The Kingdom that Cannot Be Removed (Remastered)

A Sermon on Daniel 2.44 https://www.mljtrust.org/sermons/old-testament/the-kingdom-that-cannot-be-removed/ "If you and I are depressed by what's happening in the world today, well, it's because we are not truly christian in our thinking. This is the whole story of the Bible. These great powers have risen against God, and everybody has believed that they're going to be triumphant. Suddenly, God arises, and in a most contemptuous manner (I use my terms advisedly), he just humbles them, and puts them in their place, and goes on with his wonderful purpose. Many powers have arisen in the past that seem to be threatening the extermination of Christianity. They've all gone. And every power that is in the world today that seems to be threatening the christian faith will go in exactly the same way." - Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Sermon Description Why is the birth of Christ important? In this sermon on Daniel 2.44 titled “The Kingdom that Cannot be Removed,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains why the birth of a baby in the little town of Bethlehem changes the whole course of human history. While this may sound like a grand claim, it is no exaggeration. For the baby that was born to Mary was none other than the long-awaited Messiah that was to bring the kingdom of God. While people put their hope in what looks good, God is quite different. He sent His Son to be born in a lowly place. He was not born amongst kings and the powerful. It is this Jesus who has died not only to forgive sins, but also that He might inherit the whole earth and rule all the kingdoms of the world. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains how Jesus conquered through suffering on the cross. Only in Jesus is there salvation and true peace with God. Sermon Breakdown * The sermon examines two verses from Daniel 2.44 and Luke 2.1 which show that the message of Christmas, the coming of the Son of God, is found throughout the Bible. * The prophecy of Daniel 2.44 was given at a time when the people of Israel were in captivity and despair. But God gave them a message of hope through the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar which Daniel interpreted. * God chose to give this message of hope through the pagan King Nebuchadnezzar to humble him and show His power. This is God's method throughout the Bible. * The prophecy gives the exact time when the Son of God would come - during the Roman Empire. The details of the prophecy show God's control of history. * The kingdom God would set up would be different from earthly kingdoms. It would not come from any earthly kingdom but would be spiritual and unseen. * The kingdom is portrayed as a stone, showing its lowliness and insignificance in contrast to the gold, silver and iron of earthly kingdoms. This shows the humility of Jesus's birth and life. * The stone was cut out without hands, showing that the kingdom would come through God's action and power, not man's. This is seen in Jesus's birth and the spread of the early church. * The kingdom would overcome all other kingdoms. Within 3 centuries Christianity became the official religion of Rome. The kingdom will fully overcome all other kingdoms when Jesus returns. * The kingdom can never be destroyed or given to another people. Jesus will reign forever as the eternal, invincible King. * We must make sure we are part of this eternal kingdom by being born again through God's power, not through human will or action. Then we will be secure through all that happens in the world.