( ROMANS 1:16-17 ) FOR I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST: FOR IT IS THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH, TO THE JEW FIRST, AND ALSO TO THE GREEK. ( 17 ) ( FOR THEREIN ) IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD REVEALED FROM FAITH TO FAITH: AS IT IS WRITTEN, THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.

In this article, my desire is to show, to the best of my knowledge; what has happened to the United States of America over the last few decades. Often, many people, just like me; believe we are living in the ( last days ) as we see spoken of in the Word of God. While that might be true, it doesn’t mean we have to be a part of the unrighteousnes ( of this world ) ( as a nation ) that says we are ( one nation under God ). It we can see and recognize the problem then we can go about, as a nation to repent from the wrong we see.

( I believe ) that we, as a nation was founded under the ( One True God ) of this universe. We were founded in a different constitution and set of values than any other nation in this world. The God that we established ourselve under is the Father of Jesus Christ, the man that went to the Cross of Calvary shed his blood for the sins of this world. Jesus Christ is ( God the Father ) in a body of flesh. When we say, we are ( ONE NATION UNDER GOD ) that is the God we are speaking of.

AS far as I know, every one of our leaders, when they take the oathe of office; they lay their hand on God’s word to do so. Now, if that isn’t done all the time now, that was the way this country was established. Even in a court of Law, that book is used. Do we, as a nation still expect that same standard from our leaders? If not, have we changed the God we serve as a nation?

I believe that the general population of our nation still recognizes God, the Father of Jesus Christ as the God of our nation. So, where does the problem or, does one exist? I say yes! I’ll mention two places I believe ( we the poeple ) need to step up to the plate and, demand that the God we truly serve be recognized. If we have a true desire to save this nation as we know it, we must demand that the pastors of our Churches speak and preach the word of God. We must allow ourselve to be changed by the power of that word, even if it hurts or, cost us the things we value in this world. A price must be paid.

Second, we as a nation send representatives from our local areas to Washington to represent us. Those people are the closest to us in Washington. ( We the people ) seeing the we see and worship the God and Father of Jesus Christ must demand that our representative also let it be known as our spokesman in Washington. The vast majority of those people come from the rural areas of our country and from cities that still exalt Jesus Christ as our only Savior. These people must begin to let that be known and set that standard as they represent us, starting by having prayer to the God that this nation exalts from the chambers they work in daily.

Consider, Let’s just say that there is a person from the Muslim Religion in the chamber. If that person wants to take his or her turn we prayer, we can and will respecrt their right to do so, however ( we the people ) still serve and worship the God and Father of Jesus Christ. That must be the voice that is heard and seen in our nation. We cannot expect less from our leaders and remain where we are as a nation.

As a man from North Carolina, I believe my representative should be willing to stand up at his seat and proclaim Jesus Christ as the God that his district serves and, also give testimony to where he stands. We, as members of this district should expect no less. If every district that sees Jesus Christ as the ( God of this Nation ) will demand that of their representatives then we can begin to rebuild what we have lost in our God fearing nation.

One of my favorite verses of scripture is ( 2 Timothy 1:7 ) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

For far too long we have hid behind, often even the laws of this land. It’s time to change our fear into the power of the God, into the love of him first and then our nation. Also, if a person doesn’t have a sound mind; I might add, since we are speaking of ( ONE NATION UNDER GOD ); i’d add ( a strong spiritually sound mind ). We should not except less.

If the average district in our great nation are seen as God fearing people then we need to let that be known through our representatives in Washington, proving we are ( ONE NATION UNDER THE GOD THAT LIVED WITHIN JESUS CHRIST )

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Marshall Clayton 2

2 Timothy 1:7

As always I seek to use scripture to make my points. Here I’ll be using two scriptures from the Old Testament; one being very well known. ( Joshua 24:15 ) And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Also ( 1 KIngs 18:21 ) And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

These are simply two examples of the point I’d like to make. We, as a nation have come to the place in our history that if, we are going to use the slogan ( ONE NATION UNDER GOD ) we must choose and know what God that is.I’d like; at this time to say something about myself. I can come accross as very hard on pastors and Churches. That’s only because of my great burden for the people of our nation and, my desire to see truth preached and taught in every Church. In reality I stand firm on the fact the the true Church is alive and well in our nation. We, as God’s people might need to be revived and began to speak as one voice but, the country is filled with born again beleivers that love God’s word and, truly worship him as lord.

If you will notice, when Elijah ask the people the question about which God they would serve, they answered him ( not a word ). Also, Joshua appeared to be implying that ( the people seemed to think it was evil to serve the Lord. However, both men took an outright stand to show where they stood.

As people of the United States of America; do you believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven? Is he God in Flesh? Did he and, he alone come to this world to becomae a sacifice for every man’s sins?

I believe this fact with all my heart. While I respect every person’s right to choose to believe whatever thet choose to believe and, worship whatever ( god ) they choose, I believe it’s the also very important and even required that every person that stands on the fact and belief of Jesus Christ to tell those that worship ( false gods ) just how wrong they are. That’s called witnessing for Jesus Christ!

We have reached a point in our nation where we can no longer afford to worship our God in a closet, to live as he doesn’t exist within our hearts and live in the fear of persecution if we stand for his name. Right now, if you choose to ( hide your light under a bushel ), that’s a choice you make but, if we don’t stand and I mean now, we will be forced into the darkness and that not by choice.

I heard a story once and, it was said to be a true event. Along to time when Martin Luther nailed the theses on the door of the Church; there was a little old lady that the people of her Church respected her greatly. They had given her a special chair in front of the Church so she could be close to the preacher and hear him well.

One Sunday morning a stranger came in to preach. As he took the pulpit, he looked out at the people, held the Bible up and stated. We will no longer be using this book at this Church. At that point he held up another book that he declared the right choice.

When he said that; the little old lady stood up and cried, ( no we are not either ) and threw the chair at him. As the story was told, a riot broke out in that Church, the little lady got killed in the fight. However,she died standing for what she believed to be right.

It’s one thing to respect the ( gods ) of others but, quite another to simply set back and allow their mindsets to take over a nation. ( I believe ) that the blessings we as a nation have experienced over the years have brought about complacency in many believers and, that has caused us to set back, saying nothing although, in our hearts we see that things are not being done in a spiritual, Holy Ghost filled way. Another way of putting it; we have allowed a ( little god ) to replace the God we say we serve.

We, as a nation say ( ONE NATION UNDER GOD ) is that banner the blood stained banner of Jesus Christ? Is the red in our flag a representation of that blood, and the blood of those that died to keep that banner flying high? If you believe that Jesus Christ is the the God in flesh of the United States of America; will you stand and proclaim that name above all names and, proudly seek to know his will for this country?

The army of God is filled with proud people that will gladly die for his name sake. The little ( gods ) are cowards and will run in the face of opposition. ( resist the Devil and he will flee from you ). If you believe that to be true then let’s show that Jesus Christ is the God that we are one nation under. Let’s show the world and our enemies within that we are a force to be respected and will will not back down in the face of our enemies.

( Ephesians 6:11 ) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil.

The battle cry is real, we have laid down and taken off our armour, let’s stand, put our armour back on and show that we are ( ONE NATION UNDER ) the true and living God!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1 :7

Without going into a whole lot of detail, this world we live in is controlled by Satan himself. ( Isiah 14:12 ) the Bible says this: How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

We also see in ( Ephesians 2:2 ) Wherein in times past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

This world is Satan’s domain. We were born into this world of sin. Actually, the reasoning for that is that God the Father desires that you have to make a choice to walk in his light. We could also make the point that ( the angels ) such as Lucifer was; are creatures basically programmed to do exactly what God would have them do. God doesn’t want us to be that way. His will is for us to love him completely out of much appreciation for who he is and, all he does for us, to simply walk with him and obey him by choice.

And again, without getting to deep into this; this world is headed for, everything as one. One world money system, one world government, one world religion and, it won’t be worshipping Jesus Christ.

Well, in all of that, where do we as born again believers fit in? And, what is God’s plan? Let’s first look into how our nations have been weakened. Please understand, this is what I, as one indivividual can see and hopes to seek to correct, at least in my life.

If we start to lay this out with just individual families and, how God intended for those families to function, that might be a good start. First of all. each family has a head, the father, it has one that administers what that heads desire are ( the wife or mother ) and, then children obedient to that head as they are taught by the anministrator.

This family basically is totally dependant on themselves, they work as one. Let’s not forget that the husband here also has a head. That head is Jesus Christ, he leads that father and husband by the voice of the Holy Spirit within him. Hopefully, the wife and, all the children will have that same spirit within them, at least as all the children grow and develope, one by one. When I say ( totally dependant ) I mean that, as a family, they have their own kingdom, raise their own food, set their own guidelins as led by the spirit of God, to the best of the head’s ability.

So, now let’s place a single Church ( one that’s led by God’s spirit ) in the middle of, let’s say twenty families like this, every family meets at this Church one day a week. This Church has one pastor, led by the same spirit that seeks to give spiritual insight to every person that attends that Church each Sunday. Although it might be twenty Churches in a given area, one Church has nothing to do with what the other does and, each family is completely seperate from one another as far as personal leadership is concerned but, they all are learning from one spirit, the very Spirit of God.

We can take this same picture or example to counties, town and cities. All see as independant of one another in every way. As we look at this we also need to see that if any family, Church, county town or city fall on hard times then those that have been blessed will very willingly step up to help the weak out, not ever expecting anything in return or to be repaid.

I’m going to break here and show a verse that ( I believe ) will bring the whole thing into focus of where we are as a people. ( Acts 6:1 ) And in those days, when the number of the diciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

Just as a person that seeks to understand history and to bring about a spiritual point ( I believe ) that the United States of America was basically set up with this in mind, that is the pictue I wrote about our families and Churches. In our nation, we have a federal government, we have states, counties or parishes, all the way to individual fathers, wives children, in one word ( families ).

When we lose focus; as individuals of the needs of others, that’s called greed. When the weak are not helped by the strong simply because the strong can’t see the need of someone else then the concept that God purposed in his will begin to weaken.

Looking at the verse in ( Acts ). Can you see how that the people would have been better of if they would have had the ( spiritual insight ) to see the need of the Grecian widows and, helped them without being told to do so?

God’s whole will is wrapped up in freely giving. That being guided by the very Spirit of God and, using the spiritual insight we all should have. When we lose that then we become ( commune )(nistic ) by force and, that apart from the will of God.

In a Godly ( commune ) there is no one boss other than the spirit of God. One father never tells another father what to do, one pastor doesn’t tell another what to do, one wife or mother doesn’t tell another what to do. If in any case, any person is asked for advise then we can seek to instruct but it’s still that indivual’s choice and decision to make.

In saying all these things, we must remember who in in control of the world we live in. That person is not God the Father unless ( each individual ) allows him to be their leader.

Within God’s will, his desire is that those that believe him and follow him to completely overtake the control of this world. So, what happened?

GOD’S PEOPLE: THE CHOICES WE MAKE!

I’d like to begin this with a story I heard once. Someone said that their was a farmer that had a potato patch buy a road. When he began to harvest those potatoes he had raised and, was picking them up; every person that came buy he told them to take a peck of them. Another man happen to see him doing that and replied; if you keep giving potatoes away, you won’t have any for yourself. To that; the farmer replied, God can put more potatoes under these vines that I can ever use!

Do you believe that? Do you believe ( GOD ) shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Jesus Christ? ( Philippians 4:19 )

What happened? We gave up our individualism, some by choice and most by demand. I’ll just use this as an example: Many Churches today in certain parts of our country will make something as a Church and offer it to the community for sale. The money is used for certain attivities. Well, why couldn’t each family do the same thing and simply give to those that need it as God’s Spirit leads.

You see, in our laziness and complacency, we gave up our individualism. We think, it’s the pastor’s responsibility to be a witness for Jesus Christ. We think, it’s someone elses place to read and study God’s word and teach us. We think it’s the Churches responsibility to feed the poor, distribute the needs. We’ll just write a check.

Instead of our Churches being one, we have incorporated, our government desires to be one with the world. We expext our schools to teach our children, our pastors, our teachers to teach us to be spiritual and, our doctors to keep us healthy, all without ever even considering what God might desire to say to us, as individuals. We’ve given our voice to the powers of this world and, most don’t even recognize it.

Look at this verse: ( Luke 21:4 ) For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penery hath cast in all her living that she had.

What shall you give? What do you give? You can read this whole account but, this widow cast in two pence, all that she had. The point that is make here is ( all her living ). What she is saying is that if I starve it will be for the glory of God. I’m not depending on the things of this world for my security but, my Lord and savior. There are people that are much more in need than I am, to God be the glory.

The whole concept of righteous living has been sucked deep into a corrupt system of greed and prosperity. Education has overtaken the need of the guidance of the spirit of God. As I say these things, I’m not speaking to the people that are of this world but, to those that are born again or, say they know Jesus Christ as their savior.

When we, as a peculiar people decide to turn ourselves back to the will of God, to listen as he speaks and, directs each of us as directed by the spiritual ( chain of command ) then we, as a people have all the power we need to transform the world to the righteousness of God the Father. Satan has no power over us unless we allow him to. Our nation is where it is because we have allowed that to happen.

In closing: The place we sit in the Church we attend is probably worn from the many times we have sit there but, our Bibles still appear to be new. When we change that midset, wear the carpet from praying for our people and our Bibles from study and seeking the voice of God’s Spirit and the place we sit in Church is like new then; shall we hear from God the Father.

( Isaiah 1:18 ) Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

Looking at this part of this verse and, if we back up the the verse before this one we see this. ( verse 6 ) And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed at this time.

( I believe ) that these verses are speaking of the Holy Spirit of God. He also says that ( the mystery of iniquity doth already work ). The Holt Spirit is the power that withholds the ( man of sin ) from being revealed at this time.

I say all these things to seek to make a point about what I am seeing; basically; in every avenue of our lives today. As a man that has been born again for forty-five years, I’ve seen a lot of changes in the way we go about the average Church service in our land. If I were to use a metaphor about it; I’d say this. If we were to say that manys years ago our Churches were completely white but, we began to drop one drop of black paint within them and, now the color of our Churches has drastically changed because of the paint that’s been mixed within the original color.

Another metaphor I often use is this. At one time there was a man rowing a little boat down the Niagara River; not knowing there was a great fall up ahead. At that time there were thousands of people standing on the banks screaming at that man to ( come to the bank ) there’s ( danger up ahead ). Now, there are thousands of people rowing in that same river and, only a few people doing the best they can to make them understand ( there is trouble up ahead ).

In my lifetime I have seen that change. I remember when simple, uneducated men, filled with the Spirit of God preached with God’s power on their lives. I also remember when both, men and women within the average Church sought to know truth about their place to stand as guided by the Holy Spirit of God. I remember when the word of God was the most important asset in any Church and, most people sought to understand it as directed by God the Spirit within them.

( I believe ) that the biggest reason for this down fall is the lack of teaching and understanding what truly being ( Born Again ) is all about. I’ll use another metaphor here to make my point. My wife is from Ohio. On our last trip there we went through a place called ( Shakker Town ). I don’t know if that is spelled correctly but, she revealed to me that the Shakkers didn’t believe in having sex. To make a long story short, they all died out. I just wonder; what in the world would cause them to die out? That question has a very simple answer.

The art of being born again is exactly the same picture. When we stop teaching the art of how that comes about and, people simply just become Church members them there is no Spirit of God within those that say they believe. Therefore, we have a Church filled with people but, those that are truly born again slowly die off and all we have is an empty shell of a Church.

We all know that it takes both, male and female to bring about child birth. Well, in reality it takes the very same thing to bring about spiritual birth. The Church being the female part and, the man of God, preaching or injecting the Spirit of God to the Church as he speaks as God directs him to speak. Actually, the Church does not have to be a willing participant. It only has to be ( truth spoken ) and ( revealed by the power of God ).

I’ll share with you a true story that actually happen at a Church I was a member of once. The Church, at that time was at odds with tha pastor for whatever reason. This pastor was a very powerful voice for the power of God. No doubt, he preached, being filled with the Spirit of God. As a matter of fact, he was preaching whrn I was born again.

On this Wednesday night, as he began to preach, a man stood up and rebuked him, stopping him from what he was preaching because of a selfish motive he had, of his own. The Church actually went into an argument, first one person voiced their opinion then another. All of a sudden, this young lady stood up and begin to weep. She said, I don’t know what this is all about but, I truly need to be saved, can someone please help me?

The pastor left the pulpit, went out, took this young lady by the hand and took her to the alter. Even in that invironment, God’s Spirit was able to speak to this young lady. Now, I won’t say that it all came about that night but, the normal invironment of this Church was one of being ( Holy Spirit filled ). In reality, it’s the Spirit of God that brings about Spiritual birth. It’s not a pastor nor is it a Church. In our Churches, far too often, we have basically used ( spiritual birth control ) or ( aborted ) the very aspect of spiritual birth.

In reality; our Churches are doing today exactly what the ( Shakkers ) intended to do. What the ( Shakkers ) desired to do was to get people to join them, therefore, the Church would grow without the need of having children. In the average Church, all we have is a lot of children and, children joining that group. The problem with that is that there is and, never will be any true spiritual growth.

Accross our land; there are many ( born again believers ) that truly desire to see people saved. We; me being one of them, are seeking other avenues to get the power of God the a lost word other than just sitting in a Church. although the spirit of God has been deminished over the years, there are many people still around that speak and move with the power of God on their lives. We are those that hold back the revealing of him that opposes all that God does. Our voice is still heard and used by God the Father. One day, even we will be taken out of the way. We call that the rapture. At that time Satan will truly be revealed and, we will be gone to our heavenly home.

In closing. I’d like to reveal what I believe it takes to truly be born again. There might be those that disagree with me and, that’s fine. However, if the Spirit of God moves on a heart then salvation will be real. As people, we are born into a world of sin, we are sinners. It doesn’t matter how spiritual your family might be and, how well you are taught to be a good person, you are a sinner in need of a savior and, without salvation you will die and, go to a Devil’s hell for eternity.

Being ( born again ) is the art of revealing the reality of hell to a person with the understanding that without the blood of Jesus Christ applied as a covering for you sin, that will be your home. Being ( born again ) is the ability of a peraon, let’s say a pastor to bring an individual face to face with God the Father in all his perfection, bringing a sinner to the nakedness of himself as revealed to a righteous God. We see ourselves without hope in this present world. With that knowledge revealed, we seek a way of redemption which is in Jesus Christ and his shed blood.

We become willing to die to ourselves and willingly start our walk with Jesus Christ being led by his Spirit that is birthed within our heart at that moment. Now, there’s a couple of ( pictures ) that can be used here. The first is that of a seed. ( John 12:24 ) Verily, Verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

Our fleshly shells are worthless to a righteous God, that is until we see ourselves as such. When we see our selves as worthless and, allow His Spirit to move into our hearts then we can begin to do the work he desires for us to do. That seed that sprouted within our flesh begins to grow toward spiritual maturity.

I said all that to make the point that we are not seeing that transition taught today. We have Churches filled with people but they all remain as they always were. Because of this, as born again believers slowly leave this world the resistance to evil becomes less and less.

The people that are born again and, seek to share the truth of the gospel are those that let. We allow God Spirit to work through our flesh. We seek to do his will. We ( LET ) God have his way within us and, allow him to be seen in us.

One day we will be taken out of the way. The world hates us because the world hates Jesus Christ. It’s not that ( the world ) doesn’t use his name; he’s spoken of often in many Church and, we even see people pray in his name. So, what’s the problem? The world denies ( the power thereof ). ( 2 Timothy 3:5 ) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

We that are born again don’t just have a ( form of Goliness ) we have the very power of God living within us. That power holds back the very power that Satan desires to have at this time. However, there will come a day when we will leave this world and complete deception will set in,even those that have a form of godliness will be deceived on a level that they cannot imagine at this time.

Can you imagine! Jesus Christ returning to take his bride on a Saturday afternoon, just a very small number of people in a local Church disappear. However, the pastor is still here. On Sunday morning the rest of the Church members and, the pastor meet at Church as usual. The members are concerned about what just happened. The same pastor, the one they trusted all this time now stands and convinces his people that everything is fine and, the lie will be believed.

As a matter of fact, in some cases, it will even be God that causes this. Let’s look at another verse here: ( 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 ) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: ( 12 ) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

I want you to know that the Church of Jesus Christ is alive and well today. It might be, compared to the world, very small in number but, we as born again believers have a very strong voice, that is whether anyone chooses to hear us or not.

We are not found in a building made of brick or wood but, we are found all across this land, speaking, writing, sharing the true gospel of Jesus Christ to those that will listen. True born again believer ( LET ) the Holy Spirit of God walk and talk in this world. While we oftern might be silienced in the average Church, we are not silent on the streets of our towns and cities, we talk to our friends, nieghbors and any person that will allow us to share the gospel.

Thank God for ( those that will let )!

Lord, I pray you will put you protecting hand upon every believer that seeks to share your gospel to a lost and dying world. Lord, help us to show forth our love for Jesus Christ, the love you placed within us the day we were born again, help us never to lose our ( first love ), give each of us strength to do your will in a time of great apostasy in every aspect of our lives. Lord, walk with us each day, help us to stay focused on your word, your will and the salvation of others until the day that we will be taken up from this wicked and perverse world. Help each of us to stay focused on ( the mark of the high calling in Jesus Christ ). Strengthen our inner man, all for your glory, AMEN

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

I have a couple of friends that are funeral directors. Over the years, just as friends and even speaking at funerals I heard them both say that ( funerals are not for the dead but, for the living ). Since this is true; it becomes the responsibility of the pastor or, the person that is speaking to seek to bring closure and comfort to those that are present at the funeral. Not only that but also to seek to bring conviction to the hearts of those that remain, preparing them for the day that they each face the same end that the person’s funeral is all about.

Over the years of being a pastor and, speaking at funerals, even talking to people that were just before facing death; I come to realize that many people ( fear ) the transition from this life to the next. I’ve walked into many hospital rooms where people were sick. As soon as they seen me, they would reach out their hand toward me and say, ( I’m afraid of dying ) with tears in their eyes. This is the subject I’d like to address in this article.

As we look into this we must realize that there is a difference in fearing death and simply not desiring to leave because of ( what me might call ) obligations. Just as a man, I feel a need to look after my wife for as long as she lives. Therefore, If I face death before she does then she is lsft alone. I suppose that; that mindset would be common to most men that are born again. The point is I don’t fear death and, I’m just like many people that have taken the time to study and, truly get to know Jesus Christ far beyond just being born again.

My prayer is that when I do face death that I will show no fear but, show great confidence in my Lord. ( Philippians 1:28 ) and in nothing terrified by your adverseries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

Another point I’d like to make is about the age that one might die. For instance, I’ve been saved for 45 years. I am now sixty-nine years old. If God would have chosen to take me at the age of, let’s say ( thirty -two ) then the time I would have had to become ( spiritually mature ) would have been much shorter and a certain amout of fear would have been present about the unknown.

I also like to make people aware of the fact that ( ignorance is bliss ). If every person on the face of this earth could go and, spend just ten seconds in hell and, then return; it would make a world of difference in their walk with God the Father.

However, God the Father does not desire for you to walk with him in fear of eternity or knowledge of hell. He desires for you to come to him simply because you see yourself for what you are and, you make a choice ( by faith ) to walk with him in obedience. Put another way; I’d much rather have you to walk with me because you love me than because of any obligation or fear.

I want to use an illustration to show how it should work. If I was drowning in a lake and, just before I was going down for the last time; you come by and pulled me out. I’m very thankful for what you done for me. Therefore I ask you if I can walk along with you for a while.Yor say, sure.

As we walk together and, you begin to share who you are and, how you feel about things I don’t really know if I like you very much. Now, that doesn’t mean you are wrong. What it does mean is that if I am going to be friends with you, I’m going to have to change some things about who I am.

Being born again does not bring us security in itself. It’s not that we are not secure, we just can’t see it. It takes study and, a willingness to change ourselves as we grow spiritually to reach the point that we have security in what we say we believe.

( I believe ) that the security of a believer and, the peace of the people that attend that person’s funeral is very important. What is it that I mean? Let’s say that a person dies; at the end of their life they confess Jesus Christ and, the pastor stands before the people and proclaims this person’s ( late profession of Faith ). Can you see how that leaves the people with uncertain thoughts about what you are saying?

I’d like to give you a true example. When my mom died, I spoke at her funeral. I made this statement: ( I believe my mom died and went to hell )! AS soon as I made that statement in a very crowed Church, almost every head began to nod ( NO ). Why would that be? The answer is that the people in that building knew my mom’s walk with Christ, just that simple.

When we say we are saved ( born again ) we need to allow Christ to direct our walk and also begin to study, being filled with God’s Spirit. Our very conversational topics, the way we talk, the way we walk, every aspect of our lives should become a picture of Jesus Christ.

Those things makes it real to those around us. We become a witness for Christ in all we do. While I cannot see a person’s heart and, I truly realize that I can be deceived by, often what I see; it’s still a very powerful statement to live a life that is pleasing to Christ.

I have great confidence in the Holy Spirit of God. ( I know ) that God will keep his word. That is, even if I can’t see all I’d like to see in a person’s life. When any person is facing certain death, all the faith I have cannot help them at all. It’s when we, as individuals find the assurance we need in Christ that allows us to live and die with a peace that surpasses all understanding.

( I know ) that every person is not like me. Often, what we think we see is not really all it is to a life. I once went to visit a man by the request of another family member. When I pulled in the driveway, the man was standing in the yard. I approached him, stuck out my hand and, told him who I was, he did the same. As we talked, I asked him if he knew Jesus Christ as his personal savior? As soon as I asked that, he began to weep. This is what he told me. He told me that four years before that day he had gone to a revival service in a little Church in another town. He said as the man preached, he fell under great conviction and went down to the alter, giving his life to Christ. He also said, I want you to know preacher that for a good while after that I truly tried to yield my life to Chist. But, this liquor has got me and, it’s going to kill me.

It did kill him and, I was asked to preach his funeral. I shared that same story at his funeral. It’s easy for people, like me to judge other people when we really don’t know their struggles. However, it’s equally as easy for any person to claim that they cannot help themselves when they haven’t even attempted to yield their lives to Christ. They have never studied God’s word or sought; through prayer to ask God for his help that they might overcome themselves and the weaknesses they have.

Look at this verse: ( Philippians 4:13 ) I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. What does that verse sound like to you? The secret is yielding ourselves to Christ and, growing ( one day at a time ). As I state that verse, I also know what my weaknesses are and, just how much of a sinner I am. God sees my heart, I realize that however, I desire for the world to see him in me, and not me; myself. Therefore, I allow my flesh to yield to his will and not my own.

A funeral is the final chapter in any person’s life. It represents a true picture of who you are and, to whom you yielded yourself. LIke my mom, ever person actually preaches their own funeral. If we will take the time in our lives to allow ourselves to paint a picture of Jesus Christ then that’s exactly what the people at our funeral will see, without a doubt.

As you look at your life right now, what kind of picture are you painting as you walk each day? How does the people in your community see you? A testimony is a building process. It can much easier be torn down that it can be built. The struggle to build a testimony for Jesus Christ is very hard work, most people don’t won’t to pay the price necessary to build that aspect of their lives but, in the end, it’s worth it all.

In closing, I’d like to share the words of a song I like:

WHEN I CROSS THAT RIVER

MANY HILLS AND MANY VALLEYS, MY OLD TIRED FEET HAVE TROD;

AND SO OFTEN I HAVE WONDERED, IF I’D EVER REACH HEAVEN SOD.

BUT I KNEW THE ANSWER, WHEN I STEPPED IN JORDON’S STREAM.

WHEN I CROSSED THAT RIVER, IT WAS WORTH IT ALL TO ME.

(2 ) NOW I’VE CHANGED FROM RAGS TO A ROBE OF WHITE,

AND MY SHOES ARE MADE OF GOLD.

DOWN GLORY ROAD THE LORD IS LEADING ME.

ALL IS NEW THERE’S NOTHING OLD.

WE JUST STOPPED BRFORE MY MANSION, MY NAME’S INSCRIBED ABOVE THE DOOR.

JUST TODAY IT WAS COMPLETED, AND I’LL LIVE HERE FOREVER MORE.

( CHOURS )

WHEN I CROSSED THAT RIVER, IT WAS WORTH IT ALL TO ME.

ALL THE BEAUTIES OF HEAVEN, BEFORE MY EYES I COULD SEE.

WELL, THERE STANDS JESUS AND THERE’S MOM AND DAD.

THEY’VE BEEN WAITING FOR ME.

WHEN I CROSSED THAT RIVER, IT WAS WORTH IT ALL TO ME.

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

Exactly what does it mean to be born again? What transpires in a person’s life when that act takes place? ( I believe ) that the very best message that any pastor can stand before his Church, every Sunday and tell his people is this. He needs to start his message off with these verses: ( Romans 3:12 ) They are all gone out of the way, they are all together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good no, not one.

We are teaching our young people that ( their life matters ) which is exactly the wrong message they need to here. Every message that is taught in every Church should be a message to cause people to know, beyond any shadow of a doubt that; just as they are, they cannot and, will not ever be pleasing to God the Father.

Being born again is ( the act of coming to the knowledge of one’s worthlessness ), no exceptions.That is ( in our flesh dwelleth no good thing ) ( Romans 7:18 ) For I know that in me ( that is, in my flesh, ) dwelleth no good thing: for the will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I find not.

The Apostle Paul had come to this realization, we all must see ourselselves in that light. ( Being Born Again ) is coming to the place that we see ourselves as ( without hope ) in this present world. We are not able to fix ourselves therefore, by excepting Jesus Christ and his righteousness, realizing that he paid the price necessary for our salvation.

We come to him, ask him, by the Holy Spirit to move into our bodies and, transform our worthless bodies to ( a vessel fit for the master’s use ). Within this act is our commitment to ( be like Christ ). Exactlt what does that mean? Jesus Christ made this statement: ( John 14:9 ) Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not know me, Phillip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

The commitment of every born again believer should be the very same way. Every deed, every word we speak, every move we make should be that people around us would be able to see God the Father in us. When we walk along side a friend, they should be able to see God the Father. If not, then it should be because they were like Phillip, not because our lives are not showing his will.

Another way to put it would be to say that walking beside Jesus Christ would be exactly like walking beside God the Father. Walking beside any born again believer should be the same way. Now, I understand we cannot be Jesus Christ and, that is not what I’m saying. I’m saying that our commitment sould be to reach that place in our everyday walk.

Do you remeber the verse: ( Philippians 3:14 ) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.?

That’s not speaking of a prize we win after we die and, are in heaven. that, my friend is something we press for in this life. Why? For the express purpose of being able to draw other people to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul also said that he ( counted everything ) he had in this life as worthless for the excellence of knowing Jesus Christ.

That my desire as a born again believer. What’s your desire in this life?

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

People, like me far roo often; get caught up in the activities and cares of this world. Personally, I don’t believe our God is pleased with that. If we begin this by asking ourselves a simple question about ourselves and, seeking that answer then, it might help, even me to make my point. You and I being born again, washed in the blood of Jesus Christ; what did it take to transform you to the person that God desired for you to be?

My answer to that question is; it took the Holy Spirit of God moving within me to cause me to change direction. And, more than likely you, being born by the same spirit will say the same thing. When we are born again, we become a part of the body of Christ. We are a special group of people, a peculiar people. ( 1 Peter 2:9 ) But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkenss into his marvellous light:

If you will go and read that, you will see it actually says more about who we are. We, as members of ( the Church ) ( the body of Christ ) are a nation within ourself. In this nation we are all ( royal priest ) ( a holy nation ). We are seen as ( peculiar people ). That, because we are not of this world or, like this world. Our whole mindset is different than the world.

So, since I live in the ( United States ), here we have both, Democrats and Republicans, people of different political opinions and, ( born again believers ). I often say this as a believer. If my desire is to see people transformed into the ( nation to which I am a member of ) then I have to be careful of the battles I fight. Therefore, I don’t want to be seen as a Democrat or Republican but, a born again believer, washed in the blood of Jesus Christ. If I make any person my enemy seeking to win a political battle then I might lose the ability to win the battles I truly seek to win within that one person.

Therefore, should born again believers be in politics? I can only answer that question for myself. You will have to make you own choice about what you decide to do. I will say this; as born again believers, people that are members of that royal priesthood; if we would draw back and, seek the center of God’s will, come together in prayer, become the powerful force that we can be, I believe we could make a difference in our nation.

For instance, ( the holy nation ) that we are members of is very solid in its leadership, perfect in wisdom and guidance. Therefore, let’s say that within the ( United States of America ) we have a leader that is not a member of the same ( holy nation ) we are. As members of ( the holy nation ) we are dissatisfied with his leadership, his complete mindset. So, let’s all come together and begin to pray in unity as a ( holy nation ) that God will transform his heart that he might become a member of the same ( holy nation ) we are members of.

As members of this ( holy nation ) we need to focus, come together in truth. We need a spokesman with the ability to go face to face with the leader of ( the United States of America ) and, look at him eye to eye and say:

As members of ( the holy nation ) we believe that based on what we see in you; you do not know Jesus Christ as your savior. There are many aspects of what; you say, you support that csnnot be a part of ( the holy nation ) we are a part of. I, as a spokesman from that nation am here, speaking to you to let you know that we, as members of ( the holy nation ) are praying in one accord and power that God will do whatever it takes to cause your eyes to be opened spiritually, no matter what the cost to us or, you and your family.

We, as members of ( the holy nation ) are the power of God on this earth. Our desire is to see you come to know Jesus Christ as your personal savior, to be born again. I, as a spokesman for my nation would like to share Jesus Christ with you. I’m simply using this as an example. The main point is that we must seperate ourselves from the world an its views, We must become a unified body for Jesus Christ with a voice above all.

We have members of ( the holy nation ) that have a desire to adentify with a particular political party, we must refrain from that and, begin to speak and stand firmly on the precepts of the word of God alone. This is a very tall order because the concept of ( the Church ) has become so marred by the world and worldly views that we now have a very hard time finding the center of God’s will. Look at this verse of scripture: ( 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 ) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye seperate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, ( 18 ) And I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

To whom is the Apostle Paul speaking here? Basically, we are seeing a Church here that is allowing all kinds of sinful activity to continue within ( what is called ) ( a Church ). There were members of ( the holy nation ) continuing to call themselves members of that Church. Do we not see the same thing today? It has become so bad that now ( born again believers ) are having to be ( ambassadors ) to even the Churches they are members of.

The term ( come out from among them ), what does that mean? I heard a saying once that went like this. It was speaking of prayer. ( Prayer has not to do with the position of the body but, the condition of the heart. ) This can relate to where you are and, how you come out as well. Another way of looking at it is that; I can’t be an ambassador to the town I live in and leave the town. However, with that being said I must be seen and heard in a totally different light.

I feel compelled to say this here. As a member of the ( holy nation ) I totally disagree with abortion in any form. I disagree with ( same sex marriage ). I also disagree with adultery, fornication, lying, stealing and so on. I hate the fact that sometimes I fall and yield to my weak flesh; myself. If I were a member, an ambassador within a Church to supported those thing, even put up with those mindset, then that Church would know exactly where I stand.

As an ambassador of Jesus Christ within my Church, my town, my county, my state and my country; I see something that is or, has transpired far worse that the things I have mentioned and, I admit, they are bad. What happens when these things start to be approved by our local Churches? The very power of God, the Holy Spirit leaves. He’s not just weakened, he leaves. Therefore, if there is a member of the ( holy nation ) within that Church he or she becomes a voice that must be heard. When it continues to stay as it is, either that voice is stopped or that voice leaves.

The mindset I see today is one totally of deception. We are teaching ( a form of Godlines, but denying the power thereof ) ( 2 Timothy 3:5 ) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

What are we saying here? As a voice for the ( holy nation ) that I am a member of; this is what I proclaim. We are preaching, teaching, proclaiming ( Jesus Christ ) in our local Churches ( In Name Only ). While his name is being mentioned and, even his word being used, the power of the Holy Spirit is gone. We are being taught that basic Church membership and baptism is ( salvation ) and it has nothing to do with actually being ( born again ).

This mindset began long before what we see; as being excepted in our Churches today came about. Shall I continue? My heart and soul is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and, the need of a transformation within every person, that by, and only by the Holy Spirit of God. I am a member of ( THE HOLY NATION ). I seek to seperate myself from any and every thing that is spiritually unclean and, my desire is to uplift and glorify my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

If you read this and, you are not truy born again, my desire is to help you see how to become a member of the same ( holy nation ) I’m a member of. It takes the blood of Jesus Christ. He, being completely without sin, offered himself as a sacrifice for your sins. It takes the knowledge that you are a sinner in need of that blood. It takes you, as an individual asking him to become your savior and receiving the Holy Spirit of God within your heart.

When you become a member of the ( holy nation ) then, that Holy Spirit will lead you and, guide you to all truth. The members of that ( holy nation ) will help you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. They will only teach you godliness and, how to be sanctified by the very Spirit of God.

TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY !

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1 :7

Speaking of giving a gift; I’d like to share a story with you that I watched unfold once in a little Church I pastored. Every year at Christmas we would all draw names and exchanged gifts at our anual Christmas party. On this particular year I told our Church we would be doing something a little different this year. I asked them how much money would be needed to put into each gift? We agreed on fifteen dollars. Then, I announced that we would not be exchanging gifts this year. What we are going to do is simply take up the money and give it to a needy family in our community. However, don’t forget, using myself as an example: I have a wife and two children, plus me. That means I have to pay for four gifts; being sixty dollars.

So, the Sunday morning finally came to receive the money in an offering for the needy family. Guess what? We didn’t take up half the money that was supposed to be taken. My point in telling this story is to say that; what most people were calling a gift wasn’t a gift at all. They were expecting something in return for the fifteen dollars they spent.

Another true story I could share is about me and, wiring a house for a member of a mission board here in the United States. As an electrician I often worked with a mission group called ( C.L.A.I.M ) ( CHRISTIAN LAYMEN AIDING INTERNATIONAL MISSIONARIES ). I was asked by the leader of that group to wire a house for a member of the mission board. The house was about 160 miles from where I live. A another man that was willing to help me and I went up there every Friday, worked Saturday and, drove back home until the job was complete.

As we worked and, weeks went by I became concerned about what we were doing. Why? Because, in all this free work we were doing; that missionary could get the house completed and, then sell it for a profit. I actually battled with that concept. As we were riding up there one night; this thought occurred to me. ( often a gift recieved is not a gift given ). This missionary was recieving a gift ( from me ) that, with my attitude, I wasn’t giving him. As I prayed about that, that night, I came to this resolve. Lord, I can only do what ( I believe ) you lead me to do. I cannot and, will not live in the fear of what someone else will do. I finished that job and rejoiced with the ability the Lord had given me to do so. If I’m going to give you a gift, I promise, it will be without strings attached.

Most people don’t like receiving gifts. That is; getting something completely free, no strings attached. The true problem with a gift to most people is that it makes you feel obligated, although you are not. ( I believe) that is the God consciousness in each of us. That was placed in each of us beginning with Adam. That doesn’t mean we all handle it the same or, we are all saved. It simply means that we are conscious of the existance of God.

Some people are more open to receiving gifts than others. I don’t know whether we can read anything into that fact or not. I can see how that can bring about both; good and bad attributes in people. We can either humbly receive a gift or, have a mindset it is owed to us. If we humbly receive it then I say we have a feeling of obligation and, ( I believe ) that is a good attribute to have.

I’m actually writing this because of the free gift of salvation. Salvation is free. It was purchased on the Cross of Calvary by the blood of Jesus Christ. The question is; can you receive that free gift? In the story I shared; some of the people were not able to receive a gift, nor were they able to give one. I’d like for you to consider something. When Jesus said; Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it up again. ( John 10 )( 18 ) No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down myself. I have the power to lay it down, and I have the power to take it up again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

( Romans 6:23 ) For the wages of sin is death; but the GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Now either Jesus ( laying his life down ) and ( taking it back up again ) was a gift or, it wasn’t. What was it in your mind? ( Romans 5: 15 ) But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift of grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

If we take this verse to heart, it’s saying that we received the condemnation of sin from Adam. That was not a gift, it was forced upon each of us. Therefore, no matter what we might think, we are sinners and, always will be. We’ll get back to this.

Now, Jesus Christ offers each of us a gift, ( the gift of eternal life ). He purchased it with his own blood and, that gift cannot be purchased at any price. ( Titus 3:5-7 ) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost ( 6 ) Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Lord; ( 7 ) That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Now, look at this verse: ( Romans 9:32 ) Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

I have no desire to teach all that is being said here but, Israel could not see what God was doing for them simply by faith. They were determined to live by the law. There are people cannot receive a gift. They are bound and determined to pay something for it. ( My personal opinion ) People that believe you can fall from grace or, lose their salvation have this problem. They have the very same problem that Israel had. Their mindset is to pay for a gift. In this case, the gift of salvation cannot be purchased. No gift is ever purchased.

It’s up to each individual to be able to realize a gift and, to freely except that free gift. Once we are able to ( receive ) a gift then, we might ask; what can I do in return? It’s not that we are obligated to do anything, it’s becomes our willingness to do because of our appreciation of that gift. So, look at this verse: ( John 15: 13 ) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Jesus Christ gave his life for you proving that he is your friend. The question is, are you his friend? Will you willingly, not being forced, lay your life, your will down for him? The whole concept is one of choice. I cannot pay for the gift I received from Jesus Christ; I don’t even attempt to. I made a choice to give my imperfect life to him to use as he sees fit.

A true friend that offers you a gift is not looking for anything in return. Jesus Christ is my true friend, my desire is to be his as well. The free gift of salvation offered to me and, the gift I gladly received is so abundantly rich that I cannot contain it all. Therefore, I seek to share it with as many people as I can. It’s the same as saying; I own a whole mountain of gold. Look, what I have? Anyone that wants a part of it can come and get it. It’s mine but, I’m offering it to you as well.

Even the most common of men would not give you a gift and, then take it back. However, many say that Jesus Christ will do just that. I’ll use these verses to make my point. ( Luke 17:13 ) And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus , Master, have mercy on us. ( 14 ) And when he say them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. ( 15 ) And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, ( 16 ) And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.( 17 ) And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

It’s more to these verses than I’m pointing out, for instance; did you notice that the one man that came back was a Samaritan? There’s another point to be made there. However, all ten men remained healed. Please realize this: all ten men still had to die at some point.

The healing, just like salvation is or, was a gift. What we choose to do with that gift is completely up to each individaul. Another point to be made is this; what all comes within the gift of salvation? How many gifts are in that one package? The first and, most powerful gift in the box of salvation is ( God’s Spirit ). It is placed in the heart of each believer when we are born by his spirit. Now, look at this verse: ( 1 Corinthians 12:7 ) But the manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

Profit what? Within the gift of the Spirit of God, what can be profitted? Within the package, the gift of salvation comes more than just salvation. The very spirit that is that gift; also gives us abilities to do Godly things while we journey toward our new home.

So, let’s say I give you a gift of one million dollars, it’s yours, not strings attached. What are you going to do with it? How will you use the gift you have? Now, this is an earthly example of a spiritual gift. However, the point might still be valid. If you waste it all on yourself with earthly possessions that will all fade in time, what have you gained? It’s very possible, once you have my gift, you will never see me again.

Jesus Christ gave you the ( free gift ) of salvation, you will see him again. When you do see him again; what do you think it will be like if you actually don’t use any of your talents, the talents that come with the free gift of salvation when you are living with him for eternity? Let’s say a man that has far less talents that you have used all he had for the glory of God because he was so thankful for his free gift but, for eternity, you are in the presence of Jesus Christ and, have to face the fact that you did not one thing to show your thankfulness for your free gift. What do you think that will be like, for eternity?

I’ll show you this picture in ( Edodus 21:1-6 ) and I’ll close. This is about a man buying an Hebrew servant. He is obligated to be his servant for six years then he has to be set free. In this spiritual picture, we see the servant with the ability to say alone or, possibly marry and have children, None the less, when he has the privledge of being free again he has a choice to make. If he come in with nothing, he goes out with nothing. However, if he loves his master and is willing to stay then the master takes an awl and pierces his ear as a sign of his willingnes to serve him by choice.

If you choose to read and study this, I want you to realize something. Nothing you have on this earth is yours, not one thing. When you die, you leave it all. Jesus Christ offers you your freedom from sin, you can leave and do as you please, that is, unless you, by choice choose to stay and work for him. What happens then? You have the rewards or things you earned.

We can build this continually but, I’m closing here and prayerfully seek the Holy Spirit to show you all I’m trying to say.

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

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I would like to begin this by saying that I love my country. I truly love the freedoms we have experienced all through my entire life. For me to see these liberties fleeing us, especially futrure generations bothers me deeply. When I consider the price of human blood that has been shed by our citizens it brings tears to my eyes to see it simply stolen or given up by people with selfish desires or, too young to understand how precious our freedoms truly are.

Over the last few weeks I have often voiced my ( personal opinion ) about things concerning the things that is happening in the government of the country to which I live and am a citizen of. My Lord has convicted me of such actions. Through my life, just as a citizen of this country, the freedom I’ve had or, we have had to worship, speak our mind, even travel as we please is basically contributed to the government we have. These things are not something we are promised as people that believe in Jesus Christ and, have the reponsibility to be an ambassador for him. This world, no matter what country we live in, is not our home. Our home is a place that he ( Jesus Christ ) has gone to prepare for us. Our responsibility is to point as many people to that place as we can.

( 2 Timothy 2:4 ) No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him a be a soldier. ( 5 ) And if a man strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

A man once said something to this nature. ( All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing ). I believe that. However; we also must understand what God considers to be good. What is it that God, by the power of his Holy Spirit would have ( his soldiers ) to do? When we use the word ( good ) as defined by this world and, devote ourselves to the way it is defined by this world then we seperate ourselves from the leadership of God’s Spirit.

For instance, would I desire to be a part of anything that would not allow me to pray and seek the guidance of the very man to whom I say I follow? As a born again believer, the responsibility I have is to lift high the blood stain banner of Jesus Christ.

As a born again believer, it’s not my place to take sides with any political party but, to have a desire to take over the mindset of every person. That is, by using the power of the Holy Spirit that abides within me. If I, as a born again believer take sides with any group of people but, within that group I am not allowed to speak ( truth in the name of Christ ) then I have yielded to the influence of that political group. Look at this verses of scripture:

( Joshua 5:13 ) And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said into him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? ( 14 ) And he said, Nay, but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my Lord unto his servant?

God does not come on a political side, neither should those that seek to obey him. Truth and righteousness is what every born again believer should preach and stand for.So, what’s wrong? As an ambassador of Jesus Christ, ( a member of the body of Christ ) ( a member of the Church ) ( a called out group of people ); we become a voice within an unstable world. We seperate ourselves from the status quo and set a standard that draws all men to that standard laid out in the word of God.

Within this concept, we bring to light the evils of every group that apposes truth and light.In other words, we become the force that cause every political group to have to set their standard by the guidelines we set and, that of God. Basically speaking, ( the captain of the host ) was saying; I didn’t come to take sides but, to take over. That is the desire of God in this world. He desires, while working through the people that he has placed his Spirit within to become the controlling force of all political mindsets.

Let’s consider Joshua. If we bring him up to ( my ) modern day way of looking at this; I don’t know whether he was Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, lost or saved. However, I as a picture of ( the captain of the host ) has a Godly desire to win the battle for Jesus Christ, win as many as I can to his saving grace.

I am actually the enemy of no person. The love of God is shed abroad in my heart. While I hate sin and all unrighteousness, the Holy Spirit has shown me my place in this world and my only responsibility. I can’t speak for every born again believer but, as for me, my desire is to bring Jesus Christ back to the center of all political choices with great conviction on truth and righteousness.

In the end of my life; all that will matter is what I’ve done for Christ as a born again believer.

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7