( ROMANS 10:8 )

BUT WHAT SAITH IT? THE WORD IS NIGH THEE, EVEN IN THY MOUTH, AND IN THY HEART: THAT IS, THE WORD OF FAITH, WHICH WE PREACH;

When we see this phrase ( WHAT SAITH IT )? What is this referring to? That statement is referring to ( the Word of God ) which is Jesus Christ. ( John 1:14 ) And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ( and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, ) full of grace and truth.

So, let’s back up a few verses in ( Romans ) and point out some things here.

( Romans 10:1-2 )

Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. ( 2 ) For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

The Apostle Paul, the writer of the book of Romans was an Israelite, a Jew. As he wrote ( Chapters 9,10and 11 ) he actually had his people on his heart. If you remember, Israel was governed by the Romans in the days of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, as we read all that he saying here in ( Chapter ten ) he’s saying it to; of course, all of God’s children, those that are born again, with the Nation of Israel on his heart. The Apostle Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles but, he still loved his own people and had a heavy burden for them.

While I can in no way compare myself to the Apostle Paul; other than the fact that we are both born again, I feel somewhat the same passion for ( the Church ).As we look at this the ( Nation of Israel ) is God’s chosen people and, ( the Church ) is a called out group of people for the glory of God. We have ( local Churches ) all around us. My concern is that many people that are members of those Churches have the very same problem that the Apostle Paul relates to the ( Nation of Israel ).

In ( verse 2 ) he says ( they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge ). Now, look at the next veres ( verse 3 ) For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, having not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

What is ( the righteousness of God )? ( Romans 3:22 ) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

The righteousness of God is Jesus Christ. I have no righteousness! My faith is in, totally in, the faith of Jesus Christ. My whole salvation is based on his relationship with the Father, not my own. My sinful fleah is weak and likely to fall, his will never fall, never fail. Do you think the act of confessing my sin, even repenting of it will merit me heaven. That’s impossible. I cannot be, never will be good enough to get to heaven on my own.

Now, let’s look at something here. Do you think the average Jew, knew Jesus Christ? Do you think they knew of his works, the things he taught? Jesus Christ fed five thousand men at one meal, not counting the women and children.( Matthew 14:21 ). I’d be willing to say that basically ever person within the ( Nation of Israel ) knew Jesus Christ. The question now is, how many of them trusted ( his righteousness ) for their eternal salvation?

In the Church you attend, I’ve never seen that Church but, more than likely every person there knows who Jesus Christ is! They know he died on the cross and rose again the third day. They know his mother and father. They even know some of the people he hung around with.

For a long time in my ministry, I’ve had a great burden for Church members that do not understand salvation. I’ll even say this; even the pastors are not taugtht to teach the ( art of seeking Jesus ). The ability to buy an education, to be taught and trained by man has overtaken the true study of God’s word and, it has diminished our need for the real teaching of the Holy Ghost of God. These facts leave ( Church members ) the people that need a spiritual education the most, in spiritual darkness.

There’s a Church in my hometown. Many of my extended family members attend that Church. I’ve known the pastor for years, knew him when he first began to pastor there. This pastor is actually retired now. He was well respected by the Church members there and even in the whole county that the Church is in. I actually sit down with this pastor once and told him this: ( I’d hate to stand before God in your shoes ). Now, you might think that’s a hard thing to say to a pastor and, it might be. However, would you agree that pastors need to be witnessed to just like any other person?

When you consider what a pastor is truly called to do, it can be very overwhelming. He stands. in the gap in many cases between every person’s journey to heaven or hell. He is ( the watchman on the wall ). When I made this statement to this pastor; I could see in his eyes, he knew exactly what I was talking about. I also told him that he could turn around and say the same thing about me.

When you consider the responsibility of being a person, like the Apostle Paul that is responsible for the souls of men, the quest to understand Jesus; to know him well enough to stand before him one day and hear him say ( Well done, my good and faithful servant ). That is a very tall order!

Over the years I’ve had the priviledge to talk to many members of this Church, some family members and, some not. In almost every case. I’d ask them if they were saved? I most cases the very first thing they would say was ( they had been baptized and, joined Church ). I’d reply to that answer, That’s not what I asked. I ask you, have you been saved? Then they would say ( yes ). The next question I’d ask was; do you know you are going to heaven when you die. They’d, almost everytime reply, (I hope so ).

Many times over the years, not only with members of this Church but with members of others as well I’d have the priviledge to sit and seek out why they answered the way they did. The number one reason they’d say for the fact that they could not say they knew heaven would be their home was because they might sin and not have time to confess it or, they might forget it and not confess it. In their mind, if they died with unconfessed sin then, hell would be their home.

You see, they are not taught that they are to depend on the righteousness of Jesus Christ and, not their own. The quest to find Jesus Christ is within that sort of mindset. It’s one thing to know about Jesus Christ. It’s another to actually possess him within you, to have a very personal relationship with him.

The sins we commit is not the vessel that carries us to a place called hell. To put it another way, we never go to hell because we sin or, are sinners. The reason anyone ever dies and spends eternity in hell is because we fail to trust, depend on the ( righteousness of Christ ). The preaching of God’s word under the inspirition of the Holy Spirit of God is the vessel that brings us to that knowledge. As a matter of fact; the Holy Spirit is the only way to gain that knowledge.

I’m going to take you to a place that very few people ever see. You can see if you agree with me. In the first three chapters of Genesis we see where God formed Adam out of the dust of the earth. If you will study this, you will notice that God instructed Adam about the things concerning ( the tree of the knowledge of good and evil ). God done that before he took a rib out of Adam’s side and made Eve. The point is that God never told Eve about that tree. Therefore, whose responsibility was it to teach her?

Now, as we move foward, we see where Eve told the Serpent this ( we are are to eat the fruit of the tree, nor are we to touch it ). Where did she get that knowledge? God didn’t say they couldn’t touch the tree, just not to eat the fruit. The words she spoke had to come from Adam.

The point is, instead of Adam sitting down with Eve, taking the time to teach her all she needed to know about God’s will concerning that tree. He simply instructed her not to touch it. It’s not that he didn’t say some other things but, that she was ignorant of what it was all about.

Men, husbands, I believe that the simplest form of a local Church is found right in your home. You as the pastor of you wife and, children as they come along. Every Church service you attend in your local Church should be considered as a ( evangelical mission trip ). A trip that every word that will be spoken there will be weighed out by you as the pastor of your family. When we as men become so lazy that we depend on someone else for the spiritual education of our families then we become just like Adam and it leaves our wives, our children in spiritual ignorance.

I consider the Church to be the ( mother of Salvation ). We should be able to go to any local Church and find salvation, true salvation for our unworthy souls. However, that Church should never be the final authority of what you believe to be true. That’s the responsibility of the Holy Spirit of God the lives within each believer. The man, the husband being the head of his own household.

Finding Jesus Christ is a quest. Meeting him, asking him to be your savior then, learning who he truly is is a life long journey. As we seek that quest as men, we need to bring our wives and children along our side. When we build strong spiritual families then, we create Churches that actually stand and help us in our quest to know Jesus Christ.

As the Apostle Paul wrote these things, with Israel, his people on his heart; he knew, that they were stooped in religion. They felt that as long as the high priest was satisfied with them, as long as they kept certian laws, walked a certian way then they were spiritually fine.

We have come to that same place in a lot of our denominations, religious organizations.

( Matthew 15:9 ) But in vain thet do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

( Matthew 7:7 ) Howbeit in vain do they wordhip me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

( Ephesians 4:13-14 ) Till we come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: ( 14 ) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slieght of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

( In my humble opinion ) There is nothing we can have that is more special as believers than a ( Holy Ghost ) filled pastor or Sunday School teacher. ( Romans 10:15 ) How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings og good things!

Even having a Church that teaches strong spiritual doctrines is such a blessing. ( I beseech you ) by the mercies of God! Try every spirit; in your quest to know Jesus Christ, always depend on the very Spirit of God within you. Allow him and, him alone to be your instructor in righteousness, always leaning on Jesus Christ as you complete savior.

As you learn in your quest to know him, when you stand before him, you’ll be glad you did!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

In order the teach or, to help any person understand ( Spiritual Security ) we must first point out and ask the obvious question. Are you born again? How would you answer that question? As I sit here and type this, just like you, I just asked myself that question. My answer, sitting here all alone with just my own personal thoughts and, the Holy Spirit that lives within me; I can answer that question with an absolute ( YES ).

I don’t say ( I hope so ) or, ( I’ve been baptized ) or, ( I’m a member of a Church ). Sitting here, just me and the Holy Spirit, we agree, I’ve been born again. The question now is, how did you answer that question?

Many people say that salvation is simple. That statement can be very deceiving. Why? Because it’s easy to get deceived by the simplicity of what we might say ( believing is ). For example; if you walk out on the average street and, ask any person if they believe in Jesus Christ, more than likely their answer will be ( yes I do ). Does that mean that they are born again? As a matter of fact; if you let your next question be: ( are you going to heaven when you die )? More than likely their answer will be: ( I hope so )? Since that is the case, then where is the security we speak of?

If you tell me you believe in Jesus Christ but, you can’t say with certainty you’re going to heaven then, what is it that’s missing? If you tell me you’ve been saved but, you doubt your salvation. What have you been saved from?

Understanding what it actually means to be born again is the simple beginning to gaining the assurance of the salvation you say you have. Although many people say they are saved; very few can explain what takes place when we are ( born again ). I’ll say something here that you can just consider. There might be many people that are truly born again but, they have never been spiritually educated into what that actually means. I can clearly see that concept. However, if we are deceived then this can be very costly in eternity.

Therefore, let’s see if we can explain being born again. We, every person was born into this world with a sin nature. That means that it’s a natural act for each of us to sin. We can put any name on sin that we choose to, doesn’t matter, we are all guilty. However, how do we know that fact? Since sin is a natural act by people, how do we know what to call sin?

I can see how this becomes a problem. In God’s grace and mercy, he seen this as a problem as well. Therefore, he placed his Spirit in those that are born again and, also created ( the Church ). The responsibility of those two attributes is to share the gospel. He also gave us the ability to see his law ( the Ten Commandments ). With these things God brings each of us to ( ourselves ) that we might see our need for his saving grace.

So, what happens if no one shares the gospel and, you don’t go to Church? In that case we begin to see ourselves as equals to everyone else therefore, there is no need of any change on our part. We might even know Church members that live basically just as we do. However, while that is a detriment to the cause of Christ, it still doesn’t change our need for salvation

Look at these verses: ( Romans 10:13-15 ) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ( 14 ) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? ( 15 ) And how shall they preach except they be sent?As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

So, let’s see how this works. Since we know that many don’t go to Church. The pastor or. preacher of that Church preaches to the people that are there. The Holy Spirit places a burden on the hearts of those that are there, he also sends them out into the masses. These people proclaim the Good News of the Gospel, to those that are without.

I, as one of those that have been sent out; what is my basic responsibility? My basically responsibility is to help you see that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. I basically share with you that you and I are actually just alike. Why? Because we are all sinners, without hope in this world. We were born into a sin cursed world. Since we are sinners, we must be born again. You, I and every other person on the face of this earth had nothing to do with the fact we are here. However, our sin curseness, once we see ourselves as a sinner dooms us to a devil’s hell. No exceptions.

The good news is that Jesus Christ loved you so much; as a sinner that he paid the total price for you on his Cross. Now, are willing to lay yourself down, forget your past and, now allow him to become the Spirit that guides you life?

Being born again means that you have asked Christ to come into your life, your heart realizing your sinful condition. You are now willing to denounce your will as a sinner and, willingly allow his Spirit to direct your life. Old thing are now past away and behold, all things are become new! ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ) therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all thing are become new.

Now, you might ask. does that happen all at once? No, it doesn’t but, your willingness to listen to his Spirit slowly but surely changes you everyday walk. Being born again is simply asking God’s Spirit to be birthed into your heart. Sanctification is you daily yielding yourself to that Spirit.

To show you the challenge of being born again. It might take years for people around you, your very friends to believe you have changed. The more you show forth Christ, the more convincing you will be. The Devil and those that choose to follow him will do all they can to bring you down to their level once again but, if we continue to follow his Spirit; we will not be deterred.

I have an uncle, he’s dead now but, he was a true drunkard if it ever was one. He went into D.T,s three seperate times. In 1958 he asked Jesus Christ to become his savior, being born again. Almost at once, his life began to change. He quit drinking, started taking his whole family to Church every service. In a Church servise one night he stood up and gave a testimony. This is what he said: ( When i got saved 25 years ago, there were those that said I wouldn’y make it. Now after 25 years some of those same people are still telling me the same thing ).

If you are born again, think about this: you begin going to Church, you start listening to the message each Sunday, go to Sunday School, just be a part. You just might be amazed just how much you will change spiritually just by listening and yielding to God’s Spirit. The first thing you know, you’ll be the teacher, the witness ( A POWERHOUSE FOR OUR LORD AND SAVIOR )!

As you learn and yield yourself to God’s Spirit, all of a sudden you’ll be saying ( I KNOW ) I’M BORN AGAIN! ( I KNOW ) HEAVEN WILL BE MY HOME!

Being born again is the starting point. A good spiritual education and, your willingness to learn will bring about ( SPIRITUAL SECURITY ) in your new life in Christ.

Salvation is in all three tenses: past, present and future. In other words:

I have ( past tense ) been saved from the penalty of sin — Jesus took my place, hell is no longer a threat to me!

I am ( present tense ) being saved from the practice of sin — Daily I’m dying to my sinful ways and, yielding to his will!

I will ( future tense ) be saved from the presence of sin — i’ll be in my eternal home!

So, you see; just saying you believe in Jesus Christ is not all it is to salvation. Have you been born again, washed in his blood? Have you given your life over to his will for you?

Give your life to Christ! One day; you’ll be glad you did!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

If you happen to be a born again believer, how do you look at that question? As an old man with grey hair; one that’s been born again for forty five years, I’ve seen many changes in who we are as ( what we call )( believers ) ( Christians ). I’m just wondering if anyone else sees it and, how old are you if you do?

( IN MY HUMBLE OPINION ) what I see in the average local denominational Church has been severely weakened by easy believism. I can see the universal Church and, I believe within that body, prayer is a very powerful weapon that we have against all things. The question now might be; does the average local Church represent that Church I’m speaking of?

It use to be a term ( they got religion ). What that term implied was that the people that professed Jesus Christ had been transformed from what they were into a ( new creature in Christ Jesus ). That fact was clearly seen. Not only did people start to attend Church but, the spiritual change was seen in their everyday walk of life.

You might ask, how does this tie to prayer? I’ll offer an example: There was a teenage boy once that ask his father if he could borrow the family car that night, which was Saturday. The father told him; yes you can, if you get your haircut sometime today. Late that afternoon the boy came to his father for the keys but, he hadn’t cut his hair. When the father ask him about his hair, the teen replied: well, I got to thinking about it and, I realized Jesus had long hair! So, the father replied: ( HE ALSO WALKED EVERYWHERE HE WENT )!

I believe we also see this mindset in our homes by our children and, in our Churches by those that are members. Children think they can do as they please and still expect their parents to yield to their every desire and, in most case; they get their way. Now, while the average Church might allow its members to basically do as they please, live their same old life, no change other than the fact they have now come to Church and, are members; God the Father will not play that same game.

My whole point is that when people use to expect God to answer their prayers, they also realized their responsibility as one of his children. They were taught from the pulpit exactly what God expected of them. From that same pulpit, the spiritual pressure never let up, we were constantly under the convicting hand of Almighty God. Even when we thought we were doing pretty good, God’s Spirit would show us an area we needed to work on.

Not only that but, the people willingly, readily, submitted to that convicting power of God. I’ve made this statement often: when I use to pastor a local Church; I have preached a message and, made a statement that God immediately let me know ( you need to work on that ). In other words, I preached my own self under conviction. When we, any of us reach a point when we believe we are good enough, we need to check and truly see where we are!

One of the worst things that can ever happen to a pastor is for he, himself to become complascent. When he reaches that point, his whole Church is satisfied just as they are. God’s willingness to answer our prayers is dirrectly tied to our willingness to yield daily to his will.

What is the difference in confessing and repenting? Confessing is simply you admitting you have a sin problem. You can name the sin. Well, not only does God desire for us to ( confess our sins ) he also desires for us to ( repent from ) turn away from those sins. In November, 1975; I got saved ( Just as I was ) at that time. Now, just because God saved me ( just as I was ) he did not expect me to stay ( just as I was ). Seemingly, today we are being taught that God loves us ( Just as we are ), no change necessary!

The concept of prayer is actually simple. If you desire for me to hear you then, I desire for you to hear me! Another question we might ask; Is God being allowed to speak in our Churches? We talk about Jesus Christ, we even use his word but, is the Holy Spirit alive and well in our Church?

I truly believe that God is not listening to us corporately. Our prayers are falling on deaf ears because of the lives we corporately live and the things we except as normal.

I’ll share one other story to make a final point. I was in Sunday School one Sunday and, preyer reguests were being made. As I listened, I heard, prayer request for sickness, financial problems and family problems. I raised my hand and said; I have a friend, business owner, that has lung cancer. I even called his name. I had the priviledge to sit in his office yeaterday and witness to him. He told me he was not saved and, didn’t get saved yesterday at my urging him to do so. I ask you to pray for his salvation. When I made that prayer request, you could have heard a pin drop! After Sunday School one of our members told me he knew him well. I encouraged him to go and see him and witness to him. As far as I can learn, he never went! What impressed me was the fact that in a Church, the very concept of mentioning a name and praying for salvation was a strange request; unusual!

What is the problem? We spend a lot of time praying for ( physical things ) and, very little on the ( spiritual aspects ) of our lives or, the spiritual aspects of others. We very deeply and urgently need prayer for the spiritual aspects of our Churches, counties, cities, people, states, and our country! Until we begin, once again to be transformed by the spirit of God, because of the preaching of God’s word and, willingly change our individual and corporate lives, what can we expect from God the Father? Why should he hear us?

meditate on these things!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

If we go all the way back to Adam in the Garden of Eden, why did God create him in the first place? God’s desire was to hava man to fellowship with him. While we are speaking of Adam; I’d like for you to consider something else here as well. Within this study, this point we see is far more imporant than just the fact that God desire to fellowship with man. ( Genesis 2:15 ) And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and keep it.

We see that even the very first man, even before this world was cursed with sin; was responsible to do a job. He was to dress and keep the garden he lived in. I only bring that point up because of the lack of teaching spiritual responsibilities in the lives of born again believers. It seems that we look at salvation as being our ticket into a beautiful place called heaven; just to be there and, rejoice forever more. We seem to look at it like we have nothing to do as believers. We simply say we believe in Jesus, live basically like as we please and, when we die, his grace and forgiveness takes us to the beautiful place where there is peace nd harmony forever.

I want to remind you of something! God didn’t cause sin to come into this world, man did. Long before God creted Adam, he had already cast Satan down to this earth. The garden of Eden was placed within his domain. Again, we can see a lot of things within all these scriptures but, all I’m trying to do is to establish the fact that, as believers; in a sin cursed world, we all have responsibilities. I will say this and move on. The place called hell was not created for man. It was created for the Devil and his angels. ( Matthew 25:41 ) Then shall he say unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, ( prepared for the devil and his angels ):

Every person on the face of this earth has a choice to make. God’s desire is for every man to be saved, to come and live with him. He wants all people to make that choice. The fact that Adam sinned cast that choice on every person, like it or not. Look at this verse: ( 2 Peter 3:9 ) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Because of sin, we all have a choice to make; that choice: ( to whom we will be in bondage to ). If your choice is to follow Satan, live as you desire then you choose to go where Satan will end up. ( EVERLASTING FIRE. I often make this statement; we, as people actually have no will of our own. When we think we do, we are deceived. Whether we like it or not, we do not have a middle ground in our lives. Every action we take is going to be pleasing to either God the Father or Satan himself.

Salvation is not as easy as simply saying you are going to live right, free from sin. Why? Because we are born into sin, sinners by nature. Our very sin nature is not a choice. It’s simply who we all are. ( We must be born again ). Being born again means that we believe that Jesus Christ lived a perfect life in our place. He did what we could not do. Therefore, we ask him to move into our hearts that we might ( be servants to him ). We simply change to whom we yield ourselves to serve.

Now we come to a major difference in to whom we yield ourselves to. I want you to take all the time you like. You find as many things as you can that Satan has promised you in eternity if you will just follow him. Look at these verses: ( Matthew 4: ( 3-6-8-9 ) ( 3 ) And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. ( 6 ) And saith unto him, if thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. ( 8 ) Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; ( 9 ) And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

We know that these verses are showing where Satan tempted Jesus Christ. You can read it all but, what I want you to notice is that everything he promised had to do with this life, nothing eternal.

When we make the choice to follow, be servants to; Jesus Christ, his ( rewards are eternal ). Also, often we are blessed in the world as well. With these things in mind, realizing that one day, we must stand before him, what do you do for him?

I want you to know that as I sit and write this; I realize the price he ( Jesus Christ ) paid that I might have eternal life. I do not want to stand before him empty handed. Now, Let’s look at this: ( Revelation 4:10-11 ) The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ( 11 ) Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

This is something the Holy Spirit impressed upon me therefore, I’ll say it here. Do you remember when ( by the flood of Noah ) God destroyed every person that was not on that Ark? How about Sodom and Gomorrah, how he destoyed those places? We could give a few examples of this but, today God’s grace allows us to live our lives. However there is a day of Judgement coming, we just need to prepare for it.

If you will notice, these elders offered all of their crown to the one that deserved them. They fell before him, giving him complete praise. As born again believers, one day, we will have the same opportunity to do the same thing. When we are born again, God places his spirit within us. Within that spirit is the gifts of which we also receive as members of God’s family. There are ( Gifts of the Spirit ) and ( Fruits of that selfsame Spirit ). Just as we make a choice to ask Jesus Christ to be our Savior, we also have a choice to how we will use what he has given us.

I’d like to stop here and share some personal things about me. I want every person that might read this to know, there is not one thing special about me. I’m a simple country boy, raised on a tobacco farm in North Carolina. I often tell people I graduated high school with a seventh grade education. After high school, I became an electrician, worked for the same company for 48 years. I have never been to any college, no formal Bible training. Like I say, not one thing about me can I boast on.

As a matter of fact; God has many reasons, if you knew the whole of my life, never even to consider using me for anything in a spiritual walk. However, My choice, once I was born into his family was to ( know Him ). I have had many preachers and pastors that have helped me over the years. When I say that, most of them probably will never know just how much they help me. You see, when men or, people a choose to allow God to use them then, someone like me can glean from what they say. Within that it takes ( God’s Spirit ) within a person to help him hear or, understand when he reads as that person seeks to understand spiritual things.

Each person that becomes born again has the very same access to God’s Spirit. How we choose to allow those things to develop within us is how we ( win Crowns ) that we might lay them at the feet of Jesus. I feel there is another point we need to see here. As people. we are very weak in our body of flesh. We tend to lean on our own understanding instead of learning to hear God as he speaks to us through his spirit. Personally, I believe we are deceived into believing God is pleased with each of us if we attend Church regularly and give our money as they require. These things are not necessarily taught but rather implied.

We or, average Church members are not challenged to reach out to all God desires for them to be. For instance; there are five crowns that are mentioned in scripture that can be won by any person that seeks to win those crowns. We can even see examples of this in the gospels. Look at this: ( Matthew 25:25 ) And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast is thine.

I’ll just use that one verse, you can read the rest. However. what if we simply change the ( earth ) to ( flesh ) and say that we hid our talent there. Why? Because as we move into the epistles to the Church; that’s exactly what we see! When the Church began in ( Acts 2 ) God’s Spirit came to live in the heart of every believer. We see in ( 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 ) a list of gifts that comes with that Spirit. In ( Galatians 5: 22-23 ) we see a list of the fruit that comes with that spirit.

As you look at theses things, we must understand that some of those things are within us anyway however, when the spirit of God lives within us then we again, have to make a choice to whom we will yield our members.

Would you mind if I use another personal example here? I once preached a message in a small Church in the town I live in. I was trying to make the point about how important it is to yield ourselves to God’s Spirit. I walked out into the congregation, walked into a pew right in front of a couple of elderly ladies. I looked straight at them and said; before I was born again I could out curse any sailor, you wouldn’t believe all the words I would say. Every one of those words are still in my brain and, I can still curse just exactly like I use to. I asked them; you want to hear me do it? They both shook their heads ( no ) and the Church laughed.

I truth is, I still can however, I choose to yield my members to be used by that Spirit that God placed within me. Now, we must realize something here. What I do I don’t do to win anything. I choose to work for Jesus Christ freely, loving him and what I do. At the same time I say that; I do not want to stand before him one day, facing the man that gave all for me, without having done something to show my appreciation for what he did for me.

I truly desire to ( win crowns ) that I might lay them at his feet. I’ll give you a list of these five crowns that I see in scripture that can be won all for his glory. They won’t necessarily be in any order.

( 1 ) CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS ( 2 Timothy 4:8 ) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all of them also that love his appearing.

Are you looking foward for the appearing of Jesus Christ?

( 2 ) CROWN OF LIFE ( James 1:12 ) ( Revelation 2:10 ) Blessed is the that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

How much do you love him? Do you love him enough to endure temptation? We could write a whole section on this one alone! But, the point is, it’s easy to say you love him but, you actually prove that love by your own actions!

( 3 ) CROWN OF GLORY ( 1 Peter 5:4 ) And when the chief Sheperd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

There are those that say that this one is for ( pastors only ) however, I disagree. I will agree that the pastor has a special responsibility but, we all are ( a royal priesthood ). ( 1 Peter2:9 ) But we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: We are very ( tempted ) to say ( let someone else do it )!

( 4 ) INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN ( 1 Corinthians 9:25 ) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Actually, the next two verse are very revealing! I can see how this ( incorruptible crown ) has to do with how we develop ourselves spiritual within all the other crowns ( remember ) Gold, Silver, Precious Stone?

( 5 ) CROWN OF REJOICING ( 1 Thessalonians 2:19 ) For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

Do you witness for Jesus, tell people about his saving grace? Can you see how that ( those you won to Christ ) can be a special blessing to you ( standing before him )?

IN CLOSING

I think I’ve shared with you ( Ephesians 3:1-5 ) already. How that God laid the burden of the Church and its doctrines on the shoulders of the Apostle Paul. We also see in ( Acts 9:16 ) For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. If you’ll read that you will see he’s speaking of the Apostle Paul.

The responsibility of spiritual education and spiritual growth falls on every pastor today. I see it as not much different that that laid on the shoulders of the Apostle Paul. It’s somewhat different because, he laid that foundation, it’s the responsibility of pastors today to instuct believers about how to build upon that foundation.

While I not a pastor today, I write and share things I see in scripture. However, I take my responsibility very seriously. I realize we have commentaries and many books designed to help us understand. Many pastors simply, because of laziness allow those people to do all their teaching, not considering the value of allowing God’s spirit to use them as he speaks.

Knowledge, wisdom is a gift from God. We cannot bury that talent and allow it to be wasted because of laziness. People are depending on us to prepare them as they stand before God. It’s not that every believer doesn’t have their own responsibilities but, ( can I use a metaphor here )? What would happen to a new born baby if its mother never fed it or, always just gave it milk? Maybe, lock the child in a closet?

That is exactly what is happening in our Churches. Members are being given milk only from scripture and, locked behind a door of denominationalism. They are never taught to to listen to God’s Spirit and to allow him to teach them.

I still contend: I’m not your teacher. I’m simply a vessel that seeks to know truth from scripture. It’s the responsibility of God’s Spirit within you to teach you and, help you to see truth in what anyone writes or preaches.

We’ll move on. In the next segment I’d like to show you some things about the ( Marriage Supper of the Lamb ). This is another thing that will be taking place while ( Tribulation ) is occurring on this earth.

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

As we get into ( future tense salvation ) and all it involves; we must first understand to other two parts of that same salvation. We can, to some degree relate our ( day of salvation ) to a woman that just got pregnant, the seed of salvation was just planted or, placed within you. That seed is the very ( Holy Spirit of God ).

When that seed is planted within you, just like the growth of the child within the woman, we begin to grow spiritually. While in the process of physical birth; it takes nine months, the act of maturing to ( spiritual maturity if as long as we live. We call the process ( present tense salvation ) in other words, we are daily dying to our old selves and, by spiritual process, becoming more like Jesus Christ in the spiritual sense.

When we physically die or, when the rapture takes place, our spiritual journey upon this earth is complete. ( Future Tense Salvation ) is when we actually stand before our Judge: ( Jesus Christ ). At this time, all is complete. How we; as born again believers, stand in his presense is basically up to the individual.

As we consider this; we need to also understand another aspect of ( spiritual accountability ). When each of us are born again, at that moment we become a part of the ( Universal Church ).Now, I say what I’m about to say, in a general sense, it’s because someone that was already born again, cared enough to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with someone else,that they might be born again as well. Generally speaking, that is the responsibility of ( the local Church ). The local Church is filled with many members that are bnorn again, with a pastor that, not only shares the gospel but, also prepares his members for ( future tense salvation ) that being, how you will stand before Jesus Christ and be judged.

I personally do not believe these things are being taught in the average local Church today. While I am not a judge of any person; that doesn’t mean that I don’t sit in the local Church that even I attend with great concern for those that say they are Born again. ( I am very concerned ). I believe ( in the average local Church ) ( the religion of Christianty ) is being taught and, that apart from being ( born again ). We are being taught how a Christian is suppose to live but, that apart from allowing God’s spirit to do the transforming work in the hearts of people.

Now, you know, I don’t go to every Church therefore, I cannot say what happens in the Church you attend, can I? However, we can simply ask a few questions; therewith allowing you to decide what you think.

( 1 ) How does your pastor present the Tribulation, how does he teach it?

( A ) Pre Millennial

( B ) Post Millennial

( C ) Amillennial

Or. does he teach it or mention it at all?

( 2 ) From the pulpit, is you Church warned about how you will stand before Jesus Christ as your judge? Does you Church teach sanctification by the Spirit in this present life? That means that he is preparing you , as you walk through your life, to stand before your judge.

( 3 ) As I mention these three mindsets of Tribulation, my next question might be; does he teach to a point of understanding any of the three ? If not, then more than like he has an ( amillennial ) mindset.Most pastors that are either ( pre millennial ) or ( post millennial ) are so passionate abut their stand, they’ll mention it often from the pulpit.

If they have an ( Amillennial ) mindset then they do not believe what I will be teaching in the rest of this segment. While I will readily admit I don’t understand their way of thinking, I appears to me that they are thinking it will all just work out in time. It also means they believe in a ( general resurrection ) to which the Bible does not teach.

As I say that I get into what will be happening with the Church while the Tribulation is ongoing. I’d like to say something here that very few ever consider. Every epistle from ( Romans ) all the way through ( Jude ) are written to ( the Church ) born again believers. They are not written to just anyone that might read them. That’s not to say that they can’t be use to draw conviction on those that are lost but, the fact is that they are there for our instruction in sanctification.

Within these epistles we see this term ( the Judge seat of Christ ).

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

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

Therefore, when will the Judgment Seat of Christ happen and, how close can we come to proving it in scripture? Do you remember me saying that there were things Jesus told his Apostles that there was no way that they could understand what he was saying at that time? When I made that statement, I was speaking of ( John 14 ). I also said that; in time, they would come to understand. Look at this verse: ( 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.

There’s a lot to be learned but, they must wait until the Spirit of God is come that they might understand. Now, look at this verse: ( Luke 14:14 ) And thou shalt be blessed, for they cannot recompence thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Can you see a special ( resurrection ) here? One just for the ( Just ). We see the Apostle Paul speaking of this judgement in these two epistles. Now, look at this verse: ( 2 Timothy 4:8 ) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

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

If you will notice, this judgement will take place ( at his appearing ) according to ( 2 Timothy 4:8 ). When the Apostle Paul is speaking of the ( Judgement Seat of Christ ) he is speaking, as I said to those that are members of the ( universal Church ) only.

When Jesus comes back to rapture the Church ( at his appearing ), The judgement seat of Christ will be taking place while the tribulation is going on, on the earth. Now, I want us to look at these verses: ( 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 ) According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. ( 11 ) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. ( 12 ) Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; ( 13 ) Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. ( 14 ) If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. ( 15 ) If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Now, this is what we need to understand. The day you asked Christ into your heart can be seen as ( past tense salvation ) that day has come and gone. As you live out your life, after that day, it becomes the responsibility of every believer to die to theirselves more ane more each day; becoming more and more like Jesus Christ. That is called ( present tense salvation ).

( Future tense salvation ) is the finished product of yourself that you offer to Jesus Christ at ( the Judgement Seat of Christ ). Jesus Christ died and rose again to purchase a posession, we call it ( the Church ). The Apostle Paul was give the responsibility of ( laying the foundation ) of that purchased possession. He did his job. He is here saying that how each person that is born again ( builds his eternal life ) on that foundation is completely up to that individual.

We see in these verses; six things mentioned: Gold, Silver, Precious Stone, Wood, Hay and Stubble. He is using these items in comparison to our lives, we live for Christ. It says we will be tried ( as of by fire ). When you look at these items, what happens to God, Silver and Precious Stone when it’s thrown into a furnace of fire? If anything, that fire will simply purufy it more, it will become better than it was in the end, because of the heat place upon it. However, if you throw Wood, Hay and Stubble in; what happens to those items?

Friends, I always try my best to impress upon you that you don’t have to believe anything I say. It’s the Spirit of God that has to teach you. However, these things need to be taught and, that is the responsibility of the local Church. I’ve sought to back up everything I’ve said with scripture. Well, if these things are in scripture, no matter whether I’m right or wrong, why aren’t they taught?

On a personal level; I’d much rather stand before ( Jesus Christ ) at ( the Judgement seat of Christ ) having at least attempted to teach truth than never trying at all. If you happen to read this; at least you have the option to disagree, to seek to know. ( I believe ) that one of the most grievious sins it could be; would be to leave people in darkness about ( the Judgement Seat of Christ ). To leave people in ( Past Tense Salvation ) with the mindset that ( that’s all it is about it ) is paramount to locking a child in a closet for their whole life.

In this segment, I’ve tried to bring you to ( the Judgement Seat of Christ ). At this Judgement it will have nothing to do with ( committed sin ) that was washed away at the Cross of Calvary and, by the exceptance by faith of Jesus Christ. This judgement has to do with what did you do with the free gift that he gave you! It’s untold just how much can be taught and learned here. During this ( seven year ) period there will also be a wedding where we, as the Church; will actually be married to Jesus Christ.

In reality, the next judgement is called the ( Great White Throne of Judgement ). It happens about ( one thousand and seven years ) after the ( Judgement Seat of Christ ). At the end of ( The Tribulation period ) this is what it says:

( Revelation 19:11-14 )

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. ( 12 ) His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. ( 13 ) And he was clothed in 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. The army of God is the ( body of born again believers ). We return with him when he destroys the armies of this world.

If you read just before these verses you will see ( the marriage of the Lamb ). Now, I want you to notice something. ( Revelation 19:12 ) ( and on his head were many crowns ). Where do you suppose those crowns came from? I realize that the answer to that question is pure speculation on my part. However, Like I say, I’m a vessel, one that seeks truth and I love seeking to relay that truth to you. You just allow God’s Spirit to teach you. You never have to take my word, listen to him!

When Jesus returns here, he establishes his Kingdom, with Israel; upon the face of this earth. He destroys their enemies with the sword that comes out of his mouth. This is the beginning of the ( Thousand year reign of Christ ) on this earth ( King of Israel )!

In the next segment I’ll seek to answer that question.We’ll call it ( CROWNS TO BE WON BY THE SAINTS )

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

In the last segment we look at this verse of scripture: ( 1 Thessalonians 4:17 ) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Do you remember talking about the ( Church ) having a beginning and an end. The Church is the body that will be caught up. I ( personally believe ) that ( the body ) includes every person that has been saved, born again since the actual ( Day of Pentecost ). If you remember; when Jesus died on the cross, ( the graves were opened. Every person that believed before that event went to their ( promised place ) at that time. David said In ( Psalms 16:10 ) For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see curruption. Here, he is speaking of that placed called ( paradise ) we spoke of earlier. ( The Church ) is a completely separate entity from any other group of people.

Look at what Jesus said in ( 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 may be also.

Do you realize that this is the only gospel that Jesus reveals this fact in? In the ( Gospel of John ) Jesus Christ reveals himself as ( the Son of God ). If you will study the four gospels; you will notice that there are a lot of common things throughout them. However, in the gospel of John, Jesus says things or reveals himself at times in a way that he never does in other gospels. This happens to be one of them.

Here, this statement is being made to ( all those that believe ). There is no way that the Apostles, at this time can completely comprehend what all he is saying but, in time they will!

As I seek to reveal truth, I always try to point out that it has to be ( the spirit of God ) that causes you to see what is truth. I’m just a vessel. My desire is to help you to see truth. I’m going to point out something here that you will have to decide just how you feel about it.

These things take time to understand. However, ( I believe ) that the ( Book of Revelation ) is a continuation of the ( Book of Daniel ). So, let’s seek to prove this. ( Daniel 12:8-11 ) And I heard, but understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? ( 9 ) And he said, Go thy way. Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. ( 10 ) Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried, but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. ( 11 ) And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

I won’t get into all that is being said here, I don’t know that I can but, I believe that what was sealed in ( Daniel ) was opened by ( John the Beloved ) the writer of the Revelation. Now, with that being said; if we look at the first three chapters of Revelation we basically see a picture of seven Churches. Although we can see every one of these Churches as time moves foward from the beginning of the Church, we see a very vivid picture of the ( Church of Laodicia ) we read about in the last part of ( Revelation 3 ) today.

We are living in a time of great apostacy. There might be many that doubt what I say but, I desire for you to recognize the fact that ( just because ) the name of Jesus Christ is mentioned in any Church does not mean they are speaking of ( Jesus Christ ) ( God in flesh ). Notice this verse:

Matthew 7:20-23 )

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. ( 21 ) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. ( 22 ) Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? ( 23 ) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

I love speaking to individuals rather than to a Church building. ( The universal Church ) is made up of individuals that have been born again. It’s not made of people that have joined a Church. There is a vast difference and, we must see and recognize that fact. Now, as a Bible student, even I can argue to whom he’s speaking in these verses but., the point I’m making is still valid. Lood at this:

(1 John 4:1 )

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

All I’m asking is that you, as an individual; to look at yourself! Don’t fall into the trap of just being a member of a building and, listening to any man or person. You know, by trying the spirits that you are a member of ( the universal Church ) that will be raptured one day by Jesus Christ himself.

If you will notice; in ( Revelation 4 ), after Jesus has spoken to the seven Churches; we see where a door was opened in heaven. It says ( Come up Hither ). I believe this is a picture of the ( rapture ). Once you see these verses there is no other mention of the Church until the last chapters in Revelation.

Now, let’s look at something here. When Jesus said ( I go to prepare a place for you ) to whom was he speaking? I’m going to say to begin with,; he was speaking to ( the Church ) born again believers. As far as ( the Nation of Israel ) was concerned, hadn’t he already promised them that they would inherit the earth?

As time moves foward from the ( birth of the Church ) on ( the day of Pentecost ), even until this present day ( the Church ) has been growing, it will need a place to live; once it is complete. We can see that ( place that is prepared ) in ( Revelation 21 ). Look at the last verse in that chapter. ( Verse 27 ) But they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

So, whose names are written in that book? Let’s look at a couple of verses: ( Revelation 13:8 ) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the lamb slain from the foundation of the world.With that verse in mind; who are the people he is speaking of here? In this verse he’s speaking of people ( worshipping Satan ). All the names of people that ( do not have their names written in that book ) will worship Satan. You might ask, will there be people saved during ( Tribulation )? The answer is yes.

Do you remember that I referred you to a verse where ( Jesus Christ ) went and preached to the spirit in prison? ( 1 Peter 3:19 ) By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; I made mention of those, just before the flood of Noah. Well, we see after the rapture; the same picture. I made the statement when we spoke of that; that some in Noah’s day might not have got the message of Noah. Look at ( 1 Peter 3:20 ) Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the Ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

Like I said then ( I believe ) that the ( longsuffering of God ) kept those that didn’t know, even then until,Jesus Christ had paid the price for them. When Jesus went and preached to those ( spirits ), God’s longsuffering hand reached down to them.

We see that same thing in ( 2 Thessalonians 2:11 ) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:( 12 ) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

If you will study in ( Revelation 6:9 ) And when he had open the fifth seal, I saw under the alter the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

You can read it all if you like but, comparing these verses; we see that it is very possible that some, during the Church age didn’t hear the gospel. If that was the case, during Tribulation they could be save but they had to give their lives to be saved. However, if you had heard the gospel during the Church age and, you rejected that then, Gos himself would send you ( strong delusions ) that they might be damned.If you will look in ( Revelation 14:6 ) And I say another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them yhat dwell on the earth, and to ever nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

Again, you can read and study that but, we see, because of study that there are those that will be saved during that period. However, It will not be people that rejected Christ during the ( age of Grace ).

So, let’s get back to whom he is talking about when he making statements such as we see here:

( Ephesians 1:2-5 ) Grace be to you,and peace, fro God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ( 3 ) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: ( 4 ) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: ( 5 ) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, ( 6 ) ) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath us accepted in the beloved.

I shared these verses a while back. The Apostle Paul is speaking of the Church here. We also showed you where it was the Apostle Paul that was given the mystery of the Church. The verses we read in ( Revelation ) is referring to this ( called out group ). Actually, you could say that the born again believers have a bird’s eye view of the destruction going on during the ( seven years ) we speak of. If you’ll study this ( 1500 mile ) cubic we see in ( Revelation 21 ) it appears it is suspended between heaven and earth. Also, I doubt we’ll be concerned about what is going on; on earth because we will be buzy with the details of our relationship with Jesus Christ.

However. as I make that statement; I’m reminded of this verse of scripture: ( Revelation 8:1 ) And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.

I feel we need to say something here. Exactly, where is heaven? Where does it start and where does it end? The Apostle Paul made this statement: ( 2 Corinthians 12:2 ) I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, ( whether in body, I cannot tell; or whether out of body, I cannot tell: God knoweth; ) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

We see in this verse that ( heaven is in different manners ) we might say. So, can we say, where the birds fly, planes fly is ( one part of heaven )? Where we see the stars, planets ( second part of heaven ) and, beyond that. ( the third heaven )? So, when we say that this city ( 1500 miles ) was suspended between heave and earth, I’m saying it’s between the third heaven and earth.

I personally believe that when we see the verse in ( Revelation 8:1 ) it’s speaking of born again believers within that city; seeing things that cause them to shut up and pay attention to what’s happening on this earth.

The whole point in saying all of this is given to show the difference in ( the Nation of Israel ) and, ( the Church ). As I try and teach this, I always make the point that I’m simply a vessel. One that seeks to understand God’s word. As I seek to reveal and understand truth; it must be God’s Spirit that helps you see truth. I’m just one of many that might try to show things in scripture. However, God’s desire is for you to see what his spirit reveals to you. If I can help in your understanding of these events then ( TO GOD BE THE GLORY ).

( I believe ) it’s more to salvation than just saying ( we believe ) in Jesus Christ! I do not believe that aspect of salvation is being taught in our average local Church today. ( I believe ) there’s a reason for that. Most pastors today are ( educated ) by schools and universities. That’s where they get their knowlege and instruction. When, in reality, it takes ( God’s Spirit ) to be the instructor.

We have become more interested in the quanity of the people we have in our Churches rather than the quality of what we teach them. In the next segment of this study; I’ll try to show you what I see as happening in ( the 1500 mile city ) while the ( last week of tribulation ) is taking place on this earth.

I’ll call it ( PAST TENSE SALVATION ) AND THAT OF THE CHURCH!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

.

I realize that I might be going through this somewhat quickly. The reason is to try to explain ( Tribulation ). However, I feel a need to point out a few things here. As we head into the next event let’s s look at a few more things we might have overlooked in the last segment. We seen the building of a nation ( The Nation of Israel ). Within that time, God also handed down the law ( we call it basically the Ten Commandments ). Although it’s more to ( the Law ) than just the Ten Commandments ); these were written or given to the Nation of Israel; some real laws to govern them.

I tried to point out that before this period of time it was as simple as people that trusted God, had faith in God to spread his knowledge to the masses. There was no law to speak of. We could asked the question, up until that time: ( who is God )? When God seperated a people unto himself ( the Nation of Israel ) he also, through the law revealed who he was, what he expected from people that followed him. If you study through Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus you will see the giving of that law. It was given to Moses.

I’d like to share something with you that many people misunderstand. Actually, the law was never given to live by. As a matter of fact, it is impossible to live by. Another point that needs to be made is that ( the law ) was only given to ( the Nation of Israel ). It was not given to the Gentiles. These things are easily proven but, hard to comprehend by many people. As I make that statement, it’s not to say God isn’t pleased with people seeking to live a life that pleases him but,rather that he knows and, always has that it is an impossible task.

So, let’s take scripture and prove these two things. First of all, Moses led ( God’s people ) out of Egypt. He also continued to lead them all through his life. But to take it a step farther, look at this verse: ( Romans 3:2 ) Much every way:chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. In the first verse: ( Romans 3:1 ) we see ( What advantage then hath the Jew ) ? God gave his law, expressly to his people. As a matter of fact, every Gentile, even up until the days of Jesus Christ were considered ( dogs ), ( worthless ), ( without hope ).

Look at this statement made by Jesus Christ: ( Matthew 15:26 ) But he answered and said, it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. If you go back to ( verse 24 ) here, he says this: ( I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of Israel. At the same time I say that, I still want you to see this: ( verse 27-28 ) And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from the master’s table. ( 28 ) Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that hour.

Do you remember, I said, it has always been by faith? We see that here! Although this woman was a Gentile, she received the blessing from God. However, that doesn’t change the fact that God gave the law to the Jews.

With that knowledge, what then is the purpose of the law? ( Galatians 3:24 ) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

It’s a lot to see; however, God’s desire was for Israel to understand that, as people, they were not perfect but, God wanted them to walk with him by faith, just simply trust him. But, what did Israel do? If you will read the gospels you will see that the high priests of that day had changed ( God’s law ) into laws that they demanded of the people. Instead of simply understanding God’s will, they set out to become a law for themselves.

I’ll try to put this in my own words. Let’s say there’s a choir leader. He or she tells the choir member that; if they desire to sing in the choir that they must abide by these rules. The choir leader writes ten rules to abide by. Each person that desired to sing; agreed to abide by those rules. What does that mean? It means that the choir leader was well pleased with his choir but, not one of them were any closer to God the father! do you see what I’m saying?

Even if you were able to keep all of the commandments of God, to the letter, that’s not what God desires. He desire is for you to love him, even in your imperfections. He desires for you to see your need for his forgiveness.. To walk with him, seek to please him by choice, not by any law.

The nation of Israel never could see this concept. Now, let’s look at one other verse: ( Luke 14:23 ) And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

God gave the Nation of Israel every opportunity to follow him, seek him but, they would not, So, what did God do? In my simple terms; God pick Israel up and set them on a shelf. ( Romans 11:24-25 ) For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these , which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? ( 25 ) For I would not, brethren, that ye be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

This is exactly what happened when Jesus Christ died and rose again. In the Book of Acts ( Acts 2 ) we see where the Spirit of God fell on 120 believers. This was the beginning of the Church. I’ve shared with you how God spoke directly to Adam, Noah and Abram. Then we could see how God spoke to his people through prophets all through the Old Testament. We seen how ( in the last days ) he spoke through his son Jesus Christ. When the Church was born in ( Acts 2 ) we now see how God has placed his spirit on ever born again believer. Now, even at this time, when any person is born again, God’s Spirit moves into that heart and God teaches that individual and, equips that person to be able to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I’ve tried to show you a beginning and an end to each time God used a different way of touching, speaking to his people. Here we see the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the end of the ( 69th week ) and now the beginning of the Church. For now, just over 2000 years, depending on what time table one might use, God, through and by His Spirit has been calling out, whosoever will come to be a part of the Church. It will continue until ( the fulness of the Gentiles be come in ). No one knows when that will be.

( The Church ) is a called out. peculiar people. Our responsibility on this earth, once Christ comes and lives within our hearts is to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ to this sin cursed world. Remember, it’s to whosoever will. That means that even every Jew can become a member of the body of Christ as well.

Each period of time had a beginning and, an event that marked the end. So, what will be the end of what we call the Church age? If you will notice; in ( Romans 11:25 ) the last part of that verse says this : ( until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in ). What are those Gentiles ( come in to ) or ( born in to )? We; as Gentiles are born into ( the Church ). There’s not but two groups of people as far as God the Father is concerned. You are either a Gentiles or, you are a Jew meaning, you are born into the family of ( God’s Chosen People ).

If you remember, the Bible says ( whosoever will ). That means that Gentiles and Jews alike can be born into the body of Christ; which is ( the Church ). Now, I’m going to say here that, ( The Rapture ) will happen when ( the fulness of the Gentiles are in ). When the rapture takes place then, the 70th week will begin. That week has nothing to do with the Church, It’s all about God dealing with Israel as spoken by Daniel.

( Has it ever occurred to you, that nothing has ever occurred to God )? If you have been following with each segment, all the way through this, you know we started all the way back with Adam and Eve In Genesis. Now, I want you to see something here:

( Ephesians 1:1-6 )

( 1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: ( 2 ) Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ( 3 ) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: ( 4 ) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: ( 5 ) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, ( 6 ) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

I wanted you to see this to show you that ( the Church ) was in the mind and heart of God before he created Eden, and place Adam and Eve in that garden. ( The Church ) is a called out group of people, we are the bride of Christ. That whole concept was in God’s mind from the very beginning. ( The Church ) has nothing to do with a building, even a place; as a matter of fact, we are not of this world, we are ambassators for Jesus Christ in the world. ( 2 Corinthians 5:20 ) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did besceech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

We are a ( chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people ).

( 1 Peter 2:9 )

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Now, look at this nrxt verse:

( 1 Peter 2:10 )

Which in times past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

( THE CHURCH ) was completely non-existant other than in the mind and heart of God; before the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Church had its beginning in ( Acts 2 ) and it will end when we are ( taken up ) just before the final week of ( desolation ) God determined on the Nation of Israel. so now, let’s try and prove some of this.

First, let’s establish the fact that Jesus was seen of people after his resurrection. ( 1 Corinthians 15: 5-7 ) And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: ( 6 ) After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some have fallen asleep. ( 7 ) After that, he was seen of James, then all of the apostles.

We could go back in the gospels and see some of these events but, we’ll simply look at one of them. ( Luke 24:46-49 ) And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: ( 47 ) And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ( 48 ) And ye are witnesses of these things. ( 49 ) And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

If you continue to read there you will see that he was ( carried up into heaven ). Actually, and it’s a proven fact that ten days later, they were endued with power from on high. That happened in ( Acts 2 ). You can read somewhat the same thing in ( Acts 1 ) but, it actually happened in:

( Acts 2:1-4 ) And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. ( 2 ) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. ( 3 ) And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. ( 4 ) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

There were 120 believers there that day. Those were the very first members of the new born Church. This was the first time in history that God’s Spirit was upon every believer. Up until now, at this time, God, himself choose to whom he would allow his spirit to be upon. On this day, just because someone ( believes ) God’s Spirit comes upon them and dwells there. If you will continue to read in ( Acts ) you will see that the preaching of God’s word caused many others to believe and, God’s Spirit was upon them as well.

Today, some two thousand years later, when any person asked Jesus Christ to be their savior, the very instant they believe, that same spirit comes upon them as well. At that moment they also become a member of ( the univeral Church ). That Church is a living organism, it lives it breathes just like a living body. As some die off, others are born into it.

The true picture of the ( living organism ) we call ( the Church ) is of men and women, willingly ( dying to self ) and allowing Jesus Christ, God’s Holy Spirit to live through their walk and talk. Do you realize that the very same Spirit that lived in Jesus Christ; now lives within you; if you are born again?

The Church, if it’s done correctly is an organized organism. What does that mean? It means that it’s just like your body. As your life continues, you have cells that die off and other are made but, you always keep the same basic form. God gave, some pastors, teachers, evangelist and so on for the develpoment of the body he created. ( Ephesians 4:11 ). And he gave some apostles, and some,prophets, and some evangelist, and some pastors and teachers. If you continue to read here; it says it’s there for the ( perfecting of the saints ) ( for the work of the ministry ) ( for the edifying of the body of Christ ).

Now, I’d like to point out something here. In every other period of time we mentioned, as time moved foward, men became less about God and more about their own personal desires. They began to basically make or create their own laws that they live by. We also see that in the Church. We won’t look at it all but, let’s look at:

( Revelation 3:14-19 ) And unto the angel of the Church of the Laodiceans write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; ( 15 ) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. ( 16 ) So then because thou are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. ( 17 ) Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:( 18 ) I councel thee to by of me gold tried with fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. ( 19 ) As may as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Now, look at ( Verse 20 ) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him. and will sup with him, and he with me.

This is a picture of the ( last days of the Church ). Does it sound familiar? Now, before we move to the rapture; I’d like to make a comparison here. The very same way that the ( Holy Ghost ) of God fell on 120 believers that brought the Church into being, when the rapture takes place, that ( Holy Gost ) will be removed from this earth.

If we go back to ( the flood of Noah ). In ( Genesis 5:25-26 ) we see a man named ( Methuselah ). This man lived longer that any other human on the face of this earth. ( nine hundred and sixty nine years ). ( I believe ) this man is a type of the Holy Ghost of God. In other words ( when Methuselah died ) the flood came.

The picture is that ( the Holy Ghost of God ) basically speaking, came to live on this earth through born again believers in ( Acts 2 ). He will be on this earth all the way up until the rapture. When the rapture happen; ( Tribulation begins ). The 70th week of what God determined upon the ( Nation of Israel ).

The word ( rapture ) is not found in scripture. The meaning of that word is : ( a feeling of intense pleasure or joy ). That definition is the excitement felt when someone longs for home and finally gets to go.

Before we get into this. I’d like for you to ask yourself something. if you consider yourself as ( born Again ). Do you long for; look for; the return of Jesus Christ? Are you excited about going to your heavenly home? If you can answer that question with a ( yes ) then that in itself is a blessing ( to God ) ( from you ). ( 2 Timothy 4:8 ) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

If you’ll notice here, it says ( a crown of righteousness ). This is one of five crowns we see in the New Testament that born again believers can win. We see here that this one can be won simply by ( longing for, looking for for, his appearing.

What we call the ( rapture ) is not easily seen in scripture. God designed it just that way. Look at this verse: 1( 1 Corinthians 2:14 ) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are sipritually discerned.

Even as people that are born again, we must get beyond our natural way of thinking and allow God’s spirit to teach us truth. Althouth I ( as an individual ) am born again, I am still in my flesh. I must be willing to overcome the weakness of my own flesh to allow God to reveal truth to even me.

Now, speaking of being ( caught up ) let’s look at a couple of verses: First ( 1 Corinthians 15:50-52 ) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. ( 51 ) Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed, ( 52 ) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Now, let’s look at these verses: ( 1 Thessalonians 4: 13- 18 ) But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are sleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. ( 14 ) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. ( 15 ) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that they which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. ( 16 ) For the Lord himself shall descend from with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: ( 17 ) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. ( 18 ) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

So, to take this one step further, who is it that wrote both of these letters and, why is that important? The Apostle Paul wrote both of these letters. Let’s look at why we need to know this and, why it’s important. ( Ephesians 3:1-4 ) For this cause I Paul, the prinsoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, ( 2 ) If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: ( 3 ) How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;( as I wrote afore in few words, ( 4 ) Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ ) ( 5 ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and the prophets by the Spirit;

The whole concept of the Church is a mystery. Do you see in that group of verse it says ( WHICH IN OTHER AGES WAS NOT MADE KNOWN )? Did not Jesus Christ bring an end to ( the age of Law ) when he died on the cross ? Therefore, although we can read about aspects of the return of Christ in the gospels, we can see a lot of things that will transpire, we cannot see the catching up of the Church. That whole mystery was revealed to the apostle to the Gentiles ( the Apostle Paul ).

I can show you that there is a vast difference between the ( Kingdom of Heaven ) and ( the Kingdom of God ). We are simply not being taught that difference. Now, let me ask you something! When we speak of ( the rapture ) or ( being caught up ), where are we going to be caught up to and, why?

I’ll try and address this in the next segment. I’ve tried to show you why the rapture will take place before any part of the Tribulation. Just as the Church was started, had its beginning after the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, ( the age of Grace ) The Church age ) will end when Jesus shouts from the clouds to call the Church home. Where is our Home? The answer in the next segment!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

In the process of showing ( Tribulation and why ) we have seen where God spoke to three men. Adam, Noah and Abram. I shared with you that; after Abram, which became Abraham, God spoke through many different men during the period we call ( the age of law ). That period of time lasted somewhere around 2000 to 2500 years. If you remember, back in a previous segment . I shared two verses of scripture: ( Hebrews 1:1-2 ). In that verse of scripture it tells us that ( in the last days ) ( God spoke to them ) by his Son, Jesus Christ.

The Bible says in ( Romans 10:4 ) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.

We can look at that verse actually in two different ways. The most important is that ( he ) Jesus Christ is ( the righteousness of those that believe ). He became righteousness for everyone that could not be righteous for themselves. When he says that ( he is the end of the law for those that believe ); what that means is that we that believe are ( freed from the law of sin ). However, any person that doesn’t believe on him is still accountable to the law. That is a whole different study.

However, he also lived in the ( age of law ) and, his death brought an end to that concept of how God dealt with men. I realize that as I say that, it needs to be proven. Since I’m actually seeking to used by God’s spirit to explain ( Tribulation ), I’ll just say a few things here.

So, in essence, what ( was ) Jesus Christ? He was, and still is the ( Perfect Lamb of God ) the ( Perfect Sacrificed Lamb ). A good place to read about that is ( Hebrews 10 ). One of the best verses is ( verse 4 ) For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. ( 5 ) Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offerings thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me.

During the period of law; Israel had to bring a lamd we’ll say to the high priest each year to be sacrificed for their sin. This lamb had to meet certian criteria, just any lamb would not do. Often, when I saying this I’m reminded of a fact: when each family brought their lamb to be offered each year, the high priest never paid any attention to the man or, any member of his family. He didn’t look at any of them and asked them what sins that had committed or why. His total focus was on the lamb. He wanted to make sure the lamb was ( the perfect sacrifice ).

Jesus Christ became that ( perfect sacrifice for every sinner ). When we place our faith on his finished work then, God the Father is looking at that perfect sacrifice and never at our imperfection. Now, I’d like to make a comparison here. Since we read here in ( Hebrews ) that the blood they offered from those animals was not sufficient for their sin, yet they, by faith done it each year; what happened to those people when they died?

( I believe ) this is something we are never taught but, it is something we need to see and, understand. We can use several verses of scripture to see this. When ( Old Testament saints ) died; they could not go to the place we call heaven. Why? Because the perfect sacrifice had not been offered. The same way that ( New Teatament saints ) look back to the cross of Calvary by faith; the ( Old Testament saints ) looked foward to that same cross by faith. Thet put their trust in God that the perfect sacrifice would come.

When they died, the went to a place called ( paradise ). At that time, it was in the center of the earth. So, let’s prove this. The first place we’ll look is in ( 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.

If you study this you will see that when the Lazarus died he was seen in Abraham’s bosom. That means he was in the same place Abraham was. However, when the rich man died, he lift up his eyes in hell! The only thing that seperated them was a great gulf. Now, if we go to ( Luke 23:43 ) And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. This was Jesus on the cross speaking to the thief that asked him to remember him when he came into his kingdom.

Now, let’s look at ( Ephesians 4:8-10 ) Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. ( 9 ) ( Now that he ascened, 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 the all heavens, that he might fill all things.

( 1 Peter 3:19 ) By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

Here we see where Jesus went into ( hell ) ( paradise ). Personally, I believe he went to the paradise side of hell to deliver those saints that had ( believed on credit ) waiting for the perfect lamb to be crucified or offered; to which Jesus Christ was that lamb.

So, look what happened on the day that Jesus Christ was crucified; the time right after he gave up the ghost. ( Matthew 27:50-53 ) Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. ( 51 ) And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; ( 52 ) And the graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, ( 52 ) And came out of the graves after the resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

I’d like to share something here that I see and, might very well be true. I just notice little things in scripture. I showed you the scripture in ( 1 Peter 3:19 ). If you continue to read in ( verse 20 ) Which sometime were disobient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the Ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

I only point this out to show ( the longsuffering of God ). ( I believe ) it’s very possible that the very second the Jesus Christ ( gave up the Ghost ) many Old Testament saints were completely prepared at that second to then be carried up to their heavenly home. However, there might have been those that lived before the flood of Noah that did not understand the whole concept of faith and, possible had never even heard of any part of what Noah preached. Therefore, although many went up the second Christ gave up the ghost, many needed to be preached to at that time and therefore make a choice. I know that many people might not consisder this, but I do. As a matter of fact, there’s another verse we see in ( Acts 17:30 ) And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

( I believe ) we can see ( the longsuffering of God ) in that verse all the way back to the beginning and, that’s why Jesus Christ went and preached to the ( spirits ) in prison. You see, these spirits were not necessarily believers but, God’s longsuffering reached out to them; even to this end.

We see that same concept during ( Tribulation period ). I’ll be addressing that when we get to that section in scripture. If we consider what happened when Jesus Christ Died on the cross, we see an end to something the Jews were privy to. The Bible says the ( the veil of the temple ) was rent from top to bottom. That means that; at that minute any person could walk right up to the very throne of God and present their request.

It’s so much to see and learn about the whole word of God. I can’t say it all. However, we must understand that God’s desire was to open the door of salvation to all men. As we see this unfold, that is exactly what he is doing. Do you remember we stated that this was the end of the ( 69 weeks ) spoken of by Daniel? Understanding all this is not a simple thing. God designed it not to be. His desire is for his people to care enough to seek him and allow him to teach them. So, what else happened at the resurrection of Jesus Christ?

We’ll look at that in the next segment as we see the ( Church ) begin to unfold. Also, where is Israel? We speak of ( Tribulation ). There is an understanding to be known. God’s desire is for his people to understand it all.

If God can use me to help you see something, to me; WHAT A GREAT HONOR! To be used by God’s spirit to teach, his word, through my body of flesh!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

In the last two segments of this journey toward ( Tribulation ) we have looked at different ways God dealt with mankind. We tried to show the beginning and, end of each way God worked with man. We’ve seen that up intil now God has only spoken to two men, Adam and Noah. In this period of time God speaks to a man called Abram. ( Genesis 12 ) As you read through this, the next chapters in ( Genesis ) we watch as the the nation that comes from Abram is formed. As you read and watch this unfold, you will see that Abram becomes Abraham. God promises he and his wife a son. In other words, Sarah cannot have children but, God promises them a son.

The son they have, his name is Isaac. He is ( the son after the promise ). We see that promise in ( Genesis 17:15-19 ). As you continue to read through Genesis, Isaac has two sons. ( Esau and Jacob ). I’d like to point out something here. If you remember; Adam had three sons; ( Cain, Abel and Seth ).Cain killed Abel, Seth, being the youngest is the ( Spiritual line ) that we have followed up until now. That being, even Issac ( the only ( son after the promise ) of Abraham. Now we see that Isaac also has two sons, ( Esau and Jacob ).

The Bible says this ( Romans 9:13 ) As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. Why you you think God would say this? ( The reason ) is because it just a picture. We see it all the way through. ( The first born ) if a type of your flesh. ( The second born ) is a type of you, once the spirit of God is born within you. That part of you is ( the second born ). Out of the ( second born ) is where God creates the ( Nation of Israel ). As we continue through ( Genesis ), we see that Jacob has ( twelve sons ). These twelve sons become the ( twelve tribes of Israel ). As a matter of fact, in ( Genesis 32:28 ) we see where ( Jacob’s name is actually changed to Israel ).

All the way through the rest of ( Genesis ) we see this family develop. Now, the rest of the Old Testament is concerning God’s dealings with the ( Nation of Israel ). Although up until this point; God has only spoken to three men, as the Old Testament unfolds we see many men that God uses to speak to the ( Nation of Israel ). The problem is; ( the Nation of Israel ) won’t listen to the men God uses to speak to them. These men were called prophets, one of these prophets was a man called ( Daniel ). We read Daniel’s story in ( the Book of Daniel ).

In the first part of Daniel we see that the ( Nation of Israel ) has been taken captive because of their inobedience. Although this is true, there were four of the children of Israel that would not submit to ( the King of Babylon ). Daniel just happened to be one of them. If you will notice; all the way up until this time, God has always had ( A man or men ) that stood up for him. We can’t say how many people that were in captivity were like Daniel and, the other three children but, the focus here is on these four children because they are in the ( King’s Palace ).

At any rate; God chose Daniel to reveal how things would unfold concerning the future of ( His Chosen People ). We began this teaching with the revelation of that in ( Daniel 9: 24-27 ). I won’t write those verses again but I do desire to show what is being said in those verses. Please understand: this is not just something I see but it has been proven out by many people over the years. I will say that ( I ) didn’t just take their word for it, I also sought to allow God’s word to teach me what was being said. It simply takes time to study it out.

As I told you in the beginning of this ( I’m not your teacher ) I’m just a vessel that seeks to be used of God. The Holy Spirit is the person that has to be the one that ( settles ) within you everything that might be taught whether true or false.

As you look at the ( 70 weeks ) that Daniel speaks of in these verses; each week is a period of ( seven years ). As you read and study it, you will notice that ( 69 ) of those week were completed at the ( cutting of of the Messiah ) which is the death of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary.

Now, as I’ve been going through this, I’ve tried to show you a beginning and an end of each way God dealt with mankind. Just by way of recapping a few things; we can see the flaming swords at the end of Adam’s life in the Garden of Eden. We can see the flood of Noah at the end of the second way God dealt with man. At the end of the third way which is life after the flood, where God gave Noah a covenant with a few laws to govern mankind; we see that now God is picking a ( special people ), people that are in the same ( God Line ) that we’ve followed from the beginning.

What God does here, he seperates his people from the rest of mankind and, writes a law: ( we call it )( the Ten Commandments ). Now, let’s notice something. When God found Adam guilty of eating the fruit. Do you remember what God told him would happen if it ate the fruit? God told him ( YE SHALL SURELY DIE ). However, physically Adam didn’t die did he? He died ( spiritually ). He was seperated from God because of his disobedience. We see that God fixed that ( Himself ). ( Genesis 3:21 ) Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them. Do you see that covering? Do you realize that blood had to be shed, a sacrifice had to be made for that covering.

The greatest point I’m making here is that, although God said he would die, physical death didn’t come at that time. Now, Adam has the responsibility to share ( God the Father ) with his children and beyond. We do see however, at the end of the next period of time, many people die. Again, as we move foward and see God, this time; using Noah allowed himself to be revealed to mankind. As we go foward to Abram and the building of a nation again, God doesn’t destroy anyone. However,it becomes the responsibility of that nation to show forth God the Father.

What we see in ( Daniel 9 ) is God seeing his people, his own people; being filled with ( self will ).Now, we must point out something here! God the Father has already made a promise to Abram concerning this nation he has built. ( Genesis 13:15 ) For all the land that thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever. You can read verses around this one but we see here the promise God made and, God keeps his promises. In other words, the ( Nation of Israel ) will be on this earth forever!

Therefore, when we see and, understand that ( 69 weeks ) of the ( 70 weeks ) God determined against Israel was completed at the death of Jesus Christ, there is still one more week to come.

As I stated, the whole Old Testament was all about ( the Nation of Israel ). We see how God, through his prophets sought to make that nation ( hear him ) and ( listen to ) his voice. With this being said, that doesn’t mean that people outside of that nation couldn’t ( believe ) and walk with God. From the very beginning and, still is all about ( Believing and trusting Him ). There are many people we see in scripture that I believe was ( children of God ) by choice. If you will read the ( Book of Daniel ) ( I believe ) that even Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king was a believer in the end. I could also mention ( Ruth ). There’s a whole book about her in scripture. She was a Gentile.

I’ll close this segment here. In the next sgment we’ll look at the ( death of Jesus Christ ) and what we see. Remember, I told you that some things could be figureed out in scripture. We see that fact as we look at the scripture in ( Daniel 9 ) Any person that had an Old Testament can figure out the timeline between to two periods of time mentioned in ( verses 24-27 ). As a matter of fact, I believe a man named ( Simeon ) had figured this out. ( Luke 2:25-26 ) And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. ( 26 ) And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s child.

Simeon had figured the numbers out and knew that ( according to the time period ) Christ was about to be born. I share with you that the death of Christ was the end of the fourth period of time.

We will look at what happened around that time.

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7