KIDS WHERE DID YOU FIRST BELIEVE IN GOD?

        WHAT IS THE THREE LEAF CLOVER?

ST. PATRICK'S DAY ~ SLEMISH MOUNTAIN

Patricia visits Ireland on top of Slemish Mountain.  She asks, "I am holding a 3 leaf clover.  What is the meaning of this clover?"

A boy named Conor replies, "The 4 leaf clover brings good luck."

Another boy, Rory adds, "The 3 leaf clover is known as the Shamrock."

Erin a red haired girl says, "Three leafs represent God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit."

Patricia continues, "Was Saint Patrick born in Ireland?

A spunky girl named Aileen speaks, "Nope!  Some people believe he was born in Northern Britain near the modern city of Calisle around 415 AD."

Rory adds, "Some say he was born in Scotland or Wales."

Patricia says, "What happened to Patrick when he was 16 years old, living in a villa in Britain?"

A lad named Liam answers, "He was kidnapped by Barbarians that raided his village and taken to Ireland in 431 AD."

Norah a shy girl speaks, "He was sold to a Druid chieftain and forced to tend a flock of sheep on Slemish Mountain."

Patricia adds, "Patrick was tending a flock of sheep living in isolation, wind, rain, and snow.  This is where he met God, and sometimes prayed 100 times a day. and night."

Aileen smiles, "When he was 22 years old, God gave him a vision to escape on a ship.  He left his flock and hiked 200 miles south."

Norah continues, "The ship sailed to France, and three years later he returned home to Britain."

Patricia continues, "

He traveled to Britain and joined a Monastery, serving God in Britain and France for 20 years.  Does the story stop here?"

Erin smiles, "God gave him visions to return to Ireland to preach the Gospel.  He loved the Irish people.  In his life he established over 300 churches."

Patricia speaks, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams and your young men shall see visions."  (Joel 2:28  ESV ~ English Standard Version)

Rory speaks, "I had a dream about going to a jungle in South America."

Patricia remarks, "Maybe Jesus is calling you to be a missionary just like Patrick, who was a missionary to Ireland.   Class what else did you learn on Slemish mountain this morning?"

Norah blurts out, "When you are all alone, cold, hungry, and feeling hopeless; God is there to help you!  That's why Saint Patrick prayed 100 times a day!"

Patricia concludes, "You are never lonely when God is with you!"

CASE OF THE MISSING COMMANDMENT

     PARABLE OF THE THREE DETECTIVES

PARK INVESTIGATION

On Saturday, three detectives begin a serious investigation in Lincoln Park.  Lead detective Jack interviews, Gloria writes notes, and Valerie shoots videos to document evidence.

They see an easy interview, and walk up to Bob the evangelist, talking to an elderly woman.  Jack asks, "We are searching for the missing commandment."

Elderly woman blurts out, "Ten Commandments used to be on the court house lawn, but they're missing now!"

Bob smiles, "Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.’ This is the first and most important command.  And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’  (Matthew 22:37-39 ICB ~ International Childrens Bible)

Gloria speaks, "Bob, what is the first commandment?"

Bob replies, "You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3  ESV ~ English Standard Version)   This commandment is only missing in people's hearts.  Keep searching and you shall find.

The three detectives stroll over to an artist painting a picture of Jesus.  Gloria speaks, "You're a good artist."  

Jack asks, "We are searching for the missing commandment.  I am wondering if you can help us?"

Artist replies, "Yeah, if I can."

Valerie says, "Do you know the second commandment?"   The artist remains silent.

Jack quotes, "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth."  (Exodus 20:3  ESV)

Artist grins, "I'm an artist, not an idol maker and none of my customers bow before my paintings.  Jack, please read the rest of the verse."

Jack continues, "You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,  but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."  

(Exodus 20:4-6  ESV)

The three amigos walk over to a man relaxing on a park bench.  Jack speaks, "We are going around the park asking everyone, where's the missing commandment."

Man drops his beer bottle on the ground, CURSING God!

Gloria frowns, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain."  (Exodus 20:7 ESV)

They see a fireman walking by and ask him the big question.  Jack says, We are searching for the missing commandment.  Do you know what the fifth commandment is?

Fireman replies, "I would like to go to church but my job requires me to serve when I'm needed.

Gloria reads, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."  (Exodus 20:8  ESV)

Fireman replies, "I keep the Lord's day and Jews are commanded to keep the Sabbath days.  It's good to have a day off and be with Jesus even if it's a weekday."

The three walk over to the swing set.  A mom is pushing her daughter on a swing, as her son walks away.  Mom yells, "Don't run away from me, Pauly."  

Valerie and Gloria walk Pauly back.

Jack speaks, "We are searching for the missing commandment."

Mom speaks, Kids, "Honor your father and your mother. Then you will live a long time in the land. The Lord your God is going to give you this land."  

(Exodus 20:12  ICB ~ International Childrens Bible)

The three walk over to boys shooting toy guns at each other and playing dead. Gloria speaks, "We're looking for the missing commandment."

Boy replies, "Could it be thou shalt not kill?"

Jack adds, "Actually it says, 'You shall not murder.' (Exodus 20:13  LSB ~ Legacy Standard Bible)   If you have anger in your heart you're in big trouble."

The three see a Rapper and three ladies walk by.  Rapper replies, "I heard you over there and I know what you're going to ask me.  "Thou shalt not commit adultery."  (Exodus 20:14  AKJV ~ Authorized KJV)

Gloria writes her name on a $5 bill and lays it on the sidewalk.  They wait, watching a college lady find and pick it up.

Gloria smiles, "Did you lose that $5 bill?"

Lady replies, "Yes, I must have dropped it."

Gloria frowns, "I'm Gloria, that's my name is written on the back of the five."

Jack speaks, "We are looking for the missing commandment.  Could it be, "You shouldn't steal?"  (Exodus 20:15  LSB)

Lady spouts, "I swear to God that's my $5 bill.  I've been looking all over for it.  Don't you tell me I'm breaking the ninth commandment about lying either.  I'm not going to swim in the lake of fire over a $5 bill!"

The three detectives see a 16 year old boy lusting after a sports car, parked by the road.

Jack asks the boy, "If the keys were in the car, would you drive off with it?"

Boy replies, "You better believe it."

Gloria speaks, "We're asking people in the park today if they know what the missing commandment is?"

Boy adds, "I grew up in Sunday school.  Is it, "Thou shalt not steal?"

Valeria speaks, "God doesn't want you to covet things that don't belong to you.  If you want a car like that, you need to study, get a good job, and save your money to buy it."

Walking back the three detectives talk.

Valerie speaks, "I think everyone has heard all of the Ten Commandments."

They walk by a statue of a woman and a couple putting flowers and candles beside it.  Then they see Bob the evangelist again.

Bob says, "Did you find the missing commandment?   Jesus said, "Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.  I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved."  (Matthew 5:17-18  NLT - New Living Translation)

Gloria adds, "Purhaps some modern translations only have 9 Commandments?"

Valerie blurts out, "Why would they do that?"

Jack concludes, "Let's go home and examine our evidence."

KIDS ARE YOU A LOVING PERSON?

  FOUR KINDS OF VALENTINE LOVE?

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Patricia the Sunday school teacher speaks, "We're celebrating Valentine's Day."

Girl named Mele says, "St. Valentine in prison, sent a love letter to the jailer's daughter who was healed of blindness."

Boy named Pono remarks, "Valentine was put in prison because he promoted marriage, and the Emperor Claudius II, wanted men to remain single to fight his wars."

Patricia adds, "He was executed on February 14th, 270 AD...Valentine's Day.  Do you know in God's Word, there are four different types of love?  Class, can you name one?"

Girl named Mele talks, "Storge love!  It's affectionate love within a family."

Patricia reads, "Love each other truly like brothers and sisters. Be really happy to respect other Christians."  (Romans 12:10 EASY - Easy English Bible)   "We're a family with Storge love."

Boy named Kalani raise his hand, blurting out, "Eros love."

Girl adds, "I like Romantic love!  Hugging and kissing."

Patricia adds,  "Eros is physical love. Romantic when you're single and intimate love when you are married."  Who knows another type of love?"

Pono stands up, stating, "Phileo love."

Patricia smiles, "What is Phileo love?"

Pono continues, "It's loving your best friends."

Patricia speaks, "What is the greatest love in the Bible?"

Mele speaks, "Agape love. "For God so loved the world,that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16  ESV - English Standard Version)

Patricia reads, "After they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you Agape love me more than the other disciples do?”

Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I (Phileo) love you.”

Jesus told him, “Feed my lambs.”

Jesus asked him again, a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you (Agape) love me?”

Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I (Phileo) love you.”

Jesus told him, “Take care of my sheep.”

Jesus asked him a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Peter felt sad because Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you (Phileo) love me?” So Peter said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I (Phileo) love you.”

Jesus told him, “Feed my sheep.

(John 21:15-16  GW - Gods Word)

Patricia concludes,  "Everyone needs love.  Love God with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as you love youself"

"That is how you can be a loving person!  HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

SOMEONE TRIED TO STEAL GOD'S IDENTITY

  PARABLE of IDENTITY THEFT

February 9th - National Pizza Day

Celebrating National Pizza Day, four Pastors meet monthly to discuss topics.

Pastor Dave opens saying, "Someone posted an AI video of me putting words in my mouth of things I never said.  As soon as I had it taken down, someone posted another fake video."

Pastor Frank comments, "Identity Theft is a huge issue in our world today.  I caught someone trying to steal my phone number.  I called my carrier and had my number locked."

Pastor Manuel adds, "Someone tried to steal my credit card, but I got a phone alert and froze my account immediately."

Pastor Jun De remarks, "If they can still your identity, they can steal you bank account, title to your car, house and ruin your credit score."

Pastor Dave speaks, "Did you know Jesus predicted that one day men would try to steal His identity?"

Pastor Frank reacts, "You got to be kidding?"

Pastor Jun De reads: "And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.  For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many."  (Matthew 24:4-5  NKJV - New King James Version)

Pastor Manuel says, "I have relatives named Jesus and there are other people named Jesus in the Bible.  But there is only one Jesus Christ, God the Son."

Pastor Dave adds, "Throughout history there are a lot of people calling themselves Jesus Christ.  These people are mortal men, pretending to be God."

Pastor Jun De, "Jesus ascended to heaven on the Mount of Olives and at His second coming He will return to the Mount of Olives."

Pastor Frank adds, "Didn't Jesus appear face to face with Saul?"

Pastor Manuel reads: "And as he was traveling, it happened that when he was approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him;  and falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”  And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting,"  (ACTS 9:3-5  LSB - Legacy Standard Bible)

Pastor Dave adds, "Jesus talked from above, just like the conversation Jesus had talking to the God the Father at His transfiguration.  Jesus will return to earth at His second coming on the Mount of Olives, not America.

Pastor Frank smiles, "What about all the False Prophets?  Aren't they trying to steal the true identity of God?"

Pastor Jun De reads, "Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many."

Pastor Dave adds, "Old Testament Prophets were God's spokesmen, communicating laws, judgements, blessings, and prophecies...including the coming of the Messiah.   What was the test of the false prophet in the Old Testament?"

Pastor Manuel reads: "When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him."  (Deuteronomy 18:22  ESV - English Standard Version)

Pastor Jun De reads: "Prophets or those who tell the future with dreams might come to you and say they will show you a miracle or a sign.  The miracle or sign might even happen, and then they might say, “Let’s serve other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let’s worship them.”  But you must not listen to those prophets or dreamers. The Lord your God is testing you, to find out if you love him with your whole being.  Serve only the Lord your God. Respect him, keep his commands, and obey him. Serve him and be loyal to him.  The prophets or dreamers must be killed, because they said you should turn against the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt and saved you from the land where you were slaves. They tried to turn you from doing what the Lord your God commanded you to do. You must get rid of the evil among you."  (Deuteronomy 13:1-5  NCV - New Century Version)

Pastor Manuel adds, "False prophets want you to serve other gods."

Pastor Dave says, "The apostle Paul states: "For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, this you tolerate very well!"  

(2 Corinthians 11:4  NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Pastor Manuel adds, "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.  As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed."  (Galatians 1:8-9  ESV - English Standard Version)

Pastor Frank blurts out, "Everyone interprets scripture differently.  Some literal and some as allegories.  Who is right?"

Pastor Jun De replies, "We understand the author and interpret His word according to the context of what was spoken and written."

Pastor Dave concludes, "Jesus had prophesized he would have Identity Theft.  As we draw near to the end times, there will be many people calling themselves Jesus Christ or God.  And many false prophets are distorting words of Jesus, Bible, and the Gospel of Grace through Faith."

Pastor Manual adds, "My kid's memory verse: "Be careful of false prophets. They come to you and look gentle like sheep. But they are really dangerous like wolves."  (Matthew 7:15  ERV - Easy To Read Version)

Pastor Jun De adds, "We all agree we need to protect each other's Identity.  Let's protect God's identity and tell people the truth found in God's word the Bible."

Pastor Frank gets up, "I better check my computer for viruses and trojans."

KIDS DO YOU WANT A JOB IN PARADISE?

DID ADAM AND EVE HAVE JOBS?

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Mary the Sunday school teacher asks the class, "Did Adam have to work for a living and have a job?"

Silly Billy replies, "I thought Adam stayed beside the pool and waterfalls all day."

Mary continues, "God wanted Adam to learn work ethic by being His Head Gardener."  "The Lord God took the man and he put him in the Garden of Eden. God wanted the man to work in the garden and to take care of it." (Genesis 2:15 EASY)

Cindy asks, "What was Eve's job?"

Mary states, "Adam named his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all human beings."  (Genesis 3:20 GNT - Good News Translation)  "Eve was in charge of Parenting. Every mother knows that's a full time job!"

Mary continues, "When you're on a hike, do you see fruit or berries and desire to eat them?

Bob speaks, "My dad wants to see what I have in my hand, before I put it in my mouth."

Mary says, "Good!  Birds will eat berries that might be poisonous for us.

The Manchineel tree has fruit that looks like small green apples that tastes sweet; but the sap causes blisters to the skin, and you might die if you eat.  Yet a Black Spined Iguana can eat the fruit and live."

Margo speaks, "My brother ate something he shouldn't have, and had to be taken to the hospital to pump his stomach."

Mary teaches, "The Lord God commanded the man. He said, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden.  But you must never eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil because when you eat from it, you will certainly die.”  (Genesis 2:16-17  GW - Gods Word)

William asks, "Why did God plant the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil both in the middle of the Garden?  Was God tempting Adam and Eve?"

Mary replies, "And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else."  (James 1:13  NLT - New Living Translation)

Silly Billy blurts out, "Maybe God made the scary serpent  to keep Adam and Eve from getting too close."

Margo adds, "All the girls I know love to be scared, watching movies.  Maybe Eve enjoyed that scary feeling by talking to the serpent." 

Scott speaks, "I believe God wanted to keep the serpent out of the Tree of Life, so it wouldn't live forever.  So He planted another tree close by with sweet tasting, addictive fruit to attract the serpent."

Mary reads, "Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?”  (Genesis 3:1  HCSB)

William adds,  "Satan tempted Jesus when he was fasting 40 days in the wilderness, by asking Him to turn stones into bread."

Mary continues, "The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden.  But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’”

 “No! You will not die,” the serpent said to the woman.  “In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:2-4  HCSB)

Cindy speaks, "Was the serpent possessed by Satan?"

Mary replies, "Lucifer committed the sin of Pride wanting to be God, and he was deceiving Eve, telling her if she would eat the fruit, she would be like God."

Scott remarks, Jesus said, " And He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning. (Luke 10:18  NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Mary continues, "Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.  (Genesis 3:1-6  HCSB - Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Mary reads, "Then they heard the Lord God walking in the garden. This was during the cool part of the day. And the man and his wife hid from the Lord God among the trees in the garden.  But the Lord God called to the man. The Lord said, “Where are you?”

Cathy smiles, "My dog hides from me every time she's in trouble."

Mary continues reading, "The Lord God said, “Who told you...have you eaten fruit from the tree I commanded you not to eat from?”

The man said, “It’s the fault of the woman you put here with me. She gave me some fruit from the tree. And I ate it.”

Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What have you done?”

The woman said, “The serpent tricked me. That’s why I ate the fruit.”  (Genesis 3:11-13  NIRV - New International Readers Version)

Mary asks, "What should have Adam and Eve done?

Silly Billy blurts out, " If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."  (1 John 1:9  NIV - New International Version)

Cathy adds, "If Adam was a real man of God he would have taken all the blame and repented from His sin."

Mary reads, "The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you among all animals and among all wild creatures;  upon your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”  (Genesis 3:14-15  NRSVUE - New Revised Standard Version Updated)

William speaks, "Jesus will crush Satan's head and suffer on the cross for our sins."

Mary reads, "To the woman he said, “I will greatly increase your labor pains; with pain you will give birth to children. You will want to control your husband, but he will dominate you.”  (Genesis 3:16  NET - New English Translation)

Mary continues, "And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face   you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”  (Genesis 3:17-19  ESV - English Standard Version)

Silly Billy remarks, "Did Adam and Eve lose their jobs?  

Cathy adds, "Were they evicted too?"

Mary reads, "The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.

Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken.  So He drove the man out; and at the east of the garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword which turned every direction to guard the way to the tree of life.  (Genesis 3:21-24  NASB 95 - New American Standard Version 95)

Scott speaks, "The first sacrifice for sin was when God killed two animals to make Adam and Eve clothing."

Bob asks, "I still don't understand what the Tree with Good and Evil knowledge was all about?"

Mary replies, "Good knowledge came to Adam and Eve directly from God.  Evil knowledge came from communicating with a Satan possessed serpent."

Scott adds, "Adam and Eve went to the dark side!"

Cindy speaks, "Why was this Adam's sin and not Eve's sin?"

Mary replies, "Eve was deceived, and Adam knew better when he sinned.  

William asks, "Why did Adam's sin corrupt the world?"

Mary speaks, "Satan has come to kill, steal and destroy.  People were infected by every sin imaginable when they turned their backs on God.  You can't serve two masters."

Scott says, "Adam was the CEO of the garden and he lost his job when he sinned.  They were evicted from paradise, and sent to a place of rocks, thistles and thorns."

Cindy adds, "They had to plant their own crops, and even make there own clothes for all the family."

Mary concludes, "Because of Adam's sin, disobeying God and listening to the dark side, all humans have a sin nature.  All of us have sinned and the wages of sin is death.  But God sent His only begotten Son to pay for our sins dying on the cross, if we believe and trust and allowing Him to be the Lord of your life.  Would you like to have everlasting life with Jesus Christ today?"

All the children raise their hands saying, "YES."

MYSTERY OF REVELATION'S 144,000

PARABLE 144,000

PASTORS ENJOY LUNCH

Enjoying an India buffet, four pastors gather each month for a Bible discussion.  Pastor Dave with red hair lifts his hands saying, "Who are the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation?"

Pastor Jun De replies, "Depends on how you interpret the Bible; whether literal, allegory, or Bible codes."

Pastor Dave speaks, "Let's look at the backstory.  The sixth seal was broken.  There was a great earthquake, a great wind storm, islands and mountains were moved out of place, and men hid in their bunkers in the mountains. What did God do next?"

Pastor Manuel speaks, "And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short."  (Matthew 24:22 ESV - English Standard Version)  "God wants to protect his elect, the Jewish nation."

Jun De reads: "After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree."  (Revelation 7:1 LSB - Legacy Standard Bible)

Pastor Frank comments, "The 144,000 can't be taken literal.  Revelation is symbolic, poetic, and full of allegories."

Jun De adds, "I search for Bible codes and hidden meanings in numbers.  In the Old Testament there were 12 tribes, and in the New Testament there were 12 apostles.  12 x 12 = 144.  And if we times 144 by 1000 we have a multitude of all nations seen in Revelation 7:9."

Pastor Manuel remarks, "I examine scripture face value, reading God's word in context.  Not everything in Revelation is an allegory or literal.

Pastor Dave adds, "Remember the letters to the seven churches and book of Revelation were sent to Gentiles who may not have had understanding of gematria and Bible codes."

Pastor Manuel reads: "Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea:  “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.”  Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel."  (Revelation 7:2-4 NIV - New International Version)

Jun De adds, "12,000 were sealed from each of the 12 tribes of Israel: Judah, Rueben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin."

Pastor Frank blurts out, "What happened to the tribe of Dan and Manasseh and why is Levi included here and not other passages in the Bible?"

Pastor Dave replies, "That's a rabbit trail we can discuss on another day."

Pastor Frank responds, "If you read verse 9, it talks about a great multitude of every nation and tribe.  144,000 can't be literal!  Is there only one ethnic group being saved?"

Pastor Jun De, replies, " Apostle John saw the 144,000 being sealed on earth, then in the next vision he saw the multitude in heaven.  Both the dead in Christ and those who had been raptured are present worshipping God at His throne."

Pastor Dave says, "In Revelation 14, the 144,000 worship Jesus, and judgment is declared on those who worship the beast."

Manuel reads: "Then I saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him were 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.  And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of mighty ocean waves or the rolling of loud thunder. It was like the sound of many harpists playing together.

This great choir sang a wonderful new song in front of the throne of God and before the four living beings and the twenty-four elders. No one could learn this song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. They have kept themselves as pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been purchased from among the people on the earth as a special offering to God and to the Lamb.  They have told no lies; they are without blame." (Revelation 14:1-5  NLT - New Living Translation)

Pastor Frank says, "144,000 virgin men can't possibly be literal.  This would exclude women and married couples from entering heaven."

Pastor Dave replies, "God is going to fulfill his promise with the people of Israel, establishing a kingdom with a new temple, with Jesus the Messiah ruling the earth during the Millennium.  God has gathered pure and holy unmarried men from all twelve tribes in preparation of His coming kingdom."

Pastor Manuel adds, "Unbelievers who believe and trust in Jesus Christ any time during the Tribulation will be sealed by the Holy Spirit,  being Born Again.  Satan seals unbelievers with the mark of the beast.  The 144,000 Jews will be sealed with the name of God the Father."

Pastor Jun De adds, "The 144,000 have Jewish DNA.  The Church has not replaced Israel as God's chosen people, superseding the Old Covenant promises to the Jewish people."  

Pastor Dave adds, "Revelation 4, Christ's church will be in heaven worshipping God throughout the Great Tribulation.  During the 7 year tribulation Jews are going to find their Messiah, Jesus.  And Gentile unbelievers receiving Jesus will be call Tribulation Saints.

Pastor Frank takes a napkin wiping his mouth, standing with a grin on his face, saying, "I can't take all of this...LITERALLY!"

Pastor Dave concludes, "If the two witnesses are a literal number, can you tell me why 144,000 can't be a literal number too?

Pastor Manuel's final remarks, "Will the 144,000 be sent in groups of 2 men to evangelize the world during the second half of the Great Tribulation?  

Pastor Jun De adds, "Will they be gather in Jerusalem and on the Temple Mount to Worship God, before the antichrist defiles the Temple and later flee to the wilderness?"

Pastor Dave remarks, "Is this a gathering after the Tribulation, worshipping God on Mount Zion at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?  

Pastor Manuel adds, "Are they gathered on Mount Zion to be raptured to escape the last years of the Great Tribulation?"

Pastor Jun De add, "I am going back for seconds."