its Price – Esther 6

Esther’s Plea – Esther 7

Morcecai’s Promotion – Esther 8

The Lord’s Protection – Esther 9

The Lord’s Provision – Esther 10

I will be teaching this series at Valley View Church in Lincoln tonight. This is a mini lesson on the history of Israel and how that connects to the modern conflict in the Middle East. Feel free to check out the slide presentation or contact me and I would be happy to come and speak on this very important and relevant topic.

A History of Israel Slide Presentation