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God's Entourage
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamThe concept of being sealed by God is a profound mark of identity and belonging among His chosen. Revelation 14:1-5 portrays the magnificent entourage of the 144,000 firstfruits, redeemed from the earth, standing on Mount Zion with Jesus Christ. They bear His Father's name on their foreheads, a visible sign of their divine connection. Revelation 7:3 further emphasizes this seal on the forehead, highlighting its significance as one of the first things noticed in a person. This seal, possibly figurative, relates to the mind's decision-making, as the forehead houses the frontal lobe. In Exodus 28, Aaron was instructed to wear a signet on his forehead reading HOLINESS TO THE LORD, aligning with the priestly role of the firstfruits as described in Revelation 5:10. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 connects this emblem on the forehead to God's law and holy character, urging diligence in following His ways. In contrast, Revelation 13:16 mentions a mark of the beast on the forehead or hand, posing a choice between divine and worldly allegiance. Those called by God are sealed with His truth, bearing His name, and are commanded to guard it with honor, aspiring to join the entourage of firstfruits with Christ on Mount Zion. David, in Psalm 17:15, expresses his assurance of being sealed by God, anticipating his resurrection in God's likeness, confident of his place in this divine entourage.
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.
The Sixth Seal and Israel
Sermonette byEach 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.
Seal of Approval
Sermonette by Christian D. HunterGod seals His servants on their foreheads as a mark of security and preservation from harm. The Holy Spirit of promise seals those who trust and believe after hearing the word of truth. God establishes believers in Christ and has sealed them while giving the Spirit in their hearts as a guarantee. The sealing with the Holy Spirit occurs for the day of redemption. Actions such as bitterness, wrath, anger, loud quarreling, evil speaking, and iniquity can grieve the Holy Spirit of God by whom the sealing takes place. Satan was the seal of perfection full of wisdom and perfect in beauty until iniquity was found in him. The seal of the Holy Spirit serves as the mark of God showing that believers are His while actively preparing them for acceptance. God follows through on His promises and seals those who are His.
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.
Who Are the 144,000?
'Prophecy Watch' by StaffThe identity of the 144,000 in Revelation has long been a source of controversy. However, when we let the Bible interpret itself, the answer is plain!
Grieving the Holy Spirit
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJust as our human spirit can be grieved, God is grieved by willful sinful behavior—sullying, suppressing, or stifling the Spirit that identifies us as His.
The Book of Joel (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn the fullness of time, God will pour His spirit on all peoples, including those who had formerly directed their hostility on God and His chosen people.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Thirteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs we participate in the New Covenant, we go through the stages of justification, sanctification, and ultimately glorification as part of Christ's body.
A Priceless Gift
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod's children look no different on the outside, but God has given them something inside, something spiritual, that makes them special to Him.
Matthew (Part Thirty)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe events in Matthew 24 parallel the six seals of Revelation 6 and the seventh seal of Revelation 7, showing a definite chronological progression.
The Seed of Eternal Life
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul provided a decaying kernel of grain as a metaphor of death and resurrection, indicating that the new spirit body will be a completely different body.
A Priceless Gift
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's people are the precious jewels (or the private, personal possessions) of God, obligated to conform exclusively to His will and purpose.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Ten): Cultivating the Fruit of Self Control
Sermon by David F. MaasIt is impossible to cultivate self-control unless one uses God's Spirit to reprogram the desires of the heart from self-centeredness to submission to God.
A Blessing in Winter?
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeHaggai's last two prophecies are given on, and revolve around, Kislev (or Chislev) 24. Historically, this date has been highly significant, and it will be again.