I live in the United States of America but, what I’ll be saying here could be true for any nation if we consider the simple concept of what we are seeing.

Any person that follows me or reads things I write already knows that I love to take Biblical stories and bring to life spiritual points that are relevant for us today. I believe that God, through his spirit placed the stories in the Biblie for us to see spiritual aspects of what is happening. We must allow God’s spirit to open our understanding into these things. I also believe that we can see the whole unfolding of the Church we speak of today in the Book of Genesis. We do that by just applying the spiritual aspects to what we read.

So, let’s go to ( Genesis 12:1&4 ) to see if we can find ourselves.

( Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: ) Now, let’s skip down to ( verse 4 ) So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

As most people know and understand, we are speaking of Abraham here. I want you to know that we will go all the way to ( Genesis 17 ) before God recognizes Abram as Abraham. Why is this significant? As we build this I pray I can make the spiritual application that will help each born again believer see exactly where we need to go ( as believers ) in our spiritual walk.

I ( verse 4 ) we see that Abram ( took Lot with him ). Didn’t the Lord tell him to ( leave his kindred )? We’ll look at this and lay the foundation of every believers salvation and spiritual progress, if any. To begin with, the name ( Lot ) means ( Veil ) such as a piece of cloth a woman wears to protect or conceal her face. Therefore, let’s say that this verbal exchange between God and Abram was the very day of his salvation. Lot, and the fact he went with Abram is a picture of the fleshly body that was ( a veil over the very spirit of God that lived within him. On the day of every person’s salvation, we have the very same ( veil ) over the very same spirit.

As we move foward here, let;s see what happens. If you will read ( Genesis 13 ) you will see where there became ( a strife ) between the people of Abram ans the people of Lot. Therefore a seperation came. Abram didn’t want any strife so, he said, let’s seperate. Can you see the ( spiritual growth ) of Abram here? He is ( shedding his flesh ) just as every born again believer has to do.If you will read in ( verse 9-10 ) Abram gives Lot the choice of which way he would go. Now, look at ( verse 10 ) And lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plains of Jordon, that it was well watered every where,

You can continue to read here but, Lot chose the easy way, we might say. Two things here, our flesh will always make that choice, what we can see with our eyes, also we see the spiritual development of Abram. willing to take the least travelled road. As you continue to read though, you will see that God’s spirit continues to speak to Abram. Can you see anywhere God ever speaks to Lot?

I made mention of Abram’s name changing to Abraham in ( Genesis 17 ). This is a picture of the day that a born again believer totally surrenders to the Spirit of God. On that day, God calls each of us by a different name. If I use myself as an example. This is what I would say. When I was born again; my name was Marshall Clayton. As I grew spiritually and, one day totally surrendered to Christ, my name became Marshall Christ. I know that is in theory but, that is the picture we are seeing.

If you will continue to follow that life of Abraham you will notice he is still not perfect. He makes bad judgment calls even as a man that is seeking to do God’s will, so do I.

Our Churches are filled with people of all sorts, from people that are not saved to being absolutely sold out to the cause of Christ. As we follow the fleshly life of Lot, I’d like to show you what ( I believe ) to be the problem we have spiritually in our land today.

I often contend that I’m not a teacher, no man is.We are simply vessels that are willing to seek to share truth. It’s the Spirit of God’s responsibility to teach each person that is bnorn again. As I say the things I say about Abram and Lot and, the things they do then you must allow God’s Spirit to help you decide whether I’m right or wrong.

The whole idea of revealing the things I seek to reveal here is to bring us to the place where Lot and his wife are told to leave Sodom by the two men sent from God. Everything I’ve said to this point is to simple show you spiritual growth or, the lack thereof.

So, let’s go to those scriptures ( Genesis 19: 26 ) But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. You can read this whole chapter and allow the Spirit of God reveal things to you but, I’ll focus on simply Lot and his wife. This is where I’ll seek to bring to light where we are spiritually today.

If we go back and study some in ( Genesis 18 ) we will see that God actually revealed to Abraham his intent to destroy Sodom before he sent the angels to do so. Abraham argued a case not to destroy it because of righteous people there but actually could not find even ten righteous people. However, believe it or not, Lot was seen as righteous. ( 2 Peter2:6-9 ) And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; ( 7 ) And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: ( 8 ) ( For that righteous man dwelling among them, and seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds; ) ( 9 ) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

According to what we are seeing, Lot was seen as a righteous man. Although he didn’t look very righteous. As far as I know, even though Lot was seen as righteous, we don’t see any good thing that came out of him. As a matter of fact,; in the last part of ( Genesis 19 ) we see where both of his daughters were ( with child ) by their father and, their families were seen as not serving God, you can study that fact out.

We also see that his wife was turned to a pillar of salt. ( I wonder ) if that event hadn’t happened to his wife, is it possible that both daughters and Lot would have looked back as well? Did fear of what would happen to them stopp them from looking back?

We live in a world today where it so much world in our Churches that we actually see very little movement of the real Holy Spirit. When did this begin and, just how deep does this problem go? God the father is a man of his word. He would not allow Lot to be destroyed with the unrighteous. However, I can see how that this, in itself, became a problem.

Where many people make their mistake is not recognizing themselves as being sinners or simply not being transformed into all God desires for his people to be. In other words, you don’t see yourself as being as bad as Lot living in Sodom. You don’t get drunk and have children by your daughters. The truth is that your complacency is still sin in God’s eyes.

Notice this; can you see how that if God would have allowed Lot, his wife and daughters to die with the ungodly then Moab or the children of Ammon would not be here at all? ( Genesis 19: 34-38 ) Let’s say as a father to children and, a husband to your wife, you decided thirty years ago not to be obedient to the Holy Spirit of God. You had a very spiritual pastor in your Church that preached with conviction and, was seeking to see the Church he pastored, the Church you are a member of; transformed into all Christ desired for it to be. However, you didn’t like what he was preaching and, refused to become more like Christ.

Therefore, you became like Lot. In Lot’s case his servants began to have strife with Abram’s servants. You and, you family had strife with God’s family and, a seperation came. Yor sought the easy way. The Church you now are a member of, the same Church is full of the world and God is not welcome there. It looks good but, the very Spirit of God has been dismissed.

Now, consider Lot’s wife. She was turned to a pillar of salt. What if we consider this exodus by these two angels of God and Lot’s family a type of the rapture. Are you so content with this world, although you say you are born again that if the rapture took place you would be looking back, longing for the things of this world? Just like Lot’s wife? She was turned to a ( pillar of Salt ). Look at this : ( Matthew 5:13 ) Ye are the salt of the earth, but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under by the foot of men.

Every born again believer has enough salt within them to salt the entire earth. Look at how much Lot’s wife had? But, it was completely usless if it is not shaken out of the shaker. It’s just a pillar of worthless salt. Now, we can debate all day about ( the righteousness ) of Lot’s family. We can even consider their exodus from Sodom a type of their salvation however, if what they or, we call salvation is not used for God’s glory, what good is it?

If you choose to study out the lives of Abraham and Lot; you will find that they both had equal opportunities to seek and do God’s will. The both had plenty of resourses to work with. We can see failures in the life of Abraham but primarily his desire was to walk with God. Right on the other hand, Lot chose a different path to the ruining of his family.

I personally believe it’s all relative. Whether we are speaking of ourselves after the rapture or, our lives after we are saved. How much we are willing to die to ourselves after we are saved is totally related to how we will stand before God, after the rapture.

All this is speaking of each of us as individuals but, look at us a a nation! The Unitied States of America was founded on Biblical concepts. I’m sure if we go back and look at what those people then believed, we would probably disagree with some of their spiritual views but, the principles they governed themselves by were spiritual in nature. Were they all honest and God fearing, no they weren’t but, our laws were based on truth and Biblical standards. To put this in respect to ( salt ); the power of God through and by those that believed ( sprinkled upon this country ) salted our people to the place that even those that didn’t believed understood the importance of the power of God.

As a nation, we have forgotten where our laws and power came from. Most of our Churches have lost the savor of the ( salt they once had ). Can you see how Churches could be considered to be ( Salt shakers ) scattered all across this country. The problem ! Most people, starting with the pastor of the average Church are more like Lot and his family rather than being like Abraham. This is not something that happens quickly. Just like Lot starting out with good intention, then, choose the easy road and, ended up in Sodom.

As we study scripture, all the way back to Adam, there’s always been a ( Godly Line ). Abel, Seth, Noah Abraham, Jacob and so on. The picture we see is a choice. When we, as a nation made the choice to walk away from God then, we end up in Sodom. Now, let’s consider something. Let’s say that God will help us as a nation to get out ( of Sodom ) or, from the spiritual condition we are currently in. You might say it has nothing to do with the Spirit but, I beg to differ, everything we do has to do with our spiritual walk.

As I’ve stated. look at what Lot and his daughter did once they were free of Sodom. ( they created their own Sodom ). If God choose to help us now, would we be willing to rethink our spiritual walk? We look at what we call the ( Deep State ) in our Country. Well, guess what? Our Churches are filled with the same ( deep state ) mentality. It doesn’t matter whether you are Methodist, Catholic, Baptist, Assembly of God or any other religious organization, that ( deep state ) desires to maintain control of what they have.

Therefore, even if you defeat the political ( Deep State ), unless you are willing to defeat the religious ( deep state ) we lose as a nation. I personally believe that the spiritual walk of any family, Church or nation has to begin within the heart of the individual and, grow from that point. Do we have a problem with that? yes, we do. Why? because it becomes a ( catch 22 ). The spiritual backsliding of a nation cause the political corruption of any nation. Once any people walk away from the Godly aspect of our lives and, lose the political stands then, it becomes very hard to ever bring it back to the place it once was.

In closing ( on a personal note ). I don’t believe it’s too late for our country. However. ( 1 Peter 4:17 ) For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

Can we get ( the deep state leaders ) of our Churches to yield themselves to the Spirit of God for the greater cause?

( Psalms 9:17 ) The wicked shall be turned into hell. and all the nations that forget God.

In our nation ( the United States of America ), if its ever been a time when every born again believer, every spiritual leader must yield to and, listen to the Spirit of God, it right now in this time in history. We must forget about money, popularity, power, influence and completely do what God’s Spirit tells us to to. If we, our Churches, individual believer are not willing to seek God, stand for truth and righteous even if it cost us all we have then, this nation will forever be led by a spirit other that the ( Holy Spirit ). Actually, it is now led by another spirit but, that doesn’t mean it can’t be changed ( now ) but now is the time we must stand.

If we think we can sit on the sidelines and not exhault Jesus Christ, right now, bring him back to front and center, then we lose. Our true worship will forever be ( behind close doors ).

( Joshua 24:15 ) And if it seemed 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.

Joshua made this statement about he and his household. I take the same stand about me and, my household. As far as Joshua, he alone didn’t make much difference in his nation. My stand alone won’t make much difference in our nation but, if we all stand together then, God’s will prevail. We must return to the old paths of righteous living.

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

I often seek to inform people that when it comes to the Word of God; we, being in the flesh are not teachers, we are simply vessels. As vessels we can choose to truly seek and reveal truth or, we can become ( vessels of dishonor ). ( 2 Timothy 2:20 ) But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

When men seek to teach the Word of God apart from the presence of the Holy Spirit within them, they become ( vessels of dishonor ). The ability to yield ourselves to the Spirit of God is absolutely a must when it comes to understanding and sharing his truth.

We live, at this present time in the ( Age of Grace ). it’s called ( the Church Age ). In other words, we have Church. Therefore, how do we know or understand from the word of God, what is to or, for the Church, what is for or, to Israel and then to, the lost and dying of this world?

( As a vessel ) that truly desires to be used by the Spirit of God; I’ll share with you what I ( I believe ) and you can take it from there. ( I believe ) and stand on the fact that the understanding of the ( Book of Acts ) is a necessity to be able to seperate scripture and rightly divide the word of truth. The Church as we know it had its beginning in ( Acts two ). What Jesus taught the diciples in the gospels actually unfolds in the chapters of the Book of Acts. Even the man that is responsible for laying a firm foundation for the Church upon the foundation laid by Jesus Christ, the prophets and apostles is seen in the Book of Acts.

When I say ( firm foundation ) I mean how the Church is governed, the precepts that are to be taught and guidelines of the leadership within that organism. The Church is a living organism, it grows and reveals the true knowledge of God the Father. ( The Church ) has nothing to do with any building but, it lives within the heart of those that allows the Spirit of God to live and, act out his will within ( their vessel ).

Another thing I often say is this; if you look inside of a mechanical clock you will see wheels that have different sizes of teeth on them, some very small and some very wide apart. Far too often, when it comes to understanding, studying God’s word; we are more apt to act like a wheel in that clock with wide teeth. In other words, we try to understand a chapter instead of breaking it down to single words and, spending time on one single word within a single verse. We need to be more like a wheel within that Clock to has the most teeth on it.

If you will study ( The Book of Acts ) it will take you to every part of the Word of God if it’s studied correctly. I attempt to teach the ( Book of Acts ) on my blog. Remember, I’m just a vessel. If you read the things I say, them it’s up to the Spirit of God to reveal truth to what is said.

In closing, God calls vessels. Each of those vessels has a choice to make. Do I desire to be a ( Vessel of Honor ) or, a ( Vessel of Dishonor )? When we add to that; the many people that have chosen to be ( wolves in sheep clothing ) meaning, they do not have the Holy Spirit within them. They simply chose to preach, teach or pastor for a profession. With all these options, it becomes a challenge to find a man that truly seeks to teach truth.

If you will study the Apostles Paul’s letters to the Churches and, read in ( Revelation 1-3 ) about what Jesus Christ says to the Churches you will see that almost as soon as a man established truth in every Church; then, when he left. false teaching crept in.

My desire is to be a ( Vessel of Honor ) for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As I write, speak and share, it’s very important to me to be known as one that seeks truth. Will I always be correct, probably not but, my heart is to be taught by the Holy Spirit of God and, to share what he has to say and not what ( I believe ) or, my opinion.

Again, when you stand before God, you’ll stand alone. That is, without me, any pastor or teacher. The best we can do is seek the presence of the Holy Spirit in our Lives and, allow Jesus Christ to be our advocate on that day. ( He is the only one that truly matters )!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

What is ( Church ) anyway? I’m not a politician. I also try to stay away from any political views I might have because my heart is to fight a battle for the souls of men. I choose my battles. If I win a ploitical battle but, in the process lose an opportunity to witness to someone about their need for Jesus Christ then, I’ve won the wrong battle.

The whole concept of ( Church ) is about a ( called out ) group of people in every generation. The concept is passed from generation to generation. The people that are members of the ( concept of Church ) are people that have been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. These people have gained the knowledge that ( they are without hope ) ( they are sinners ) in need of ( a Savior ). They realize that Jesus Christ is their only hope. In other words: ( we, as believers ) have seen ourselves for who we are.

The transformation that transpires within our hearts causes us to forget who we are and, commit to becoming all that Jesus Christ desires for us to be. Actually, it doesn’t matter what name you might place on ( the Church ). What denomination you are called by. If you claim membership to a Church, that, in itself is making a statement.

If you are in politics and, claim membership to a Church then, if you do not live up to a standard set by Christ Jesus then, you do a disservice to the very name of the Church you represent. I completely realize that any person that makes the chioce to go into politics are no different that I, as a person am. Therefore, I stand on the principle that once I claim Christ as my Savior, become a member of a Church then my desire to never do anything to cause that Church or, the name of Christ to be looked down upon.

The Apostle Paul said this about a man that was living ungodly but, claimed membership to a Church. ( 1 Corinthians 5:5 ) To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Actually, the Church was putting up with this ungodliness. He was actually scolding the Church for not doing something about this lifestyle. He was instructing to Church to pray that this man might die, being more concerned about his spirit than he was his flesh.

( I personally believe ) that their are members of every denomination that love Jesus Christ. They love the Church and, know exactly what I mean as I say the things that I say. They are greatly botherd by the actions of people that seek to use the Church for their benefit and, cannot see to real value of walking in God’s Spirit to edify ( the Church ) and Jesus Christ above all the things in this world.

( Job 32: 18 ) For I am full of matter: the spirit within me constraineth me. God’s Spirit is placed in every heart that is truly born again. If that spirit does not constrain you from living in sin then, it’s very possible ( God Spirit is not in you ). Although you profess to be a member of ( the Church ) you are not.

I see myself ( for who I am ). In my flesh I cannot be pleasing to God, his son, Jesus Christ and, the Church, the true Church that is in this world but, not of the world. The Spirit of God within me causes me to care for my fellow man, to live above my sin and to do my best to exalt Jesus Christ.

Is that same Spirit within you? to whom do you seek to please?

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

FOR THOUGH WE WALK IN THE FLESH, WE DO NOT WAR AFTER THE FLESH: ( 4 ) ( FOR THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL, BUT MIGHTY THROUGH GOD TO THE PULLING DOWN OF STRONGHOLDS; ) ( 5 ) CASTING DOWN IMAGINATIONS, AND EVERY HIGH THING THAT EXALTETH ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, AND BRINGING INTO CAPTIVITY EVERY THOUGHT TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST; ( 6 ) AND HAVING IN A READINESS TO REVENGE ALL DISOBEDIENCE, WHEN YOUR OBEDIENCE IS FULFILLED.

MARTIN LUTHER AND THE 95 THESES ( October 31, 1517 )

Five hundred and three years ago, this month; Martin Luther pinned these theses to the Church door. Let me quote the remark he made just before he begin numbering the 95. ( OUT OF LOVE FOR THE TRUTH AND FROM DESIRE TO ELUCIDATE IT, THE REVEREND MARTIN LUTHER, MASTER OF ARTS AND SACRED THEOLOGY, AND ORDINARY LECTURER THEREIN AT WITTENBERG, INTENDS TO DEFEND THE FOLLOWING STATEMEMNTS AND TO DISPUTE ON THEM IN THAT PLACE. THEREFORE HE ASKS THAT THOSE WHO CANNOT BE PRESENT AND DISPUTE WITH HIM ORALLY SHALL DO SO IN THEIR ABSENCE BY LETTER. IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AMEN. )

It’s two things I’d like to point out here. The word ( elucidate ) means to make plain and clear. He also says here that he will ( defend the following statements ) ( in that place ).

In the intent of this article it doesn’t matter whether I agree or disagree with all 95 points he made, The point that matters is that he, as a born again believer, a man that treasured truth and the teaching of that truth was willing to stand up ( in that place ) and defend what he believed.

I’d like to point something out here. I don’t consider myself to be a protestant. I never protested and left any Church. However, there are denominations that are truly made Churches that did exactly that. What has happened over the last 400 years since this man stood and protested what was happening in the Church? The Churches that came into being because of the stand of that one man, what are they doing today?

Let’s seek to be honest and clear. We now have colleges and universities that have been infiltrated by professors that teach a distinct common minset about religion. It doesn’t matter what the name of the school is, it’s all about the religious mindset. The average Church today requires that its pastors have at least an associate degree before they are even considerd to be the pastor of that Church. That means that basically, all Churches have a common connection to ( one specific Church ) that; whether we like it or not.

We, as Church members often fall in love with buildings, pastors, people, ideals but, we never even consider what the word of God says about certain issues. Most members of Churches, no matter what denomination, have no idea what the leadership, the upper level of men and women even believe. For the most part, they don’t care, their love for the building, pastor and people supercedes everything, including the truth or how Jesus Christ sees any issue. The problem, as long as the pastor, the people and the Church is satisfied with them ( they are right with God ).

The day has come and, has been for a while that we need a ( Martin Luther ) in every Church. A man that will stand against all odds and protest the lack of truth that is being taught. Martin Luther said ( out of the love for truth ) and ( a desire to plainly and clearly teach that truth ). That is why he moved.

You must understand! If you are in a denomination, forgetting what your pastor says or the people say. What does the leadership say? Where do they stand? Look at your pastor; why does he do what he does? Is he concerned about the retirement he’ll lose if he leaves the denomination he’s in; if he teaches truth above what his leadership tells him to teach or preach?

Let’s make it clear! I was saved in an independant Baptist Church. I now am a member of a Southern Baptist Church. Above any denomination, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Catholic and any other denomination that can be named: I am born again, washed in the blood of Jesus Christ. The man, Jesus Christ comes in ( the volume of a book ). That book tells who he is, how he feels and where he stands.

Jesus Christ. to those that are born again, filled with his Spirit ( elucidates ) every issue that you might have a question about, no exception. He speaks clearly, precisely and reveals himself to those that choose to know him above, their pastor, their denomination and the few people that you think you love.

Let’s be clear. The leadership. I’ll step out on a limb and say in every denomination actually could care less where you spend eternity. Their concern is the bottom line, how much money are we making, what pastor draws the biggest crowd.

God’s desire for his Church is for ( A MAN ) called by his Spirit to stand behind a pulpit and preach exactly what the Spirit of God lays on his heart. For a man to do less is simply feeding the desires of our ungodly flesh. As long as God’s Spirit is not heeded to; Satan is well pleased.

Let’s make it clear. The responsibility of ever wife is to submit to her own husband. The husband ( born again ) is to study God’s word, teach that word to his wife and children. When this family goes to Church that husband is to protect his family against any and all false teaching that might come from any man behind any pulpit. That husband is to stand, call out false teaching. When every husband in any given Church become willing to do these things then, the man of God will either get right or get out.

In many cases ( the husband ) will defend his family against every evil in this world other than ( spiritual wickedness in high places ).( Ephesians 6:12 ) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Every man in every Church should come together, place their pastor in front of them all and, demand that he reveal where he stands on every issue possible, make him set the standard of Jesus Christ without yielding to any other power. To do less is allowing Satan to have his way in the local Church and, he already has it in the homes that represent that Church.

I once had a young man asked me what I thought about ( women pastors )? I told him; the very fact that you ask me that question, tells me something about your Church. I told him that once you open yourself up to compromise; where does it end? How long will it be before you are allowing ( Homsexuals )to be pastors? That Church did allow a woman to be their pastor. Can you quess what they are allowing now?

I said, the word of God is Jesus Christ. Look at what he said. ( Matthew 12:30 ) He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

Man has a way that seemeth right unto him. ( Proverbs 14:12 – 16:25 ) There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

I always try to point this out: when I stand before God, neither, my pastor, my Church, my denomination, my wife, my husband, not even my closest earthly friend will be there. I, as an individual have either given myself to Jesus Christ or I have not. The very concept of being born again has been lost in the yearning for saying ( I believe ) in Jesus Christ, getting baptized, joining a denomination. All this seems right but, do you have eternal life? Have you been born again?

Martin Luther stood. I might have cost him a lot but, he stood. We need men today that are willing to stand, simply for the ( Love of the truth ). Seeking to fill the spiritual needs of others and, seeking to proclaim Jesus Christ, that he might be known above all.

Stand up men! our time is growing short!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

( Romans 14:10 ) But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in this body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

In both of these verses it’s a point that needs to be made. The Apostle Paul, being the author of both of these books is writing to ( saints ), born again believers. When we see the words, either ( we ) or ( all ) he is speaking to that group of people only. Often when we study God’s word we have to understand who and why he is making the statement he is making. If you were away from home and, wrote a letter to your family, using the word ( all ) you wouldn’t being speaking to the people that lived next door to your family. The ( all ) would simply mean: ( all in your family ).

Therefore, when he says ( we all must stand before the judgement of Christ ). He’s saying that every born again believer will be judged there. Basically speaking. ( I believe ) that this Judgement will be taking place while the events we see in the book of ( Revelation ) are unfolding. If you will read the first four chapters of Revelation; you will notice that the first three chapters are there, speaking directly to the Church. In the very first part of chapter four we see this phrase: ( COME UP HITHER ). You can read the whole account but, as soon as he says that; there is no mention of the Church again until all these events have been completed.

( The Church ) is called out group of people. We are completely seperate from this world and, also the Nation of Israel. The events in Revelation cover a period of time of around seven years. That seven year period is all about God the Father dealing with ( his chosen people ) ( Israel ). That is a proven fact. You cam read about this seven year period in ( Daniel 9:24-27 ). As I make this statement; we also must realize that any citizen of this world or, any member of the Nation of Israel can also become a born again child of God simply by trusting in the finished work of Christ on Calvary.

When the Church is raptured out of this world, all those that rejected Jesus Christ and his saving grace will be left here to face the same judgement that Israel faces. However, every born again believer will be with Christ. If you’ll notice in ( Romans 14 ) the Apostle Paul asked two questions.( Why do you judge your brother? And, why do you set your brother at nought?

You see, we often try to decide whether a person is saved, born again by what we see in their flesh. Well, guess what? Somebody can look at every one of us and see things that are not perfect, even me! As I say this, we often judge simply by the sin we see. The ( Great White Throne of Judgement ) is all about sin. But, the ( Judgement Seat of Christ ) actually has nothing to do with sin. Even as I make that statement; my mind goes to the difference in sin. The sin we often speak of is the ( sin of commission ) meaning the sinful sins we commit. If we are going to say that the judgement we face when we stand before Christ, then it will be the ( Sin of Ommission ), meaning, what we could have done for Christ while we lived upon this earth and, wasted the opportunity.

Actually, when a born again believer stands before Christ to be Judged; there is only one question that Jesus Christ will asked them. ( WHAT DID YOU DO FOR ME )? I believe that we often misunderstand what salvation is all about. We are not taught anything beyond simply ( believing ) in Christ. We are often led to believe that; as a believer, we have no other responsibilities. However, that concept is not taught in scripture.

One of the most well explained pictures of our salvation is found in the gospel of Luke. ( Luke 15:11-24 ) This scripture tells a story of a young son that ask his father for all he had coming to him. He went out and wasted it on riotous living, he ended up feeding hogs just to have something to eat. He realized that the servants of his father’s house had it better than he did. He said, I will return and be, not a son but, a servant to my father.

We also see that it says in that scripture: ( he came to himself ). Salvation is: coming to ourselves, realizing our ( lost condition ) and, willingly becoming ( a servant ) of Jesus Christ. When salvation truly happens, we are no longer our own. ( 1 Corinthians 6:19 ) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

That spirit that is now within you desires to lead you and direct you to what ( he desires for you to do ). The judgement seat of Christ has to do with how well you listened to that Spirit and, how much you denied your own will.

I heard a man say this the other day: ( God truly wants to forgive you ). That statement is, in reality; false. You, no matter who you are or, what you have done already have been forgiven. Every sin, past present and future was paid for on the Cross of Christ. No exceptions. That doesn’t mean we have liberty to go out and live in sin does it? As a matter of fact; the very love that God shed in our hearts when he paid that price for us, constrains us.

The same picture is seen in marriage. When a young lady agrees to marry a young man; what is she supposeingly saying? The act of marriage is the young lady saying this, I yield my life to you. I go where you go, your passion is my passion, your home is my home and so forth. The very act of sin is yielding yourself to another spirit other than the Spirit of God.

Now, the Spirit that takes abode up in your heart when you ask Christ to be your Savior has the ability to speak to you and guide you. I problem become within our ability to ( hear him ) and ( yield to ) what he says.

Let me give you two personal examples of this. Not long after I got saved I was working on a jobsite with some other contractors. One of those contractors had some spicial screws I had never seen before. We call them ( self tapping screws ). When I seen them, realized what they were. I reached down to take them. Another way of saying it; I wanted to steal them. When I reached down, the Spirit of God spoke to me and said: ( there’re not yours ) and I stopped, I didn’t take them.

Before I was born again, I would have taken them and never looked back, as a matter of fact, I would have lied and said I didn’t take them. The Holy Spirit; reproved me of sin. Now, guess what? I will not be rewarded for that at the Judgement Seat. That is, unless you consider my obedience to the Spirit.

After I was saved for a few years, I went to a man’s house to wire a dryer. When I walk in I noticed the man had a bag and tube on his side. I thought, he has lung cancer. Almost that very second, the Holy Spirit impressed upon me to tell him about Jesus. To make a long story short, that day, I knew of at least three times God spoke to me and told me to witness to him. My excuse, I didn’t have time, I do it another day. The next time I went back to that house, three weeks later, he was dead. At the Judgement seat of Christ, it will be no excuse.

The Judgement Seat of Christ is all about ( rewards ) or the lack thereof. You see, physically, your mom and dad brought you into this world. raised you and, got you established. Once you are out on your on, what you do with your life is up to you.

Basically, being born again is the same way. Jesus Christ paid the price for your sin, he paid your sin debt. When you were born again, God place his Spirit within you. It’s there to reprove you of sin, righteousness and judgement. ( John 16:7-11 ). Your salvation is free, what you do with that free gift is completely up to you.

I know of ( five crowns ) any believer can win. They are found in scripture. I’ll list those crowns at the end of this. Some of these crowns are easily obtained, some ore much harder. Your question might be, what will I do with crowns in heaven? They will be a gift you give back to Jesus. If you are truly born again. Can you imagine standing before the very person that loved you so much he willingly gave his life, suffered more than any man and, you not having done even one thing for him? and, that choice will be with you forever. Again, salvation is free, what you do with the gifts that come with salvation is completely up to you.

With those crowns; you’ll be able to lay them at the feet of Jesus saying; Lord these are yours, I’m not worhty of them but you are, thank you for all you done for me!

God will never force you to do anything. It’s all about how much he loves you and, how much you love him. Each one of the crowns are things that basically, ever person has the talent and ability to do. And, of course some of them can be developed to become powerful tools for the glory of God, that is, if we are willing.

This is my take on the Judgement Seat of Christ. I want to list these crowns. You can study them out. You can also form your own opinion about the two Judgements. My prayer is that you will at least take God’s word to heart, prepare to meet thy God!

1– CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS ( 2 Timothy 4:8 )

2– CROWN OF LIFE ( James 1:12 ) ( Revelation 2:10 )

3– CROWN OF GLORY ( 1 Peter 5:4 )

4– INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN ( 1 Corinthians 9:25 )

5– CROWN OF REJOICING ( 1 Thessalonians 2:19 ) this is my personal favorite. If you’ll read this verse you will see he’s saying that those that he lead to Christ being in the presence of Christ is what makes him rejoice.

As far as I can tell these two judgements are the only two that are to be found that are to come in scripture as concerning the Church and the world. God the Father has given all judgement to Jesus Christ, the one that paid the price for salvation on the Cross. ( Hebrews 1:2 ) Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; ( John 3: 35 ) The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. ( John 13:3 ) Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God.

We, as members of this earth cannot get around ( Jesus Christ ). If you say you believe in God then, that belief must be seen by God the Father through the blood Jesus Shed on the Cross of Calvary. Right this minute, you have an opporunity to ( Judge yourself ) as in respect of being a sinner. The Spirit of God reveals that fact to people through the preaching of God’s word, we feel his presence within our being. His desire, out of his great love for us is to reason with us. ( Isaiah 1:18 ) Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins ba as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Jesus Christ himself made this statement: ( John 14:6 ) Jesus saith unto them, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Salvation is a choice. The way we live our lives is also a choice. If you are born again, born into God’s family by the choice you made to ask Jesus into your heart then, you will stand before the ( Judgement Seat of Christ ) at some point. If you refuse to allow Jesus to be your Savior then, you will stand before that same Jesus At ( the Great White Throne of Judgement ).

So, Let’s look at the ( Great White Throne of Judgement ) first. This is the picture and, we can get as deep or stay as shallow as you like. The Bible says: Romans 3:23 ) For all have sinned, and come short of the Glory of God; ( Romans 6:23 ) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The problem with sin is; it has to be paid for. I want us to focus on the word ( death ) for a little while. Most people consider death as the day you draw you last breathe. However, that is not how God defines death, as a matter of fact, that has nothing to do with how he sees death.

So, let’s prove this. ( John 3:36 ) He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Looking at this verse what do we see? I’ll use myself as an example. When I was around thirteen, at a revival meeting at the Church my family attended; God spoke to my heart and ( I knew ) I was suppose to go down to the alter and ask Christ into my heart. However, I left that Church that night Just like I went in. ( I ) rejected the call of God, I knew I was a sinner and, needed salvation. The very second I made that choice; God considered me ( dead in my trespasses and sins ). From that moment, ( the wrath of God abided on my head ). At any time, if I would have died, hell would have been my eternal home. The reason, because I knew I was a sinner and, I, by choice rejected Jesus Christ.

God’s grace however allowed me to live, even with a death sentence on my head. He even still allowed the Spirit of God to deal with my heart. In November, 1975, under great conviction, I asked Jesus to be my savior. I was born again.

I tell you that story to make the point about ( when God seen me a dead ). When we reject Christ; as far as God is concerned ( we are already in hell ). It is finished, because, without Christ, there is no life.

I told you that ( sin has to be paid for ). I heard a man say the other day that ( God desires to forgive you for you sin ). I thought, well, God has forgiven every sin. The problem is, do you except that price, being, the blood of Christ? Have you asked him to be your savior?
For those that choose to stay in sin, pay their on price, leaving this world without Christ as life, out of your life; the wages you pay is ( eternity in hell ) when they die.

Now, speaking of ( the Great white Throne of Judgement ). ( Revelation 20: 11-14 ) And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away: and there was found no place for them, ( 12 ) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.( 13 ) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. ( 14 ) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Do you see there where it says ( this is the second death )? I often say ( if you are born once; you will have to die twice ) If ( you are born twice, you only have to die once ). We are all born in the flesh, that’s the first birth. If you are borm again ( born of the spirit ) then on that day, God sees you as dead to your flesh and alive in Christ forever more.

But, if you are only born in your flesh, never born agiain then, the fact that you rejrct Christ is seen by God as your death. Now, we all know what we call death. As long as we have ( Breathe in us ). God’s grace is available to us but, once we face ( what we call death ) that door is closed forever to us. According to theses verses, we will hear and be judged by Christ for every sin and evil deed we have done. No matter if you have died and gone to hell, if you were buried at sea or any other place, God will call you up, judge you and, cast you into the ( lake of fire ) forever. That is the price you pay for ( rejecting Christ and,allowing him to take you sin debt. ( Your choice ).

I want you to see and, consider one other point. Look at the phrase in these verses. ( from whose face the earth and heaven fled away ). Right this minute and, as long as the world has stood, there has been a veil between God’s face and us. We could call it the ( veil of his grace ). Can you imagine; standing before a Holy and Righteous God without any protection and, no where to hide?

Christ and his shed blood is the answer to your sin debt. Please, don’t face God without the veil of his blood covering your sin!

This is the fate of the lost without Christ. ( the Great White Throne of Judgement ). Next we will see the ( Judgement Seat of Christ ).

STAY TUNED!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

MARK 3:16 ( AND SIMON HE SURNAMED PETER )

Often in scripture we see where God changes the names of people once they begin to walk with God and, Christ becames a part of their life. We see that announced here concerning Simon Peter. As far as teaching is concerned, I can see how it could relate to getting married. Once a young lady is married to a young man; her last name becomes his, signifying that she is now a part of him. Bacically, she goes where he goes and so on.

Now, actually this act might begin long before marriage. When a young man picks his wife; she and he then cease from dating or persuing any other person. In other words; they become one.

Supposingly, that’s the same picture we see in the born agin experience. Although we become one with Christ, yield ourselves to him, seeking to do his will, our actual marriage to Christ will not take place until we are with him in heaven.

In this article, in the mind of Christ, Peter has given his life to follow Christ. In ( Matthew 4 ) we see the same thing. Here, in ( verse 18 ) And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. Now, look at the very next verses: ( 19-20 ) And he said unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. ( 20 ) And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.We see in ( Mark 3:16 ), The verse in the title; that Jesus ( surnamed ) ( Simon ) and gave him the name ( Peter ).

All through the gospels, we see that ( Peter followed Christ ). We don’t see where is ever goes back to his nets to fish. I’m going to go ahead and show you this verse of scripture and I’ll make my point. ( John 21:3 ) Simon Pater saith unto them, I go a fishing. They all say unto him, We also go with thee.

Let’s look down a few verses:( Verse 15 ) Jesus talking to Peter. Notice what he calls him ( Simon, Son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Jesus adresses him by this name here three times, each time asking him if he loves him.

The Bible says here that ( they all went with him ). We also see in scripture where all the apostles ( forsook Jesus) just before the crucifixion. However, the only apostle Jesus points out as being wrong is Peter, then and now, why?

Jesus Christ himself, at that time appointed Peter to be a leader. For example, ( Matthew 16:18 ) Thou art Peter, upon this tock will I build my Church. ( Matthew 16:19 ) And I will give unto thee the ( Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven ).

When Jesus called ( The Man ) he ( Surnamed Peter ) by his worldly name, he’s making the point about ( Peter ) going back to what he was doing before he began to walk with Christ. He asked him three times ( as Simon, Son of Jonas ) do you love me? To put it in my ( country boy ) way of speaking: If you love me then why are you going back to do what you did in the world?

The Apostle Peter, being the leader at that time of the Apostles; was going through a bad time. Jesus Christ had been crucified and, he or they didn’t understand all that was happening. Jesus had done his best to help them understand and, to get them to ( wait ) as spiritual things would unfold.

The Apostle Peter, being the leader was leading in the wrong direction. Simon had forgotten his ( Surname ) given him by Christ. He had gone back to doing the things that he done before he met Christ, to being ( Simon ) again.

Our faith is not based on circumstanses around us or, what we might face each day. As believers, we all are ( leaders ) ( 1 Peter 2:9 ) But we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that we should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvel[ous light.

The darkness of this world has nothing to do with the faith we say we have. ( I ) love Jesus Christ. When I was born again, I ceased from being my father’s son. My Father now is God the Father and, My eleder brother is Jesus Christ. I never want Christ to call me my anything other than my ( Surname ) the name he has given me as I follow him.

When I face hardship, I don’t want to turn to the things of this world. I want the world to see Jesus Christ in me when things are at the worst in my life.

If you are born again then, you are my brothers and sisters. Right now we might be going through some terrible times, look up, your redemption drawehr nigh!

I can relate to Simon Peter because I have been there, went back to the world, returned to my former self in doubt and weakness. But, also like Peter, I now walk in unity of the Spirit of God. I have learned that my returning to the world is not an option. My desire is to allow Christ to be seen in me by the people of this world and to finish my course with Christ Jesus as my Lord.

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

This is a question Pilate asked Jesus Christ in ( John 18:38 ) Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him not fault at all.

This is one of the most profound questions that will ever be asked by any person. Consider: This man Jesus made this statement: ( John 14:6 ) Jesus saith unto them, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Now when Pilate asked Jesus this question; he had no idea that he was looking into the eyes of truth. As a matter of fact, even the people to whom Jesus made that statement did not realize just what or, all that he meant by what he said. Even today, when any person asked Jesus Christ to be their savior, they are acknowledging that ( he is the way ) and, ( he is the life ). Although each person might recognize that ( he is truth ); what is all that truth beyond the salvation message? And, how many people truly care to find out?

The sin – curseness of this world, of our nation, of our state, of out city, of our Churches, of our family, of ourselves, of our hearts often hides our ability to seek truth. The reality is that he lives within each born again believer and, his truth is hidden within the scriptures of his word. Put another way: the Bible is a cup of water that actually holds the seas of this whole world. When Jesus took two little fishes and five loaves of bread, with that small amount, fed a multitude of people, what is being said there?

I often read one verse of scripture and see a time lapse of thousands of years. When we read the word ( believe ) what is or, can be found in that one word? How about ( salvation )? Where does it start and, where does it end?

While the Apostle Paul said this ( Philippians 3:8-11 ) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them as dung, that I might win Christ, ( 9 ) And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: ( 10 ) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his suffering, being made conformable unto his death; ( 11 ) If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

What is truth? The Apostle Paul was seeking a place in his living body that was completely void of himself and, completely ( Christ Jesus ). When he puts ( Christ ) before ( Jesus ). Why did he do that? The answer; because Jesus allowed ( The God ) that lived within him to be all that was ever seen. In other words, when you seen Jesus, all you seen was God the Father. Therefore, the Apostle Paul was saying when you see me, all you need to see is Jesus Christ.

So, how would you ever accomplish that without knowing all it is to know about him? Or, at least seeking to know who he is? Let’s consider. We know that all twelve of the original Apostles met Jesus Christ personally. They walked with him, he shared his life with them. However, the Apostle Paul never met Jesus Christ personally. He met him on the road to Damascus. He met him just like we do, in that sense, today. Although it can be considered a little different, the point is that the Apostle Paul had to have a passion to know him beyond simply walking with him in the flesh.

Do you realize that the fact that the disciples walked with Jesus had nothing to do with their salvation? Look at this verse: ( Matthew 26:56 ) But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

Often, when you study the gospels you can see where Jesus made reference to the fact of how little faith the disciples had in what he said. Although they walked with him did not do anything to change their hearts. That power comes only through the Holy Spirit of God. Therefore, every Apostle actually excepted Christ exactly like the Apostle Paul did. We all have to except Christ exactly like each of them did, no exceptions.

The truth is: knowing Jesus Christ by name will not bring about salvation. Knowing Jesus Christ by name does not and, will not change one aspect of your life. I knew Jesus Christ basically for about twenty five years of my life. The fact that I knew his name didn’t change a thing about me.My mom prayed, read the bible to me, took me to Church, all that, didn’t change a thing.

( The truth ) is that it took the presence and power of the Holy Ghost within me to begin the process of me ( seeing Jesus ) and, desiring to know all about him. His name is in scripture, we can read it. However, it take more than reading to know him, it takes study and, that inspired by the Holy Spirit. I contend this. Any man, any person can stand and proclaim christ, call his name, expound his word but, unless all of that is ( powered by the Holy Spirit ) no real teaching is ever done, no real knowledge of Christ is ever learned.

The great deception of Satan is to paint you a picture of salvation. However, a picture is flat, has no depth or volume. To say: ( I know Christ ) is just words. Satan is very happy with that.

What is truth? The Holy Spirit is placed in the heart of every born again believer. The same Spirit that was placed in the heart of the Apostle Paul and, every other Apostle. The ability to allow that Spirit to completely overtake us is completely up to us. I, myself as a believer have the very God of this universe living within my heart. I’m no different that the Apostle Paul or any of the Apostles. If you are born again, neither are you.

The truth! When that Spirit is placed there, it’s like a babe within us. That babe desires for each of us to feed that Spirit that he might grow and completely overtake our own will. The study of God’s word is the only food he digest; which is truth. It’s not truth according to a denomination or religious group, even the parents of a new born believer. It’s the truth that is revealed to each believer by God’s Holy Spirit as we, as individuals study to know him.

God gave us prophets, pastors, preachers and evangelist to help in our growth but, it’s not left up to them place that truth in us. Every man can always be right or wrong. But the Spirit of God will always teach you truth. It”s the responsibility of each believer to listen, learn and seek the truth from God’s word.

When it comes to truth. If you stand before God in ignorance, being a born again believer, it’s your fault ( What is truth )? It’s your responsibility to find it! Are you willing to ( count all you have as dung ) that you might know Christ Jesus?

( To me ) to do less is ( THE GREATEST SIN OF ALL ). ( Matthew 22:37 ) Jesus said unto them, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

You might say; that has nothing to bo with being born again. I’ll agree. The Bible doesn’t say we have to love God to be saved. It tells us ( to believe on him ). However, when you make the choice to do this command, not by force but by choice, it’s a very powerful, spiritual teaching, instructive weapon that no power on this earth can touch.

What shall I say more!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

I’m probably going to surprize you with the verse I use to start this article but, when I’m finished I believe you will get the point I’m making.

( 1 Timothy 3:2-5 )

( 2 ) A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober,of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; ( 3 ) Not given to much wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; ( 4 ) One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; ( 5 ) ( For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the Church of God? )

Now, let’s look at one other verse before we get into the meat of the message. ( Mark 10: 15 ) Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

As we go through this, we must understand what he means by ( as a little child ). Children are very open to what is being taught to them. It’s simple to have them understand and follow. They are naturally humble and yielding. At least that’s the point that is being made in ( Mark ). I know, even my mom and dad might have disagreed with that verse when attempting to teach me but, nonetheless, that’s what it’s teaching. The problem is, we refuse often to understand what a child is and when they stop being seen as a child. Therefore we treat our children as such; far too long.

The reason I’m writing this is because ( I believe ) we have allowed the mindset of Children to take over our homes, our Churches, our cities and our countries. As an elderly man, I remember to late sixties and the rebellion of the young people of, at least the country I live in. Young people refused to listen to their parents, follow laws and so on. There’s a place called ( Woodstock ) in New York when many young people meet at that time. That place is still talked about today.

So, what brought about that time in our history? And, are we effected by it today? If we consider that ( the mid 1960’s ) was about twenty years after the end of ( World War II ) and that many father’s and mother’s had the mindset that they wanted their children to have it better than they had it, that might be where it all started. As for me, I think my dad missed that memo! My dad, being born in ( 1921 ) basically raised my sisters and I about the same way he was raised. When my dad spoke, even my mom paid attention. He was never basically a mean or ill tempered man but. he also didn’t play. He said what he meant and, meant what he said.

If we go back to ( 1 Timothy 3 ) now and try and draw a parallel with what we are seeing today. In that scripture we see that before a man can be even considered a leader; there are parts of his life that has to be a proven fact. First of all he has to be married, to a woman, a wife. She must be under subjection to him. It says ( he rules his own house well ), his children under subjection with all gravity. I take that to mean, all things flowing toward his leadership.

As we watch this unfold, this is the picture. When a child is seen as a child then; there are certain attribute of childhood that we should be able to relate to as adults in our willingness to lean toword the leadership of God the Father. However, children quickly grow up physically and, we, as parents might handicap their spiritual intellectual and emotional groweth by our ignorance in understanding just how quickly the mature physically.

Without getting too involved here. let’s notice a verse. ( 1 Corinthians 7:36 ) But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

In this verse notice: ( the flower of her age ). What age are we speaking of? When a girl becomes a young woman, that being around the age of twelve to fourteen then, God says she’s old enough to marry. As we see in that verse, the call is not left up to the parent at that time. The young man, knows in his mind when he begins to do things to ( his virgin ) that might be ( uncomely ).

Jesus Christ told his earthly parents when he was about ( twelve years old ) ( I must be about my father’s business ). ( Luke 2:49 ) He is saying, at my age I can begin to make wise judgments on my own. I, as a parent myself undrstand that this does not happen on its on. We must begin to teach; discipline, wisdom, spiritual knowledge, self control and being submissive at a very young age.

He’s not saying here that a young woman or man that is wise is going to get married at that age is he? He is simply stating that they are prepared at that age to do so if that is their choice. We have given our children worldly answers to spiritual problems. By doing this we have stopped their maturity on every level and, we see that all across our world today.

Because of our disobedience to God the Father, we have raised ( fools ) in more ways than one. I know that one term will not be seen as popular but, ( Psalms 14:1 ) says ( The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. )

Whether we choose to acknowledge the facts or not. Whether we are the fools and, our children just continued that same mindset is left up for debate but, today a child’s mindset is having the leadership roles in most of the world we live in. Just as when parents seek to discipline their children and there’s a lot of screaming and fighting that goes on because a child cannot have it’s way; we see that same problem when men and women with wisdom stand and seek to do what’s right in our governments today.

Those ( adult children ) sometimes, well into their years scream and pitch a fit bacause; they will not be told what to do.They will not submit to what’s right, or any discipline.

At some point over the last seventy or so years ( we choose ) as a people to dismiss God and, every aspect that relates to his wisdom in teaching and, raising our children. Not only did we do that in our countries but, in our home and in our Churches.

We speak of God, we talk about Jesus Christ but only in a general sense, not to the point of teaching his will to anyone, especially our children being submissive to him. We don’t even make our children submissive to us!

I wrote a letter to my granddaughters a while back. They are just reaching the age where they are leaving home, going to college, getting married and so on. This is somewhat my comments to them using this verse of scripture, ( Mark 11:7 ) And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.

I shared with them my love for westerns, such as ( Gunsmoke ). On those movies and shows we see men attempting to break wild horses. Do you know why that is? Well, they weren’t taught when they wee colts to be submissive. The colt that was used by Jesus had been tied, you can read that whole account in a couple of the gospels. He was disciplined from his birth and, now he’s prepared to carry Jesus. When you allow a colt to just be as he chooses then it’s much harder to bring him into submission once he is old.

As children, we all shun discipline and don’t readily desire to art of being submissive. However, when children are left to temselves they bring shame and reproach to their parents, In the case that I’m speaking of: ( even to nations ). ( Proverbs 29:15 ) ( The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. )

Can a problem such as this be fixed? Well, yes it can but, we must have a spiritual reset and, that might take years and much pain. One of my favorite sayings is this ( Once you jump off a of a moving train; you can never get back on at the same place you jump off. )

Consider: a wayward child will spend all his father has and, put his father in debt if his father is willing to go that route. Look at our nations? The fathers and mothers cannot pay the debt we have built up. When we are gone, our children and grand children will!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7