THE ACTUAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS

I can see from a spiritual mindset that the basic things we need to learn about the responsibilities of life in general are never taught. I realize that this in itself can vary from family to family or, from parent to parent. However, with that being said. What do we see in our world today? We see a failure of the simpliest things being taught in truth. If I ask you; are we as a worldly community in better shape now that we were a hundred years ago, what would your answer be? If you can see the decline in our morals and, our spiritual values then , we can’t blame that on our children can we?

I would also add within this mindset; the decline of spiritual teaching in our local Churches. However, it’s understood that Churches are made up of men and women ( parents ). This might be a good place to begin. The failure of fathers being able to take the leadership role in his own household is primary in everything. It brings about the enablity of our Churches to function in the spiritual light that they should be able to. For instance; let’s say a child is being unruly in Church. Therefore, the father simply takes the child up and takes it out of service to spank that child in a disciplinary manner. Is the mother going to take sides with the father or the child? If you see that the mother is dictating the rules in the home then it will be the same in our Churches, all the way to the pulpit.

God lays out a chain of command. If that chain is broken then the whole concept of spiritual life and, the possibility of teaching our children to be responsible adults goes out of the window. That being, in our homes and, in our Churches. Therefore, we wonder what has happened in our world. ( WE LOST THE CHAIN OF COMMAND ).

With this being stated, until we realize what our roles are in the family and, in our Churches it will continue to go down hill. Do you remember the days when a mother might say to her son: ( wait until your father gets home ) and, it actually meant something? What did it mean? It meant that mother was submissive to her husband and she expected her children to be submissive to her. This means that she and her husband were one in the same, no difference.

Let me show you something we never stop to cansider. Just in your mind as you read this question, you answer it to the best of your knowledge. ( How old is a boy or, a girl before God calls them a man and woman? Do you have you answer? Well, let’s let the word of God answer it for us. ( 1 Corinthians 7:36-37 ) 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. ( 37 ) Nevertheless, he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

I point these verses out to show you how old a young woman and man can be when they choose to marry. The flower of her age is when she becomes able to have children. Would you agree that is around the age of twelve or thirteen? The next verse we looked at here tells us that, it doesn’t mean that they will marry at that age but they can. If wisdom has been taugth by their parents, it’s very unlikely they will. It just shows us just how short of time parents have to bring their children to a mature mindset.

So; what are we saying here? We are saying that by the age of twelve or thirteen a young man needs to be mature enpugh to know how to be a gentleman, how to treat his ( virgin ) or girlfriend. It’s the very same way with a young woman. Consider: a baby is born a girl, no choice of her own, as she grows; one day she become a woman, no choice of her own. However, whether she is a lady or not is completely up to her. A boy is the exact same way. It’s completely up to him whether he’s a gentleman or not.

The problem within this as I see it is this. It’s a natural thing not to be a lady or gentleman. That; because of the lust of the flesh. We must be taught by our parents how to be what we are supposed to be. When our parents don’t take on the physical and spiritual responsibilities as they should then the children are the actual losers and, also every generation beyond them.

A parent must understand that the child, the baby they hold in their lap is completely dependant on them. That is physically and spiritually. I realize that we, as parents cannot force anything on our Children however, who we are and, the actions we take mean a lot toward what they do. And, truly we have a very short window to do all we need to do and teach. Do you realize that a new born baby doesn’t understand neither love or hate? I can see how a baby can grow to have confidence in his mother and possibly, even his father before they are born but, once they are born they have to be taught that those attributes are real. They have to find stability in all that you say. If you, as a parent, say that you love your child but, your action don’t show that love then, what are they taught?

true parental love

Am I even intelligent enough to difine all this might have within its boundries or, does it even have boundaries? Either way, can’t you see the need for a parent to at least consider what they need to understand even before their child is born? I will say this; I believe that ( true parental love ) will not be understood by a child until they are at a more mature age. Some of it won’t be seen until they are parents themselves.

A friend of mine told me once that for a battery to operate properly; it needed an equal amount of both, pessitive and negative. This concept can also be seen in scripture. When we show too much of what we call love, we spoil our children. When we use too much discipline, we drive our children away from what we could teach them. My grandpa put it this way. ( If I see you doing something that you shouldn’t ) but it’s not going to harm you; unless you know I see you, I won’t say a word. But, ( if you know I see you then, I’ll correct you ).

His point was that children often learn by trial and error. We must let then be children and not always hoovering over them. However, at the same time we must maintain a certain level of parental control. Can you see how ( loving discipline can be just as powerful as a firm hand? What if ( God the Father ) used a firm hand on you every time you were disobedient. He sees it everytime! ( True parental love ) is the most powerful deterant that it will ever be. I know my children might tell you I wasn’t the most perfect parent but; they have shared with me that often times when they were out, away from me. When they had an opportunity to do certain things; the thought would come to their mind, ( what would daddy think ). Therefore, that love constrained them.

THe Bible says this: ( 1 John 4:19 ) WE LOVE HIM, BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US. In that verse, where did the love begin? God the Father is the perfect parent. I’m going to teach a little scripture here. In ( Acts 5:5 ) And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: ( AND GREAT FEAR CAME ON ALL OF THEM THAT HEARD THESE THINGS ). We see the word ( fear ) used here. However, if we go back to ( 1 John 4:18 ) it says this: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Therefore, let’s build: ( true parental love ) here. In ( Acts 2 ) we see the birth of the Church. What we are witnessing is God’s children, just born and, God’s hand of discipline on them. You might look at the death of Ananias and Sapphira as ( harsh punishment ) but, God the Father sees it as necessay to make a strong point here while his children are small, so to speak. This act brought about ( fear ) in those that believed. Using a metaphor; when my children just began to pull themselves up at the coffee table. They would see things on the coffee table that they were curious about. They would take their little hands and reach for that item. At that, I would say ( no, that’s not yours ). In the beginning they would simply leave it alone. However, as days went by, and I continued to say ( no ) tey begin to change. When I would say ( no ) they would look at me and, continue to reach for the item. When That happened, I slapped their little hands. They thought that was harsh but they learned ( fear ) of what was coming if they ( touched ) the things that were not theirs. They learned when I said no, if they did’t stop, pain was coming.

My children were close in age. Therefore the younger learned from seeing the older being punished. That’s what we see in ( Acts 5 ). Once that mindset is established then maturity begins. As my children grew; that fear of punishment went away and, it was replaced with a loving desire to be pleasing to their loving father.

The Church is supposingly the very same way. What we see in our Churches today and, in many home is a picture of ( no respect ) for God the Father or, ( no respect ) for parents in the home. Now, again; still teaching. We don’t see, in scripture where God killed any other person for disciplinary reasons but, look at tis verse: ( 1 Corinthians 5:6 ) To deliver such an one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

God still pays attention to what happens however, one day rhe Church grew up. I can show you when. ( 1 Corinthians 13:10 ) But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. ( That which is perfect is ) ( the word of God ). When God completed the Bible, some things Changed.

Our Children grow up as well. It come a a day when you don’t punish them any more. If your Children have reached the age of twelve or thirteen and, you still need to punish them physically, something is wrong. Let’s look at one more verse: ( Ephesians 4:30 ) And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. It comes a day within the life ( of the Church ) that God is very grieved with what he sees, it’s the same way with a godly father but, if the Church won’t listen to instruction or, a child then, there will be a price to pay. That is what is so grieving in the heart of ( a loving father or mother ).

In closing, I don’t know whether I taught this well or not. I’ll have to leave it to the Holy Spirit within the reader to do the real teaching. After all, it’s up to you as an individual to come to an understanding of what ( true parental love ) is and, how it plays out in your personal life.

We will continue: The next segment ( IGNORANCE IS BLISS )

MY DESIRE

As a father and also a grandfather I have watched my children and, most of my grandchildren grow to physical maturity. My oldest gransdaughter is now ( twenty-one ) years old. I often emailed my grandchildren and explained to them that I can now teach them things that I could not teach my children or, their parents. Age, in itself is educational. I remember watching my daughters as they grew. I knew that their life would unfold right before my eyes and, they didn’t have any idea what was in front of them. We’ll look at that more in the next segments.

As a man that has spent the : now, majority of his life seeking to understand God’s word, it’s my desire to teach our younger generation, as they go foward some spiritual wisdom they need or, atleast it would be to their life long benefit to know and understand some things that they might not even consider now.

Just in the very beginning, let’s watch every life unfold in scripture. ( 1 John 2:16 ) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but of the world.

Every person goes through each of these stages in their life. Basically, we never completely get over any of them. However, when people reach my age ( 70 ) and, even before we begin to wonder, what have I done with my life? That is the pride of life. We begin our lives lusting in our flesh. As we grow, we begin to see things we desire. If you will notice, your grandparents, if you ask them what they desire for their birthday. In most cases it’s not anything they want. While, when we are young we desire all kinds of things.

The struggle, people like me might have would be getting younger people to hear and understand that their life is going to unfold. When we are young we have a tendency to think we will always be. If we are not careful and, if we are not taught wisdom then we will fail in our life’s journey.

Is it possible for me to help you see that; this life and, all that you can see with your eyes is, at its best, temporal? Even, everything about you is temporal. Change is coming.

( I believe ) that most parents spend so much time seeking to prepare their children for this world that we spend little time perparing them for eternity. And, that being to place we all will spend the most time. As a matter of fact: the time we have on this earth is simply a preperation place to prepare for eternity. If we use the letters in the word ( Bible ) as an acronym, what would it mean?

B- basic

I- instructions

B- before

L- leaving

E- earth

My burden, my heart is heavy. And that, even for my children and grandchildren. With that being said I realize that it’s not I that has the ability to change any person. Therefore, my desire must be for those, other than my family as well. Within that; I trust God’s Holy Spirit to do the work in hearts that I cannot.

My prayer is that God ‘s Spirit can use the things I write for his glory and, to open the eyse of the young people of this world. With this being stated and prayfully moving foward, we’ll begin with ( THE ACTUAL RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENTS ).

Acts 17:27

THAT THEY SHOULD SEEK THE LORD, IF HAPLY THEY MIGHT FEEL AFTER HIM, AND FIND HIM, THOUGH HE BE NOT FAR FROM EVERY ONE OF US:

Matthew 13:45-46

AGAIN,THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE UNTO A MERCHANT MAN, SEEKING GOODLY PEARLS: ( 46 ) WHO, WHEN HE HAD FOUND ONE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE, WENT OUT AND SOLD ALL THAT HE HAD, AND BOUGHT IT.

As we read the verse ( Acts 17:27 ) we see that the Apostle Paul is speaking to a group of people that are worshipping an unknown God. He making the point that, if they seek after him, possibly they will find him because, no matter where you are, he is not very far off. In the next verses ( Matthew 13: 45-46 ) the picture we see is one of known value. Once you find what you are looking for it’s worth you selling everything else you have and buying that one ( pearl of great price ).

We live in a world; that from the very beginning of time man, being inspired by Satan himself has sought to hide the very understanding of the one and true God from every person in every conceivable way. Yet, depending on your own desire, you can still find him and know him on a very personal level today if you have a passion to do so.

In ( Acts 17: 26 ) we see this. ( THE BOUNDS OF THEIR HABITATION ). What is he saying here? As we look at this, common sense tells us that ( this earth ) is our habitat. He set the bounds of our habitat. It also says that he made all men of one blood. That means that there is no difference in any of us that dwell on this earth.

As we consider this; what would be the one thing that would seperate mandkind from this earth but, cause us to stiil live here as the place of our habitat? Within the answer to this question is the answer of what principality you actually follow.

The verse we see in ( Acts 17:27 ), in my mind shows us just how dark this world we live in is, if we simply take the verse and leave it in context. It’s almost like saying you are searching for a small object in complete darkness. You are taking your hand and feeling around for something that is very close to you but, not easy to feel or find.

In reality, God is not that hard to find. However, the darkness created by this world and, the men that live here covers the light that he puts forth. This, my friend is by design whether we like to admit it or not. Look at two verses of scripture we see in ( Ephesians ). The first is found in ( 6:12 ) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Helen Keller, a lady that was both death and blind. was once asked the question. What could possibly be worse that being blind and death? to that question, she replied: Having twenty-twenty vision and not being able to see.

In the verse we just read; that is what this world and, all that is in this world seeks to acccomplish. Its sole desire is to keep you in complete spiritual darkness although you are very capable of gaining all the knowledge that God’s Spirit has to offer. Let me present you a question. If you took all the money, all the prestiage and honor out of every Church building, college, university and simply left it up to God having all the glory for it all. How long would any of those that teach or pastor those plases still be in existance?

The real problem with most things of this world is that they are far too attached to this world by ( spiritual wickedness ) ( power ) ( rulers of darkness ) ( flesh and blood ). When it comes right down to the bear facts, what is it in this world that you truly need? Do you need a building to worship God? Do you need a school to be taught by him? Do you need money that he might be satisfied?

Are we deceived by the principalities of this world into thinking that God is pleased with what we are doing and, all of our struggles to do certain things that they teach us to do; are actually designed to keep them in the positions they are in?

We, every one of us, live in this world. We are here and, God made this our habitat but, this does not have to be our home and, we do not have to abide by the principalities of this world. There is something else that is a ( hidden mystery ) also here. We must or, we can find it if we ( haply seek after it )( feel for it ). It’s hidden among all the commitees, special ministeries, activities and social things that we try our best to be a part of. All the things of this world are like straws in a hay stack and, we, as individuals are seeking for the needle in the midst of it all. Believe it or not; in most cases even the principality of the Church is designed to blind you from the truth of scripture. Can I prove that? Well, you prove it to yourself.

You must understand that it’s you, as an individual that must stand before God. You say you got saved, you got baptized, you joined Church. Do you know you are going to heaven when you did? How did you answer that question? How If you answered ( I hope so ) then how long have you been taught by the pastor of your Church, your Sunday School teacher? Yet. still you have no answer that that one simple question. Why not? Because it is a principality of this world and, you are a part of it.

Now, let’s look at another verse: ( Ephesians 3:10 ) To the entent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God,

I wanted to show you that verse but, let’s read the one just before that one. ( Ephesians 3:9 )And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Therefore, we see another principality, not of the world. This principality and the powers are in ( heavenly places ). ( Might be known ) ( by the Church ). Before we get into the depth of this, let’s notice one other phrase: ( all men see what if the fellowship of the mystery ). This verse and, what is being said here is ( the needle in the haystack ).

So, let’s look at a few things just randomly. Let’s begin with ( by the Church ). In ( Ephesians 3:10 ) is says ( known by the Church ). This concept, the Church was not even considered in the OldTestament. Jesus Christ mentioned this in ( Matthew 16:18 ) And I say unto thee, That thou art Peter , and upon this rock I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. ( The Church ) was ( hid in God ). When I say that it wasn’t seen in the Old Testament, that is not completely true. Jesus Christ and the twelve apostles lived in the last days of the Old testament. The concept of the Church was being laid out, the foundation was being laid in the last days of the Old Testament. We can even argue that it can be seen all through the Old Testament with our spiritual eyes but, not by the world.

Just as Jesus Christ was not goverened by the ( principalities ) of this world, neither is the Church. The principalities and powers that govern the Church comes from above. The problem is, if you consider it a problem, that the only way you can hear or understand the principlities and powers that govern the Church is to be born into the Church.

The Church is an invisible body that houses every person that has ever been born again, since its conception in ( Acts 2 ). With that statement; I’d like to add this. There were people that believed in the Old Testament right up untild the day of the conception of the Church and, once that body; ( the Church ) is complete and, it is rapture out of this world, there with be other people that believe in the tribulation period. However, ( I believe ) that those people saved outside of that period of time will possibly have a different relationship with Jesus Christ than the people saved inside that period of time.

I can also see how ( the Church ) being ( hid in God ) could have all people that believe as part of the body of Christ. The main point is that it is completely seperate from any part of this world and, that means, the time before Christ and, the time after Christ.

Athough Jesus Christ died and rose again for the sins of this world. The world has to be born into the ( body of Christ ) which is ( the Church ) in order to get to heaven. I always try and point out that the place we, as believers will live is a ( prepared place ) for a ( prepared people ). The place we will reside is described in ( Revelation 21 ). This world is not our home. We are governed by ( principalities and powers ) beyond this world.

We often confuse to responsibilities we have. Look at these verses: ( Romans 13:1- 5 ) Let every soul be subject unto higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. ( 2 ) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. ( 3 ) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: ( 4 ) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. ( 5 ) Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

I feel that we miss this concept of being born into God’s family; ( the Church ). Let me see if I can explain the two or, the difference therein. A member of this world rides down a road and, that person thinks they see ( the Church ). What they see is a building with the name ( Church ) in front of it. I’ve heard many people make this statement; If one of the members of that Church is going to heaven then, I shouldn’t have a problem and, I lot of other people are also going as well. The person they are referring to might be a member of that local assemby but that doesn’t mean they are a member of the Church, that body that you have to be born unto.

I realize that today, there are many laws that govern us that we don’t see in scripture. However, those laws are based on the laws we see in scripture. The verses we read in ( Romans ) are telling us that we are subject to those laws. It says that the men and women that are in charge of the enforcement of those laws are ( ordained by God ). It says that they are there for good and not for evil. In other words, the principalities of the world are supposed to be ( ordained of God ). Those principalities should never force any believer to do things that would be contrary to God’s word. If they do then our loyality is first and formost to Jesus Christ, enforcing the ( powers and principalities ) that come from above.

There are two at least two ways to be ( subject ) to the laws of men. ( 1 ) to abide by that law. ( 2 ) If we break that law, pay the price thereof. If man make a law that I cannot obey because of the peinciples I follow then I will gladly ( pay the price thereof ). By God’s grace, even unto death.

This is actually my whole purpose in writing this. Many people think and, are even taught that as long as they keep the law, that makes then right with God. The problem with that statement is that we are not governed by the principalities of this world.

Let’s study this verse and try to understand our roles as believers, member of the universal Church. ( 1 Corinthians 6:12 ) All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

I was born as a citizen of this world. One day; I was born again. On that day, at that moment, although I still live in this world, I became a member of another place. I was born into a body that one day will be removed from this world and, we will live in a new place or city. Since I am born again, I am not bound by the laws of this world. ( all things are lawful unto me ). However, the question I must ask myself is: what do I desire to accomplish while I live on this earth or, in this world? As I consider that question, my answer is, I desire to do God’s will, I desire to take as many people of this world with me as possible, ( placing them within the universal Church ). With this purpose in mind, realizing that God, by the power of his Spirit within me has to do a work; through me, in the hearts of other people then, ( all things are not expedient unto me.

Simply put, I can’t be like this world and still do God’s will. The law of God, to this world says: ( thou shalt not steal ). Do you think I don’t steal because ( the law ) tells me not to steal? That law has no control over me. Whether a law, made by this world is good or bad, it has no control over me. I am now governed by th ( law of Christ ) a completely different principality.

Do you realize that ( love ) is the greatest constraining force that there has ever been? From the most vilest sinner, to the most perfect saint, if I love you, tell me; what will I do to hurt you? The Bible says this: ( Romans 5:5 ) And hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

That place that the world cannot see. We call it the ( universal Church ) Every person that is born into that body had the ( love of God ) shed abroad in their hearts. I must ( expedite ) the love of God that’s in my heart out through my flesh. Why? Because if I don’t you cannot see that love. If you see me doing hurtful things to people such as lying to them, stealing from them, killing them, being jealous of them, coveting what they have then, do you see the love of God in that.

So, now let’s take it a step farther. I told you a while back that I’d heard people say that if certain members of a Church went to heaven that they wouldn’t have a problem, you remember that? Well, let’s look at it another way. There are probably people in that same Church that live almost perfect lives and, there is nothing wrong with that. However, if I am a lost person, lost without Christ, what does their right living do for me?

The fact that I live a good life or, you live a good life will never save one person. to use a metaphor, I have a very warm house and, it’s thirty below zero outside. I see you outside and even show you my warm house but, I never invite you in. What good is all I have to you if I don’t share it.

I don’t have to keep the law to be born again, even if I fall short of that law I am still born again. I keep the law by choice. I do that to put forth a picture of Christ and, to open a door that I might share the Love of God that is shed abroad in my heart. I desire that you receive him into your heart as well.

Since being born again, that is the principle I live by and, it’s not of this world. The world cannot see it unless we as born again believers reveal it through our flesh and, speak the love of Christ through our lips. God desires for each of us to speak his name to the people of this world, to be witnesses to the lost of this world.

The last thing Jesus Christ said before he was taken up was this: ( Matthew 28:19-20 ) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: ( 20 ) Teaching them to abserve all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and, Lo, I will be with you alway, even unto the end of the earth. Amen.

Do you see there wher he says ( whatsoever I have commanded you )/ What did he cammand us? Jesus Christ is the head of the universal Church. That does not mean he is the head of the average local Church does it? I’m going to show you something that most members of the average Church cannot show you. We send missionaries all around this word believing we are ( going into all the world ) however we won’t even witness to our own next door nieghbor, maybe not even our children.

The statement ( whatsoever I have commanded you). What is he saying? Look at this ( John 15:10 ) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

In this verse, who is it that kept the Father’s commandments? Jesus Christ kept the Father’s commandments, every one of us failed at that task. He saying here, I want you to ( keep my commandments ). What are his commandments? Look at what he is saying in this verse. He says the ( love of the Father ( abides in him ) because he kept his commandments, meaning, it was always there. He also says that, ( if we keep his commandments ) his love abides in us, Meaning, it will always be there. Just as God’s love was always seen in Christ, the love of Christ shouls always be seen in each born again believer. ( IT ABIDES )

We see his commandment in the next verse: ( John 15: 12 ) This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Now look at ( verse 13 ) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Do you see another commandment there? However, it’s not a commandment is it? Jesus Christ laid his life down for you? Will you willingly forget yourself, your desires and, become a witness to your friends, children, nieghbors? How can I say I love my nieghbor, my friends, my children but never tell them about Jeus Christ and, their need to have ( the love of God shed abroad in their hearts )?

There are two principalities. One is of this world, the other is from above. Which one of them directs you daily walk? Do you know why pastors of Churches don’t teach this, preach it with power? Why do members of Churches show envy, jealousy, gossip? Why are they so critical of people they see as sinners? Why do they set themselves above other members? Why? Because they are governed by the wrong principles.

Look at this picture. ( John 8:11 ) She said, no man Lord, And Jesus said unto her, neither do I condenm thee: go, and sin no more.

If you read this account you will see that there was a woman taken in the very act of adultery. The men were about to stone her to death. Now, let’s be honest; is it possible one of those men was guilty of the same act? It says that Jesus stooped down and began to write on the ground. It doesn’t say what he was writing however, consider this. Let’s say Jesus was writing the ten commandments. As he wrote; each man there seen the sin he was guilty of and, one by one walked off. Every man, which was her accusers left because they all were sinners.

Are you telling me that since you joined a Church, you are not a sinner? As Church members, we try to do things by the law; Whose law? The law of the world or, the law of Christ? Let’s take a Church that has fifty women as members not counting the men and children. Let’s say that one of those women is taken in adultery. Why wouldn’t the rest of the women gather around that one women, look at the men and say, whose accusing this woman? We love her. Why wouldn’t they stand with her and let her know so? Also add; you ( go and sin no more ). If it’s any place in this world that a sinner should be able to go and, see the ( love of God shed abroad in the hearts of men ) shouldn’t it be at a local Church? Souldn’t even Church members be understood as being capable of falling short as well?

I’m not saying that sin should be an exceptable part of any life but that we, as believers should understand what law we are supposed to recognize as being obedient to.

Why wouldn’t the pastor alone, being a type of Jesus Christ, stand before his Church and do the same thing Christ did? What? Are not all the people in his Church sinners? Pride becomes a problem because we are more concerned about how other people see us than we are about the soul of one person.

The principle of Jesus Christ. What is it and, how does it work? We see that here and, it is in complete conflict with the principles of this world. The one man, out of every man there that could have actually brought condemnation upon this woman, didn’t. He showed her grace and mercy. Do you realize that the law does not have the ability to punish or, to show mercy or grace? The only reason for any law is to show us what wrong or sin is.

( Galatians 3:24 ) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Let’s look at this from the woman’s perspective or, any sinner that sees themselves as such. The woman has sinned, she is guilty ( caught in the very act ). She is standing face to face with the reality of the punishment for that sin. However, there stands Jesus, he stood there and preached a message to all sinners. Now, let’s consider something here. What if each of those men; when they were faced with the conviction of their own sin, would have kneeled down instead of walking off? Can you see how Jesus could have said to every one of them; neither do I condemn you, go, and sin no more?

There’s a difference in ( having your sin revealed to you ) and ( being caught in your sin ). There’s also a difference in understaning to punishment and thinking you can get by. Jesus Christ and his principles causes you to see yourself, realize that you have no other way out and, therefore, we turn to his grace and mercy. Let me give you a for instance. Let’s say that the woman that was caught in the very act of adultery here was standing there looking at the very man she was with. If or, since she was caught in the very act, those men had to know who the man was as well, would you agree? However, shall we say, being good ( Church members ), those men protected their own. In many case ( the Church ) is the way out, they protect their own or, those they like. Many people assume that just because they are members in good standing of a Church, some way they will sneak by. They hide their sin and are never born again, they are just members of a Church. Therefore, although this woman was taken in the very act of Adultery, she could see her demise, wasn’t the the blessed one?

I want to stop and take the time to teach something here. It’s so much to teach concerning the difference in these two principles but, I’d at least like to show you this. It will also help you as you study your Bible. Do you realize this story about the woman taken in adultery is only found in the book of John? There is a reason this is a fact.

The four gospels; the four books in scripture where Jesus Christ actually is the spokesman to man.In the Old Testament; God the Father spoke to man, in the Gospel; God the Son spoke to man and, in the rest of scripture; God the Spirit speaks to man. Jesus, in the Gospels is revealed to man differently in all four Gospels. Although, basically all four are tied together, they are all somewhat different. For instance: ( Matthew ) reveals Jesus Christ as ( the King of the Jews ). We can see his genealogy in Matthew revealed all the way back to King David. In ( Mark ) Jesus Christ is revealed as ( a servant to man ). In Mark we see no genealogy because where a servant comes from is not important. In ( Luke ) Jesus Christ is revealed as ( the Son of Man ). In Luke we see his genealogy all the way back to Adam. In ( John ) we see Jesus Christ revealed as the ( Son of God ). we see no genealogy because God has always been.

Now, I want you to see something about Jesus Christ in: ( Matthew 15: 22-28 ) And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is greivously vexed with a devil. ( 23 ) But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away: for she crieth after us. ( 24 ) But he answered and said, I am not come but unto the lost sheep of Israel. ( 25 ) Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. ( 26 ) But he answered and said, it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and cast it to dogs. ( 27 ) And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from the masters’ table ( 28 ) Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith; be it unto thee even as thy wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Before we move on, let’s look at one more thing. ( Mark 7:27 ) But let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.

Mark is the only other place where this is seen. If you will notice in ( Matthew ) Jesus said only; that it was not meet to casts the children’s bread to the dog. However, in ( Mark ) he said: let the Children be fed first. Do you see the difference? As King, he is only concerned about his kingdom but, as the servant, he was willing but, we must feel the children first. Jesus Christ came to the Jew first. They had the first opporunity to receive him as their king. In ( John ) he is the Son, that came to die for the sins of this world.

In ( Matthew ) he was seen as not reaching out to anyone but the Jews but, in ( John ) he is seen as forgiving to the uttermost, to every person. Even the woman at the well in ( John 4 ). She had been married five times and, the man she was with, she wasn’t married to. However, salvation came to her that day.

I want you to see something else here. ( the crumbs that fell from the Masters’ table ). Under the law, which was actually written to the Hebrew people. It was not written to the Gentiles. We were seen as ( dogs ) unworthy of even being seen as a part of them. They; the Jews looked at us that way. Did you see in ( Matthew ) that the disciples told Jesus to send her away, she was a bother to them?

Friends, ( the crumbs the fell from the Masters’ table ) is the ( Word of God ) you hold in your hand. We are blessed with an abundants of food, rich in spiritual knowledge, if we choose to partake of it. The Word of God is not all that God knows but, it’s all we need to know about him until: ( we are known as he is known ) ( 1 John 3:1-2 ) Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. ( 2 ) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

( 1 Corinthians 13: 11-13 ) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. ( 12 ) For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am known. ( 13 ) And know abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

The verse just before these says ( 10 ) But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

If we look at both of these scripture we see that; at some point in time, God allowed the word of God to be complete. We now have it, hold it and read it. It’s untold what any one person can gain the knowledge of if that person simply sells out to the Holy Spirit and studies God’s word, and that while we live in the flesh. However,one day we see in ( 1 John ) we will be with him and, we shall see him as he is. What a blessing!

What peinciples do you follow? Are you still sold under the ( Principalities of this world )? Or, have you sought ( The Principalities from above ) to govern you life, while you live here?

As a born again believer, I will never be judged by God for how I handled the ( principalities of the world ). Jesus Christ did that, for me on the cross of Calvary. However, I will be Judged, as a believer by how I surrendered to the ( principalities from above ).

SO MUCH TO TEACH; SO SHORT OF TIME.

MAY GOD ADD HIS BLESSINGS TO THE READING OF HIS WORD

I must decrease but, he must increase within me.

Marahall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

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I read something the other day that truly caused me to stop and seek guidance from the Spirit of God that lives within me. It all started as I was seeking to write something about this verse: ( 2 Corinthians 2:11 ) Lest Satan should get an advantage over us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

As I began to look and ponder that thought I wondered about how God’s word has changed over the years and, just how often. For years I’ve known that there were books that use to be in scripture had been taken out of the Bible that I use. I actually use the ( King James Version ) of the Bible. I don’t know but, I assume that the same books are left out of other versions as well.

Did you know that those fourteen books that have now been deleted were still in our English version of the Bible until around the 1880’s? That is a fact that I didn’t know, I got to thinking; who, in the 1880’s was wise and spiritual enough to make that decision? We could take that a step farther and ask another question. Who was it that decided in the beginning; what was and was not God’s word? We see this verse in scripture: ( 2 Peter 1:21 ) For prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

According to that verse: ( holy men of God ) were ( moved by the Holy Ghost ). If we take that verse for what it says; just how many men had that specific gift? If we count the books in the Bible, including to fourteen that are now gone and, figure out just how many different men it was that wrote those books, would that be all of the ( Holy men of God )? Can we assume that no one else wrote anything worth putting in God’s word?

One more thing; since there were men in the 1880’s that were spiritual enough to make the decision to remove books from God’s word; was there then and, could it be now, men that could add books to the Bible? I wondered why that has never been attempted? or, has it? As we look at the verse I began with: ( Lest Satan should get an advantage over us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. When the Apostle Paul penned down that verse; he was speaking to people that had the Spirit of God living within them or, at least he was speaking with that power within him. Another way to look at it would be to say, ( if the Spirit of God is ( living within you ) then you can see what he is saying and, you, because of that Spirit ( are not ignorant ) of his devices.

I make the statement I’m about to make with all due respect and, I am not a judge by any means. However, we must realize that the majority of the people of this world are lost without God. They do not believe or, trust in Jesus Christ and, know nothing about the Spirit of God. This includes the average member of the average Church, even the leaders of those Churches. When we began to believe we can trust men or, our own flesh then; Satan can take advantage of us. Are we so naive to we believe that ( Just Because ) a person stands behind a pulpit or, teaches in a university, he or she is filled with God’s Spirit or, has your best interest in mind?

Satan has attempted to change the truth of God’s word every since the very beginning. He sought to change it in ( Genesis 3:1 ) HATH GOD SAID. Then in ( Acts 4:18 ) And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor to teach in the name of Jesus. This is right after the Church was born. If any person is born again then, the Holy Ghost within them will help them ( not to be ignorant ) of the devices of Satan.

Now, I want to share some things with you, just as a layman, someone that is not educated by men, other than I can read and write. Most people that use another version of scripture other than ( King James ) will agree with me that ( King James ) is an inspired version. The Spirit of God can reveal things to us from this version just as he can other versions. Notice that scripture says that ( Holy men of God ). It was not said that these men wre ( educated men ) but rather that they were ( Holy men ). Why do I say that? In most cases today, if simple people sought to change something in scripture they’d be laughed at as not knowing anything. In most cases, those are not the people that desire to change scripture, they take it as it is. However, it’s ( educated people ) that see a need to change things and, that not ( Holy men of God ). Do you think that in the ( 1880’s ) a group of farmers got together and decided that some books needed to be deleted from our Bible? Not likely! If you go back to the original twelve Apostles and see what they were doing when Jesus called each of them, do you think they would even be considered as spiritual leaders in our religious world today? I think not!

Just as a lay person. Someone that you have no reason to believe anything I say, this is what ( I believe ). Since the beginning, its always been the responsibility of man to put forth the truth about God and how he works, who he is. That has never changed. With that being said, it has always been those that sought to change that truth and, it always will be as long as this world is as it is. God always used men to speak his word, as well as pen it down. In almost, and we might even say ( every case ) the majority of people did not heed to what was being taught at any time in history. God the Father came down in the body of Jesus Christ, even at that, most did not believe that Jesus Christ was God in flesh. Today, God the Spirit lives within the people that believe on Christ. That Spirit within each believer reveals truth to those that believe.

The Bible I hold in my hand has 66 books within its covers. Will I live long enought to understand all that is in that book? Let’s say that the people that wrote my Bible would have chose to leave out ( Psalm 24 ). Would I have known that or missed it? If they added a whole chapter, another psalm to it, would I have know it?

The point I’m making is that the book I hold in my hand and, I call God’s word is inspired by the Holy Ghost of God. God can use it to transforn the heart of man. Either something is inspired by the Holy Spirit or, it is not. Let’s say you found a writing that was written two thousand years ago. However, it’s not found in scripture but, as you read it: God’s Spirit speaks to your heart, it teaches you something you didn’t know. Does that mean it now needs to be part of God’s word? I read things in scripture often that is not inspiring, at that time to me, does that mean it needs to be taken out?

Look at it another way. Before Jesus Christ was, before the New Testament was written, people believed that Jesus Christ would come and be the Savior of the world. That fact was revealed to them by the Holy Ghost. The Bible says in ( John 21:25 ) And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

The Bible is not all that God knows. It is however, all we need to know to meet him by the power of the Holy Ghost and, to know him on a personal level. I would say that the ( Holy Men of God ) that penned down the word of God were not perfect men but, they had a perfect desire to share the truth of God and, reveal him to men.

I want to show something here. There is a book, one of the fourteen that was taken out of scripture in the 1880’s. It’s the book of Macabees. Let’s say you went to a church and a man, filled with the Holy Spirit of God preached a message from that book and, a few people in that service asked Jesus Christ to be their Savior. Would those people be saved? Could we not say that about anything that is inspired by God? We often get very caught up in the ( opinions of men ) and forget about the true power of the Spirit of God.

I’ll share a true story with you. This actually happened to me and a friend of mine one night out on visitation. The two of us went to visit a young couple by the request of the young man’s mother. She was a member of the same Church that we were members of. When we went into the house; I carried my Bible like every other time I went out on visitation. As we sit and talked about out families, occupations and, began to speak about religion, the young man stopped me and asked; what make you think I should believe anything in the book you carry? Why would it be any different than any other book? It’s just words.

This caught me off guard and, I didn’t know how to respond to that. Here I am, my whole life revolves around the word of God but, that doesn’t mean that every person sees things like I see them does it? As I sit their,looking at him, I whispered a prayer and asked the Lord to help me. The Lord quickly answered my prayer. I replied; O.K., and pitched my Bible over on the coffee table in front of me. I said, you doubt that the Bible has anything to do with God or, that it has any special powers, am I correct? He replied; yes, I don’t see anything special about that book.

At that point, I asked him if he, and his wife would allow me to simply tell them a story? He said that would be fine. Basically, I simply began to share a story obout how God the Father, God the Son and, God the Holy Spirit was in heaven at one time and, God the Father spoke and said he was going to destroy all of mankind because all men were ungodly and unworthy of his love. At that, God the Son; being Jesus Christ spoke and said that he didn’t want that to happen. He told the Father, you tell me what I must do that you will except mankind and, I will willingly do that because of my love for them.

I went on to share how God the Father said he must be perfect, never sin and allow himself to be crucified on tha Cross. You, my Son must meet my highest exspectations, you must satisfy my will, if so I’ll raise you from the dead and, by your life and shed blood, all men shall be justified by simply believing in your finished work on that Cross.

I share with that couple that all men were sinners, no exception, that includes me as I sit here and speak to you. Both of you are sinners, just like I am and in need of the grace that God the Father offers you by the blood that Christ Jesus shed on his Cross.

I asked both, that man and his wife. Do you see yourself as a sinner? They both replied; yes. The next thing is what is so special to me. I said to them; do you remember when I first came in, we talked about you family and mine, where we both worked and then began to speak about if you went to Church? They both replied, yes. I said; then I shared this story with you about how God works. Now, I want to ased you a question. All I asked you to do is be honest with me, can you do that? They replied , yes. I said, do you feel something inside of you, a feeling that you didn’t have when we were talking about our families and Jobs, is there something different? They both replied almost instantly, yes, it’s something different within my heart, I feel and know what you are saying.

At that answer, I reached and picked my Bible back up and said. What you feel within you is the third member of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit. God sent him to draw conviction on sinners when truth was revealed to them and, all I did was put this book I hold in my hand in a story form.

That night, both that young man and his wife asked Jesus Christ to come into their hearts and save them. Some years later, I seen him at work one day, he remembered me but, I had to be reminded, by him who he was. What he said was this, you are the man that told me about Jesus that night at my house. Then I remebered.

Why do I share that story. I share it to make the point that it takes more than just scripture to bring about salvation of any person. That is, whether the Bible has 1000 books or only one. It must be powered by God’s Spirit one way or the other. ( I believe ) a person can read only one verse and, salvation by the convicting power of the Holy Ghost can come to that person. On the other hand there are people that study the Bible their whole life but, refuse to believe and, die lost without Jesus Christ.

If and, when salvation does come then, we must be willing to study to know God as revealed by his Spirit. We cannot only trust men to teach us, we must learn to listen to God’s Spirit, the Spirit within us. If you choose to study something other than what we call the Bible then, Just be sure you are led by the Spirit of God as you study.

In closing, God the Father spoke to Moses one day and said: ( WHAT IS THAT IN THINE HAND )?( Exodus 4:2 ) And the Lord said unto him, what is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. We simply need to learn to use what we have for God’s glory. That’s what the Lord was saying to Moses. I can’t use what I don’t have.

I’m very content with the ( King James Bible ) I hold in my hand. As long as this world stands as we know it; man will alway attempt to weaken the word and, power of God. He, man , will do all he can to stop God’s will from being done. That is a known fact. I’ve said this from the beginning of my journey with Christ. Just as the Holy Spirit of God needs a body to work through by design, so does Satan. He also needs a body to work through. It’s my choice to the best of my ability to seek all the knowledge I can from God the Father and, to allow him to use my body for his will.

If men want to add words, books or chapters to God’s word or, if they choose to take some away, that’s their choice. I’ll stick with what I have and will gladly stand before God with the book in my hand. After almost fifty years of studying that one book; I still don’t know all it is to know about it. Therefore, if man chooses to add more to it, I don’t have time to study it all anyway.

If you, as an individual will allow God’s Spirit to teach you; there is a well of knowledge in any one book that is inspired by God’s Spirit. God; has no top, bottom or sides. We as humans can not learn all he is and, what he knows. To God be the Glory.

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

As I look back over the course of almost seventy sears, I wonder, what have I taught my children? I realize that the first twenty years, I was being taught. I’ll have to admit that my dad, in a lot of ways wasn’t the best teacher. or leader. However, even in those years he taught me some lessons that I have used in the process of teaching my children. It’s easy to make a statement like that but, did I do, even as good of a job teaching my children as he did with me?

It’s one plus that I might add to this as I seek to teach through it all. I’ll use a verse of scripture to begin this. ( 2 Timothy 1:5 ) When I call to rememberance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

I realize this verse is using the mother as an example but, it makes the point that I desire to make. No matter what my dad might have been in his early years; he became a spiritual leader to all his grandchildren that, including my children. my children could gleen knowledge from him even as I tried to instruct them. The education went beyond my ability and, could be seen in him. That is exactly the way it is suppose to work. Every generation doing all it can to bring about the glory of God in the next. Every generation teaching and exalting Jesus Christ, the father being the leader of the household.

One of the first things I remember was my dad teaching me to ( plow a straight row ). Although I was driving a tractor, he was taught on a mule. He said they taught him, when he started a row to pick something on the other end of the field between the mule’s ears and keep it there. That would make the row straight. Although I used a tractor; I would take the radiator cap as a guide and keep it on my target. Therefore, the row would be straight.

Can you see how, even that is a life’s lesson? As a father, how do you want your row to look when you get to the end? By example, what are you teaching your children or grandchildren? Father’s, let’s be honest. In every life or, rows we plow there will always be rocks and stumps that cause us to dot off course but, we don’t have to allow ourselves to be defeated by those objects do we? Can’t out children, grandchildren learn from that as well if we use it as a lesson?

Today, as an older man. I keep my eye on the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus. Although my children are grown and, my grandchildren are there as well; my desire is for them to see a desire in me to give my all to Christ, leaving that example for them to follow.

My dad taught me the value of hard work, of honesty. The necessity of respect for others, especially his wife, the woman I called mom. My dad died in 2015. He was 93 years old. In all the years of my life around him, I never heard him say a curse word. Basically, although I know he wasn’t perfect, he always showed respect for my mom and, expected me to do the same. I’ll have to admit, somethimes I fell short at that as well. I’d say that all his grandchildren would agree with what I said about him as well. He set his eyes on the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus and also, set that example for his children and grandchildren to see.

I don’t say these things to do anything other than to say; my dad put a point between a mule’s ears and sought to plow a straight row. The real question is what am I teaching all those that God has given me to instruct? What is my focus and, what will I leave my children and grandchildren?

From my perspective, a father, any man that father’s a child has a tremendous responsibility. That responsibility begans long before the child is even born and, never ends until his life is over. I remember standing by my dad’s bed when he died. I took his hand and said, you go on dad, and rest. I got it from here. Someone took a picture of me sitting at the graveside just before my dad was buried. My wife tells me she sees determination in my face. The detemination to carry on my responsibility to my family. To carry the mantle and finish my course.

I’ll have to admit. I’m not a perfect husband, father, brother or, perfect in any way but, it’s not because of a lack of passion and will. My heart felt desire is, as a father that one day someone will pick up the mantle I carry for Jesus Christ and carry it on, to have the will to find a spot, a point of righteousness and to seek to plow a straight row until the end of their lives.

My last question is; as a father, what kind of lessons are you teaching your children? If I asked your daughter, your son, your grand children what they see in you, what would their answer be? Would it matter to you? We all have a race to run, a fight to fight, an appointment with death, no exceptions. My desire, no matter how short I might have fallen is for my family, my children, my grandchildren to see Christ in my life. My desire is to leave a legacy of the Holy Spirit when I’m gone.

To me, it’s not my place to demand anything of anyone. It’s my place to set a standard of myself that my children might see something in me and, desire to walk like I do and, that because of Christ. I completely understand that I cannot change anyone. My responsibility is to lead by example and, that of Christ. It’s the responsibility of the Holy Spirit to bring about change in the live of those that see my life.

My wife shared a story with me once that went something like this. A Sunday School teacher once ask a little boy if he knew Jesus Christ as his Savior? The little boy replied; yes. The teacher then replied; son you actions are speaking so loud, I can’t hear a word you are saying.

What are my actions saying to my children? What do your actions show your children? One day I’ll stand before Jesus Christ and give an account for my life. My children have their own life to live and, will give an account of how they live that life. Lord, help my life not be the reason for failure in my children and those that I say I love.

Help the things I teach be sent from the very heart of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

SECTIONS

( 1 )– LOOKING TOWARD THE END.

( 2 ) WHAT DO IT MEAN TO BE BORN AGAIN

( 3 ) JOHN 14:2 ( PREPARING A PLACE FOR YOU )

( 4 ) LET’S START PREPARING

I’d like to start this by looking at a verse of scripture the Apostle Paul wrote. ( 2 Timothy 4:5-7 ) But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. ( 6 ) For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. ( 7 ) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

The Apostle Paul actually asked Christ to be his Savior in ( Acts 9 ). The verse we just read appears to have been written some thirty years later. I would argue that, on the day that he was saved, he was not able to make that statement. I would say that no person, on the day of their salvation is ready to be offered. So, what happened to the Apostle Paul over the thirty years we are seeing in his life?

Look at your life. if something happened today and, you see that you are going to step out into eternity; are you prepared for that act no matter how it happens? Secular history teaches that the Apostle Paul was beheaded. That means that he did not die of natural causes. However, no matter what the circumstances are; how can you answer that question?

The point I’m making is that simply saying you are born again is not all it is to being ( prepared ) to stand before God. I understand that there are people that make ( death bed ) confessions and, I truly believe that they or, at least some of them actually get saved but, just how will they stand before God and, what does it all mean?

More than likely, if you are reading this and, you are born again. that is not your situation is it? You have been ( in God’s family ) for some time. So what is the difference in you than the day you got saved? Do you have the kind of relationship with Christ that you can make the same statements the Apostle Paul made? Do you think you will ever be able to make that kind of statement?

Salvation is a beginning of the preperation to be in heaven but that is not all it is to being all that God desires for each of us to be. People live their lives like it doesn’t really matter and, I realize that the Apostle Paul was speaking to a young preacher when he made the statement he made. However, what has God called you to do or be and, are you being to best you can at what he has called you to be?

God does not save anyone that he doesn’t expect to listen to him and do his will according to what ( He, Himself ) directs you to do, not one person. I might add that Church membership, tithing, Sunday School membership is not something that he directs you to do. Those things might be good to do but it places you no closeer to God’s will other that maybe giving you a spiritual education to use for his glory. And that, only if what you are hearing is inspired by God’s Spirit and, you are willing to learn his will.

Now, on the day that the Apostle Paul, the man that made the statements we are speaking of got saved, look at what the Holy Spirit said about him.

( Acts 9:13-16 ) Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: ( 14 ) And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. ( 15 ) But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: ( 16 ) For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

On the day that the Apostle Paul was saved, he started on a journey, right here on this earth. Although every person’s journey might be somewhat different; aren’t we all looking to be able to say: ( my departure is at hand, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, and I am ready to be offered?

Seemingly, in our ( christian society ) we are not taught that today. We seem to have a mindset that; just being saved, as we call it or, saying we believe in Jesus Christ places every person on the same level with Jesus Christ. The Bible doesn’t even imply anything of that nature. As a matter of fact, if you have that mindset I’d check to make sure I was born again, make you calling and election sure, ( 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:

I can see how that we truly need to understand what it means to be born again. I’m going to post this and seek to begin teaching this first and add God’s expectations of his children as the days and weeks go by.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BORN AGAIN?

Wherefore, what does it mean to truly be born again? There is a couple or more ways we can teach this and seek to help any person, to see that there has to be a seperation point in our lives as it pertains even to our ownselves. Let’s first look at Jesus Christ. ( Lule 2:49 ) And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my father’s business?

Here, we see Jesus as under the protective wing of Mary and Joseph. He is about twelve years old and, they cannot find him. When they locate him, he let’s them know that it’s ( his Father ) that he must be obedient to. In ( Luke 15:17-19 ) And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger. ( 18 ) I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, ( 19 ) And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as on of thy hired servants.

In this picture, this young man went out on his own, spent all he had and, realized just how blessed he was to have a father to could care for him. When he went back he was willing to be ( as a servant ) instead as seen as a son. Can you see the different mindset there? His father still seen him as a son but, his heart was that of a servant.

We’ll look at one scripture in the Old Teatament to make the same point. I believe this is one of the best pictures of being born again. ( Deuteronomy 15:17 ) Then thou shalt take an awl, and thrust his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy servant forever. And also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise.

In this picture the servanrt is actually free to leave and to go and do as he pleases. However, by choice he desires to stay with his master and work for him as long as he lives. We could look at the awl through the ear as a type of baptism.It just shows to the world to whom our loyalty is given.

( In my opinion ) the picture of Jesus Christ and being about this Father’s business is showing us the age we should be wise enough to began to yield to the leadership of God’s Spirit and began to pull away from our parents. Around the age of twelve our parents should be able to become more in a advisory role that actually demanding or controlling all a child might do or say. This is speaking in a totally spiritual mindset. If we are all we are suppose to be as parents and, instruct our children in spiritual obedience then, this would be the picture. Actually, teaching any child to live in this world should centered around the spiritual aspect of our lives.

In the young man in ( Luke 15 ) we see the inward change of that child. That young man’s father can be seen as an earthly father to the child and, the heavenly father after the child realizes his inward change. I. as being born again still live in the same flesh I lived in as a boy or, as alost sinner but, I now listen to and yield to a totally different voice. I can look at my own flesh or, my earthly father and say, I know am a servant to a greater person than you are. That’s not to say I don’t show respect to my earthly father but, he should know as well that his training me is leading to that spiritual aspect of my life.

That is my choice. I wasn’t forced to make that dicision. Just like the servant in The Old Testament I could and do as I please but, simply out of appreciation for all he has done for me, I yield to him. This is a sticking point when it comes to being born again. When the servant was set free by his master, that means he is free to do anything his pleases, go where he pleases, act like he pleases. Since he was given that freedom, he made a choice to stay where he was and to do his master’s will.

Since I have been born again, washed in the blood of Jesus Christ, I have been made free from the penalty of sin. That doesn’t mean I’m not a sinner does it? ( Ephesians 2:8-9 ) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. ( 9 ) Not by works, lest any man should boast.

A gift is free to me. Jesus Christ had to buy that gift in order to give it to me but, to me it is free. If I have to quit sin in my life to ( buy that gift ) then it ceases to be a gift, I have to work for it. To be honest, we cannot stop being sinners. We can learn our sin and, one by one repent from those things in our lives but, we are now and always will be sinners.

When we are born again God’s spirit moves into our being, into our sin cursed bodies. When that happens we have that voice to direct our paths. He speaks above our own spirit or,the spirits of anything or anyone else. Our obedience is to that spirit and, if not then God has away to deal with our disobedience as well. However to say that we have to be obedient is taking away the fact to he says it’s a free gift.

Being born again is ( as defined). First, you are old enough to reason for yourself, you see what you are in your flesh being ( a sinner ). Since you see yourself and, with that knowledge, you desire to change, you seek to be ( about you Heavenly Father’s business ). You willingly give up your right to be you own self and, now live all for God’s glory.

Just as the slave that had been given his freedom but, made a choice to remain faithful to his master, at that, a hole was placed in his ear. When people seen that hole, they knew, this man is free to go and do whatever and wherever he desires but, by choice he does the will of his master.

We often confuse the the fact that we are sinners and, the art of being obedient to God’s Spirit. It’s easy to see how that we, being desirious to be pleasing to God would make it a choice to live as sin free as possible which, is pleasing to God the Father. The Bible says or teaches us that ( obedience is better than sacrifice ).( 1 Samuel 15:22 ) And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

Let’s look at that metaphorically. Let’s just say this servant or slave likes to smoke a pipe. While he was a slave to his master, the master would not allow him to smoke a pipe in his presence. Therefore the slave was not only obedient to his master in the responsibilities he told him to do but, he never smoked his pipe in front of him either.

Now, his master has granted him his freedom. He can go and do as he pleases. However, the slave makes a choice to stay with his master and, be obedient to his commands just as he always has. On the first day of his freedom when he comes to the master’s house he brings his pipe to smoke. The master sees that pipe and, the master realizes this man is there by choice, free to do just as he pleases. He tells the slave, free slave I might add; that it’s your choice to smoke that pipe, I understand that but, I want you to know, I still don’t like it.

You see, It’s one thing to be obedient and do the will of the father and, another to sacrifice. If the free slave truly desires to be pleasing to the master he will not only be obedient but also be willing to sacrifice. He will deny his flesh, that’s sacrifice. And, he also will do the will of his master, that’s obedience.

The whole point in giving that comparison is to show that we, in our sin cursed bodies can hear God’s spirit and, be willing to do what he ask us to do. However, just how effective will we be at doing his will if we still show forth the desires of our flesh? If I say to you; I’ve been born again, washed in the blood of Jesus Christ but, you still see me acting just as I always have then, my words possibly become to none effect. Look at this verse. ( Philemon 1:6 ) That the communication of thy faith become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

If God, by his spirit within me asks me to witness to a friend of mine then , that friend needs to be able to see the Christ I say I know living within me. It’s not that we have to become sinless but, it’s what we truly desire to communicate and accomplish in our siritual life. What do we want the world to see in us as new believers?

If I used myself as an example; I’d say that the moment I got saved. I didn’t know anything about loving Jesus Christ or, even trying to seek his will. All of that had to be taught and received within my new birth and, spiritual understanding. I’ll confess that I learned to love him, his word and to seek his will. I’m still not perfect today but, I do love him and desire to please him.

We say we believe in Jesus Christ. Are we willimg to become him? to seek to be like him? That is what be ( born again ) is all about. I’ll finish this segment with this verse: ( Hebrews 12:1 ) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

What is the difference in a weight and a sin? To begin to answer that; first, you must ask yourself. How do I desire to stand before God one day? In running a race, if you desire to win; you would not wear a back pack would you? you could, it’s nothing wrong with it. However, you would seek to be as light as possible on your feet. Spiritually, it’s just the same. It’s possible that there are things you do that could not be classified as sin but, what does people think about you doing those things? A weight would be something that would make your witness less effective for God’s glory. A sin would be something God tells you is not good to do.

The name of this article is ( Heaven ) A place we need to prepare to go. Being born again is only the first step in or, on that journey. Jesus prepared a place for us. ( Joun 14:1-6 ). He also sent his spirit to teach us, prepare us to live in that place. ( John 14:16-21 ( ( John 16: 7-15 ).

Just as the preparation of this life begin when we are born; the preparation for heaven begins when we are born again. My desire is to take this to a new level in, possible your way of thinking. Please understand that your teaching and knowledge of scripture can go much deeper than I can teach because it’s the Holy Spirit that teaches; I’m just the vessel. My desire is to give you something to think about that you might grow thereby. To show you the depth of God’s word and all we can see in one verse of scripture.

( 3 ) JOHN 14:2 ( PREPARING A PLACE FOR YOU )

( John 14:1-3 )

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. ( 2 ) In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, ( 3 ) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself: that where I am there ye maybe also.

What is the depth of what Jesus is saying here? Jesus made this statement in the previous chapter. ( John 13:33-35 ) Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go,ye cannot come: so now I say to you. ( 34 ) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another: as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. ( 35 ) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Jesus is speaking to his disciples. He says this: ( as I said unto the Jews ). Are not all these men Jews? Therefore, what is different about these men that seperates them from the rest of the Jews? I also want you to notice three questions; asked by three different disciples as he is speaking to them. ( 1 ) Peter. ( Verse 36 ) Simon Peter said unto him, Lord whither goest thou? ( 2 ) Thomas ( John 14:5 ) Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? ( 3 ) Philip. ( John 14:8 ) Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

Neither of these men understand what Jesus is talking about. I pointed out that he ( Jesus ) is speaking to Jews and he also makes reference to something he said to the Jews. The differenece is that these Jews are believers. Although they can’t understand what he is explaining, they do believe. That puts them in a different group of people than just being ( a Jew ). I am a Gentile. I also believe. With that belief, it also puts me in the same group of people that Jesus is going to prepare a place for. I would argue that all of the disciples of Jesus, with the exception of Judas were believers. However, what is the difference in each believer today and the disciples on that particular day?

The primary difference in them and, a believer today is the presence of the Holy Spirit. Of,course these believers would soon have that same spirit and, that spirit would teach them just as he will teach each of us, if we are willing to listen. I often say this and, I will continue to teach it; praying that people will understand the point I am making. ( the toughest thing for any person to learn is ( how to ) listen to God’s Spirit and, also to yield to what he is saying.

I don’t want to forget about the diciples Jesus was speaking to in ( John 14 ) however, look at these verses: ( Galatians 4:1-6 ) Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from servant, though he be Lord of all; ( 2 ) But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. ( 3 ) Even so we, when we are children, were in bondage under to elements of the world: ( 4 ) But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of woman, made under the law, ( 5 ) To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. ( 6 ) And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

It’s a lot to teach here, as a matter of fact, it could be a lesson unto itself but, we see here that ( in the fulness of time ) ( God sent his son ). And, after that, he sent his spirit. We must understans what the Apostle Paul is teaching here. It is a picture of a child growing and developing until they are mature. However, when they mature they are not dead are they? It’s actually when we are mature that we began to truly produce the things that God desires for us to do.

Another point I often make is this. In to Old Testament; God the Father spoke to man. In the Gospel; God the Son spoke to man and after the gospels, starting in the Book of Acts, God the Spirit speaks to man. When Jesus was speaking to his disciples in John, they had no concept of ( His Spirit ) living within them. If you will continue to read in: ( John 14- 15 – 16 ) you will see that Jesus continues to teach them about that Spirit that he will send.

When Jesus said; ( I go to prepare a place for you ) to whom was he talking about? He was talking about ( all those that ever believed and trusted in him ). We’ll get back to that but; the picture is that the world is like a big body and, Isreal, God’s chosen people are the heart however, even all the heart did not believe. It’s the same picture of you and your body. You trust God with your heart and, then the rest of you body is suppose to submit to your heart. The Church today is the same way. Today the Church is the heart and the rest of the world is suppose to submit to that heart but, even all the Church doesn’t believe does it?

In the Old Testament, all Israel didn’t believe but, some did. Also we see where there were many Gentiles that believed as well. Let’s step out on a limb here and say something. Jesus, said: ( I go and prepare a place for you ). Is it possible that; that place was already built, the only thing that needed to be completed was the road or, path to get to that place? It’s two men and, something they both said that I’d like to show you here. ( 1 ) John the Revelator.( Revelation 21:10 ) And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mounntain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, ( 2 ) The Apostle Paul: ( 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 ) I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, ( whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth; ) such an one caught up to the third heaven. ( 2 ) And I knew such a man, ( whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth: ) ( 4 ) How that he was caught up into paradise, and hear unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

The point I’m making is that the city is already there. The way to get to that city was and, is by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. He, Jesus Christ is the perfect sacrafice that had to be made for all that believe to be able to go to that city. That is, the Old Testamant believers and all the New Testament believers.

We read this when Jesus died on the Cross of Calvary. ( Matthew 27:52 ) And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, ( 53 ) And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

The perfect lamb has been offered and excepted by God the Father. The road to that city had been completed and now, every person can enter as soon as they ( fall asleep ) in their flesh. ( I believe ) that the City of God is right above us, we just can’t see it in our flesh. The Apostle Paul called that city ( paradise ). However, Abraham, being a ( Old Testament saint ) also was in a place that Jesus Christ called ( paradise ). ( Luke 23: 43 ) And Jesus said unto him, Veriy I say unto thee, to day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Jesus, here was speaking to the thief on the cross beside him. At that time they both were still living in the ( Old Testament ). That changed the second Jesus Christ died on his cross. Abraham was already in that placed called paradise. ( Luke 16:26 ) And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

You can read the verses around this but, when Jesus died on his cross those saints in the center of the earth came out from where they were and went to the city that Jesus had prepared for all saints. Let’s also look in: ( Ephesians 4:8-9 ) Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. ( 9 ) Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth. ( 10 ) He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.

So, from the very beginning, its always been about preparing to live in a place that God has prepared for every person that believes. When we think or, are even taught that it’s just as simple as ( believing in Jesus Christ ) that can be deceiving within itself. We must understand what ( to believe ) is actually saying.

As we went through all of this. We see how God created the whole world, He chose his people, Israel, we call ed them the heart. God’s will, through that heart was to draw the world by his side. The whole time the true picture has been unfolding, Jesus Christ, the perfect lamb must be offered, his Spirit must come and, that Spirit must be received. Each person that receivs that Spirit must yield to that Spirit so that Christ can be seen within each believer, therefore drawing the world unto himself, meaning ( unto Christ.

Are you preparing to live in that city?

LET’S START PREPARING

Matthew 23:42 WATCH THEREFORE: FOR YE KNOW NOT WHAT HOUR YOUR LORD DOTH COME.

To whom is he speaking? It appears in this verse that someone is suppose to be ( watching ), seeing things as they unfold and, therefore warning their love ones, Church members of the coming conclusion.

I’d like to begin this with something we see with Satan and how he works. First of all, sin in you life; in the beginning looks and feels good. The Apostle Paul puts it this way. ( Philippians 3:18-19 ) ( For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: ( 19 ) Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in shame, who mind earthly things ).

I suppose that one problem I have within me is I always seek to prove everthing I say with scripture. Here, I don’t know that it matters. If the people of our Churches, our pastors of the world we live in are not willing to open their eyes and, spiritually see what is happening then I suppose that we will simply walk blindly into what is right in front of us.

Do you realize that there is no such thing as perfection? Not in this world anyway, The reason for that is because there is no human being perfect. So when we build a government, Church or police department is never going to be perfect. Does that mean we simply forget it all because we can’t make it perfect? I suppose that the people that desire to do away with the police department believe that whatever they choose to take its place will be perfect. I disagree, as a matter of fact, it will be worse in the end. It might look good in the beginning but, it will change.

Let me share somethings with you. Do you realize that when Jesus Christ returns to take his bride ( the Church ) out of this world that for the next ( 42 months ) it’s going to appear to be perfect right here on this earth? ( Forty two months ) is half of seven years, In the middle of that time Satan is going to stand up and declare himself to be God and, demend that you worship him. We read that in ( Revelation ). I tell you this because ( in my opinion ) there is not many people ( watching ) having their spiritual eyse opened to events going in our world that point to this time. This world, our country is being left in the blind concerning the tactics of Satan.

So, let’s consider. The police department is not perfect, let’s throw it out. You can count on this fact. It’s the unrighteous that is seeking to dismount our system of law, not the righteous. If you consider yourself to be righteous then, you had better be careful who you are being led by. Although righteous people realize that all law enforcment is not perfect; they also realize that we just have to work continually yo make it better.

I’ve been saying for years that if this country has a desire to forget about Jesus Christ and the Bible that speaks of him then; once we create that vacuum we had better be careful what we allow to fill that vacuum and, it will be filled.

Just as citizens of the United States of America, what do you think of ( Sharia Law )? Would you be happy to replace the law we have and have that law instead? The next question might be, do you know what you are asking for?

This is where I stand and what I believe. There is a forceful move to get Sharia Law in this country. That cannot be done in normal procedures. Therefore, if the people that are looking to have that law enforced in this country can get it active in one major city then, that’s a start. Once that law is in place in one city, all they have to do is make it appear to be better that what we have, sell people in that city on how it works and, they know other ciries will follow. After while, the people of this country elect a president that thinks like they do and, they have control of the military.

In our country, we have a constitution. That constitution grants the presiding president the authority to send our military in and stop such actions. However, if he does that. then who is going to appear to be the villian? Can you see how Satan works?

At this time, our president is in a ( catch 22 ). If he, or our leaders don’t stop this act, the leaders of that group will see to it that it works very well and is very peaceable until, the time they see they can completely take over. If they do stop it and seek to bring things back to ( constitutional law ) then simply seeking to do the ( right ) thing becomes a problem. Such as, if they that lead in choas disagree with any judgement no matter what ( our law ) says, what are they going to do? Haven’t we already seen?

The Bible says in ( 1 Thessalonians 5:3 ) For when they shall say, peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape.

You or, any group of people can have ( peace and safety ) without righteousness as given by God the Father but, also with that type of ( peace and safety ) sudden destruction comes.

I say all these things because the we need to understand how Satan works through those that are willing in this world. ( 2 Corinthians 2:11 ) Lest Satan should get the advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. We also know he comes as an ( angel of light )( 2 Corinthians 11:14 ) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Once they get one city to defund to police or do away with the law as we know it the the next few years will seem to be almost perfect. That mindset will grow and be seen as good. As a nation, we are ignorant of his devices because we haven’t been taught what to look for. Our young people are very vaurnable to what is unfolding and they are looking for that one person that can make them feel secure.

So, what is the answer? The truth is, I don’t know that it is an answer for our country. I do know that we have been under to protecting hand of God for many years, let’s be honest; we took advantage of that and abused his very blessings upon us. If there is an answer for our country and, the possibility of it ever being what it once was as a nation led by the hand of God under the laws and liberty of God then, that answer is in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We must, as a nation, a people stand on his principles and concepts, he must be preached from the pulpits of our Churches and his transforming power must take place in his people and share with other aross this land.

The time of ( playing Church ) is over. We ar surely about to find out who truly loves him and what price we are willing to pay for his glory. Consider; for the last few weeks we have not been able to go to Church because of a simple virus. No big deal, we’ll just watch it on our phones or T.V. What happens when you are seen with a Bible or, if you speak in his name, you might be beaten, put in prison or killed?

( 2 Peter 1:19 ) We have also a more sure word of prophecy: whereunto ye do well that ye ( TAKE HEED ), as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

I say once again, you don’t have to believe me or see this the way I do. However, we are living in the lasts days. We, as a nation are being overflowed with evil on every side and, because of our neglect to listen to God’s Spirit and yield to that voice, a price is about to be paid.

I beg you, even if you disagree with me, please, open your spiritual eyes and look at our surroundings, seek change in your life and also, lift up someone else to Jesus Christ.

In the very near future, you will be glad you did!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

Actually, I written more than one book. Only one is published. I find it too expensive to go through the process and, at least for me, very little in return financially. However, since I don’t write for the money anyway; I just as soon give what I write to anyone that has a desire to read what I might write. All the writing I do is spiritual teaching with a desire to help people prepare themselve to stand before our Lord one day. I always try to leave my opinion out of what I teach and allow God’s word to make the points instead of just my opinion.

Now, as I say that, you could look at what I’m saying in the title as ( My Opinion ). And, for the sake of honesty , you would be correct. If you choose to read this book and put up with the fact that what I’m saying about this one book in the Bible and, One chapter in the Bible I believe it will help you to have a better understanding of why I wrote about these two places in scripture.

The book that I’m offering is titled ( One Chapter and One Book ) It relates to the fact that we are on a journey through this life and, we all must stand before God. As believers, it will be at the ( Judgement Seat of Christ ). ( Romans 14:10 )( 2 Corinthians 5:10 ) The question I seek to answer is ( how do we stand there )?

Please understand, I don’t consider myself to be an author. I know very little about the english language although that is the language I speak. Paragraphs, punction, and the use of words all are just as I might be talking to you. With all that being said. That doesn’t diminish my desire to help people to see and know truth. My love for the gospel and the passion for truth has nothing to do with my education level. Please also know I done the best I knew how as far as editing the book.

I can either send it in a word document or, just in a simple email. So, if you follow me and desire a copy, send me your email address and the way you desire to receive it and I’ll send it. You can also feel free to share it with as many people as you like.

All for God’s glory !!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

John Calvin was a man that lived in the fifteenth century. As far as I know he was born again. We know he was a preacher of the gospel. He is the author of the ( five points of Calvinism ).

Let’s look at these five things:

( 1) — Total Depravity: He believed that every person was totally depraved, we, as people cannot help ourselves. We are seperated from God. There is nothing good about us.

( 2 ) Unconditional Election — He believed that God, before the foundation of the world chose some people to be elected for salvation.That could not be changed, if you were chosen, you were going to receive salvation.

( 3 ) Limited Atonement — He believed that Jesus Christ died for the elect alone, no atonement was provided for the reprobate.

( 4 ) — Irresistable Grace — He believed that God’s grace is applied to those that are supposed to be saved and, that grace cannot be resisted.

( 5 ) Perserverance of the Saints — He believed that once grace was applied to the saint,; nothing in heaven or, on earth could seperate that person from that grace given by God.

My question to you is; do you agree with any of these points? As I look at these five points; I can see two that I agree with and, depending on how it is defined, maybe three. There are people that look at ( irresistable grace ) this way. If you are sitting in a Church and, the word of God is being preached under the inspiration of God’s Spirit, if conviction comes on your heart, yor cannot stop that conviction from happening. I can see that point, it it’s defined that way.

Was John Calvin born again? You can research what I’m about to say to make sure I’m correct. I understand that John Calvin and, even others that stood on different beliefs in that day actually had people killed that didn’t believe like that did. I ask you again, was John Calvin or, any of these people born again, did they know Jesus Christ as their Savior?

I, personally believe they were. If I’m going to give John Calvin credit for anything; it would be this. He caused me to study these five points and come to a resolve of where I stand as a believer. In this world today, these things run the spectrum of what and how they believe, Some, believe all five points mentioned here, some, none of them and, still others that believe anywhere from one to five, and any mixture thereof.

I’m going to use a friend of mine as an example of John Calvin. You have to first understand, I didn’t know John Calvin, I’m just using this as an example. My friend believes all five points mentioned here, Every time we get together, he spends the whole time trying to convince me he is correct, I needed to change my way of thinking. Is that how John Calvin was? By the way; he is one of the elect, he was chosen by God from the beginning of the world. The point I’m making is; do we get so involved in trying to cause people to look at things just as we do that; we forget to open our eyes to what scripture truly teaches?

John Calvin is not my enemy, neither is my friend. However, If I close my spiritual eyes and allow myself to be blinded by my own ( limited knowledge ) of scripture then, I’m I not my own enemy? I confess, as a believer, I don’t know all it is to know and, you can teach me. Within that statement, I must be willing to hear what you say even if I disagree with you.

Look at this verse: ( 1 John 2:10 ) He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

There are people, maybe John Calvin was one of them, they are in darkness not because they are lost without Christ but, simply because they will not hear or see truth. If I’m blinded, I never want it to be because of hate, because of my unwillingness to hear my brother. Teach me, O’ Lord and, use my brother to do it. Of course, that also goes both ways; my brother has to also listen to me. However, It’s not I or my brother that is correct is it? We are both wrong. Even John Calvin is not wrong because I disagree with him. If he’s wrong it’s because of what the Spirit of God teaches.

I read behind a lady the other day that made this statement: ( we are more easily influenced by what other people say than we think ). She is absolutely correct. Look at this verse of scripture: ( John 16:13 ) 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.

Consider this as well: ( Amos 8:11 ) Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:

( I believe ) that this one thing I’m about to say truly reflects where we, as a people are today. The famine today is a famine of ( hearing the words of the Lord ). We are not taught how to do that. Although God uses, men, the Bible and possibly many other ways to reveal himself,; that is not how we hear him. We hear him through and by his Holy Spirit.

We are taught to conform to the mindsets of religions, denominations, groups such as: dispensationists, Covenant Theology, New Covenant Theology and, the list goes on an on. However, we are never taught to simply learn to be sensitive to the voice of God as we study his word.

I started this off with the mention of John Calvin. The reason for that is that he started a mindset. He is not the only one that does that, not in his time nor, in our time. In most cases; the people that set out to create mindsets are well organized or, are determined to be seen and heard. Most of them pay little attention to the Spirit of God. Consider this; John Calvin come up with the five points of Calvinism. We still talk about those five points. We come to a resolve to believe anywhere from one to five of those points. Well. tell me, what has John Calvin or those five point got to do with the Spirit of God within you? Would you mind explaining to me what those five points have to do with the entirety of scripture? Is that all it is to God’s word? Was John Calvin led by God’s Spirit to form those five points?

Well, I want to start a mindset also. The first thing I want you to do is to be ( born again ). My desire is for the Holy Spirit of God to draw conviction on your heart that you might see yourself aa a sinner and, ask Jesus Christ to come into your heart, in the form of God’s Spirit and birth you into his family.

The second thing I want you to do is ( forget that I or, any other person ) had anything to do with the very fact that God just gave you new life. Right now, you come to an overwhelming resolve that you need to be sensitive to the voice of the Spirit of God. To the understanding that he and, he alone can teach you truth. While men or, people like me have very good intentions, we often simply get in the Spirits way and hinder real spiritual growth.

The third thing I desire for you to do is ( to realize you are a new born babe in Christ ). With that being said, you must admit that babes know nothing and, are easily influenced by the minsets of men. With that understanding, resovle to be fed on the sincere milk of God’s word. As defined, that means that no man or person drives what you think or do but, that your only true friend is God’s word, the Bible. Tell people you are born again, share the name of Jesus. I add that because ( I believe ) that doing so will encourage you to study and learn all you can about him.

The fourth thing I desire for you to do is ( Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. )( 2 Timothy 2:15 ) While God uses people, pastors, teachers, preachers, even individuals to be vessels for his glory; every one of those people are ( sinners in their flesh ) no different that you and, we all can be wrong in what we might say or teach. We might all have the best of intentions but, at our best, we are still sinners, like it or not. The Bible you hold, and the Spirit within you is your educator. Every other book, writing or person that it is should be taken as a grain of salt, unless you can prove what they say, inspired by God’s Spirit. It’s far better to be a babe in Christ, seeking truth than to be an educated spiritual fool.

The fifth thing I desire for you to do is ( Let the light of Jesus Christ shine from within you ). Go to battle each day with the army, spiritual knowledge you have and, add to that daily. We have to understand this; If I lift up myself, my Church, my belief, my doctrine, those things never saves anyone. Jesus Christ and, the fact we lift him up is what draws people to salvation. ( John 12:32 ) And I, If I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. I completely understand that we can see that verse in two ways; one way would be lifted up on the cross. However, if we lift up his name and share his gospel, that is what draws peope to salvation.

The sixth thing would be ( prepare yourself ). In the end, it doesn’t matter what John Calvin, Marshall Clayton or, any other person thinks or teaches. It doesn’t matter what denomination or religion you are a part of. What matters is your faith in Jesus Christ, your knowledge of him. God has given us a life time to know him. I have no desire spending my spiritual lifetime arguing about who is right and who is wrong. I want to ( Know Him ) and the ( power of His Resurrection ). We all one day will come to the end of our journey on this earth and, we will stand before him prepare or not.

I’m going to close this with something ( I believe ). You don’t have to believe this but, I do. The Bible tells us in ( Revelation 19: (13-14 ) And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name was called the Word of God. ( 14 ) And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. It also says in ( Revelation 20:11 ) 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.

( I believe ) that, on that day, we as the bride of Christ, just like any good wife, will be standing behind Christ. We see that we come back with him. As Church members we have the responsibility to share Christ with this world. What happens if we don’t? At the ( Great White Throne of Judgement ) as each person walks up to be judged by him, they will see us a well. Jesus Christ, as our bridegroom did all he could do to bring about the salvation of every man. What did we do? If a lost person walks up to that throne to be judged by Christ and, he or she sees me; what will he be able to say about me? Will he say I shared Christ with him or, will he look at me and declare ( you could have told me but; didn’t. )

Our responsibilities as born again believers are far reaching. That involves a great study in God’s word but, most of these things we are responsible for are far greater than the petty things we argue about. What is the worth of one soul? How can we measure to value of our relationship with Christ or what can be done through our walk with him? Consider the ( resurrection of Christ ). Before we can see and know the complete power of that one resurrection; everything in God’s creation will have to be complete.

What is the value of your ( resurrection from the dead )? Can you see how, as it relates to Christ, that it will take the completion of all things to see its complete value? If I win one soul to Christ then, how many others can be won just because of that one?

A good brother in Christ taught me many years ago. ( Any man can count the seeds in one Apple ). But, ( no man can count the apples in one seed ) that is, unless that seed is aborted.

Lord, I ask you to bless the teaching of your word, no matter who is doing to teaching.

Marshall Clayton————————– 2 Timothy 1:7