OUTLINE & TAKE NOTES - March 2, 2025

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OUTLINE & TAKE NOTES

Sunday, March 2, 2025

From Earthly Thrones to the Eternal Kingdom // Pastor Leonor Lopes

Ever look at the headlines and wonder if there’s a deeper plan behind the rise and fall of nations? The prophet Daniel receives a stunning vision of four monstrous beasts emerging from chaotic waters—symbolizing earthly kingdoms that grow powerful and then collapse. Yet the heart of this vision isn’t about the beasts at all; it’s about the “Son of Man”—a Messianic figure who represents Jesus and is given eternal dominion. This reveals a crucial theological truth: while earthly empires come and go, God’s kingdom stands unshakable and everlasting. If Christ truly reigns over history, then our hope doesn’t hinge on whoever happens to be in power right now. Instead, we can anchor our faith in the sovereignty of a King who outlasts every political scheme, economic crisis, and cultural upheaval. We are beckoned to live with an eternal perspective—grounding our decisions, priorities, and ambitions in God’s unending kingdom rather than the temporary systems of our world. How would your life change if you believed that the chaos around you can’t derail God’s redemptive plan? Let’s discover how trusting in Christ’s reign and kingdom can reshape our outlook, our choices, and our hope.

Apocalyptic Literature

To give us a heavenly perspective on the circumstances on earth.

To give hope for the future, to challenge and comfort.

The Dream

Daniel 7:2 NLT - In my vision that night, I, Daniel, saw a great storm churning the surface of a great sea, with strong winds. Blowing from every direction.


The Lion with Eagle’s Wings

The Bear

The Leopard with four wings and four heads

The Exceeding Dreadful, Terrible Beast

Daniel 7:9 NLT - I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire,


Daniel 7:10 NLT - And a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence. Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened.


Daniel 7:11-14 NLT - I continued to watch because I could hear the little horn’s boastful speech. I kept watching until the fourth beast was killed, and its body was destroyed by fire. The other three beasts had their authority taken from them, but they were allowed to live a while longer. As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.

The Meaning of The Dream

Kingdoms will rise and Kingdoms will fall but God’s plans will never be overcome!

God’s Plans

Genesis 3:15 - “And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”


John 10:20 - The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.


John 3:16 - For this is how God loved the world: He gave[a] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

How Does Trusting in Christ’s Reign and Kingdom Shape our Hope, our Choices, Our Outlook?