Filter by Categories
Who Are the 144,000?
'Prophecy Watch' by StaffThe 144,000 are a mysterious and unique group, highly favored of God, as described in Revelation 7 and 14. They are sealed by an angel of God, specially selected from the tribes of Israel, stand on Mount Zion with a Lamb, have the Father's name written on their foreheads, sing a new song no one else can sing, are redeemed from the earth, are called virgins, are not defiled with false churches, are considered the firstfruits of God's harvest, and are guileless and without fault. This select group is sealed by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption, a process completed before the seventh seal and the last plagues, as noted in Revelation 7:1-3. The sealing includes both patriarchs and true Christians up to Christ's return, identifying them as servants of our God, a term not used lightly. The 144,000 form the bride and government of Christ, rising in the first resurrection to meet Him in the air. They are numbered by tribe for governmental organization, with apostles ruling over the twelve tribes, and Christ placing individuals, whether physical Israelites or Gentiles, into tribes as He chooses based on their abilities. Gentiles are included among the 144,000, grafted in as spiritual Israelites, sealed, redeemed, saved, and receiving inheritance equally with blood Israelites, showing no difference in their standing. The definition, description, and circumstances of the 144,000 in Revelation 7 and 14 confirm they are the same group, signed, sealed, and delivered by the time Christ returns, reckoned as without guile and faultless through God's work in them to produce His holy character.
144,000 of the Tribes of Israel
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe attributes of the 144,000 in Revelation 7 and 14 are found in prophecies of Israel, indicating that a humbled remnant of Israel will turn to God.
Do We Remember Who We Are?
CGG Weekly by John O. ReidWe have been called to be part of the firstfruits, a truly special designation in God's plan. Revelation 14:1-5, 12 describes the 144,000 as firstfruits to God, a select group redeemed from the earth and without fault before Him. They hold a unique relationship with God, symbolized by having His name on their foreheads, and their reward is to follow the Lamb, Jesus Christ, wherever He goes as His Bride. They sing a song before the throne of God, a melody no one else could learn, highlighting the uniqueness of their experiences with God and their overcoming of the world in a manner similar to Jesus during His human life. These firstfruits truly understand the depth of God's grace and preparation for His Kingdom. As stated, they were not defiled with women, indicating not sexuality but a devotion solely to the true God, without mixing other religious philosophies with His truth. They are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. What a great honor it is to be part of this group of firstfruits, a calling that places us among the most privileged in the history of the world.
God's Entourage
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamThe most magnificent entourage this world will ever see involves God's firstfruits, pictured by the Day of Pentecost. Revelation 14:1-5 describes this great entourage, the 144,000 who have been redeemed from the earth and stand on Mount Zion with Jesus Christ. They have His Father's name written on their foreheads, a significant mark as the forehead is one of the first things noticed when meeting another. This entourage of 144,000 is accompanied by music, singing a unique song that only they can sing, which no one else can even learn. They stand before the throne of God, without fault, having no guile in their mouth, reflecting a purity and innocence rarely seen.
Principled Living (Part Six): Becoming Holy
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughTrue Christians are called to be different, set apart by God as His firstfruits, a concept deeply tied to holiness and distinction from the world. In Revelation 14, the firstfruits are depicted as a unique group, numbering 144,000, who stand out in several remarkable ways. They bear the Father's name on their foreheads, a mark exclusive to them, signifying their special status. They sing a song that no one else can learn, reflecting a unique joy and appreciation for God's work in their lives, a perspective shaped by the challenges they faced during their calling and conversion. These firstfruits are undefiled by spiritual adultery, contrasting with the rest of humanity at the time of Christ's return. They constantly follow the Lamb as His personal companions, united as His Bride, always near Him throughout eternity. At this time, they are the only ones redeemed from among men, set apart from the earth. Finally, they are without fault, entirely justified before God, having reached a state of purity and perfection through His grace and their cooperation. Thus, the 144,000 embody the essence of being different, holy not just by God's calling, but by achieving true spiritual perfection, standing as a testament to what it means to be God's chosen firstfruits.
God's Entourage
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamMany kings and would-be kings in the Bible, such as Adonijah and Absalom, used entourages as a means to telegraph their political prowess.
Who Are You?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidGod is shaping us into heroes, calling us to be among the firstfruits, a select group with a profound purpose. Among these, the 144,000 stand as a unique assembly, positioned with God as part of the firstfruits. They are described as virgins, not defiled by women, signifying a spiritual purity achieved through their dedication to keeping the commandments and transforming their ways to align with God's will. As we strive to overcome and live according to His truth, we join this elect, contributing to the salvation of much of this world through our efforts. Our reward, as promised, includes ruling with Christ for a thousand years and serving as kings and priests on the earth, teaching and aiding mankind to live in harmony.
The Sixth Seal and Israel
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeEach depiction of the Sixth Seal also shows God's involvement with physical Israelites. John's vision precedes a glimpse of 144,000 of the tribes of Israel.
God's Real Transformation
Sermon by Mark SchindlerJesus is transforming His Bride into something beautiful, mirroring His godly character. He is preparing us to carry out our responsibilities.
Firstfruits to God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSix descriptors describe the special qualities God desires in His Firstfruits. We must continually examine ourselves to make sure these descriptors apply to us.
In Search of a Clear World View (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The true church is a unique educational institution, teaching the way of God and amplifying His Commandments, in contrast to the churches of this world.
Our Affinity to Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur lives must be totally wrapped up in Christ, exemplifying His character. As we overcome, taking the same steps as Christ did, we will receive His reward.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod is putting us through exercises to create leaders in His image. His covenants are a primary tool in this process.
Faithful, Following Firstfruits
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThose reveling in the 'new freedoms' of apostasy cannot be persuaded to return to former beliefs because they no longer believe in the sanctified Word of God.
Jesus in the Feasts (Part Two): Firstfruits
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe dominating significance of Pentecost is the celebration of Christ as the Firstfruit of God's spiritual harvest, providing a model for all those who follow Him.
The Millennium and Union With Christ
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe millennial situation will resemble the behavior of our forebears; it will be our responsibility to lead them to hope, joy, character, and faith in God.
The Song of Moses
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen we are changed into spirit beings, we, as the first fruits, will again be involved in making music, singing a new song before the throne of God.
Hebrews (Part Five): Who Was Jesus?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In Hebrews, we learn that Jesus is the only- begotten Son, creator and heir of all things, the express image of God's person, and has purged our sins.
Wilderness Wandering (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are being fitted as lively stones into an already formed Kingdom, being conformed to the image of Christ, who has been designated as the Cornerstone.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Ten): The Church
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughUps and downs, blessings and trials, have characterized every era of the church. God's people are always battling something negative between the brief highs.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus qualified as High Priest, teaching us about living by faith in the New Covenant, which mandates that we keep His commandments.
The Source of Church Characteristics (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ is the architect of the church, indicating that the institution must take on the characteristics of the Builder, reflecting His character.
The Priesthood of God (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The jeweled arrangement on the breastplate in Exodus 28, arranged in marching order, symbolizes differences in gifts and responsibilities of the tribes.