Before he can bear witness the individual must come to know Christ, to hear His voice and to see His holiness and majesty.

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; (Acts 26:16)

Throughout the present century there has been much excellent ministry, but often a false witness of God and Christ have been given. God has been presented as a kindly old gentleman who continually forgives and blesses people whether or not they present their body a living sacrifice to Him, whether or not they bury their talent. His consuming wrath, His demand for righteous and holy behavior on the part of those who would have fellowship with Him, His attitude toward the members of the churches who are not diligent in their pursuit of the Lord, are not being presented clearly.

Because of God's great love for people, and because neither the churches nor the world is prepared for the power, the fury, the destruction that will accompany the installation of the Kingdom of God on the earth, God shall empower two witnesses so all people may see and understand what will come to pass in the near future.

Two Witnesses

And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. (Revelation 11:3)

During the Church Age the testimony concerning the coming of the Kingdom of God has often been given by "one witness." Well-intentioned believers have set out to save souls, build churches, operate Christian schools, and construct denominations. The Christian workers have always sought the Lord's blessing on their efforts but often have operated blindly, that is, the work was not initiated by the Lord nor was it conducted in a constant awareness of His Presence and will.

The ministry sometimes proceeds by momentum. God gives a burden to someone or a group of people to carry out a task. After the task has been completed the workers continue to plan and operate a continuation or enlargement of the original commission, assuming this is what God desires.

By this time there may be heavy financial commitment and certainly considerable ego involvement. Salaries and prestige are at stake. That which has been put in motion rolls on and on for hundreds of years until the institution and its buildings are little more than sepulchres filled with relics.

The second Witness, the Elephant, the Lord Jesus Christ, has long since departed. The denomination has become a business and its leaders are executive officers. Its goal is to add members to its ranks, persuading them to adopt the beliefs of the institution. The freshness of the Presence of the Lord is absent. "Ichabod" (no glory) is inscribed on the corporation.

To be continued.