The section of the video is titled "From Our Archives... The Billy Graham Classics." Billy Graham begins by asking the audience to turn to the fifth chapter of the Book of Daniel. He mentions that the Book of Daniel is known for predicting the future, similar to the Book of Revelation. Billy Graham advises the audience to read both books alongside the daily newspaper, as they all tie in together.
Billy Graham then introduces an incident from Daniel's life that he believes is relevant to what is happening in the world today. He briefly mentions that Daniel had been taken to Babylon from Jerusalem, which had come under God's judgment as predicted by the prophet Jeremiah. Billy Graham emphasizes that all the prophecies in the Bible have either come true or are yet to come true, as it is an infallible word from God.
Moving on, Billy Graham explains that when this chapter opens, Nebuchadnezzar, the previous king, is dead, and Daniel has been somewhat forgotten. Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar's grandson, is now the king of Babylon. Babylon is described as the greatest empire in the world at that time, both in terms of power and wealth. However, Billy Graham highlights that Belshazzar is portrayed in the Bible as young, rich, powerful, but also egotistical and self-centered. He mentions that God hates pride and quotes Jesus' words about those who exalt themselves being abased.
Billy Graham describes Belshazzar as carefree, a playboy who loves ease and pleasure. He mentions that the Bible warns of woe to those who are at ease. Billy Graham then explains that Belshazzar, after winning military victories, decides to celebrate by hosting the greatest feast Babylon has ever seen. He invites a thousand lords and ladies from throughout the empire, and they arrive in jeweled chariots.
During the feast, while everyone is feasting, dancing, and enjoying themselves, a strange occurrence takes place. An armless hand appears and starts writing on the wall. Belshazzar becomes terrified, and his face turns white. He tries to read the writing but fails. He calls for astrologers, soothsayers, and magicians, but none of them can decipher the message. Belshazzar's mother, who was not at the party, hears about the writing and suggests calling Daniel, a great prophet who had helped interpret dreams for Nebuchadnezzar.
Daniel is sent for and arrives at the party. Belshazzar offers him gifts and promises to make him the third ruler in the empire if he can read the writing. However, Daniel declines the gifts and tells Belshazzar that he can read the writing. He explains that Belshazzar has lifted himself up against the Lord of Heaven and has desecrated the vessels of God's holy house by using them for the feast.
The section of the video discusses the story of Belshazzar and the writing on the wall. Belshazzar, who had been given everything by God, including laughter, food, drink, power, and riches, failed to thank the Lord for these blessings. Daniel, a wise man, was called upon to interpret the writing on the wall, which revealed that God had numbered Belshazzar's kingdom and it would be divided and given to the Medes and Persians. While the Babylonians were unaware, the Medo-Persian army entered Babylon through the changed course of the Euphrates River and conquered the city. Belshazzar was killed, but Daniel remained and became the prime minister in the next empire.
Billy Graham then poses the question of whether God is writing on the wall of America tonight. He emphasizes that God remembers our sins, including pornography, obscene films, lying, cheating, and corruption. However, he also highlights that it is not too late for repentance and forgiveness. The section further explains that individuals will be weighed by the Ten Commandments, the law of love, the person of Jesus Christ, and their works. It emphasizes that everyone is guilty of sin and falls short of God's expectations. The video concludes by stating that many people will miss heaven, despite thinking they will be there, and that individuals will also be weighed by their opportunities, with more being required from those who have been given more. The section also mentions the importance of loving God and loving one's neighbor.
The video discusses various aspects of Christianity and the opportunities available to people to embrace the faith. It highlights the presence of churches on almost every corner and Bibles in almost every hotel room. The video emphasizes the availability of millions of Bibles and the spread of the Gospel through radio and television. It suggests that individuals should consider the privileges they have in terms of access to Christian literature and resources, and the responsibility that comes with it. Billy Graham mentions that God will judge individuals based on the opportunities they had. However, the video also emphasizes the good news of the Gospel, which states that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die.