Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
Be Not Conformed
Today’s Audio Devotion:
Be Not Conformed
The Anglican (English) Bible translator, J. B. Philips, is well known for his rendering of Romans 12:2: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves toward the goal of true maturity.”
“Conform” can be translated passively (“conformed”) or actively (“conform”)—most modern translations choose “conformed.” “Conformed” suggests that the world is constantly putting pressure on Christians to conform them into the values of the world. The latter suggests that we are not to choose conformity to the world. “Be transformed” (passive) parallels “do not be conformed.” Instead of allowing the world to conform us, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind through constant study and meditation on the Word of God.
Live defensively, guarding against the pressure of this world. And live actively, filling your mind with God’s truth.
The Bible tells us not to be conformed to this world either physically or intellectually or spiritually.
Billy Graham
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Some 2,600 years ago, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream. In this dream, the king saw a five–part statue made of five different metals (see Daniel 2). Each section represented an empire, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon. Four of these empires have already risen and fallen in history—a clear fulfillment of Daniel's prophetic interpretation. The fifth and final empire indicates a future Europe—a ten nation coalition that will unite under the Antichrist's rule.
You can read about the King's dream and Daniel's interpretation in Daniel 2, but let's take a quick visual look at what you will find:
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King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).
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Medo–Persian Empire
The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).
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Grecian Empire
Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).
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Roman Empire
When the Grecian empire was conquered by Rome, all the lands and peoples of the previous kingdoms were assimilated into the Roman Empire through the strengths of the "iron legions of Rome" (Daniel 2:40).
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Future European Coalition
This empire has not yet risen. Daniel foretells a time when the Roman Empire—Europe—will consist of ten kingdoms or leaders. The future Roman Empire will be present on the earth when God sets up His earthly kingdom (Daniel 2:44).