What is the "time of distress" foretold in Daniel 12:1-3? Who are "your people ... written in your book"? And from what do these people escape? In seeking to answer these questions, we explore this passage in the greater context of Daniel's visions, in which God reveals his plans for the future (Dan. 7-12).

Before Jesus ushers in new heavens and a new earth (2 Pet. 3:10-13; Rev. 21-22), he must first deal with the corruption of the universe as we know it. The "Day of the Lord" comes suddenly and unexpectedly, as a thief. But once that day dawns, the Lord introduces it with great fanfare.

If creatures identified as aliens are demons (as we argued in previous columns), then the Bible has something to say about how we are to deal with them. For starters, Scripture is replete with warnings against an unhealthy fascination with the unseen realm.

The focus on the "time of distress" in Daniel 12:1-3 is the nation of Israel, although the raging conflicts that mark this unparalleled period spill over her borders. This is a time many premillennalists refer to as "the great tribulation." Others see this series of events as a natural descent into wickedness in the days leading up to the return of Jesus.

In the well-known story of Daniel in the lions' den, Daniel reports to Darius the Mede, ruler of Babylon, "My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths" (Dan. 6:22). Who is this angel? It appears this is another Christophany, or an appearance of the preincarnate Christ.

Roger Sherrer serves as senior pastor of teaching and connections at First Baptist Church in Lebanon, Mo. A former atheist turned Latter-day Saint before having an encounter with the true Jesus, Roger speaks and writes on a variety of apologetics topics.

Listen to the first in a seven-part series of interviews between the MBC's Rob Phillips and Carmen LaBerge of The Reconnect on Faith Radio. In session one, they discuss what it means to be saved -- that is, how the Bible describes salvation as God's remedy for sin that has ruined everything and alienated everyone from him.

The final chapters of Scripture (Rev. 21-22) offer details about what Jesus describes as "the renewal of all things" (Matt. 19:28) and what Peter portrays as "new heavens and a new earth" (2 Pet. 3:13). Three components of this future work of God are the descent of New Jerusalem; the lifting of the curse; and the restoration of Eden.

With nearly 400 million followers, Buddhism is the fourth-largest religion in the world (after Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism). Buddhism was founded in northern India by the first known Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, a prince who lived about 563-483 BC.

Ten truths about the Incarnation help us form a framework for better understanding the person and work of Christ. They also help us establish a foundation for exploring the thornier issues related to the Incarnation. This column comes from a series on the Son of Man, who became flesh.

The Book of Life: What the Bible Says About God's Registry of the Redeemed addresses key questions about this fascinating book: What is the book of life? Why does it exist? Whose names are written there? Once entered, can names be erased? And how can I know if my name is recorded there? Written for pastors and laypersons alike, this resource is designed for personal or group study.