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144,000 is the actual number of those sealed by God that will comprise the church class and bride of Christ (See Revelation 7:4). To some, this appears to be a very small number of those that have faithfully served God. After all, there are many people in the Old Testament who served God despite great opposition. However, no one who lived before Christ can be part of the heavenly calling and bride of Christ. Even John the Baptist, who Jesus said was greatest among those born of women, will not receive a heavenly reward. Jesus said, “he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11). This clearly excludes John from receiving a heavenly reward and being part of the bride. There is an important reason for this distinction. It has to do with a doctrine known as “justification.” The word means to be made right (or righteous) in the eyes of God. The scriptures describe two levels of justification, by faith and by blood. In Romans 4:18-22, the Apostle Paul addresses the difference between them. He speaks of Abraham as being a great man of faith. Because of this Paul says, “therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness” (verse 22). His faith made him righteous (or justified) in the eyes of God. This formed the basis of Abraham’s relationship with God. It is called “justification by faith.” On this basis he was called “the friend of God” (James 2:23). But faith alone could not atone for his sins. As a result, justification by faith is limited. Abraham and other faithful individuals who lived before Christ are never referred to as “sons of God” (1 John 3:1,2). The qualification to become as sons of God is not necessarily greater faith, but a better basis for their justification. Paul makes this distinction in Romans 5. He says, “…God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him” (Romans 5:8,9). The apostle is now making a distinction between justification by faith and justification by blood. Paul continues his explanation in Romans 8. “For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God…ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:13-17). He is saying that the holy spirit is proof of sonship. The holy spirit (God’s power and influence) was first given at Pentecost, 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus. This was not available before Jesus’ death and resurrection. Hebrews 11:40 says, “God has provided some better thing concerning us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” In other words, the faithful Old Testament people he had listed in chapter 11 will be “made perfect” through the work of the church class, the bride of Christ. John the Baptist and other faithful individuals died before the blood of Christ was available to fully justify them. This meant that the heavenly call was not yet available. But God has not forgotten them. Hebrews 11:2 says that by faith “the elders attained a good report.” In chapter 12 He calls them “a great cloud of witnesses.” Psalm 45:16 says they will be “princes in all the earth.” In the general resurrection of mankind they will be God’s earthly representatives and instrumental in administering the kingdom (See Isaiah 1:26). Having faithful men and women on earth to guide and direct the world will be a necessary human touch. In comparison to the billions who have lived, 144,000 may seem like a small number to comprise the bride of Christ. But the cooperative work of Christ and his bride with these “princes” will bring eternal life to this dying race. Isaiah 35 is a beautiful description of God’s kingdom on earth. These faithful ones of old will be instructed to, “Strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.  Say to them that are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you’… And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called ‘The Way of Holiness… And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” This will be the result of the combined efforts of Jesus and his bride working with the resurrected faithful men and women of old.

Knowing the promise of his loss and power and his destruction stated in Genesis 3:15, Satan has targeted those who pose the greatest threat to his power. God foreknew Satan would especially attack Jesus and sincere Christians. God spoke to the serpent (representing the power of Satan) after Satan deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden. God stated the prophecy of Satan’s destruction and persecuting power in Genesis 3:15: And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he (the promised seed of Jesus) shall bruise you on the head (resulting in Satan’s loss of power and destruction), and you (Satan) shall bruise him on the heel (resulting in the persecution and attack on the seed of the woman which includes both Jesus and his faithful followers.) The seed of the woman is thus defined in Genesis 22:18 as the seed of Abraham, including Jesus and the faithful Christians who would bless all the families of the earth. Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s then are ye Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise. So we see that Genesis 3:15 shows there would be enmity and conflict between the evil forces of Satan and the righteousness of Jesus and his followers. Satan’s exercise of power would “bruise” Jesus and faithful Christians on the heel. His power would especially be used against them to “bruise” and persecute, but these attacks would actually be a means of testing and development. But in heavenly glory, Jesus and the faithful Christians will bruise Satan on the head, again symbolizing his loss of power and destruction, a fulfillment of Genesis 3:15. Romans 16:20: And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet… Knowing this promise of his loss and power and his destruction, Satan has targeted those who pose the greatest threat to his power.  We see how he targeted Jesus after his baptism when he went to the wilderness, and especially when he was very hungry and vulnerable. Luke 4:1-2: Then Jesus, filled with the holy spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the spirit into the wilderness, where he was being tempted by the devil for forty days. During that time he ate nothing at all, and when they were over he became hungry. The specific temptations and Jesus faithful responses are described in Luke 4:3-12. Satan’s attacks and temptations (often exercised through the corrupt spiritual leadership of the time) continued throughout Jesus ministry, even to the death of the cross. Matthew 27:40:  If you are the son of God come down from the cross. True followers of Christ are also a main target of Satan’s evil and unholy influences. We are warned in 1 Peter 5:8-10: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.  But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. We know however, that Satan’s attacks on Jesus and faithful believers are only temporary. No matter how hard to tries to fight to keep his power, it will be fully restrained and eventually destroyed. Revelation 20:1-2: Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key to the bottomless pit, with a large chain in his hand.  He captured the dragon, that ancient serpent, also known as the devil and Satan, and tied him up for a thousand years. Satan must first be bound and restrained before the blessings of righteousness and healing can be dispensed in the earthly part of the kingdom to all the families of the earth as a result of Christ and faithful Christians reigning from heaven. His final destruction is symbolically prophesied in Revelation 20:10. While Satan is still on the attack, we have great need to follow the counsel of Ephesians 6:10-13: Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.  Put on the full armor of God, that you may be ale to stand firm against the schemes of the devil…Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

There are not seven sealed books in Revelation. There is one book, or rather a scroll, with seven seals on it. That scroll first appears in chapter 5: “And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?  And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.  And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof” (Verses 1-5). The one sitting on the throne holding the book (or scroll) with seven seals is God. An angel asks, “Who is worthy to open the book?” No man was found worthy but the Lion of the Tribe of Judah was found worthy. This lion is better identified in verse 9 where it says, “Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” The lion, then, is Jesus Christ, also identified in verse 12 as “the Lamb.” He is worthy to open the seals of the book. Then, beginning in chapter 6, the Lamb opens the seals, one after another. The seventh seal is finally opened in chapter 8 when the book can finally be opened, read and understood. The opening of each seal represents events that take place during the Gospel Age, the period beginning after the Christ’s First Advent and up to the introduction of Christ’s kingdom on earth, a period spanning over 2,000 years. Here is a very brief interpretation of what transpires at the opening of each seal. It is helpful to know that horses represent teachings or doctrines that carry a particular influence. (6:1, 2) – When the first seal is opened, a white horse appears and the rider is described as a conqueror of others. This white horse represents the purity of the original gospel message at the time of the early church. The rider then is the influence of the apostles, especially of the Apostle Paul. (6:3, 4) – With the opening of the second seal, a red horse appears and the rider has a sword to kill and power to take peace from the earth. This depicts the time when false doctrines were introduced into Christianity and Christians fought for power. (6:5, 6) – The opening of the third seal saw a black horse and a rider with a pair of scales in his hand. This describes the time in history, often termed “the Dark Ages.”  The teachings of Christianity became darkness rather than light. This began the church/state union of the Holy Roman Empire. The rider carries scales as if to make sure everyone conformed to the demands of the corrupted church. That church system became the judge in place of God. (6:7, 8) – The fourth seal saw a green horse with the rider named, “Death and hades.” He had the power to kill at his own discretion. This was the period of Papal supremacy where it had the power to control all doctrines but her doctrines led only to death. (6:9-11) – The fifth seal saw the souls of the slain under the altar. This describes the persecuted saints who were faithful to the truth found in the Scriptures. They eventually cry to God for justice against a system that persecuted them. But they were told it was not yet time for God’s judgements to be revealed. (6:12-17) – The sixth seal saw a great earthquake, the sun blackened and the moon turned to blood. The earthquake pictures the French Revolution where religious doctrine was severely challenged in what was called “The Age of Enlightenment.” This corresponds to the sun turning black and the moon to red. The sun is the New Testament Gospel. The moon is the Old Testament Law. Men like Voltaire challenged and ridiculed religious thinking. The “stars fell to the earth,” picturing the apostles’ loss of influence). This again, showed a disdain for Christianity. (8:1) – Finally, the seventh seal is opened and there is silence in heaven. This takes us to the end of the age when the faithful church is complete and God’s earthly kingdom is established. A study of the book of Revelation is challenging. Bible Students do not all agree on some specific applications. But a helpful approach is to view many aspects as historic fulfillments. We suggest that the 7 churches (chapter 2-3), 7 seals (chapters 6-8) and 7 trumpets (8-11) run concurrently and describe different aspect of the Gospel Age. Hopefully, this very brief overview of the seals will encourage your further study into this wonderful book. Seeing that the events described were all predicted before they occurred should help us appreciate that God has command of human history. God is preparing the world for the great blessings of his earthly kingdom. Mankind’s experiences will be a vital part in teaching that we cannot properly rule the earth without the guidance of God. We all need Him and His divine plan will result in the blessing of all who have ever lived!

The new world order will not be one created by man. No one has the power or intelligence to bring harmony out of this chaotic world. We are more divided as a people today than we have been for a long time. There is only one possibility for a true world order. It is one Jesus mentioned when he prayed, “May Thy kingdom come.Thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Before Christ will establish God’s earthly kingdom, mankind must experience the futility of governing this world without God’s influence. We are learning that man’s solutions cannot care of all people. There is great inequity in this world with many of the rich unwilling, or unable, to help those in need. Today, perfect justice is a rare thing. However, we know that God’s kingdom is drawing near. Through the prophet Daniel we were given signs to indicate the nearness of God’s kingdom on earth: “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake…” (Daniel 1:1, 2). We have already seen the nation of Israel (God’s people) reestablished as a nation. We are witnessing the build-up to a great time of trouble such as the world has never seen. Then in verse 4, Daniel adds two more signs to watch for, “many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” We live in a time of an unprecedented increase of knowledge and travel. These are all signs that God’s kingdom on earth is very near. In contrast to what we see under the dominion of man, God’s kingdom will be wonderful. But our experience with sin and evil is a vital part of mankind’s education. Only after realizing our need for God will people truly devote themselves to righteousness and to God’s kingdom. Here are but a few scriptures that describe that kingdom: “And have hope toward God… that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust” (Acts 24:15). “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.  And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled…” (Revelation 20:1-3). “And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies…” (Isaiah 28:17). “…With righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth…The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.  And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox…hey shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:4, 6,7,9). These are only a few of the many scriptures that describe the wonderful kingdom just on the horizon. It will not come from man’s doing. But Christ, who redeemed us all from death, will be mankind’s great benevolent King.

In Exodus 17 we read that Israel was attached by the Amalekites in an area called Rephidim, thought to be in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula. From the description in Deuteronomy 25 and Exodus 17, it appears Israel did have losses. “Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way as ye came forth out of Egypt; how he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God” (Deuteronomy 25:17,18). These verses describe how the Amalekites attacked from the rear and either killed or hurt the weaker individuals who lagged behind. In the Exodus 17 account, Moses then instructed Joshua to gather men and fight against the Amalekites. Moses went to the top of a hill and while he held up his arms the battle went well for Israel. When his arms tired and dropped, the battle turned against them. This also may suggest a loss of Israeli life or injury to the fighting men. It is interesting to consider why the Lord permitted the Amalekites to attack in the first place. Just before this incident the people bitterly complained to Moses that there was no water to drink. Verse 4 says, “And Moses cried unto Jehovah, saying, ‘What shall I do unto this people? They are almost ready to stone me.’” The Lord then instructed Moses to strike a rock with his staff and water came pouring out.  The conclusion of the matter is mentioned in verse 7. “And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the striving of the children of Israel, and because they tempted Jehovah, saying, ‘Is Jehovah among us, or not?’” They had experienced miracle after miracle in their deliverance from Egypt. Now they questioned whether God was with them because they were short of water. They seemed to forget what God had done for them just a couple of months earlier. But there is another reason that God may have allowed the attack. By gaining a victory through the miraculous intervention of God, Israel was given another proof that God was still with them. Their lack of faith was reinforced, just as the arms of Moses were strengthened during the battle.

In Matthew 23:1-30, Jesus warns his disciples to avoid the love of worldly pride and prestige that were enjoyed by the religious leadership of the time. In his words, Jesus emphasizes the importance of recognizing God alone as the supreme authority of all things. He further reminds his disciples that he himself, Jesus, is the only individual they should consider as their Master. This is because through the sacrifice of his perfect life on behalf of mankind, Jesus provided a “ransom price” for mankind (1 Timothy 2:5-6). In a very real sense, Jesus “purchased” mankind (1 Peter 1:18-20), and thus it is an appropriate thought for us to consider Jesus as our Master. Those who seek to follow Jesus’s teachings and, like him, develop a character pleasing to God, should be therefore wary of any individual assigning themselves a title that places themselves above others. Galatians 3:28 reminds us of how all who have consecrated their lives to God are considered equal, and no one is above any other. A heart that seeks to place itself above others through the application of a title is not in harmony with this thought. Consider further Jesus’s words in John 13. After washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus reminds them that although he is their Master, he served them. He reminds his disciples that he expects this same attitude of servitude towards one’s brethren from all who would seek to follow him. Seeking a title that places one above one’s brethren or fellow humans would be in contradiction to this direction. In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul speaks of the calling he felt so deeply in his heart that he devoted his entire life to it. In these verses, Paul discusses how the single purpose of his life, “this one thing I do,” is pressing “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” This “high calling” is the only calling open to those who would seek to serve and follow God during the present age. It is the narrow way of self-sacrifice and devotion to God and God alone (Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 22:37-39). It is the calling to devote one’s life to setting aside the fleeting pursuits, pleasures and titles of this world in favor of the development of a heart and mind that mirrors, to the best of our imperfect ability, that of the example Jesus left for us. Any calling claiming to be something different should therefore be looked at with a high degree of skepticism, and if found to be in contradiction with the one calling of this age, the “high calling,” discarded. Most Bible Students believe the present time is the transition point between the end of the age that started at Jesus’s time, and the beginning of the next age in God’s grand plan for mankind. As such, most believe that many aspects of Jesus’s great prophecy recorded in Matthew 24 apply to the present time. Part of this prophecy recorded in verse 11 warns of false prophets that will arise during this time. Throughout the centuries since Jesus’s time, there have undoubtedly been individuals who could accurately be described as “false prophets.” However, Jesus’s words place a special emphasis on the need to be wary of them at the end of the age. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that those who seek to serve God are able to rely on the scriptures alone for the source of all knowledge necessary to respond to the “high calling” successfully. As such, all who seek the reward of the “high calling” should expect to look no further than the Bible for everything necessary for the completion of their development. Over the centuries, many earnest hearts have also studied God’s word and plan, and called ones today certainly benefit from their works. However, these works are firmly rooted in the Scriptures themselves. Works worthy of consideration can also be recognized by the extent to which they harmonize with the character and teachings of Jesus, who we are to take as our perfect example of one who is pleasing to God. As one continues to develop a character pleasing to God through study and service to one’s brethren and to mankind, God will, if He so chooses, bless one’s heart with a greater and surer understanding of His plan for mankind. As one progresses in heart development and in knowledge, one will, if it pleases God, feel as if one is drawn closer to God (James 4:8). However, these blessings do not make one a prophet; nor does it place one above one’s fellow brethren. Those seeking to serve God during this age should also be extremely wary of any who apply such titles or positions to themselves. All such are well to maintaining a course in life that remembers that God, and God alone, is to be placed first and foremost, and that the way to please and approach him is through his beloved Son, our Master, Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 8:6).

It is a challenge to determine who the first Christian might be. One might say the first Christians were those who first followed Jesus. John 1:36-51 lists a number of men who later became apostles: Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, and Nathanael. But there were different phases of commitment, culminating in the pouring out of the holy spirit in Acts 2:1-4: On the Day of Pentecost, the holy spirit came on those gathered together, and they began to speak with other tongues (languages) by the power of the spirit. But the name “Christian” was not adopted until after the conversion of Saul to the Apostle Paul, when Paul was brought to Antioch by Barnabas. Acts 11:26:  Paul and Barnabas met with the church in Antioch for a year, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians. Who started the Christian movement originally? There are various phases in answer to this question. *Our Heavenly Father foreknew and set the standards for Christians as a spiritual family. Ephesians 1:3-6: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. *John the Baptist prepared the way for the ministry of Jesus, proclaiming Behold the Lamb of God, and leading those with interest to Jesus (John 1:29-36, for example). Mark 1:1-4: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. *Jesus was the head of the Christian movement of believers, the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:2 *The faith of the original followers of Christ who were the first to receive the holy spirit, and especially the Apostle Peter, had a major effect on the original spread of the gospel. Acts 2:1-4 On the Day of Pentecost, the holy spirit came on those gathered together, and they began to speak with other tongues (languages) by the power of the spirit.? Devout Jews living in Jerusalem heard the voices of these followers of Jesus in their own language/dialect as they proclaimed the mighty deeds of God. Acts 1:5-11 Peter testified to these Jews, and invited them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and to receive the gift of the Holy spirit. Acts 2:14-40 Then in Acts 2:41 it states: those who had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls. *The sharing of the gospel continued with a great impact by the Apostle Paul. During his ministry, Paul traveled more than 10,000 miles and established at least 14 churches, with journeys to various places including Greece, Turkey and Syria. (Acts 13-14, 16:23-20:38) And as mentioned above, the followers of Christ were first called “Christians” after Barnabas and Paul were in Antioch. Thus the Christian spiritual family became well established and continued to grow throughout the world. It is important to note that the true Christian movement was appointed by God and Christ to remain simple, with humble leadership, not misusing power or making money, but focused on the wellbeing of the flock. 1 Peter 5:1-3: Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.

Among Christians, some of the most often quoted and beloved Old Testament scriptures are found in the 23rd Psalm. In very few words, these six verses paint a vivid picture of God’s overwhelming care for His children. The imagery of a shepherd knowing and caring for his sheep speaks to our helplessness as we, as God’s children, attempt to navigate the harsh terrain of a sin sick world. Without our shepherd, the tumult of everyday life makes it hard to find true spiritual nourishment. Without our shepherd, we would not find absolute rest and would always feel vulnerable. We need to ask ourselves these questions: Do I put myself completely and faithfully into the hands of my shepherd, Jesus? Do I really trust him for all things? Is Jesus the true shepherd of my life, or do I merely give him that title? Verse 5: You prepare a table… under the eyes of my enemies – The Lord prepares a rich “table” of blessings for us. Our enemies might not be right there, but they can see what is happening. They are observing and almost feeling the defiance of the shepherd who has taken care of his sheep and is celebrating with his sheep. Sheep who follow understand that their privilege cannot be undone by the presence or influence of evil ones: Psalms 91:1,4-7: (NASB) He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you. “Dwelling in the shelter of the Most High” means we have the advantage of the protection of God Almighty through Jesus. We do not have to fear the terror by night. Our enemies may cause “a thousand to fall at our side, ten thousand at our right hand,” but it shall not approach us. Even under the eyes of our enemies, we still have the blessing of following the shepherd and all that he has prepared for us.

In John 7:16, 17 we read, “Jesus answered them, and said, ‘My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.’”  Jesus felt a deep obligation to make sure he was teaching the Word of God and not his own thoughts. Every Christian should feel the same. A pastor has a special obligation, not only to God, but to the congregation he leads. But there are many reasons a pastor may not be teaching the Bible correctly. Assuming that the individual is sincere and not intentionally misleading anyone, it may simply be that the Bible is difficult to understand and there are many different interpretations available to him. When Jesus spoke to the multitudes he always spoke in parables. But when speaking to his disciples he taught more clearly (See Mark 4:34). On one occasion, his disciples asked him why he spoke to the crowds in parables and made it difficult for people to understand. Jesus answered, “…I speak to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand” (Matthew 13:13). In other words, most people will not understand his words because they are not truly open to them. Before God will reveal His truth, whether to a pastor or to anyone else, there must be a deep desire to know and understand His word. Church is not meant to be merely a social gathering, but a place of worship and learning. We are currently living in an age when God is selecting a bride for Christ (See Revelation 21:2). This is a special calling. In Philippians 3:14 it is termed a “high calling.” The Apostle Paul wrote, “ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” (1 Corinthians 1:26, 27). Once the bride is complete and the call has ended, Christ will inaugurate his earthly kingdom. It is referred to in the Book of Revelation as a period of 1,000 years (Revelation 20:6). The church will share in the “first resurrection.” But then, the second resurrection will begin and God’s plan will be clearly revealed to all mankind. So the Bible tells us that in our day most people will not understand the Bible. But in Christ’s earthly kingdom, the “knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah: 11:9). Prophecies such as Isaiah 2:3 will then be fulfilled. “And many people shall go and say, ‘Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.’” If a believer feels they are being called to be part of the bride of Christ, he or she has a personal responsibility to study God’s word for themselves. If the pastor is not teaching the Word correctly, it should be addressed with kindness. But if not corrected in time, the believer has an obligation to find a place where understanding the Bible is the focus. It is important to remember that a pastor’s work should never take the place of individual responsibility to study and serve God.

We can sympathize with you. Even the Apostle Paul struggled with similar feelings. In his letter to the Christians in Rome he wrote, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out”  (Romans 7:15-18). Despite Paul’s desire to do what was right, his sinful flesh caused him to behave in ways he hated. But that did not stop him from serving. In the same letter he said this. “For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?  Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin”      (Romans 7:22-25). Every sincere Christian must first make the distinction Paul made, that he was infected with sin. He was waging a battle between his mind – which delighted in God – and his sinful flesh. We must each fight the same battle he fought. Some people believe that before God will accept them they must clean up their lives and get rid of every weakness and sin. It does not work that way. Serving God begins with a recognition of our sinful natures. The next step is deciding to enter the battle against our flesh and learning what God’s will is for us. Many give up trying to serve Him when they fall into sin. That is a mistake because God knows us and has provided what we need to change. Here is a suggestion. Use the principles of God to build up your character, little by little. Make that your focus and don’t worry about witnessing to others about Christ. Ask the Lord to help you and focus on what the scriptures teach about becoming Christlike. As you make progress, you will see little changes in your behavior and the way you treat others. In time, your friends and those you associate with should see the changes and maybe even ask what’s going on with you.  Tell them what you have been working on and why. The “why” should be because you are coming to appreciate the sacrifice others have made for you in your life. And the most important one is the sacrifice Jesus made. Realizing the love that prompted his sacrifice has motivated you to change and be more like him. If you get to that point, your witness will be your life. If anyone is interested about what you have to say, you can then share the gospel with them in a more personal way than preaching on a street corner. You may want to have some tracts or booklets handy that you can share when you have the opportunity. It has been said there are five Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John…and YOU! And most people will never read the first four. Our lives can be that beautiful witness you seek to share. Please use the Additional Resources below. As you study the wonderful hope-filled message of what God has in store for the future of mankind, it will touch your own heart deeply and make it easier to share the good news. May the Lord bless your efforts to know Him better!