( EPHESIANS 4:3 )

ENDEAVOURING TO KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT IN THE BOND OF PEACE.

( 2 PETER 1:4 )

WHEREBY ARE GIVEN UNTO US EXCEEDING GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES: THAT BY THESE YE MIGHT BE PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE, HAVING ESCAPED THE CORRUPTION THAT IS IN THE WORLD THROUGH LUST.

As I consider teaching this; I, first and foremost realize that my responsibility is to keep myself where the Spirit of God directs me to be. Although I am a teacher; it’s not my responsibility to draw conviction on any person but to teach truth. The responsibility of the Spirit of God is to take the truth I teach and to convict hearts and, help all believers to have or, seek to have ( that divine nature ). The greatest question is; do you truly desire to have that nature?

I ( endeavour ) to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. That is a union between the very Spirit of God and my flesh. I often use the example here of a husband and his wife. The husband has done something that was wrong and, against his wife. He is convicted of his wrong therefore, he humbly apoligizes to his wife; she readily excepts his apoligy. However, when they go to bed that night, she falls right to sleep but, he cannot get settled within himself. Although she except the apology and moves on, he can’t get beyond himself. When he reaches the place that he understands what he is suppose to do and yields to that responibility, he can sleep just as she does.

That’s somewhat like being in unity with the spirit of God. Do you think God the Father is unsettled with anything he has done? Let’s look at two other verses of scripture. ( Romans 5:1 ) Therefore being justified by faith, we have ( peace with God ) through our Lord Jesus Christ: ( Philippians 4:7 ) And the ( peace of God, ) which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Can you see that husband and wife in those two verses? When we, by yielding to God’s Spirit asked Jesus to be our Savior, at that moment, we are at ( peace with God ). He’s not upset with our sin any longer, it’s under the blood of Christ. However, that doesn’t mean you have the ( peace of God ) does it? Although God is at peace with you, does not mean you are at peace with him or yourself.

I’ll agree.it takes time to grow to that place in your spiritual walk. However, we must seek those attributes if we are to ever reach that place. Often we get content with who we are but, God, through his spirit is not. The reason for that is because we refuse to line up with God’s word, yielding to his spirit and we create a will of our own; and that, apart from God the Father.

Walking in the ( unity of the Spirit ) and the ( bond of peace ) is not that complicated but, you must know who you are and, how God chooses to use you, lining up with scripture, that being Jesus Christ. When it comes to scripture, you can’t make it say what you desire for it to say, not and be pleasing to God in the unity of the Spirit.

Today in the country where I live, it’s hard to speak truth. It’s become the enemy of the people. If you seek to speak truth then you are ( evil spoken of ). Do you have any idea where that originated? It originated in the local Church. When Churches stood for truth, called sin, sin and denounced those that lived ungodly, you could basically speak truth anywhere you desired to. As a matter of fact; it would draw conviction on all that heard it. The world knew what truth was. However, when Churches caved to the will of men and women, God’s voice was silienced and look where we are now!

I paused here for a few minutes to allow God’s Spirit to speak to me on how to move foward here. So, let’s look at this verse of scripture. ( 1 Corinthians 1:11 ) For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

In the Church you attend, are there any contentions among you? If not; why? Everything in ( the unity of the Spirit ) and ( in the bond of Peace )? Maybe the reason there is no contention is because there is no one there of the house of Chloe to call out sin and cause contention.

So, let’s see if I can become ( Chloe ). I content that in the average Church today the children are in charge. You don’t believe me? If you happen to be a ( male ) pastor then, this coming Sunday morning, you announce that children’s Church is ending. You say, you expect the parents to keep their children in Church, well disciplined and, you will preach to them as well.

In that case, the children are going to complain to the mother, the mother is going to complain to the father and, it’s going all the way back to the pulpit. What are you going to do? let the Children have their way? Do I feel some contention here?

This Sunday morning, you preach ( modest apparel ), you preach ( wives submit yourselves unto you own husband. Again, do I feel some contention building?

If you happen to go to a Church that has a woman pastor, you stand up and call her out, asking her to give you chapter and verse for where see stands.

The same with a man that’s been married twice, call him out. In either case, see if there is any contention. We see the answer to both of these in ( 1 Timothy 3 ) read it!

One other point, this Sunday morning you boldly stand behind your pulpit and make a point to queation the salvation of many on various lifestyles, see if that cause contention. The Apostle said, ( I stand in doubt of you ). He was speaking of their salvation, according to the life they were living.

You see, we are in unity with one another but, God is not there? If you feel contention toward me because of what I said; who are you contending with? The unity of the Spirit is what is contending with you, not me! I’m simply pointing out truth!

In most cases, the men of our Churches ( husbands ) do not submit unto God and, their wives do not submit unto them. Where does that leave the Children?

Most Churches say the ( hired a pastor ). if that’s the case in your Church; maybe you should read ( John 10 ). And if that’s the case, he actually doesn’t care about where you spend eternity, it more than likely shows.

Shall I go on? And I could. Sunday School has become a joke in the average Church. Full grown men and women study Sunday School quarterlies instead of seeking God’s face from the word of God. People are starving to death spiritually and, most teachers, pastores could care less.

I am living in the ( unity of the Spirit ) in ( the bond of Peace ). That between my Lord and I. However, my heart is burdened for our Churches, our people and our children. Most are in the ( unity of the Spirit ) with one another. They are at peace with one another. The divine nature of God is nowhere to be found. In reality, when God speaks, there is no unity or peace to be found.

You, pastor can walk out of your pulpit, look straight into the eyes of any member and say, ( you’re going to hell when you die ) and all peace would flee from them, Why? Because they do not know ( the unity of God’s Spirit ) or ( the bond of God’s peace ). They are not seeking to ( divine nature of God.)

God needs to speake n. We need to allow him to do so; yield, to his will and word!

Marahall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

JAMES 4:7 SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD. RESIST THE DEVIL, AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU.

As a metaphor of the point I’m trying to make here; I once used an example of the Niagra River. How that the water in that river is headed for a great fall; Niagra Falls. I said that there was a time when one man was rowing a boat down the river and, thousands of people were on the banks screaming at him. warning him of the falls ahead.

If we bring that up to this present day; there are thousands of people in the river rowing toward the falls and, only one person on the bank screaming for them to stop, dangers ahead. We are a depraved people. There’s another verse of scripture I’m reminded of. ( 1 Peter 2:8 ) And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them that stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereas also they were appointed.

There are millions of people rushing head long to hell. They cannot see their demise and, to be certain, the stumbling blocks are all but gone. They need the convicting power of God’s word, they need people to stand in the gap on their behalf and become a rock of offence to them to slow the direction they are headed in and, to show them the grace of God in Jesus Christ.

Let’s look at the Church you might attend. If there is a presence of the Holy Spirit there; we have all but blocked him and his power within the walls of that building. We go to our perspective Churches, do what we do there and, leave every aspect of our Christianty within that building when we go home.

We, as believer are to be the resistance, the stumbling block to sinners on their road to hell; just as someone was in our lives at one time. The salvation that is or, was freely given us is a growing organism within us. It expands within ourelves and, also reaches out to those around us. Although many might reject our words or, our deeds, the resistance we offer is a very needed part of the well- being of every lost sinner on the face of this earth.

We, as believers are ( watchmen on a wall ). We stand in the gap between heaven and hell for every non believer. While we can’t make any person believe, we can make them accountable to the truth, we can force them to have to make a choice. That’s what the preaching of God’s word does, even in witnessing, a choice has to be made.

Most people don’t like to look at their spiritual self. They don’t won’t to be told that any part of their lives is wrong, anything they do is suppose to be excepted and, no questions asked. We even see that in our modern day Churches, every person is seen as saved, talked to as saved. Not one aspect of their live is questioned and, if it is then we are being judgmental.

The responsibility of every believer is to prepare people, by teaching them to stand before the judge one day. When we give ( righteous judge ) it’s not the individual that is speaking. The voice is simple relaying what the righteous judge is going to say when we stand before him. That, my friend is the ( resistance ) that is needed in our world today.

We need to call sinners, sinners and, hold theme accountable in every espect of their lives. We need to be willing to pay any price for the salvation of those that are lost. This need to be a daily push toward the righteousness that is found in Jesus Christ. I, as someone that loves you, cares for your soul am asking you right now; do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Can I see him in your everyday walk of life? Can you say as a believer; ( you know ) heaven will be your home? Have you been born again?

I want to be ( resistance ) in your path. I desire to be a ( stumbling block ) a ( rock of offence ) on your path to destruction.

( RESISTANCE ) as believers we need to be seen as such!

Marshall Clayton

1 Timothy 1:7

I write this in full support of my brother in Christ ( James Spence ) and his LLC Operation Heal Americ

JOHN 9:25

HE ANSWERED AND SAID, WHETHER HE BE A SINNER OR, NO, I KNOW NOT: ONE THING I KNOW, THAT, WHEREAS I WAS BLIND, HOW I SEE.

JOHN 5:13

AND HE THAT WAS HEALED WIST NOT WHO IT WAS: FOR JESUS HAD CONVEYED HIMSELF AWAY, A MULTITUDE BEING IN THAT PLACE.

As I consider writing this; it’s important to understand one thing and, one thing only. Each of us will stand before Jesus Christ as our judge and give an account of our lives as individuals. We must walk that valley alone. Therefore, as I often say, it’s my sole desire to allow the spirit of God to use me as a vessel of instruction. If he can use what I say to open the eyes of any person then, to God be the glory. How you stand before God and, the choices you make are completely yours and yours alone.

I use these two verses of scripture to make a very important point. On the day of my salvation, like every other person that is or, ever will be saved, I knew very little about spiritual things. If we will be honest; we didn’t even know jesus Christ other than the convicting power of the Spirit of God.

I knew nothing about the book we call the Bible. I knew nothing about salvation being eternal or, whether I could fall from his grace. I knew nothing about speaking in tongues, is it right, is it wrong. Plainly put: ( this one thing I knew ) something had changed within me!

I’m going to elevate my pastor to a place I will also elevate you to as well. That is; if we are born again, washed in the blood of Jesus Christ and, are seeking to do his will. I’ll place you on the same level with the Apostle Paul, the Apostle John, the Apostle Peter, Stephen. Why would I say that?

I will almost be assured of this fact. If I had the priviledge of sitting down with any of these people and talking one on one; I’d find something I’d disagree with them on. Although I haven’t met any of you and, probably never will, I have read about Paul and Peter. I see things about both of them I could argue with. And, I’m sure if they met me they would also see things about me they could argue about.

We all are sinneres and imperfect people. However, for our children’s sake, for the sake of our country and it’s spiritual healing, we as believers in every situation need to come together and be seen as one people in Christ.

As a believer for now, almost 45 years I’ve had to learn and come this resolve. All of us can be influenced by Churches or people never even considering what the Holy Spirit might truly desire for us to see. There’s a verse of scripture in ( Matthew 23:24 ) that says this ( Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. I’d say that for some years I could be accused of being that way. And that, not just with the King James Bible but, with many things.

I will say this, in my defence. Often, being hard headed can be a good thing because you don’t easily fall into pits but, you are always careful of what you hear and do. If you choose to read this, you should be as well. The reason I make that starement is because it is God’s Spirit that needs to be our teacher and never any man.

Before I really get into this I’d like to share a couple of things that has happened to me over the years as a believer seeking to win people to Christ. The first one is a story of soul winning. A brother in Christ and I were asked to visit a son of a woman the we attended Church with. We always went on visitation on Tuesday nights so, tonight we’re going to visit this young man and his wife.

Often when I would visit someone I’d us a method called F.O.R.M. F- for family, O- for ocupation, R- for religion, M- for Message, the gospel of Jesus Christ. I began this talking about our families, our jobs, even talking about religion and then, when I picked up my ( King James Bible ) the man stopped me and said. You pick up that book, why should I believe anything in that book? It’s just a book.

Now! What do I say to that? If a man doesn’t believe the Bible then what can I stand on? What do I do? Maybe, just leave? As I sit there, looking at him and, praying within myself, asking God’s Spirit for direction, God answered! I took my ( King James Bible ) that was in my lap. pick it up and pitched it over on the coffee table in front of me and, said. O.K. forget that book, would you allow me to simply tell you a story? I asked that question seeking an answer from both he and his wife. They both agreed that it would be fine.

This is basically what I shared with them in story form. I told them that in times past that. God the Father, God the Son and, God the Spirit were all in heaven together. God the Father looked down to earth and said; I’m going to destroy every living souls, they can all go to hell. There is none that follow me, obey me, even care about me. They are all sinners and happy to be just as they are.

At that time, God the Son spoke up and said; Father, I don’t want you to do that. I love every living person, I don’t want to see any of them go to hell. You tell me Father; what must I do to satify you for their sake? I’ll do anything you ask of me, just to save them.

God the Father said, alright Son. I demand perfection, no sin whatsoever. Therefore, I want you to be born just like any other person, yet live a life completely free of sin then, I demand a blood sacrifice. The blood, your blood must be shed, that perfect blood. If that blood is perfect, without sin or spot, when it is shed then, I will raise you from the dead. You will be the first resurrection from the dead.

If you, my Son can do this, I’ll except your sacrifice and your blood for any person that believes. So, God the Son came, was born like any man, lived that perfect life and, died, was crucified on a cross for all men.

God has determined all men are sinners, no exceptions. That means Sir, I, as I sit hear and talk to you am a sinner, the man with me is a sinner, you are a sinner and your wife is a sinner. In God the Father’s mind we all deserve hell, no exceptions. The only difference in me and any other sinner is the fact that I believe that Jesus, God’s only begotten Son died for my sin, paid my price on Calvary. I excepted him as my sacrifice and my Savior.

I then asked both of them, have you ever asked Jesus to be your Savior? They both replied ( no ). At that point, this is waht I said. You both are sinners and you both need a Savior. Now, when I came into your home, we talked about the weather, your family, my family, my job and your job. Then I began to tell you a story. I want to ask you something, both of you and, all I asked is that, as much as possible be honest with me. Can you do that? They replied ( yes ) we’ll be honest.

When I shared my story with you and, you listened. Once I finished with the story, did you feel any different in you heart than when we just talked about the weather and so on? They both almost immediately replied ( yes ) something is different, no doubt.

I then told them the difference. What you feel is the third part of the three that was in heaven that day. ( The Holy Spirit ). God sent him to people like you and I that we might know truth and, be convinced of what we need. I then reached and picked up my ( KIng James Bible ) and said. All I did was tell you a story of what this book is all about.

They both asked Jesus Christ to come into their hearts and to be their savior that night. A few years later I went to a factory to do some work. This man seen me walking by and stopped me. He asked, do you remember me? I told him I remember seeing you somewhere but I can’t say where. Then he told me about that night and I remembered. He told me I led he and his wife to the Lord.

Now, let me ask you something? Where was the power of God that night? Was it in the ( KIng James Bible ) well, sure it is but, if that book is left to itself then it is completely worthless, just as any other version of the Bible. There are millions of Bibles of every version laying on coffee tables, bedside tables and on book shelves, they are worthless until that word comes alive in a believer and, that believer shares it with someone in their own words under the inspiration of the power of the Holy Ghost.

I personally love and, only study the ( King James Bible ). That’s my personal preference and, I believe it is inspired by God. However, If I would have been living in 1605, as a believer in Jesus Christ, gaining the knowledge that a new version of the Bible would be coming out, would I have denounced the ( King James Bible ) becaue I was using a previously written verision?

There have been people of all languages since the creation of the Church that have paved a way to bring the gospel message to this place in history. That is not because of the version of the Bible they use or, the language it is written in but, because of the power of the Holy Spirit within them and their desire to know and speak truth.

What does it mean to be inspired by God? When Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Church in 1517, was that inspired by God? If you stand up in your Church or, in your living room and make a powerful speech about Jesus Christ, your passionate stand for truth in your own words. Within that speech, although you base all that you say on scripture and a profound love for Jesus Christ, you never quote one verse of scripture, is that inspired by God?

God’s will is for, we as born again believers to be wrapped up in his word. His desire is for each of us to become his word, his mouthpiece. I completely understand to concept of the word of God. How a book defines who he is. I also know that men can destroy or, redefine who they want him to be by a change in that word. The sinfulness of man is a weakening in the power of God. That’s true in any sense. If you believe in eternal security and I believe a man can fall from grace however, we both are born again believers. If we stand before lost sinners and argue about our differences then we both destroy the power of God within us.

I love the ( KIng James Bible ). However that book is not my God. My God lives within my spirit. My desire is for that spirit to control every aspect of my body and soul. I once talked to a missionary to Mexico. He took my ( King James Bible ) and made this statement. He said; if you take that book, word for word and translate it into spanish then, the spanish speaking people will not understand what it is saying.

The ability of a born again believer to read and study God’s word with as desire to share it to the lost and, then speak that word to people so they can understand it is a very powerful tool.

This one thing I know. What is the one thing you know? We, as people need to make sure that ( the one thing we know ) is what it takes to bring people to salvation. We need to be able to communicate that one thing effectually, with the power of God.

The Bible, the word of God, left to itself has no voice, no hands, no feet. That book must come alive with the believer by the tranformation of the Spirit of God. We can call that power a ( transmission ). You can have the most powerful engine known to man but, if there is no transmission to get that power to the wheels then, it worthless.

Basically speaking, we all have the ability to share God’s word. We all have feet, hands, a mouth to talk and, the ability to learn. The transformation takes place when we allow God’s word to control the attributes we have. ( 1 Corinthians 13 ) tells us that without love, all we have is nothing.

The ability to know truth, to speak that truth is the one thing I desire to know. A man told me one time. Any man can count the seeds in one apple but, no man can count the apples in one seed. You won’t find that phrase in scripture but, it can be very inspiring. I’ve heard many pastors and evangelist tell many stories, those stories making very powerful spiritual points. Although they were all based on Biblical concepts, you won’t find them in scripture. That my friend is the power of God unto salvation, pointing people to the truth, Jesus Christ.

THIS ONE THING I KNOW!

The one thing I know is that; God’s Holy Spirit lives within my heart. He walks with me, he talks to me and, he tells me I am his own. Over the years I have learned a few other things but, this one fact was facilitated by the fact that he moved into my heart. ( I believe ) that God’s Spirit teaches us as we are willing to use what he gives us.

When I received Christ in November 1975, I was almost immediately asked to be part of a visitation program. I very first night out, we went to the home of a man I knew. As we talked about his salvation he asked me this question: who did Cain marry? He asked it sarcastically and, I didn’t have the answer. However, I told him ( this one thing I know ) I was lost but now I’m found. I or, we shared Jesus Christ with he and his wife, prayed and left. Neither he or his wife was saved that night, not that I know of.

Not long after that, I was asked to fill in for a Sunday School teacher that had to work. I agreed. The point is that we must be willing to add to ( the one thing we know ). If we are not going to use that one fact for God’s glory; why would God give us anything else?

Salvation is a free gift. What you gain beyond salvation will cost you something in most cases. Even the true knowledge of ( know so ) salvation is earned through study, learning the true will of God. It takes time to become educated about who God is and how he thinks.

If any person, such as I make statements that, while they are true; you can’t see that truth. In other words, you disagree. I can say that in reverse. if you teach something that I disagree with. The fact that you or I disagree with what is stated does not ( in itself ) make to statement false does it? It simply means that one of us has gained knowledge that the other has not. Within that statement; it’s not our responsibility to change the mind or, understanding of any other person. That’s the job of the Holy Spirit.

Add to the ( one thing you know ). Allow The Spirit to teach you. Allow yourself to be wrong if you are not sure. Listen to the Spirit of God above all.

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

EPHESIANS 4:3 ENDEAVOURING TO KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT IN THE BOND OF PEACE.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:12-13 NOW THIS I SAY,THAT EVERY ONE OF YOU SAITH, I AM OF PAUL; AND I OF APPOLLOS; AND I OF CEPHAS; AND I OF CHRIST. ( 13 ) IS CHRIST DIVIDED? WAS PAUL CRUCIFIED FOR YOU? OR WERE YE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF PAUL?

As a born again believer for now almost 45 years; I’d say that there is at least one thing that I have learned. Christ is not divided. We, as members of the body of Christ are. If I were to give you one other verse of scripture to somewhat validate what I’d like to say here it would be this. ( 1 Corinthians 14:33) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all Churches of the saints. I totally realize what this verse is speaking of but, I also can see is as it relates to every situation.

We, allowing ourselves to be tempted or, used by Satan are the authors of confusion. I confess, as a young believer I allowed my self to be used in a confusing manner and, in many case, hurt the very cause I thought I was working to create. Most of it was in my ignorance, believing it was left to me to teach, to change the hearts of men when, in reality; I or no one else can do that but, it takes the very Spirit of God.

Another verse that the Holy Spirit brings to mind is this: ( 2 Corinthians 4:3 ) BUT IF THE GOSPEL BE HID, IT IS HID TO THEM THAT ARE LOST:

As members of the body of Christ, what is our purpose? Is it not to draw others to Christ? Isn’t it true that; as our spiritual lives progress, we slowly learn spiritual things and, die to ourselves becoming more like him? Why? That those that are lost can see and hear Christ in us.

The Apostle Paul said this: ( 1 Corinthians 2:2 ) FOR I DETERMINED NOT TO KNOW ANY THING AMONG YOU, SAVE CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED.

The Apostle Paul making this statement is speaking of when he sought to lead them to Christ. We need to be determined, with that same mind as it related to ourselves and, the lost of our country.

I say all these things to make a bigger point. We, as members of the body of Christ truly need to come together for the greater cause which is the ( healing of a nation ) ( the salvation of those that are lost ). We argue among ourselves and, we gain nothing. In the quest of being seen as taking a stand, we hurt the very cause of Christ to which we say we are so determined to be strong in. And, not only that, the people that are lost are confused by our arguments.

I’ve never met James Spence. I have only read one chapter of his book ( Operation heal America ) and, only seen a little of his website. I can promise you that if he and I ever sit down and consider what we both believe; we will differ in at least some points. Another promise I’ll make to you as my brothers and sisters. By the grace of God, if I differ with you on any spiritual point, the world, the lost will never know it. It will be discussed between you and I only.

My sole desire in my support for Operation Heal America is to be seen by the lost of our country as being in unity in the bond of peace. James Spence is my brother in Christ. We both seek the same goal, to bring healing to the spiritual aspect of our nation, to exalt the name of Jesus Christ. I am an enemy of no person. If you are my enemy it’s on your part and, I desire to befriend you for the cause of Christ.

My only enemy is Satan himself. I never want to be seen as working on his behalf. If I fight among my own brothers and sisters then the lost of this world are the only people that are hurt by our fight.

In closing, I’d like to share a story. I live in the house I was raised in. It’s about two miles from a Methodist Church. We attended that Church my whole childhood life. I actually got saved in an Independant Baptist Church. Over the years as a believer, working on construction jobs, I sought to be a witness to those that I worked with. One of thos men was a ( hell raising, motor cycle riding sinner ) with no desire to know Christ. Nonetheless, I shared Christ with him, even went to his home and witnessed to him and his girlfriend.

Today, that man, his wife, former girlfriend are my next door neighbors and they attend the same Methodist Church that I attended as a boy. In his testimony he shares how I witnessed to him on the job and even come to his home to share Christ with he and his girlfriend. Although the Church he attends has a woman pastor, uses a Bible that I don’t use, to me that is not the battle I need to fight to bring about unity and a bond of peace. Although they believe differently than I do, I’m not their enemy.

If I ever get a chance to stand behind the pulpit in that Church and, speak in my support of Operation heal America, it will not be to bring a message against anything they believe but rather; to create a situation where they see me as in unity with them in Christ. If the Holy Spirit can use me, speaking truth in that Church to change the mindset of someone that’s lost, to feed those that are born again and, desire to be fed by God’s Sprit then I paraise the Lord for that priviledge.

Jesus Christ sit down with his Twelve apostles and break bread with them all. Jesus knew well their ignorance of the Spirit of God. He also knew that one of them was lost. He willingly sit down with them all. My desire is to sit down, metaphorically speaking and; break bread with my brother, James Spence. Also, with all born again believers in any Church or Denomination. Possibly, some might even be lost, it’s not my place to judge, Jesus didn’t. When we willingly sit down with one another, we all can learn and become a powerful voice for Jesus Christ.

In ( John 11 ) Lazarus, a man to whom Jesus love had died. Jesus said he was going to Bethany where he lived. In that conversation; the apostles warned Jesus that people there desired to stone him. However Jesus was going anyway. Thomas made this statement ( verse 16 ) Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus; unto his fellowdisciplies, Let us also go, that we might die with him.

Can you see the faith and unity in that statement? I want to stand and, also die if needed with my brothers and sisters in Christ. We will never agree on every issue but, the Holy Spirit is our teacher, Jesus Christ is our Savior.

Let’s seek to come together in unity for the cause of Christ that the world might see Jesus in all his glory. That souls might me saved and our nation might be healed; starting with the body of Christ.

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

PHILIPPIANS 3:8

YEA DOUBTLESS, AND I COUNT ALL THINGS BUT LOSS FOR THE EXCELLENCY OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST JESUS MY LORD: FOR WHO I HAVE SUFFERED THE LOSS OF ALL THINGS, AND DO COUNT THEM BUT DUNG, THAT I MIGHT WIN CHRIST,

The individual relationship with Jesus Christ; of each born again believer is a very special thing. The ability we have, at our fingertips if we make a choice to truly know him is priceless. I’ll be the first to admit, that knowledge is not easily gained and, it can be very costly. We see that in the verse above. The Apostle Paul making note of what it cost him and, how willing he was to pay that price.

I often say this. Salvation is free to anyone that desires to obtain that free gift. Once you have God’s Spirit within you; most of what you gain after that will cost you, it’s not free. Basically, it’s like anything else. If I give you book that teaches math. You now have that book but, what you do with the free gift you have is completely up to you. Just because you own the free gift of a math book doesn’t make you know any more about math.

As a born again believer, one that understands the salvation message, I can sit down with you and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with you. Let’s say that you except that message and, tell me you asked Jesus Christ into your heart. That means that you just received the ( free gift ) of salvation. Now, I also give you a Bible the same day. The Bible is, in essence, Jesus Christ. ( John 1:14 ) And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ( and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, ) full of grace and truth.

Salvation place his Spirit within you. The Bible is a book written of him. ( Hebrews 10:7 ) Then said I, I come ( in the volume of the book it is written of me, ) to do thy will, O God.

Since I introduced you to Christ and, you desired for him to move into your heart. I also gave you a manual, all about him, how he works, how he thinks, how he reveals himself. What you do with that manual about him is completely up to you,

I’m going to give an example here of something that happened to me once. Just to make a point. I’m an electrician by trade. One day I was asked to go to a Church to repair some lights. My contact at that Church just happened to be a man I had known for some time. As usual, as we began to talk, I took the converation to Jesus Christ, even questioning his salvation. I had a desire to know.

As we talked, he shared with me that they had a woman pastor. He asked, how do you feel about women preachers? This was my reply. I asked him if he had an email address? He said yes. I told him that if he gave it to me I’d write something about my stand. I took a Bible and I showed him this verse, ( Titus 1:9 ) Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

I axplaind to him that if I simply told him I agree with or disagree with wonen pastors then that’s all you know. My thoughts or opinions doesn’t mean a thing. What you desire to know is how Jesus Christ looks at women pastors.

Therefore, he gave me his email. I sharesd scripture and, biblical knowledge to help him see how God looks at that concept. I sent him four or five emails. I say all that to say this. Though I sent him all of that, it’s still up to him to allow God’s Spirit to use what I said, whether right or wrong. Only God’s Spirit can reveal truth, only individuals can except that truth. All the knowledge I have on any subject is completely useless to you unless it is inspired by God’s Spirit. He is the teacher, we must be a ( willing to learn ) student.

I hear people ask questions often that I have resolved in my heart long ago. I am confident and content with how Jesus Christ views those things, completely apart from my opinion.

Look at the next verse in ( Titus ) ( 1:10 ) For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially of the circumcision:

Exactly what those that mean? How many different ways of understanding salvation do you know that are taught. That is, in respect to Jesus Christ? I can think of three right off the top. ( 1 ) There are those that believe ( you cannot know ) God determined your destiny before you were born. ( 2 ) There are those that believe in ( eternal security ) meaning that once you are born again, you can never be lost again. ( 3 ) there are those that believe that ( once you confess Christ ) as your savior; you still must keep the law. if you sin or break the law of God after you are saved the, you must ask forgiveness for that sin or you are lost.

I’m sure there are different versions of them all but, the Apostle Paul taught ( eternal security ). We don’t trust our flesh. We are completely trusting the finish work of Christ on the Cross for our salvation. God sees his perfection. not mine.

When any person tries to mix law and grace then, they are of the circumcision. The Apostle Paul says here that they that teach this are: unruly, vain talkers and deceivers.

Many people, once they believe something, then they set out to do all they can to prove ( to themselves ) they are correct. If I ( myself ) set out to convince you of anything then, I just became unruly. If I try to convince you of ( my ) way of thinking then, I’m a vain talker. Why? It’s not up to me to convince you of anything. That’s the responsibility of the Holy Spirit. If I misuse God’s word then, I become deceptful.

I want you to know! I’ll do all within my power, given me by God’s spirit to teach you, show you truth. However, that’s where my resonsibility ends. It’s up to the Holy Spirit to convince you. If we use ( sound doctrine ) that’s not just a verse. It is using the word God to Convince in truth. That’s what the Spirit of God works through. ( Truth ) ( John 16:7-13 ) Neverthe less I tell you truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away; the comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. ( 8 ) And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: ( 9 ) Of sin, because they believed not on me; ( 10 ) Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; ( 11 ) Of judgment, because the prince of the world is judged. ( 12 ) I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. ( 13 ) Howbeit when he, the spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

I’d like to make a few comments here: do you see there where Jesus said: ( it is expedient that I go away ? Being metaphorical here, we all must go away. None of us can claim to be able to send the spirit like Jesus did however, we must understand that our flesh is not important. ( It’s not me I want you to hear ) but, the spirit of God, it’s he that teaches you and assures you.

Often, we are so determined to make other people see things our way, our truth; that we drive the spirit away. When, if we will simply speak truth and, get out of the way then, God the Spirit can teach all things.

As a matter of fact; if any person truly hungers and thirsts after righteousness then that will even be taught by God’s Spirit through my ignorance. My ignorance and, saying a wrong statement will cause that person to study and find truth.

While God uses people, writers, pastors, teachers and yes, even Churches to speak his truth, it’s not those vessels that is actually doing the teaching. It’s the Spirit of God unless, those people, writers, pastors, teachers and yes, Churches refuse to get out of the way.

When you allow people, writers, pastors, teachers and yes, even Churche to become your teacher then you are being very foolish, you are a fool. The knowledge we gain, all the spiritual knowledge we gain has to be taught by God’ himself, by his Spirit, it will never be left to men alone to teach God’s truth.

While people of all kinds might like to judge us and, often do, they will not be our final judge, Jesus will.

When we gain our knowledge from the teaching of the Spirit of God then, wisdom shall be ours. We will stand before God fill with the knowledge of him and not the world.

If you will notice in those verses he also says this ( of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged ). You do not want to be judged with him. The teaching of men will lead you to failure but the teaching that comes by God’s spirit will always lead you to truth!

I realize that what I’m about to say is taking it to the extreme. However, I believe God’s Spirit will use it to make my point. Let’s say that you go out in a beech area from a local Church to witness for Christ. By chance you see a man and his wife sitting in their back yard just enjoying to sun. She is wearing a bikini and he has his swimsuit on.

You walk up and indroduce yourself as a Church member and, you would like to share Christ with them. These two know nothing about Church or, even what sharing Christ is all about. However, they are interested snd opened to listen.

As you share the whole gospel story and, also reveal to them that they are sinners in need of the saving grace that Jesus Christ and his shed blood can provide. Both of these two people; realize they are sinners and they both except Christ and, become born again.

Yor have a word of prayer with them and, also invite them to Church Sunday Morning. On the next Sunday morning they both show up for Sunday service. She is still wearing her bikini and he is still wearing his swimsuit. AS they come in and sit down, not one person acts surprised or, pays any attention to how they are dressed. The Pastor, like usal preaches a very powerful message but, that message has nothing to do with proper dress. It’s just a message filled with the truth, the power of God.

At the end of the service, they leave and go home. The man looks at his wife and says; honey, did you notice we were the only ones there dressed as we were? She replies, yes and, I felt a little uncomfortable. He replied, so did I. Then he says, I really enjoyed what the preacher said and would like to go back but, next week we will dress more like those people were dressed.

Can you see how in this story the Holy Spirit did the teaching and not any person or the Church? Although, both were used by God’s Spirit. Far too often we force issues and will not allow God’s spirit to do the teaching. We want to be the teacher.

In closing, I know I’m going to heaven when I die. That spiritual knowledge was not given me by any man or Church but, by the very Spirit of God. The way I dress, the way I talk, the way I walk spiritually is all because of gained spiritual knowledge. I use to smoke and, many people told me how wrong it was to do so. I believe that is their opinion. One day I stopped smoking but, not because man told me to or, to be pleasing to any person. My whole desire is to be pleasing to my heavenly Father and, to the best of my ability to hear him when he speaks.

If God’s Spirit lives within you, then study his word, listen to him when he speaks and, yield yourself to his will. That is ( gained Spiritual knowledge ). God can use men, even you and I to teach his will but, it must be you that hears and learns what he desires to teach you, never by force but always by choice.

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

A point I often make is that; whether we like to admit it or not, we are never our own. We are the one living organism with a God consciousness. We have a soul. Because of that fact, the inner part of each of us will either yield to the will of God or, by default we please Satan. There is and, never has been any middle ground.

Through the process of time God has proven the fact that if he seeks to solely use the voice of man to guide the people of this world to his will then man, being greedy will always find a way to get gain and, to conceal the true will of God from people. We see this all through the Old Testament. That is even in the gospels when God used his own Son to speak to man. The only difference is that Jesus Christ being, God in flesh always spoke absolute truth. Still men doubted, who he was and, what he said.

On this blog I’m teaching the ( Book of Acts ). In that book, actually from the very beginning we see that God sent his Spirit to, not only speak to man but, also to live within them. In order to have that Spirit living within you all it takes is you asking Jesus to be your savior, to confess him and, believe in his finished work on Calvary.

The men of this world, even the religious people have always sought ways to keep the people of this world in spiritual darkness. When we are in spiritual darkness, Satan can use us as ( tools of darkness ). All through time, this has been the case. The leaders of this world, whether, normal leaders or religious leaders have sought ways to keep mankind from knowing truth.

Over the years religious men have discouraged people from reading scripture. We see that first in the Pharisees and Sadducees, they wanted to teach people themselves what the law was and how it was to be carried out. As time moved on we see other religions that told their people the same thing. Often, not even allowing them to own a bible but instructing them to only allow them to read it and teach it.

Today, we see all types of versions of the Bible, we see Sunday School literature and ministries that try and teach what we are to think. instructing us how to live. We have pastors that, while they read the Bible, they use the words of professors and the thoughts of other men to teach; other that simply allowing the Spirit of God to teach us from God’s word.

The Bible says that God came down in the cool of the day to fellowship with Adam. That’s always been his desire. He wants to commune straight with each of us and build a relationship with us. Therefore, he placed himself, by his Holy Spirit within those that believe. Because his Spirit has convicting power he can use; we that believe to speak his word to those that are lost. That self-same spirit points the lost to Christ and, moves within them as well. Sine we have the Word of God and, his Spirit within us, technically, we have no need to be deceived by man. Even as I write, the Spirit within you can discern whether I am right or wrong.

Seeking not to be seen as harsh but, willing to share truth; our main stream religions and denominations have become instuments of Satan. Even the average secular and Christian schools are designed the same way. They teach people every art but, the art of Hearing and listening to God’s Spirit. This has become a powerful tool of Satan and, it’s all about spiritual ignorance.

The most powerful tool you will ever have or gain can be found down on your needs in prayer, willingly dying to yourself and, asking God the Father to teach you, instruct you from his own word.

Believe it or not, man cannot teach God’s word, we can only be vessels worthy of his use. If we are worthy vessels, then the Spirit of God can teach through the things we say. However, it must be the Spirit that reveals truth to each of us.

When we learn the art of listen to God’s spirit apart from the teaching of any man then, the power that Satan has through Spiritual ignorance vanishes. He might be able to win in a few battles but, in Christ and, the revelation of his truth by his Spirit, the victory has already been won.

Don’t allow men to keep you in Spiritual ignorance. Folks, I truly believe that there are pastors, teachers that are caught in this spiritual ignorance and, they simply cannot see it. To be honest, I became born again in an Independant Baptist Church. Actually, I was caught up in the doctrines or somethings they taught. It wasn’t until I left that and began to simply study God’s word that I realized that some of what they taught was hindering my Spiritual groweth.

We often stay in Spiritual ignorance by choice. It could be the love of a Church, a pastor, or a group of people, could be anything. However God is a jealous God, he wants your undivided attention, he desires to teach you.

It’s the choice of every person to decide. Do I choose to stay in Spiritual ignorance and allow satan to use me? Or, do I sell mysel to the living God and allow his Spirit to teach me.

REMEMBER ! THERE IS NO MIDDLE GROUND.

There is actually four classes of people in this world. All four can be seen in the last few verses of ( 1 Corinthians 2 ) and, the first few of ( 1 Corinthians 3 ). We see the 1- ( natural man ) never been saved. 2- ( babe in Christ ) learning, growing in Christ. 3-( carnal man ) saved but, living of the world. 4- ( spiritual man ). walking with Christ, mature.

A babe in Christ is spiritual as well because , we are all still learning.

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

WOE UNTO THEM! FOR THEY HAVE GONE IN THE WAY OF CAIN, AND RAN GREEDILY AFTER THE ERROR OF BALAAM FOR REWARD, AND PERISHED IN THE GAINSAYING OF CORE

The book of Jude is only one chapter. And, ( in my opinion ) he is the voice of the common man like you and I. He is the servant of Jesus Christ that stands in the galp between the corrupt men of; even our age and the individual believers that are seeking the truth above all things.

Look at what he says in ( verse 3 ) Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

The beloved he speaks of here is you and I. We all have a common salvation or, we don’t have salvation at all. He exhorts us to ( earnestly contend ) for the faith. The same faith that was once delivered unto the saints.

We live in a very apostate age. This, as define means ( a person who renounces a religious or political belief or people ). The problem with that is ( to understand how many ways you can renounce what we believe to be truth ).

As we see here. there are three different men mentioned, all three renounce ( what we as the beloved believe ) in different ways and, for different reasons.

So, let’s look at Cain. Cain was a natural man. If we look at ( 1 Corinthians 2:14 ) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

In our flesh or, in our natural state we cannot be pleasing to God the Father. ( Romans 8:8 ) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Cain rejected the blood sacrifice and sought to please God with the fruit of his own hands

When we are taught that our works are what determines our salvation or, that work must be a part of our salvation then we ( go by the way of Cain ). In the verse we are looking into; it says ( Woe unto them ) speaking of the men or pastors that teach this. First and formost, we must understand that our salvation is or, was completely settled by the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ on his Cross. Our salvation is totally by the ( works of Jesus Christ ) and there is no work we can do to merit our own salvation. Our faith in his finished works might bring about good works but, those works has noting to do with what it takes to be saved. The transformation that salvation brings should bring about good works. However, it’s the blood of Christ that we are totally dependent on for our salvation.

Would you mind if I expressed my personal thoughts about this? Let’s begin with this verse. ( Ephesians 5:25-27 )Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it; ( 26 ) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, ( 27 ) That he might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blimish.

In a very religious sense, in the majority of our Churches today we are trying to ( please God with the fruit of our own hands ). How are we doing that? In the average Church we never preach with the power and conviction of the Holy Spirit. We seek to teach people to be like we think they should be and, when, we think they should be that way.

When we look at the verse of scripture mentioned in ( Ephesians ) it plainly says ( the he might ). It’s Christ that desires to change you and not a local assembly. If we stop here and use the Apostle Peter for an example; what can we learn? Jesus Christ had been placed on the Cross, died and rose again long before the Apostle Peter ever even come close to being all Christ desired him to be.

In our Churches we don’t like putting up with the ( spiritually immature ) believers and we will even consider them as still lost. When we have ( children in the flesh ) it takes time for them to grow to maturity, spiritually, we don’t have the patience for that. We become phariseeical in our way of looking at things. We set the growth pattern of those that say they are saved and will not allow the Holy Spirit to do so. Therefore, if we consider people, by their actions to still be lost then we ( cast them out ).

Now, I’ll show you one other verse we are very guilty of in our ( religiously minded Churches ) Romans 2:15 ) Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or excusing one another: )

Exactly what does that mean? It means, if we like someone, we’ll put up with what they do. ( excuse them ) but, if we don’t like someone ( we accuse them ). Is that not like the pharisees?

He says ( WOE UNTO THEM ) The way it is designed to work is that a true pastor preaches with the power of the Holy Spirit. In other words, it’s God speaking and not him. This power is going to do one of two things. You are either going to be ( cleansed, washed by the word ) or, you will not stay in that ( spirit filled Church ).

The design of our Churches today is set by the ( mindsets of professors in universities ) and not by the Spirit of God. They have built a system where we teach people how they should live to suit them and not God the Father.

As a matter of fact, our Churches set a very low expectation of what we might be called ( spirituallity ) or what we would consider spiritual maturity. We are even very careful how much of the true spiritual teaching we do, not ever to be offensive to sinners. Our Churches are more concerned with numbers that they are spiritual groweth.

(Woe unto )! any pastor or teacher that teaches or falls into this trap!

The next pharse and man we see is ( Balaam ) ( And ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward. What was or, is meant by the ( error of Balaam )? Because of the weakness of our flesh, the flesh of all men, these two men can be closely tied together. However, Balaam assumed, reasoning from natural morality and, seeing the evil in Israel, God had to curse them.

I feel it necessary to point out all three things we see in scripture about Balaam. ( The error of Balaam ) ( The doctrine of Balaam ) and ( the way of Balaam ).

We see the ( error ). I often tell people that the only person that I can say for sure that has salvation is me. It’s actually the same with saying someone does not know Jesus Christ or, saying they are lost, I can’t judge them. When we look at a person and believe that they have to be cursed ( so to speak ) because of the evil we see in them then we commit the ( error of Balaam ).

The promise that God made to Israel and the blessings thereof were not based on anything Israel did or didn’t do. God’s promise to Israel still stands fast. Israel will inherit this earth. Do you think Israel’s actions caught God by surprize? I think not. Everything we see in scripture is going perfectly according to God’s plan.

Balaam assumed! t That was his error. When a pastor assumes, that becomes his error. ( woe unto him )! Can I insert some things here that I’ll even say I have been guilty of in years past? Far too often we are more concerned about how our Church looks, how we are seen as a church because of the actions of people, our members than we are the actual salvation of the souls we say we love. ( we assume ). We cast people aside when we don’t agree with how they live or, what sin they struggle with, ( assuming ) since they are not like we are, we can curse them because that’s what God’s going to do. We don’t want our Church to be spotted or, the pastor doesn’t want to be seen by his peers as allowing things that others won’t put up with.

What we fail to understand in the ( error we make ) is that God loves sinners and so should we. Just as God took Israel under his wing and works with them, even until this day; we should do ( born again sinners ) the same way. Salvation, when it happens to a new born believer, does not in any way make that person perfect. It becomes our responsibility as believers to except them as they are and, help them grow to spiritual maturity. Pastors and many beleievers ( assume ) people are not saved just because of their childish sins, to which we should help them grow and see what God expects of them. ( Woe unto us if we don’t )!

Do you realize that ( if your pastor is Spirit filled ) and, you say you are ( born again ) you have the very same Spirit in you he has in him? Therefore, as you grow spiritually, you have the same responsibilities as he does, what’s the difference?

For example: as you sit in Church, you notice a new believer that is struggling to overcome a certian sin. Why don’t you go and visit them, taking them under your wing and, become their spiritual leader, one on one. Forget Sunday School and even Church, work with them as the days go by. Why not? Far too often we simply become critical, even of our pastor or Church leaders because they don’t fix them or dismiss them. ( we assume ) that since they are not like us, the must be cursed.

THE WAY OF BALAAM

2 PETER 2:15

WHICH HAVE FORSAKEN THE RIGHT WAY, AND ARE GONE ASTRAY, FOLLOWING THE WAY OF BALAAM THE SON OF BOSOR, WHO LOVE THE WAGES OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS:

Balaam has a gift, shall we say ( God Given )? He was a prophet. As he watched Israel and realized their ungodliness he began to listen to someone else, to be led by another. We see this in ( Numbers 22 ) Since ( he assumed that God had to curse Israel he listened and, agreed to take ( gain )for himself, from another to curse Israel.

( In my opinion ) God the Father, through the voice of the Holy Spirit is the only person that any person or pastor should ever listen to. When we involve ( money ) in that picture, it becomes a problem. In other words; no pastor is every hired by any man or group of men. This is or, can be considerd ( the way of Balaam ).

The Apostle Paul is the Apostle to the Church. We can see in his letters to the Church that he said ( he learned that whatsoever state he was in, therewith to be content. I know how to be abased and, to abound. ( Philippians 4: 11-13 ). Let’s consider this for a while. A man is never led to come as pastor to a Church. He is led by God to come to an area. Let’s say a man is led to an area and, it happen to be a Church in that area that is seeking a pastor. The man comes and preaches to those people in that perspective Church. Well, once he’s there and begins to preach with the Power of God by the Holy Spirit; the people don’t like his stands and chooses to dismiss him. Therefore, why not simply go and rent a building in that area, still preaching with the same power.

If that doesn’t happen, was it money, people or something else that really led him to that place? If a man comes to your Church, seeking to be your pastor, In your communication with him, he sets a certian salary that it will take for him to come. What is his true motivation? ( The way of Balaam ) has become a real problem in our local Churches. In most cases, the members dictate what is taught therefore, they are willing to pay whatsoever they need to; that they might have a pastor to say what they like to hear.

More than likely, if a man came, by chance, with the power of the Holy Spirit upon him. If that Church asked him how much it would take for him to come and , he answered: I don’t want your money, I’ll find a job if need be. My desire is to preach with God’s power and, to see people truly saved, and growing in his grace. More than likely he’ll be rejected.

Often, in our religious schools, we are taught ( the way of Balaam ). We want money to deliver the message you like and, we also reject those that are not like us. ( WOE UNTO THEM )!

THE DOCTRINE OF BALAAM

REVELATION 2:14

BUT I HAVE A FEW THINGS AGAINST THEE, BECAUSE THOU HAST THERE THEM THAT HOLD THE DOCTRINE OF BALAAM, WHO TAUGHT BALAC TO CAST A STUMBLINGBLOCK BEFORE THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, TO EAT THINGS SACRIFICED UNTO IDOLS, AND TO COMMIT FORNICATION.

Actually, ( the doctrine of Balaam ) or what he desired to do was to corrupt Israel. He could not curse them therefore, he set out to corrupt them. We need to consider something here. Look at this phrase in ( Ephesians 5:26 ) THAT HE MIGHT SANCTIFY AND CLEANSE IT . If you will notice the word ( it ) signifies a thing. ( The Church ) is that thing. Just as Israel was ( a thing ) in that respect. The nation of Israel ( that thing ) was filled with people. ( The Church ) is filled with people. Each of those people are responsible for their own spiritual wellbeing.

Look at this verse: ( 2 Peter 1:10 ) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

In ( Revelation 2 ) Jesus is speaking to individual Churches, seven of them to be exact. He is not addressing the ( universal Church ). Within each of these seven Churches, more than likely there were people that were doing exactly what the Apostle Peter were telling them to but, the local Church itself was corrupt, the leadership was corrupt. The doctrine of those Churches were basically not pleasing to our Lord.

God never intended for us to fall in love with a building. His desire for his Church is to search the scriptures, to know truth as revealed by the Holy Spirit. This, therefore to have (it ) ( the universal ) ( the body of Christ ) sanctified and washed by his word and not by man.

I truly believe that there are many pastors, members of local Churches and whole denominations that are following to doctrine of Balaam and don’t even realize they are not pleasing to God. The problem is; how do you spiritually open their eyes that they might see? If you read ( Numbers 22:21- 21 ) you see that Balaam’s ass was enabled to speak to him and reveal truth to him, to stop what he was attempting to do.

Now, I want you to notice another verse of scripture: ( 1 Corinthians 6:4 ) If then ye have judgements of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the Church.

In this Church, if you will study through the previous chapters you will see that corruption had set in. The men that were suppossingly the leaders were putting up with, excepting this corruption. The Apostle Paul said to allow the least esteemed among you to judge in these matters.

As far as the leadership, well educated in the average Church, they would never listen to ( the least esteemed. However, is that not the same picture as ( Balaam and the dumb ass )? Who would have ever thought that a donkey would be more apt to listen to the spirit of God that ( what we consider ) God’s man?

When we stop loving pastors, people and building and, begin to fall in love with God’s word to the point we stand on that word against all others, then we have reached the diligence of the calling God desires for his Church to reach.

THE GAINSAYING OF CORE ( JUDE 1:11 )

This is referring back to Korah in ( Numbers 16;30-31) But if the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit: then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord. ( 31 ) And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, the ground clave assunder that was under them: ( 32 ) And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.

Korah’s sin was not yielding to God’s authority. At that time it was Moses that God used to speak to his Children. Therefore, who is that God uses to speak to the Church, those that are born again today? That would be none other that the Holy Spirit that lives within each believer. It’s the believer’s that are suppose to hear that voice. If any man, being a teacher, pastor or denomination says things ar does things, excepts things contrary to what the Spirit of God within you revealed to you to be truth then we are taught ( of such to turn away ).

There was an evangelist in early centuries call ( Jonathan Edwards ). He preached a message called ( Sinners in the hands of an angry God. ) You can get that message in print today if you like. In that meesage he made a statement something like this. He said you would be stepping along, one step at a time. However, one step you take, the earth will not be there and , you will step of into a Devil’s hell, just that quick, hell will be your eternal home.

The average Church member today take very little time to truly study God’s word. We simple gobble up what men, denominations are teaching us. In reality, most are simply memebrs of a Church, baptized into that Church family but have never been born again.

In these last days, God is speaking through his Spirit just as he did to the nation of Israel. He’s saying ( seperate yourselves from this Apostate Church and, choose this day to whom you will serve. If Church people are not careful they will be stand in the wrong place, in complete ignorance of what the truth is, hell will be their eternal home.

If you would like to call me ( A dumb ass speaking ) then so be it. However, it’s actually not me I desire for you to hear. My desire is for each of you to hear God, as he speaks through and by his Holy Spirit. If he can use me as a vessel to help you see truth then to ( HIM BE ALL THE GLORY ).

My only desire is to reach those that are lost, confused and terribly mislead for his glory.

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

MARK 7:28

AND SHE ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HIM, YES,LORD: YET THE DOGS UNDER THE TABLE EAT OF THE CHILDREN’S CRUMBS.

I’d like to make a point about these crumbs that feel from the rich man’s table. But first; let’s look at the difference in this same story in the two gospels it’s told in. The woman is a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation. In other words, she is not a Jew, a member of the nation of Israel. We can also see this story in ( Matthew 15 ). Look at what Jesus says the her in ( Verses 24-26 ) But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. ( 25 ) Then came she ans worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. ( 26 ) But he answewred and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and cast it to dogs.

In the book of Matthew; Jesus is revealed as the King of the Jews. He is seen as their Messiah. It is to the Jews only. In the book of Mark; Jesus is revealed as the servant of man. This is a totally different way of seeing him and, he is even recognizing himself as a servant, willing to help all people.

Notice the change in how he addresses the woman ( Mark 7:27 ) But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the Children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.

Here, we see his willingness to serve the woman but, he is making sure the it is to Israel first. In Matthew he tells her ( great faith ) ( be it unto thee even as thy wilt ). In Mark, ( verse 28 ) And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs.

Jesus says ( for this saying ) go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.

As a Bible student; what this woman just did was to recognize the importance of Israel first, yet she was still desirous of the healing hand of Jesus. She had great faith in his ability to help her.

I’d like to use these scriptures to bring a point home that we seldom consider. Here, in these verse, the ( crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table ) is nothing short of the ( word of God ) ( the Bible ) we hold in out hands. I could bring that a little closer and say that the New Testament is a love letter to the Gentiles. Although, we also get to read the Old Testament as well. We get to see how it all ties together, all for the glory of God.

As far back as Adam and Eve, it’s always been about having faith in God and, believing, trusting in him. We are blessed in our time to have the Word of God. For instance, Moses wrote the first five books we see in the Bible. However, how many people in that day actually had a copy of those books? How many other things did Moses write or, how much more did Moses do that is not recorded in the book we call the Bible?

My point is that ( the Bible ) is not all God knows however, it is all we need to know to get to know him. I know I’ve made this statement before but, in the 1880’s men removesd some books from what we call the Bible. As I considered this, I wondered about what gave them the authority to do that? As I considered this I realized that I will never live long enough to understand the sixty/ six books I hold in my hand.

Abraham lived 460 years before God handed the Ten Commands down to Moses. What did he have to bring about faith in God? Imagine, if we only had word of mouth, what someone else had to say about what they had seen or heard, what had happened to them.

God the Father, the God of this Universe knows things that we, as people will never understand, not in this life. But, what a blessing it is to have a book ( the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table ) to feed us spiritually in our every day life.

Can you imagine what it will be like when we have the complete mind of Christ? When we see him as he is?

Look what this woman received? Just from the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Because of her faith, her child was bless. The Apostle Paul made a statement in ( Acts 16:31 ) And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Do you see here that the Apoatle is proclaiming salvation for a man’s ( whole house ) just because he has faith or Believes in Jesus Christ. It’s the same picture as the woman and her child.

When we apply the word of God, our faith in Christ to our lives and allow that spiritual mindset to be seen. That faith and this simple verse can change the hearts of men.

( All this: from the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table ).

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR, AND KNOCK: IF ANY MAN HEAR MY VOICE, AND OPEN THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN TO HIM, AND WILL SUP WITH HIM, AND HE WITH ME.

I realize that many things I might say here might not be agreed with by some. However, that’s the responsibility of God’s Spirit to teach beyond what I might say, to reveal truth to those that truly seek it.

( I believe ) that the beginning of the next chapter ( chapter four ) is where the rapture takes place. Jesus Christ himself is charging his Church in these verses that preceed his return. He actually goes through the complete Church age, from the beginning in ( Acts 2 ) right up to the point of his return. He mentions seven Churches here. If we desire to; we can find a discription of the Church we attend in one of these seven Churches.

We often here this verse used in salvation messages. Saying that Jesus is knocking on the heart’s door and only that individual can open unto him that he might come in. While this verse can be used in that way; in reality. he’s speaking to the Church. If you read through the seven Churches you will notice he often says ( he has somewhat against them ).

In the last Church, just before he makes the statement we are discussing, ( Laodicea ) He says they are neither cold nor hot. He says: ( I would thou wert cold or hot ). meaning ( I wish you were something ) but you are nothing. This needs to be seen in a spiritual sense. I can see how this represents the Church in our time.

Now, look at what he says about these people. ( verse 17 ) Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing. That’s how the ( worldly Church ) sees itseff today, in the time we live in. They, the members think they are doing fine but, never even consider how God the Father might see them.

Speaking of this; let’s look at another verse found in ( Revelation 22:18-19 ) For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: ( 19 ) And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Exactly what does all this mean? With this question in mind; let’s now go back to ( Revelation 3 ) and finish ( verse 18 ). This is how God sees the average Church today. ( and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

If I say to you ( only you can decide what kind of Church you attend ) then, does that not in itself create a problem?

If we go back to the verses in ( Revelation 22 ). Let’s analyze what we see. Let’s start with scripture. I understand that somewhere around the 1880’s men decided to remove some books from the Bible. Even back that far men began to try and write new versions of the Bible. At that time it was not well received but, it slowly caught hold and now many use differet translations of scripture.

Personally, while I tend to stick with the ( King James Bible ) I actually don’t see that as the real root of the problem. The real problem is in our lack of willingness to ( teach and preach ) the word of scripture; no matter how it’s worded. We can argue all day about the translating of scripture but, if a man is not willing to teach and preach what the Holy Spirit tell him to say then the rest is a mute point.

In reality, Jesus Christ is what makes any Church powerful, beautiful and rich in God the Father’s eyes. When we shut him outside our Churches and refuse to let him in then that’s when we become wretcthed,miserable, poor, blind and naked.

It takes a pastor or teacher that is willing to help you see just how wretched,miserable, poor, blind and naked you are. The average pastor, teacher needs to, on a given Sunday, walk to the door of the room or building and make this statement. ( When he opens the door ) He needs to say ( Come on in Jesus ) starting today wea are going to let you preach and teach.

You might say, can’t I just read the Bible without the help of a preacher or teacher? Again, we can make that argument however, look at these verses: ( Romans 10:13-15 ) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ( 14 ) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shal they hear without a preacher? ( 15 ) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.

I often say that God, by his spirit is the father of salvatio. The Church is the mother. We need preachers to inject that power into the Church building. That is the way that God designed his will to be seen in this world. The stirring of God’s spirit within a building and, then the power of preaching his word with that same spirit is what draws conviction unto salvation and, conviction unto transformation of the believer, causing them to be more like Christ after each message.

The power of God is, in the word of God which is; Jesus Christ. He is here in the form of the Holy Spirit and, that Spirit moves when men preach with power unto salvation. We live in a time when we only allow Jesus to show up ( in name only ). We don’t mind having his name mentioned in our Churches as long as there is no power that comes with that name.

The power right outside of every Church has the power to bring real salvation. It has the power to transform those that are within into a vessel ( fit for the master’s use ). A vessel that, once it leaves that building will shed the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ to every person that comes in contact with that single believer.

If you are a person that has to admit that your whole ( Christian identity ) starts and stops at the door of a Church building then; I’d check to make sure my salvation is real. Consider this; a lot of people that say they are christians don’t even memtion the name of Christ inside the Church so, you know he’s not talked about outside that building.

HE STANDS AT THE DOOR AND KNOCKS ( WILL YOU LET HIM IN ) ?

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7