HEBREWS 1:1-2 )

GOD, WHO AT SUNDRY TIMES AND IN DIVERS MANNERS SPAKE IN TIMES PAST UNTO THE FATHERS BY THE PROPHETS, ( 2 ) HATH IN THESE LAST DAYS SPOKEN UNTO US BY HIS SON, WHOM HE HATH APPOINTED HEIR OF ALL THINGS, BY WHOM ALSO HE MADE THE WORLDS;

We see in this verse that God the Father, at different times and, in different ways worked with man to bring about his will. What is God’s will for man? In essence, God’s whole desire is to have people that love him and walk with him because they, individually; choose to do so. Listen to this verse: ( Mark 12:30 ) And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

God commanded that, but if he makes you do it, then it’s not what he truly desires. He desires for you to do it by choice, not by command. As we go through this whole lineup of different ways God has dealt with men, that is exactly what what he is trying to get each group of people to see.

Some of these things are things we never stop and consider, such as this first one. In ( Genesis 2:17-18 ) And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: ( 18 ) But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eastest thereof thou shalt surely die.

This is the first way God dealt with man. If you continue to read you will see that they did eat of that tree and, God expelled them from that garden. Now, when he expelled them he fixed it so they or, no one else could enter that garden. ( Gensis 3:23-24 ) Therefore the Lord God sent them forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. ( 24 ) So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

The reason I show you this is because we can see a beginning and; an end of this way God dealt with Adam and Eve. We can also see something God did to mark to exit from the garden. Another point is that we, as people don’t even consider that tree today do we? That’s not the way God deals with us today is it? We can call that period of time ( a time of innocence ). That time came and ended. So, once they left the garden, how did God deal with man then?

I’m going to show you a verse in a little while but, we must understand this. Adam and Eve were completely innocent until they eat the fruit. Once they eat the fruit, they clearly gained the knowledge of right and wrong. They took that knowledge with them beyond that garden. Now, I’m going to show you some verses that very few people ever mention. ( Genesis 5:3-4 ) And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth: ( 4 ) And the days of Adam after he had begotten were eitht hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters:

In these verses we can see how the earth was populated. Of course, Seth and Cain had to either marry their sister or niece. None the less the world was populated and, the flaming sword kept the people out of that Garden. From this time until the flood in ( Genesis 6 ) we see no law or any direction on how man is to live.

I realize that you might think all this has nothing to do with ( Tribulation ). However, we must see the process as it unfolds up until that time. I feel that we must also make this point. I want you to notice that in an earlier chapter, Cain, Adam’s firat born killed Abel. In ( Genesis 4:13-15 ) Cain was driven out, he became a vagabond and a fugitive. As you continue to read in ( chapter 4 ) Cain marries and has a family.

However, I want you to notice in ( Genesis 5:3 ) ( and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth. From this point on, we follow the lineage of Seth, not Cain.

My whole point in saying this is because this second way God dealt with man is by ( Conscious ). Adam and Eve, using their knowledge, the knowledge from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, taught Seth about the God that created them. Seth in turn taught his children the same thing. Seth is the ( Godly line ) we follow through scripture. From the time they left the Garden of Eden until the flood of Noah man was simply guided by his own conscious. Although Adam taught and raised Seth in his spiritual knowledge and, Seth taught his children those same values, what happened as time moved foward?

If we look in ( Genesis 6:1-2 ) And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, ( 2 ) ( THAT THE SONS OF GOD SAW THE DAUGHTERS OF MEN THAT THEY WERE FAIR; ) and they took them wives of all which they chose.

Now, let’s look at ( Genesis 6:5-6 ) And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. ( 6 ) And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. ( 7 ) And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and creeping things, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

As we continue to read, we see this in ( verse 8 ) But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Therefore, we see the coming of the end of the second way God dealt with mankind. ( Conscious ). Just as God put a sword at the gate of the Garden of Eden, now he will create a great flood to destroy all living things. Only Noah, his wife, his two sons and , their wives were saved. Also two of each species of animals and so on.

You can read all about the flood. However, I’m seeking to bring about the time of ( Tribulation ) and why. Now, in ( Genesis 9 ) the Ark has settled back to earth. Noah has just built an alter unto the Lord and communed with him in the last part of ( Genesis 8 ). As you read in ( chapter 9 ) you will see that God gives Noah some guidelnes to live by. Again you understand that Noah had three sons and, these thing were taught to those sons. Now ( human government ) would be the way that God instructed men to live. He had instructed Noah in the way of righteousness and, also just a few guidelines to live by. You understand that Noah was also in the lineage of Seth ( the Godly line ).

As men began, once again to multipy, look what happened in ( Genesis 11 ). What God had given to Noah in a covenant was beginning to fail. We see that; at that time every man spoke the same language. Again ( God came down ) and created confusion by making different men speak different languages. Within this, it became the responsibility of each group to ( see the things ) given to Noah by God and build their governments accordingly. Of course, that doesn’t mean that the governments paid any attention to what he said. Now, this that I’m going to say is something ( I believe ). that means you don’t have to see just as I do. However, just like in any community or, langualge speaking people, there are those that were part of the ( lineage of God ). That means that those people still shared the truth, as they seen it all the way back to Adam. Whether people believed it or not, established their governments according to what they shared or not was up to the leaders. What ( I believe ) is that slowly but surely, God’s way was dying out. If you follow the geneology of people just before Noah you’ll see that there were people that believed However, when Noah was building the Arc, only he and his family were in the Arc when it began to rain.

It’s so much to teach here, however, I trying to lay out what the ( Tribulation ) is all about. Do you realize that up until the ( flood of Noah ) it had never rained? That means that what Noah was preaching and, the work he was doing had to be excepted completely by faith.

One other thing ( I believe ) as we look at this. Look at this verse: ( Genesis 5:26 ) And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died. If you will study the numbers we see here, you will see that Methuselah lived longer that his son ( Lamech ) which was ( Noah’s ) father.He also lived longer than any other person on the face of this earth.

My point is here that ( I believe ) that Methuselah is a ( type of the Holy Spirit ). Just as: when Methuselah left or died ( the flood ) came, also; the Church is the ( house of the Holy Spirit ) when it is ( Raptured from this earth ) ( Tribulation comes ).

Now, back to the timeline. We can read about the ( flood of Noah ) in ( Genesis 6-9 ). We notice in the last part of ( Genesis 8 ) and the first part of ( Genesis 9 ) the flood is over. God makes his covenant with Noah. One other thing we can see is that Noah and his children, althought they believed and had faith, they also had sin. That sin was also on the Ark.

However, as we continue to ( Genesis 10 ) we see another geneology. This time it leads to a man named Abram. Through this man, God ushers in ( the age of law ). This being to fourth way God chose to deal with mankind. We see him in ( Genesis 12 ). I want you to realize that up to this point, God the Father has only spoken to three people that we see in scripture. He spoke to Adam, then Noah and in ( Genesis 12 ) he speaks to Abram. If I were to just give ( my opinion ) I’d say that, even from Noah up until Abram we would see the same picture. as time moved foward, less and less people ( believed God ). We know God created Adam, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord and, Abram, which became Abraham ( Believed God ) and it was accounted unto him for righteousness. ( Romans 4:3 ) We must remember, none of these people were sinless, they simply trusted God at his word.

This time God does something totally different. He chooses a people. If you will study Abram, he is still in the lineage of Seth ( the Godly ) line. From that Godly line God seeks to separate his people from the rest of the sinful world. We see in ( Genesis 12 ) that God tells Abram to take he, his wife and go to a land I will show you. God wanted Abram to leave every person, just he and his wife. Complete separation. His desire was for through, he, Abram and his wife to bring about a people he could call his own. The Nation of Israel.

Within this fourth way God deals with mankind, we learn that there is, not only sin found in those that are not his but, also within God’s own children. The rest of the Old Testament is all about these people he ( God ) had chosen and, their inability to live according to the laws God had given them. Up until now, God has left those that believed him out among the rest of the world. Now, he is building his own people and also, he will give them, ( his people ) ( a law ) to live by.

In closing this segment; we will see the ( Tribulation ) in this segment of God’s dealing with people and why. Seperation is a very important thing to God the Father. That’s even true within the days to which we live.

The next segment will take us all the way up until the birth of Jesus Christ. Although the last book we see in ( The Old Testament ) is ( Malachi ); the Old Testament actually ended at the death of Jesus Christ. In a real sense, Jesus Christ died in the ( Old Testament ) and rose again in the ( New Testament ). Can you see another ( seperating point ) there? WHAT A BLESSING!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

What is the true length of any person’s life? What is the spiritual value of that life, no matter what we might think?

God’s word tell us in: ( 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ) Pray without ceasing. I take that to mean that our hearts should always be in tune to the very voice of God the Father. As we listen, he speaks. As we ponder the things we have on our hearts, the things we seek answers for and, think about even when we are not in a position to pray as in what the normal person might call prayer.

With this in mind, the things I’ll be writing here are a result of my continual search for truth as I go about my daily activities, as God stirs within my heart. As I sit at my computer, with this on my mind; I just got a question asked me about why we don’t worship on Saturday which is the Sabbath? I thougtht, of how we get so caught up in trivial things that we can’t even realize just how powerful God, through his spirit within each born again believer can be.

God’s power is unlimited. He can use people that we would never consider as being someone that would ever be used in any way by God’s Spirit. I never want to minimize God’s power he has within any situation. The bible says in ( Hebrews 11:4 ) By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it ( HE BEING DEAD ) yet speaketh. You can read this in ( Genesis 4 ) how that Cain, the first born of Adam and Eve, killed his younger brother. What we see in Hebrews is that; although he was dead, by his faith, he still spoke. Now, we know that in the natural sense he didn’t speak but the will of God continued, even after he was killed. We can see a spiritual application in that act.

As I’ve lived my life I’ve had the priviledge of speaking at many funerals. It’s always been my desire to allow myself to be used as God would have me used at any time I was asked to speak. After all. what I actually have to say is worthless; unless it is inspired by the Holy Spirit of God.

One of the toughest funerals as a man; I have ever had to preach is that of a new born child. In my personal opinion, the death of a child that is only two or three years old is very tough to deal with. That being said, any time anyone loses a loved one the very act of standing in front of them and speaking is a challenge. Then, to add the responsibility of saying what God would have you to say makes it much more difficult. However, can you see that the very fact that a man is willing to allow God to speak through him is a very power extention to the voice of the person that has just passed away?

I mentioned children. I once preached a funeral of a child that, in his very short life; never spoke a word. This child’s family was pretty well known and, had many people that were desiring the best for the child. Therefore, when the child died; the Church was filled with people.

As I preached this message I felt impressed to point out that this child was safely in the arms of Jesus Christ. The fact that God considers and allows for people to reach an age where they have the ability to make decisions and choices protects children under the grace of God. I also point out that each person that attended that funeral was there at the calling, ( the voice ) of that Child. I told those people of the need of every person that lives to ask Jesus Christ to be their savior. the need to be born again.

I also told them that, although this baby never spoke a word; every person in that building was their because of that baby. As I preach this message; the convicting power of the Holy Ghost moves out over this congregation, God speaks to hearts, letting them know their need for salvation. It could be, you, as an individual never attend Church but, because of this little baby that never spoke a word, you are hearing the message of salvation.

Because of this one day in time, God will have to wait for the completion of all things to know just how powerful ( the voice of his little baby, that never spoke a word ) was. Can you see that if one person ask Christ to be their savior because of this one service, it’s no telling how many people can be touched by that one person. That, all because this one litle baby died.

I won’t go into the gruesome details of this but, I spoke at a funeral once of a child of a man I worked with. Over a period of time, I had witnessed to him a number of times trying to get him to see his need to be born again. One response that he gave me sticks out in my mind and, I pointed it out to him at that funeral. The told me that ( he hadn’t lost a thing in heaven ). He had no reason to go there.

As I preached that funeral, I stopped, called his name, the very father of that child. As we made eye contact, I told him what he had told me in front of all those people. This is also what I said: ( now my friend; you have a reason to go! )

I have one more funeral to share with you but first; being born again is a very special thing. Men that are willing to be used of God in any circumstance are men that are willing to make ( all things work together for good, for those that love God, to those called according tohis purpose ). Being born again is simply God, by his Holy Spirit showing you that you are a sinner, you acknowledging that fact, by faith, believing that Jesus Christ died and arose again for you, as a sinner. With that knowledge, you ask him into your life that he might be ( born in you ).

Men that truly desire to see people born again realize that a funeral is one of the best times to preach the gospel. At that time, death is right in front of the people there. Those people are very sensitive to that fact. The Bible says this: ( 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 all should come to repentance.

AS you read this verse, you look at your life! Most people will have to admit; God has been very longsuffering as we have walked through this time he has given us here. That includes me. I realize better than most that ( I DESERVE HELL ). But, thanks to Jesus Christ and his shed blood for my sin, I don’t have to go.

Being born again is a spiritual starting point. If we are willing to pick up our Bibles, once we are saved and, begin to study, even begin spending a little time in Church; you might just be surprised where you will be in even one year in your walk with Jesus Christ. Spiritually speaking, it’s no difference than the day of your physical birth. From that day to know, just look at what you have learned? One of the most blessed things you will ever learn is to hear God’s Spirit as he speaks to your heart. In other words, you don’t just hear what a preacher says. You learn to, hear what he says and, then allow God’s spirit to weigh what he says with God’s word.

We speak of ( God using people that actually never say a word ). We have seen that in a couple things I have said here. However, I last funeral I was a part of, the man was a little older. About eight months before he passed, a couple and I had the priviledge of witnessing to him and, praying with him while he was in the hospital. There were also a few others in the room with us. Some time; after that day I realized that; although God’s Spirit was moving in the room, he was more concerned about being healed at that time than he was what was happening in that room at that time. That doesn’t mean that God didn’t speak to his heart doe it? He might have spoken to a number of hearts that day. We probably seen that a little later on.

With that being said; about six months later,my with and I had time to talk with him in his home. This conversation was completely of his own making. My wife and I were simply listening to what he had to say. As he began to share some things with us, he began to weep. He told us that a lady had told him about Jesus Christ as a boy. He said he had even ask Jesus into his heart at that time. However, he said that he had never in his life, since he ask Jesus into his heart; even considered living his life for him. He stated that he had always lived and done just as he desire to do. He testified, he had never even considered reading and studying the Bible.

However, someone had given him a Bible and, instructed him to start reading in John. He told us and, as he began talking he begin to cry once again; that as he read , he would stop and pray. He told us that he actually had started to understand who Jesus was. He assured us that he had settled things with Jesus Christ. He also stated that; from that time on, whatever the Lord wanted in his life he had excepted that as his will.

Not long after talking about this, his mother came in. She asked him if he had spoken to me about what he had on his heart? That’s when he asked me to speak at his funeral.

Somewhere around four to five monts later, I did. Now, I told you all of that to say this. This young man, as sick as he was; was actually just a babe in Christ. While the other two actual children I told you about couldn’t talk, although he could, he knew very little about Jesus Christ and, the role a believer has as a follower of him.

How ever, as I spoke, I tried to cause the people there to become an extention of his short lived spiritual life. Just like I said before, if one person at that funeral excepts Christ then God will have to wait until the completion of all things that this one young man can receive all the rewards coming to him.

In closing, every person has a God given right to do whatsoever they please with the life they have and, with the life we each have remaining. I’m reminded of something that I believe will work good here. I personally have two sister that have been dead for around sixty years. After I was born again in ( 1975 ); between then and now, I have visited their graves a couple of times for this express purpose. Just by way of information, these two girls lived about eight weeks a piece and, died about three years apart.

I’ve been to their grave, got on my knees and prayed ( Lord, why? ) Why did they die and I’m still here?AS I knelt there; I ask the Lord to use me on their behalf. Help me not to waste my life. What I have is a blessing, in all the hard times and good times, I’m still able to talk, walk and go about my life. If you can use me to be an extention of the lives of my two sisters, help me to do all I can in my life for your glory.

I don’t have the answers for all that happens in this world. However, this one thing I know; living for Jesus Christ, asking him to be your savior, surrendering your will to him is all a choice. I truly believe that if any one of the people that lived short lives but, believed in Jesus Christ could come back and speak, maybe at their own funeral; every one of them would do their best to make us see just how much a life for Christ is worth. They, every one would encourage us to do all we could, in our lives for his glory!

I wrote this with these funeral on my heart. The people that read this; it’s completely up to you, the choices you make. However, as for me! I desire to be an extention of Jesus Christ for every person that has gone on before me.

Marshall Clayton

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

As individuals we’re born, we grow up, we become educated, we marry have children and do our jobs. Most of us never consider just how accountable we are for the very actions we take. For most of us the biggest oath we ever take is our marriage vows.

That one vow, while not looked at as very important is seen by the God of this universe as a ( God fearing ) and binding oath.

Personally, I believe that many things we are; in the lives, we live ( is an oath ) that we take. That comes without words. for instance, as a man, I stand before a pastor or an official.the They have the authority to marry my fiancé and I. On that day, it doesn’t matter what words I say; if an oath hadn’t happened already in my heart, my words are worthless.

Every person as they grow, even as children, we become responsible, accountable to God the Father. And, as time moves forward, depending on the careers we chose, it’s possible we become even more accountable.

This whole article came about in my heart because of what I see today in journalism in the United States of America.

Personally, I believe that journalists and the pastor in your Church have exactly the same accountability to God the Father. They both will stand before God and be judged accordingly. Where the pastor has the tremendous responsibility to give spiritual truth and, to prepare those he speaks to for what is ahead, what he sees coming to those that are spiritual, the journalist has the same responsibilities to, not only the spiritual but all people, sharing truth and preparing every person for the dangers he or she sees. They both give us knowledge to enable us to make wise choices as we go th through our lives.

For either pastors or journalists not to take that seriously is for them to place judgement upon themselves. The oath they take ( IS AN OATH WITHOUT WORDS ) and that, even if they take an oath of words.

In ( Ezekiel 33: 1-6 ) we see a ( WATCHMAN ON A WALL ). I don’t know who the watchman was but, it doesn’t matter. The warning to him is the same.

Supposedly, a pastor or journalist stand on ( the top of a wall ). They have the ability to see things average people cannot.

Their responsibility is to watch for trouble and sound a trumpet to alert the people about what they see. That enables people to have a choice about the decision that have to make.

When people under their watch are left oblivious to the truth and the dangers then;they are left in ignorance not making wise decisions. That causes them to hurt themselves because of not knowing how to make wise choices.

This is the highest platform I have. I’m not the pastor of a Church or a member of the news media. But from this platform I send this warning!

Any pastor, from the platform he has that will not warn the people around him of the place called ( HELL ). The place that people go to because of rejecting Jesus Christ and his shed blood is placing himself in a position of judgement and, that before God.

As we watch scripture unfold before you very eyes in the days we live, as we see the signs of Christ returning for his Church, if you don’t point out these things, helping your people prepare for that day then you, as pastor will be accountable for your actions!

As a journalist, you have a very high platform, a very high place on the wall of this world. When you hide truth, the truth of what you know from the people you can talk to, you can warn then you will be accountable to God the Father.

In this world, you might have many powerful friends and, you might gain high places in the circle you live in. However, there is a day coming when all that will pass away in your life, only you and, you alone will stand in front of the God of this universe.

Often, the people that with the smallest platforms speak and,make the wisest statements. They are people that are not influenced by powerful people of this world.

They are also people that no one has to listen to but, pastors and members of the news media might be wise to hear what they have to say.

In closing, truth has no political party, no Church denomination, no friend or enemy, nothing to gain in this world. Its only desire is to prepare other people for eternity.

When we follow men and, when we settle for less than truth then, our father becomes Satan himself.

He knows no love and, cares less for where or how you end up. Please, that heed to the warning! This life will soon pass. However, eternity is forever!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

Exactly how do we go about this? I have a couple of points I’d like to make before I get into this subject. Charles Finney was a preacher back in the late 1700 hundreds and early 1800 hundreds. According to his testimony; he, as a lawyer went out one day and prayed to have God change his life. When he returned to his office, he explained to the client he was meeting with that he could not argue his case for him, he now argued a case for Jesus Christ. That’s what he did for the remainder of his life.

In ( Luke’s gospel ) Luke says this:

( Luke 1:1-4 )

Forsomuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, ( 2 ) Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; ( 3 ) It seemed good for me also, having perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, ( 4 ) that thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

As we look at these two men, one, just a man like any other and, then Luke being a man that we have an opportunity to read all he says in God’s word. If you’d like to see an extention of what Luke writes you can read it in ( Acts ). You can see in ( Acts 1 ) and the next few verses that Luke also wrote that as well.

I only point this out because it doesn’t matter whether it’s Charles Finney, Luke in which we see in the Bible or, me. It can also be any other person that has a desire to write and teach anything spiritual; it still takes the Holy Spirit within man to reveal truth and, it also takes the desire of every man to earnestly seek to know truth.

With all due respect, without even comparing myself in a spiritual light to Charles Finney, there is a point to be made. neither he or I, by name can be found in scripture but, Luke’s name is. Luke said he had ( perfect understanding of all things from the very first ). Therefore, with all that Luke understood; it still means nothing to you or I; unless we, by the power of the Holy Spirit truly seek that understanding. Since I used Charles Finny’s name, I’ll say that reading after him, he looked at some things different than I do. But, we all can learn and continue to seek truth!

All these things I point out because ( I believe ) the truth about any subject in scripture can be understood and known as fact, even ( TRIBULATION ). Since Luke had perfect understanding and, penned down the ( Book of Acts ); how well do you understand that book? I only asked that question because, if we seek earnestly to know truth then , it takes (earnest prayer) (sincere desire) and (continual study) on your own to find the facts you need to see.

( Therefore, I set out to prove where I stand on (TRIBULATION FACTS) and why.

I’ll start this by saying that I am (Premillennial). In simple terms, I believe the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ will set up His kingdom for one thousand years right here upon this earth. I believe that what we reference as (the Church) will leave this earth by what we call (the rapture) around seven years before He returns to this earth to set up his KIngdom.

There are those that also have another view. They are called (Amillennial). I can’t say that I completely understand all they believe but, what I understand is that they don’t believe that there will be a millennial riegn of Christ upon this earth. They believe that that the millennial has already begun and that it is identical with the current Church age.

The third word for those with an apposing view is (postmillennial). I guess, in short; the people with this view believe that Jesus Christ will not return until after the peaceful millennial kingdom has been established. I realize that there are many different ways to look at this. Many believe that (The Church) will go through part of (three and one half years) of the triblation.

Since I, within my studying am convinced of the (premillennial) view, I have no reason to even see other views. Look at this verse: (Romans 14:5) One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

I look at this verse as deeper than just what he is saying there. It’s very necessary that we seek to allow the Spirit of God to settle ourselves in all that we believe. This is what I have tried to do. In other words, what I teach here will not be according to any denomination, School teaching or even anything that I have been taught by any man. I realize that I am a product of all that I have heard but, I have settled these things in my heart. That being simply between the Holy Spirit of God and I.

I’m not hear to do anything other than to allow the Spirit of God to teach truth. What you might believe is completely between you and God. However, all I ask is that you allow God’s Spirit to speak as we study.

There are many (doctrines) to learn in scripture, (The Doctrine of Tribulation) is just one of them. There are many men or people that teach doctrines. The Apostle Paul talked about that in (Colossians 2:22). Jesus Christ talked about it in: (Matthew 15:9) In both places, both men speak of (the Commandments and doctrines of men).

As I seek to teach this, you must understand that (I’m just a man). Therefore, it’s not this man you need to be taught by, I’m simply a vessel seeking to be used by God’s Spirit. One more verse and we’ll get into (Tribualtion).

Titus 1:9

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Did you notice the phrases : (faithful word) (as he hath been taught) (sound doctrine)? You must be taught by the (Holy Spirit of God). That alone becomes (sound Doctrine) If, in what I teach; you are not convinced by God’s Spirit, using God’s word; that I am correct then, leave it alone, you keep searching!

WHAT IS TRIBULATION?

When we speak of Biblical Tribulation, what are we speaking of? That would be the first (Biblical truth) we must understand. Therefore, let’s find the answer to that question. Most people, maybe not all; that speak of (Tribulation) understand and, at least they know about the nation of Israel. Way back in Genesis God Chose them to be His people. He called that nation out, even began it with the birth of Isaac. Isaac was the only (son of promise) of Abraham and Sarah. Abraham had another son after the flesh. His name was Ishmael. He was the son of Abraham and Hagar. She was the handmaid of Sarah. This is a son after the flesh, not after the promise God made to Abraham and Sarah.

The Nation of Israel, being God’s people were, in most cases, not pleasing to God the Father. You can study that out. As we see in (the book of Daniel); Israel was in captivity because of their disobedience to God the Father. However, Daniel was a God fearing man and, he chose to live a life as being obedient to God the Father; even if his nation was not. You can read this whole book and see how God used Daniel because of his obedience. To understand (Tribulation) we must begin in this Book.

Daniel 9: 23-27

AT THE BEGINNING OF THY SUPPLICATIONS THE COMMANDMENT CAME FORTH, AND I AM COME TO SHEW THEE, FOR THOU ART GREATLY BELOVED: THEREFORE UNDERSTAND THE MATTER, AND CONSIDER THE VISION. ( 24 ) SEVENTY WEEKS ARE DETERMINED UPON THY PEOPLE AND THY HOLY CITY, TO FINISH THE TRANSGRESSION, AND TO MAKE RECONCILIATION FOR INIQUITY, AND TO BRING IN EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND TO SEAL UP THE VISION AND PROPHECY, AND TO ANOINT THE MOST HOLY. ( 25 ) KNOW THEREFORE AND UNDERSTAND, THAT FROM THE GOING FORTH OF THE COMMANDMENT TO RESTORE AND TO BUILD JERUSALEM UNTO THE MESSIAH THE PRINCE SHALL BE SEVEN WEEKS, AND THREE SCORE AND TWO WEEKS: THE STREET SHALL BE BUILT AGAIN AND THE WALL, EVEN IN TROUBLOUS TIMES. ( 26 ) AND AFTER THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS SHALL MESSIAH BE CUT OFF, BUT NOT FOR HIMSELF: AND THE PEOPLE OF THE PRINCE THAT SHALL COME SHALL DESTROY THE CITY AND THE SANCTUARY; AND THE END THEREOF SHALL BE WITH A FLOOD, AND UNTO THE END OF THE WAR DESOLATIONS ARE DETERMINED. ( 27 ) AND HE SHALL CONFIRM THE COVENANT WITH MANY FOR ONE WEEK: AND IN THE MIDST OF THE WEEK HE SHALL CAUSE THE SACRIFICE AND THE OBLATION TO CEASE, AND FOR THE OVERSPREADING OF ABOMINATIONS HE SHALL MAKE IT DESOLATE, EVEN UNTIL THE CONSUMATION, AND THAT DETERMINED SHALL BE POURED UPON THE DESOLATE.

I shared with a while back that I believe in (pre-tribulation) meaning that Jesus Christ will call the Church home before any part of the tribuation will begin. I want you to know that understanding why I believe that is not simple. God designed his word so that (a person or individual) must be born again to be able to see all the mysteries in scripture. Now, when I say that; it’s still not as simple as just being born again. It takes study and desire to know. It’s just like a physical desire to know something. If you deire to be a brain surgeon, what does it take? You can’t just say the word and get it.

Even as you look at these verses. I read it but, now it must be studied out. What few things I tell you about these verses will just be off the very top. For you to understand and know, you must be (convinced in you own mind). I’ve studied it and I am convinced.

Notice this phrase we see here: (SHALL BE SEVEN WEEKS, AND THREE SCORE AND TWO WEEKS). It says from the going forth of the commandment, that’s a starting point. It ends at (THE MESSIA ). It says (AFTER THREE SCORE AND TWO WEEKS) shall Messiah be cut of. What this means is that after (sixty nine) of the weeks we are speaking of ( Jesus Christ ) will be crucified or (cut off).

That means, when Jesus was crucified, that was the end of the ( sixty nineth week ). In this terminology a week is a period of (seven years). So 69 weeks times 7 years equals 483 years. Therefore, from the going forth of the commandment until the crucifixion of Christ was 483 years. Now, look at this verse:

Luke 2:25-26

AND, BEHOLD, THERE WAS A MAN IN JERUSALEM, WHOSE NAME WAS SIMEON, AND THE SAME WAS 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, with a desire to know; had studied and figured out that; according to this time frame he was living in the day that the (Christ child would be born). We, or any person could, and still can study the Old Testament and see, according to a time frame when Christ would be born, live and die.

REALIZING TIME FRAMES IN SCRIPTURE

We’ll begin this section with: ( Hebrews 1:1-2 ) GOD, WHO AT SUNDRY TIME AND IN DIVERS MANNERS SPAKE IN TIMES PAST UNTO THE FATHERS BY THE PROPHETS, ( 2 ) HATH IN THESE LAST DAYS SPOKEN UNTO US BY HIS SON, WHOM HE HATH APPOINTED HEIR OF ALL THINGS, BY WHOM ALSO HE MADE THE WORLDS;

If you are born again, seeking to know truth and, without putting any kind of name or prefix to what is said in these verses, can we agree that it’s simply pointing out that ( GOD ) in different ways, at different times spoke to Israel or, we can say, people since this world began? Can we agree on that?

The Bible tell us here in Hebrews that ( IN THESE LAST DAYS ) God spoke unto them by his Son. I believe the Apostle Paul wrote the book of Hebrews. However, it actually doesn’t matter who. The point is, it was written after the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So, how did God speak to them or, each of us now? I just want you to notice the change. Jesus Christ arose and went back to the father. Therefore, he was speaking, revealing truth to men a different way even at that time.

I personally know of five different manners that God dealt with man up until the day we live now. That fact has to be seen and, also understood in order to know that even the way he deals with our hearts now will come to a close. So, what was the first way God dealt with man and, when did it end?

In the beginning, God created ADAM and EVE. He placed then in the Garden of Eden. There was a tree in the midst of that garden: ( THE TREE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL ). They could eat of every tree in the garden but they could not of the fruit of that tree. That was the law God gave them and, he also told him what would happen if they did. You can read that in the first few chapters of Genesis. We know simply by reading that those two failed the test and, God set them out of the Garden. He placed an angel at the gate so no one could go back in and eat of that tree.

Therefore, that particular way that God dealt with mankind came and went. We have no concern for that tree today do we? Now once they left the garden, how did God deal with people without that tree? As far as we know, it was still only Adam and Eve. However, they did began to multipy upon the face of this earth. There’s a lot that can be taught here but, we are simply looking into how God dealt with mankind. Since Adam and Eve left that Garden and, are now outside of that, shall we say ( protection of God ), we see no law, nothing to govern their actions do we? The only law that God has given to man is that concerning the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. That tree is now behind these two people and they cannot return to that place.

However, notice this verse:

( Genesis 3:22 )

And the Lord God said, Behold, the man has become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

If you will notice in that verse God says this: ( the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil ). So, from the time that Adam and Eve left the garden, even until the flood of Noah, man was innocent. He had nothing to govern him other than his own conscience. What’s wrong with conscience? It becomes what each person decides what is good and bad. In:

( 1 Timothy 4:2 )

Speaking lies in hypoccrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Man, left to himself can decide what he believes to be good and bad, right and wrong without some type of guideline to show him ( What God the Father ) deems to be right from wrong. That fact sets a standard. It also gives man a level to seek to live up to.

We could get a lot deeper into this but, I only point that out to show you a difference in ( Adam and Eve ) in the garden and, ( their descendants ) once they left the garden. As a matter of fact; the next time we see God give any direction as far as law is in:

( Genesis 9:6 )

Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. He also instructs them to be fruitful and multiply. At that point he made a covenant with them that the world would never be destroyed by water again.

Just a little earlier than this; God did speak to Noah, instructing him to build an Ark. Although this was the case, there was no law given at that time other than saying that any man that desired to be spared would have to be on that Ark when the flood came. We can see here where God offered grace before judgement would come. We also know that ( the conscience in man ) would cause him to ( seek God ) by faith only or, remain as they were.

I, myself can see at least seven beginnings and endings in scripture. I say, the time to which we live is the fifth and, we can see two more. As we look at just what I’ve mentioned, we must notice that from the very beginning its always been within the heart of man to know good from evil. I just happens to be that more often than not, more men than not choose to do evil.

For instance, Abraham, the next spiritual man basically mentioned in scripture. Do you realize that Abraham lived four hundred and thirty years before the law as we know it was given? My point is that no matter what man you mention, Adam, Abel, Seth, Noah or Abraham, they all made a choice to seek righteousness and, that even without the power of the law.

So, what can we see so far? We see: ( 1 ) Adam and Eve in the garden. ( 2 ) Their descendants when they left the garden. ( 3 ) We see the flood and, the period of time before God gave Moses the law.

After the flood; the children of Noah became three distinct different groups of people. Each of those groups formed their own set of guidelines or, we could say laws to live by. Within that frame of thought, we do still see that, through scripture we follow the blood line of Seth. We’ll call him the ( spirit man ). We see that Noah was a descendant of Seth. As we leave Noah, we see that Shem is the blood line we follow to Abram, to which was born Isaac, his two sons Esau and Jacob. The youngest; Jacob is the father of the Nation of Israel and, we get the law through that blood line.

I only point this out to make the point that ( the law ) was another way God dealt with mankind and, his people. However, we must consider that ( destruction came ) with the flood and, that before God gave the law. God proved with the law that the knowledge of what he desires doesn’t change a man’s heart. At the same time I make that statement; that law was given to a people God called his own. Once you have ( the knowledge ) you become accountable. Adam was accountable to God for his actions.

We’re building a cause, a reason for (Tribulation). Actually, when we see that God gave ( the law ) to his people (the Nation of Israel) we also see within that period of time the declaration that God gave concerning (Tribulation).

Time is continually moving foward. God gave us the distinction of time in (Genesis 1-2). He said this: (And the evening and the morning were the first day). God doesn’t deal in time but, we do. Again, we need to recognize because of the very fact that (time moves foward). For instance: when God gave Israel the law, because of the moving of time, we can see what they did with the knowledge that was given them. We can also see what God did because of their actions in time.

Actually, as individuals, we are the very same way. As we gain spiritual knowledge, what do we do with that knowledge as time moves foward? Also, what you do with that knowledge will determine how God deals with you as an individual.

If we could ever begin to see the earth as being born and, the people on this earth as the (heart) that governs the affairs of this earth as time moves foward then we could begin to see how, God through disciplinary mearsues brings this earth and all people to the place he desires for them to be. Let me give you an example of something. Let’s say a child is being naughty and in need of discipline. The mother seeks to bring discipline but also says (just wait until your father gets home). What will unfold within that child ( as time passes ) until his or her father returns?

Can you see how in the heart of that child) if he or she seeks to understand what the term (wait until your father gets home) means then, that child has a choice to make? The heart of this earth is the people! We will be judged by the choices we make within the knowledge we have.

After Israel gained the knowledge of (the law) ; the choices that nation made brought about (a decree) from God as time moved foward. It’s actually more about the finished product as far as the Nation of Israel is concerned other than just the fact that (Tribulation) is coming upon the whole world because of their actions.

A DESTINCT CHANGE

So, we see that God revealed to Daniel all about the (weeks). We see that the (sixty-nineth) week came to an end at the very moment that Jesus Christ died on the Cross. Let’s see what all happened at that very moment. We can also see why. It’s two very distinct things that happened at that very moment.

First, we see that the (veil) of the temple was rent from top to bottom.

Matthew 27:51

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;

Up until this very moment, only thre High Priest could go behind that veil. However, at this moment the perfect Lamb of God had been offered (Jesus Christ) God in flesh had made the perfect sacifice. This signifies that the end of (the time of law) had come. At that very moment any person that chose to could come boldly to God’s throne, not the high priest only.

Hebrews 4:16

LET US THEREFORE COME BOLDLY UNTO THE THRONE OF GRACE, THAT WE MAY OBTAIN MERCY, AND FIND GRACE TO HELP IN TIME OF NEED.

What we often fail to understand is that (the Law) was given to the Nation of Israel only. It wasn’t meant for the Gentiles at all. If we offer a comparison, it would be this. God the Father already knew what Adam would do, he just needed for Adam to see himself exactly what he was. God already knew that the Children of Israel could not keep the law. He just needed for them to see that fact. We can also prove that fact in scripture,’

Galatians 3:24

WHEREFORE THE LAW WAS OUR SCHOOLMASTER TO BRING US UNTO CHRIST, THAT WE MIGHT BE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH.

Juat as with Adam and with the Nation of Israel, we, as Gentiles see that we are not perfect when we see our failure in keeping the law. although it wasn’t written for us we still have the priviledge of it being our schoolmaster, teaching us our need for Christ as our Savior.

Another point to be made here is that this act also ushered in the ability for Gentiles to be grafted into the family of God. We are looking into why and what is (tribulation), therefore this is a subject for another day. All this is laid out in the book of (Levitcus). In Levitucus 23:16 you can see( fifty days) which we call (the feast of Pentecost). Those fifty days are relative to the time between the death of Jesus Christ and the day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost fell and, the Church was born.

The (Tribulation period) is the final week ( seven year period) God determined upon his people (the Nation of Israel). (The Church) is a called out group of people, completely separate from (the Nation of Israel). Now, let’s let God’s word prover this to us. First, look at this verse:

Acts 22:21

AND HE SAID UNTO ME, DEPART: FOR I WILL SEND THEE FAR HENCE UNTO THE GENTILES.

Also: do you remember this verse in the gospels?

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.

When we say (Israel) ( God’s Chosen People), exactly what are we saying? We’re saying that, that was God’s plan. Lookat what the Apostle Paul says in:

Romans 9:6

NOT AS THOUGH THE WORD OF GOD HATH TAKEN NONE EFFECT. FOR THEY ARE NOT ALL ISRAEL, WHICH ARE OF ISRAEL.

When we consider what God desires to bring to pass using his word, what do we see? We see a desire for all people to be saved. However, just because people were born to an Israelite family did not mean that they believed God’s word. We see the very same picture in the Nation of Israel (Isaac’s family) as we do in Adam’s family in the very beginning. Not all believed!

What we seen in Daniel is God keeping his promise to a people that don’t deserve it. Also we see that because of Israel’s unbelief, the Gentiles are ushered into his family. Now, with all this being said, let’s look a little deeper in Romans.

Roman 11:25

FOR I WOULD NOT, BRETHREN, THAT YE SHOULD BE IGNORANT OF THIS MYSTERY, LEST YE SHOULD BE WISE IN YOUR OWN CONCIETS; THAT BLINDNESS IN PART IS HAPPENED TO ISRAEL, UNTIL THE FULNESS OF THE GENTILES BE COME IN. (26) AND SO ALL ISRAEL SHALL BE SAVED:, AS IT IT WRITTEN, THERE SHALL COME OUT OF SION THE DELIVERER, AND SHALL TURN AWAY UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB: (27) FOR THIS IS MY COVENANT UNTO THEM, WHEN I SHALL TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS.

What happened is that God put the Nation of Israel, his promises to them on hold untill the Age of Grace is complete. When we see the term (whosoever will) that term includes the Nation of Israel meaning that any person that choses to asked Jesus Christ to become their Savior can become a member of the (Church) the (Bride of Christ). That hold now has been there for over two thousand years. However, when the (fulness of the Gentiles) has been acomplished. God will call his Church home.

I shared with you that we seen two obvious things when Jesus Christ gave up the ghost on the cross. The renting of the veil was one. The second we see here:

Matthew 27:52-53

AND THE GRAVES WERE OPENED; AND MANY BODIES OF THE SAINTS WHICH SLEPT AROSE, (53) AND CAME OUT OF THE GRAVES AFTER THE RESURRECTION, AND WENT INTO THE HOLY CITY, AND APPEARED UNTO MANY.

So, why did God do this? When the Apostle Paul said that (not all Israel is of Israel) he saying that just because they were born in Isreal didn’t mean they believed God. Salvation has always been by faith. In the Old Testament and in the New. The difference is that OLd Testament Saints looked forward to the resurrect of Christ where we in the New Testament look back to that very same event.

Old Testament saints could not go into the presence of God when they died because the perfect sacrifice had not yet been offered. When they died, they went to a place called paradise, awaiting for the sacrifice to be offered. Where did Jesus tell the thief on the ctoss he would be with him?

Luke 23:43

AND JESUS SAID UNTO HIM, VERILY I SAY UNTO THEE, TODAY SHALT THOU BE WITH ME IN PARADISE.

Where was Abraham seen by the rich man that died and went to hell? We see that in:

Luke 16:26

AND BESIDES 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.

The Old Testament saints, when they died went to paradice, Lazarus in the story and also the thief on the cross went there as well. We seldom ever think about this but, although the gospels in scripture are in the New Testament, the events that happenrd in those gospels transpired, still under the law. When the veil was rent from top to botton it signified the end of the Old Testament. The events that took place after the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and, the whole (Book of Acts) was what we can call a transition period into the New Testament. I guess we could say that, just like the gospels, the (Book of Acts) at some point became the complete transition into the New Testament.

If you will study (Romans 9-10-11) you will notice that the Apostle Paul is talking about (his brethren) ( the Nation of Israel). In (Chapter 11) we see where God cut off dealing with them. The period of time has now been going on for over two thousand years (the time of the Gentiles).

I’d like for you to consider this. From the time that the Church was born in (Acts 2) until (the fulness of the Gentiles be come in) any person, even every person that has been born in that time frame and, even until the end of this time, every person, Jews, Gentiles all together could have asked Jesus Christ to become their Savior. That means that when the tribulation comes there would be no person on this earth to go through that period of time.

The (Tribulation period) is the last week (seven year) periad that God determined upon Israel in ( Daniel 9). It was never meant for the Gentiles to face but, because of unbelief on the part of Gentiles and Jews alike, many will face God’s wrath during that time. Basically speaking, what will happen during (Tribulation period) God’s going to put the world back just as it was before the flood. In the (Revelation) he calls it a New Heaven and a new Earth.

Would you agree with me that when Noah built the Ark that it was open for all people to come aboard? It’s the same way with (The Church) whosoever will can be saved and become a part of that Church. Just as (Tribulation) has to do totally with Israel as a Nation, (The Rapture) has to do totally with the Church. All the whosoevers that believed.

God always sends grace before destruction. Just as he had Noah to build an Ark before he destrayed the world, he also allowed his only begotten Son to die for the Church that as many as would believe might be saved from destruction. (IT’S THE CHURCH)! Jesus Christ was crucified, dead and buried. He also arose again for his body (the Church). Each person that is born-again; at that very moment becomes a member of the body of Christ, (the Church).

Have you ever considered just how many people actually helped Noah build the Ark? The Bible doesn’t tell us does it? All we know is that eight people got on the Ark. However, if you will read the period of time before the Ark was finished, many people lived and died. They simply died before the Ark was finished.

Those people that died before the Ark was finished were already in paradice. It’s the same way with the Church. Over the last two thousand years many people have helped build the Church. They lived and died, never seeing the completion of the body of Christ. However, they all believed that one day the rapture would take place, to the salvation of the Church before God’s final (week of desolation) upon the Nation of Israel.

When we speak of the (rapture), that word is not found in scripture. However, the event is. Look at these verses:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

BUT I WOULD NOT HAVE YOU BE IGNORANT, BRETHREN, CONCERNING THEM WHICH ARE ASLEEP, 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 WE WHICH ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN UNTO COMING OF THE LORD SHALL NOT PREVENT THEM WHICH ARE ASLEEP. (16) FOR THE LORD HIMSELF SHALL DESCEND FROM HEAVEN 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.

That event, we call it ( the Rapture) marks the beginnig of the last week that God speaks of in Daniel. I feel that we need to bring up another scripture as we speak about this. The verses we’ll be looking into is in (2 Thessalonians ) however, If we read and study through the (Book of Daniel) God reveals a lot to us by the dreams that Daniel had. For instance: In ( Daniel 2) we see a statue who’s head was gold and his feet was made of mixed iron and clay. Can you see the weakness in that statue? We’re living in that time now! Satan and those that follow him desire to bring back that (head of Gold) in this world. Today we hear more than ever about the ( One World Order) than in anytime in history that I know of. Now, let’s look at:

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

NOW I BESEECH YOU, BRETHREN, BY THE COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND BY OUR GATHERING UNTO HIM, (2) THAT YE BE NOT SOON SHAKEN IN MIND, OR BE TROUBLED, NEITHER BY SPIRIT, NOR BY WORD, NOR BY LETTER AS FROM US, AS THAT THE DAY OF CHRIST IS AT HAND. (3) LET NO MAN DECEIVE YOU BY ANY MEANS: FOR THAT DAY SHALL NOT COME, EXCEPT THERE COME A FALLING AWAY FIRST, AND THAT MAN OF SIN BE REVEALED, THE SON OF PERDITION; (4) WHO APPOSETH AND EXALTETH HIMSELF ABOVE ALL THAT IS CALLED GOD, OR THAT IS WORSHIPPED; SO THAT HE AS GOD SITTETH IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD, SHEWING HIMSELF THAT HE IS GOD. (5) REMEMBER YE NOT, THAT, WHEN I WAS YET WITH YOU, I TOLD YOU THESE THINGS? (6) AND NOW YE KNOW WHAT WITHHOLDETH THAT HE MIGHT BE REVEALED IN THIS TIME. (7) FOR THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY FOTH ALREADY WORK; ONLY HE WHO NOW LETTETH WILL LET, UNTIL HE BE TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY. (8) AND THEN SHALL THAT WICKED BE REVEALED, WHO THE LORD SHALL CONSUME WITH THE SPIRIT OF HIS M,OUTH, AND SHALL DESTROY WITH THE BRIGHTNESS OF HIS COMING. (9) EVEN HIM, WHOSE COMING IS AFTER THE WORKING OF SATAN WITH ALL POWER AND SIGNS AND LYING WONDERS, (10) AND WITH ALL DECEIVABLENESS OF UNRIGHTEOUS IN THEM THAT PERISH, BECAUSE THEY RECEIVED NOT THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH, THAT THEY MIGHT BE SAVED. (11) AND FOR THIS CAUSE GOD SHALL SEND THEM STRONG DELUSIONS, THAT THEY SHOULD BELIEVE A LIE: (12) THAT THEY ALL MIGHT BE DAMNED WHO BELIEVED NOT THE TRUTH, BUT HAD PLEASURE IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS.

I’d like to start this by looking at a phrase in these verses: (only he who now letteth will let, until ne be taken out of the way). It’s a few things that I’d like to teach here. First, the only time that God has ever allowed any person that believed in him to possess his very own spirit is in the time to which we now live. We talked about it beginning on the (Day of Pentecost). Before that day, God chose for himself to whom he place his Spirit upon. Therefore, for now over two thousand years, within the hearts of those that are born again, God’s Spirit has been living among sinful men.

If you remember, we talked about studying (Romans 9-10-11). In (Romans 11), if you read that chapter you will see that (Israel) as a nation has be cut off, blinded, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. As a Nation God set them aside that he might graft in another people, the Gentiles.

Secondly,when we see the phrase (only he who now letteth will let) it’s speaking of the people that are willing to allow God’s Spirit to work through their flesh. It says ( until he be taken out of the way). As long as God’s Spirit is upon this earth, the (man of sin) will not be revealed meaning that he doesn’t have complete control of this world. His desire is to sit where only God can sit. But, although, like it says, (the iniquity doth already work), his spirit is hard at work preparing the masses for the day he will attempt to sit where only God can sit.

We can clearly see a great falling away! The longer time moves forward toward the time when the Church will be (caught up) the less spirit of God we will see upon this earth. We often mistake the fact that God’s Spirit is here with a mindset that he is everywhere, but he’s not. He lives only in the fleshly body of those that are born again and, even at that; each of those people must allow him to be seen through their body of flesh. When the rapture takes place, Evey believer will be gone, therefore, so will God’s spirit.

Thirdly, When the Apostl Paul is describing this event he’s looking at the whole advent of the second coming of Christ. We are seeing the Church being caught up which is when Christ shouts and we meet him in the air and, when Christ acrtually comes back to establish his kingdom on this earth for the nation of Israel. The twelve verses we read cover a period of seven years and, if you consider the fact that it states that there will be a (falling away first) we could say even longer than seven years. But, the Apostle Paul is trying to comfort these people, even us concerning how the end of the Church age will transpire.

My fourth point. If we were to study the book of Revelation along with this, we can see that for the first three and a half years of the seven year period we call (Tribulation) things are pretty much normal, not much change as far as how this world works. But, in the middle is when Satan stands and says he’s God. That is what the Bible calls (Great Tribulation). One of the great differences in the Tribulation and when God destroyed the earth by water is the fact that when Noah built the Ark, eight people went aboard and every other thing upon this earth was destroyed. But, during the seven year Tribulation all will not be destryed. There will even be Gentiles that survive that period and, scripture even tells us that One third of Israel will survive.

Tribulation has never been about destroying the earth. The earth was promised to the Nation of Israel. Even back in the very being of the birth of Israel it could have been theirs but, their unbelief and disobedience is what brought about the (70 weeks) of desolation upon them.

It’s a lot to be taught here but,I’ve tried to show you why there is a tribulation. Why it actually has nothing to do with the Church. When I tell you that there will be people that live through the tribulation, you must understand, they still have to die!

I will say though that (the rules will be changed). At that time Jesus Christ will be ruling as Kig of KIngs ove Israel. He gets to decide how things are done in his KIngdom.

Going back to Tribulation, we need to see some more before we close this segment. The very fact that Israel was disobedient is the whole reason we, as Gentiles even have a chance to have salvation. We see that as we study. Look at this:

Romans 11:11

I SAY THEN, HAVE THEY STUMBLED THAT THEY SHOULD FALL? GOD FORBID: BUT RATHER THROUGH THEIR FALL SALVATION IS COME UNTO THE GENTILES, FOR TO PROVOKE THEM TO JEALOUSY.

Every Gentile, especially born again believers should never speak evil of Israel! and, I’ll add that even those Gentiles that are not saved should thank Israel for even giving them a chance to be saved.

In this segment, I’ve tried to prove from scripture why there is a Tribulation period. Since I’m hear and we have began to study In (Thessalonians) there’s a lot more to teach. Therefore I try and write another segment as it concerns things that we see in that scripture.

The next segment will be (STRONG DELUSIONS)

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

In considering this topic we should first define what ( crony ) is. ( A CLOSE FRIEND OR COMPANION ). ( The Church ) when I say that; I mean the true Church. Can it be cronies with the religious world in any form? If you follow me on my blog, you know that on the site I’m seeking to teach through the book of ( Acts ). I haven’t written or added to that section in a while but, I believe I’ve finished ( Chapter 5 ). I get bogged down often with simple things in scripture that many people simply overlook. Therefore It takes me a while to teach through a book. Also, I’ve limited time and I also enjoy writing things of this sort.

With that being said; in the first few chapters of ( Acts ) we see something there that is very important as concerning ( being cronies ) with religion. The new born Church in ( Acts ) completely withdrew themselves from the ( Religious crowed ) at that time. What they actually told them was this: ( Acts 4:19-20 ) But Peter and John answered and said unto them. Whether it be right in the sight of God to harken unto you more than unto God, judge ye., ( 20 ) For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

If you read there you will see that all the people that believed agreed with Peter and John. Therefore, they seperated themselves from the religious people of that day. If we consider this, they didn’t want to hear from God ( second hand ) filtered through what someone else thought or desired for them to hear.

Now, with that being said, look at this verse: ( John 10:27 ) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they know me. To Jesus Christ; you are very personal to him. He says, you; as one of his sheep, hear what he speaks to you. He says ( you know him ) and ( he knows you ).

What happens to us, we become clones or cronies of pastors, Churches, religious organizations. These clonies become very pleased with us and, we’re pleased with them. However, where is Jesus Christ in that picture?

Believe it or not, Jesus Christ only deals, speaks to individuals. By design, our local Church has one pastor. By design, that one pastor stands and speaks what God’s Spirit tells him to speak. By design, each person in the congregation hears what that spirit has spoken to him or her and, by design, each person has a choice to either yield to or, reject what that spirit has to say. By design, if that one person hears what that spirit said, he or she grows thereby and, becomes more like Jesus Christ, not the Church, not the pastor, not another member but, just like Jesus Christ desires for them to be at that time.

Each born again believer grows at a different speeds, or levels, as designed by God, for that individual. One of the most overwhelming things I hear from many Church members to is ( God doesn’t care how I dress ). Actually, when that statement is made, what they are actually saying is ( the clonies I follow doesn’t care how I dress ) and, they are exactly right; they have been croned to that sect of people. There is actually not one thing about your earthly walk that God dosen’t desire to change. If we will become willing to hear him as he speaks, we’ll find that out.

Do you realize that every ( Christian religion ) uses the Bible as their guideline? I’m going to use a metaphor here. In one match, there’s enough fire to burn many acres with the fire within that one match. However, if it’s not ( striked ) it’s worthless. If it is controlled it can be ( striked ) but, it will barely burn itself. The word of God is the same way. The word of God is just a book. It is nothing unless it is ( set on fire ) by the Holy Ghost of God. That fire starts in one person, it’s carried by the voice of that one person to those that hear ( that person ) or the ( Spirit within ) that person, and spreads like a wild fire.

People that are caught up in ( Clony Religion ) and croned will never grow beyond where the people in control of that religion allows them to grow. If we will simply learn to drop to our knees ( as individuals ) even one that might not know Jesus Christ. Simply, by faith ask the Lord to ( teach me ) even about your ( free salvation ) and then allow God’s Spirit to; day by day, instruct you in his will for you and, day by day become a spiritual giant for the Golry of God.

We must realize that ( God the Father ) only speaks to individuals by his Spirit. We must be ( one of his Sheep ). We must never allow ourselves to be cloned or croned by anything or person other than ( The Holy Spirit ) Of God.

He, desires that we be like him as we walk in our flesh.

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

Early in the morning on December 4, 2020 one of God’s chosen vessels feel asleep on this earth, from his body of flesh and, awoke in the presence of Jesus Christ; the one that died for his sins on the Cross of Calvary.

This was a man loved by many people and, was a blessing to many; specially his family. My wife and I went to bed last night about 10:30 pm. Neither of us could sleep and, we both got back up, sit and talked a few minutes. About 3:30 am or so we got the news that he had passed. I know that for many, this might seem strange but, with that knowledge, I, as a former pastor began to preach his funeral, even as I lay in my bed.

I can’t say for certian but, I suppose every man that has God’s Spirit within him and, a desire to allow that Spirit to speak goes throught the same process of thought as God stirs within his heart. I’d like to share my thoughts with those that might choose to listen.

As I considered how much of a loss this must be to a loving wife, loving children, grandchildren and every person, including me that loved this man, I also thought! Everytime he and I would come together for even just a few minutes; our conversation would always turn to Jesus Christ and the Word of God.

As I considered the loss of this man, it’s almost like God’s Spirit stopped me in my tracks and begin to show me the gain ( ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE ). We’re all in our flesh, we all are very weak through the very flesh we live in. Because of this, we grieve at the loss of very special and,.important people in our lives. It’s like a part of us has also died, especially for a wife and children. That is very understandable.

However, consider the life of this man! Do you realize that there are millions of people that die, some of them very rich but, leave this world without one spiritual attribute for their families, not one. Look at what his man left. He left his family with a legecy of a great love for Jesus Christ, a passion for his word that reached out and touched people all around him, including me. The very lips of clay he had was a mouthpiece for Jesus Christ, he continually searched for and taught truth.

In our flesh, we never want to lose anyone that can show love for family, Church, a Sunday School class and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In our fleshly minds we need this man to continue with us. However, if we are of any age at all, we understand that death come upon all men. With this knowledge, let me try and explain what happens to a ( Godly, spirit filled man ). At some point and time a sinner sees himself for who and what he is. With his gained knowledge of Jesus Christ; he asked Jesus to come into his heart and to be his savior. The day that; that transformation takes place, no person is Godly in their flesh. In the case of a Godly person, someone that chooses to study God’s word and slowly ( die ) to themselves, they are transformed by the very spirit of God within them to all that God desires for them to be. As a ( Godly man’s ) body slowly deteriorates, the Man within him grows stronger and stronger.

What you see before you is an empty shell, a body that housed the very God of this universe. When the God we serve was finished with this body, when this body had fulfilled his purpose, the man within this empty shell,went to his heavenly home. We knew him and loved him in his physical capacity, but what all had he become? I got news for you friends. If this man would have continued like he was before he met Jesus Christ, you probably wouldn’t have liked him very much. What you loved is what he ws in Jesus Christ. Amen?

I want you to know, that all this man suffered in the end of his life had nothing to do with him, his walk in Christ was concrete. What he went through was all for your benefit, as a matter of fact, his whole life after Christ, being a ( Godly man ) was for your benefit.

I want you to know something else ( He’s not dead ). He is alive forever more. I want you to know something else, what he had within him is still alive and well here! On the morning of ( December 4, 2020 at around 2:00 am, this laid a mantle down at the feet of his wife, his daughters and his son in laws. As a man that loved this man, I charge you this day to ( PICK IT UP )! He also laid this same mantle down at the feet of his Sunday School class. In my heart, every member of that Sunday School class should be fighting over which one of them will take his place.

This man left you something far greater than a body of flesh, he taught you the word of God. he exhibited the Power of God within him as revealed by the very Spirit of God he possessed. He was tired and weary from the struggles of this sin cursed body. For me to seek to deprive him of his victory at this time would be a sin in my flesh. Let me read to you what he is saying to you right now. ( 2 Timothy 4:6-7 ) For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. ( 7 ) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Now, let’s finish it. ( Verse 5 ) But ( you, the people I hand my mantle to )( watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry.

The mantle he left is to be carried on, passed on until the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His job is finished, your’s has just begun, that is, as for now as the work in Christ he began.

God grants us ( a time to mourn ) ( a time to rest ) however, the battle didn’t end at the death of this saint. At some point we must pick up the mantle he laid down, that mantle is the blood stained banner of Jesus Christ. The people he taught, he loved and help bring to this day in his life must be willing to continue his work all for the Glory of God.

Written to and for people I love

Marshall Clayton

As I sit here and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit as to how to pen down my understanding of this verse; my mind goes back to the time of my salvation. I’m reminded of the man, my pastor that was preaching, not only the day I was saved but, taught me for the next five years of my spiritual childhood.

This man’s name was ( Claybourne Fairclothe ). His life exhibited ( praying without ceasing ). Why would I say that? Was this man perfect? No, he wasn’t. As a matter of fact, neither am I and, if we are to be perfectly honest; one of the reasons that most cannot or, do not pray without ceasing is because we are seeking to be seen as perfect and not what or, who we truly are.

We have been deceived into thinking that our perfection is what draws people to Christ. Our perfection is what our Lord is looking for in our lives. We, far too often look at a man’s perfection and, because of our blindness to self; cannot see the true Holy Spirit all around the inperfections of any person. We destroy the very lives that God has ordained to bring us to spiritual growth.

I’m going to say something here that most cannot see. Any man that has a true heart to ( pray without ceasing ) is simply an extention of all those before him that understood ( praying without ceasing ). In other words the very fact that ( Claybourne Fairclothe ) understood or lived that; means that even though he has past from this world to his heavenly home, his prayers are still being answered. And, that can be traced all the way back as far as God’s Spirit exist in this world.

Look at this verse of scripture: ( 1 Chronicles 4:10 ) And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granded him that which ne requested.

Now, the Bible says here that God did answer that prayer. So, let’s say that God did ( physically bless him ). If that’s the case; what does Jabez have now? When we learn that our lives is more that what we can receive in this life and, begin to see the spiritual aspect as being more important then, there is no end to God’s ability to ( increase our boarders ) The story of Jabez is God’s desire for us to understand the spiritual aspect of our lives.

If you search scripture; you can’t find where Jabez ever prayed this but one time. What can we kleen from that? He lived what he prayed! Do you think Jabez ever made mistakes? As a natural man, yes he did but, it didn’t deter him from his goal.

( Claybourne Fairclothe ) was a spiritual man with spiritual goals. He wasn’t concerned about wealth, fame, popularity or anything that relates to this world. Was he perfect? Did he make mistakes, sin? Yes he did but, it didn’t deter him from his purposed goal in the prayer he prayed.

Can you see ( pray without ceasing )? I want you to consider something? ( Claybourne Fairclothe ) was an extention of every spiritual person that lived before him. That includes men such as Abraham, Moses, The Apostle Peter, Paul and John, just to mention a few. Yes, and even a man called Jesus Christ. I am an extention of ( Claybourne Fairclothe ). Not only me but, every person that was truly born again from his ministry, His ( praying without ceasing ). Am I, or any one of the many people that were saved because of his ministry perfect, no! speaking for myself, I am far from perfect.

However, the true desire of myself and, every other born again believer that was saved under his ministry and, understands ( praying without ceasing ) is that we will leave a spiritual legacy and that many will will be saved, continuing to ( enlarge our coast ) for the glory of God.

In closing. the Bible says this ( Matthew 7:7 ) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

I ask: that God might give me his wisdom, his courage, his divine nature, his virtue, patience, knowledge longsuffering.

I seek: all the mysteries and, the answers to them in his word, his power to be a witness that draws people to salvation, the will, to live a life that represents him well, the humbleness to see myself as he does and, to die to who I am!

I knock: on the hearts of those that don’t believe, on scriptures that I don’t understand that they might be revealed unto me, on the spiritual doors that I desire to be opened unto me.

In our prayer life; are we more like Jabez and seek only worldly things or, is our prayer life truly seeking God’s will? ( I believe ) Jabez was a Godly man but it one thing he understood: ( Matthew 6:33 ) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these other things will be added unto you.

The people that actually ( pray without ceasing ) like all the spiritual powers before us were perfectly satisfied with just seeking his righteousness and his kingdom. If they were never rich or , never had any worldly possessions then they were very content, all for God’s glory!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

I’d like to begin by simply quoting a few verses of scripture to bring my point today, to light.

( Hebrews 1:1 ) God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets.

( Matthew 16:18 ) And I say unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

( Matthew 18:17 ) And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

As we look at the first verse I quoted; we see that God at different times and in different ways spake to his people or ( the fathers ) . The next verse there says that ( in the last he hath to them by his Son ). His Son being Jesus Christ. As a man that studies and, seeks to understand God’s word, I know that Jesus Christ spoke and lived with his people at the very end of the ( dispensation of law ) The law was one way that God spoke and dealt with his people.

The next two verses I quoted; we see are in the first gospel ( Matthew ). Over the years of my time of study, I often wondered about these verses and the mention of ( the Church ) within them. Why do I say that? Because, at that time the Apostles had no concept of the Church. As I say that, I realize that all four gospels are speaking of the very same period of time and, they represent four different aspects of the same man, Jesus Christ. I also realize; according to ( John 21:25 ) And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

The reason I point this out is because it’s very possible that Jesus taught his Apostles a lot more about the Church than we actually read in the gospels. However, to say that ( the apostles had a complete understanding of what the Church was all about would be inconceivable. It was all a learning process to them.

The Church actually came into being on the ( Day of Pentecost ) in ( Acts 2 ). The Church or ( the age of Grace ) is simply another way that God has chosen to deal with the people of this world. In the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John these two verses or scriptures are the only time the church is mentioned. In ( Matthew 16 ) he tells Peter how the Church will be founded you might say. In ( Matthew 18 ) he now tells then about the way its members shoud be disciplined.

The foundation of the Church is built on this concept ( THOU ART THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD ). Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Church.

Over my years of studying, I often wondered about ( the Church ) being mentioned in Matthew and, what was said there because, I could not figure out a way to tie it together or, see how anyone at that time could see the concept. However, where we are today, as a nation, to me brings it to clarity in my mind.

The two things that any relationship is established on is the foundation and the discipline of the principles that it is founded on. These things are paramount to the success of anything. Without understanding the foundation and, having discipline to maintain the picture of that foundation, the true power of what is being built is worthless.

As we look at this we must understand that everything about this is a learning process to the Apostles, even as the Church age begins, they continue to be taught by the Holy Spirit. We see this all through the book of Acts and, also as we read through the entire New Testament. The very first two things that can be seen in Acts is this. ( 1 ) The unwillingness for the people; standing on the foundation of the Church that Jesus Christ died and rose again for, is the refusal of those that believe to simply follow the established people They refused to just hear what they said. In the early chapters of ( Acts ) the religious leaders tried to stop the people from following Jesus Christ as led by his Spirit. Look at what they replied:( Acts 4:20 ) For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. That is the statement that Peter and John told the leaders of that day. When they said that to the people that believed, they all agreed.

The next thing is that God would not put up with anyone being false. ( Acts 5:1-10 ) God actually killed Ananias and his wife Sapphira for not telling the truth. You see; the foundation is being laid and, a seperation is coming toward the true righteousness that was taught and lived by Jesus Christ. That is the foundation of the Church.

What did this teach the young believers? They are taught the lesson we see in ( Matthew 18 ). if you are not willing to be all you can be for Christ we’ll set you outside the Church. What it boils down to is people and, the leaders we are willing to choose. It has to do with our sensitivity to where we stand and, what it represents. That in both the Church and the nation we live in. The United States of America was founded on these same precepts.

I wanted to show you this verse of scripture: ( Songs of Solomon 2:15 ) Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vine: for our vines have tender grapes.

It’s never big things or steps we take that bring about our foundations to become corrupt. That goes for our leaders as well. That is; in our Churches or , in our government. We simply began to allow little things to change, to become common place and the first thing you know, we are not even standing on the original foundation that either, Jesus Christ or, our nation was established on.

In ( Matthew 18 ) when one person seen another person doing or, living in a way that did not represent the foundation of Jesus Chist, being very sensitive to what was right, would go to that person and try to get them to correct their lifestyle. In the end, if they would not change then they were dismissed from the Church.

I’ll tell this story. I use to pastor a Church. A lady came to me once and told me she would like to join our Church but it was a few things she didn’t like about our Church. In essence, I told her, well you need to move on. We are not seeking to join you but, you are seeking to join us.

That is what I see as very important for each person to understand. When we; as members of a Church or, we as citizens of the United States of America began to change to please people then we change the very foundation we are suppose to stand on. We need to be very sensitive to our constitutions of both our nation and the true Church. We need to go back to the original text and, stand there without apology.

I mentioned ( the little foxes ). Almost as soon as anything of real value begins, there will be ( little things that will seek to try and destroy it. Those things, whatever they might be will be very little in the beginning. As a matter of fact, so small that they will seem not to matter. However, as those little things start to pile up; they will become a very destructive force.

I stated that the Church is the foundation of ( ONE NATION UNDER GOD ). Therefore, if you seek to destroy that nation, where do you begin? You destroy the foundation, you weaken that foundation. And, what is the strongest foundation of any Church? ( The family ). Please understand! I know that Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Church. However, it takes the voices of men, of families to make his will known today. That voice comes from strong families in strong Churches.

My desire is to show those that read this something that will bring about spiritual awareness and cause us to be very spiritually and, as patriots; sensitive to what we need to do as members of our Churches and, as citizens of this great country.

Let’s read some verses: ( Hebrews 11:32-38 ) AND WHAT SHALL I MORE SAY? FOR THE TIME WOULD FAIL ME TO TELL OF GEDEON, AND OF BARAK, AND OF SAMSON,AND OF JEPHTHAE; OF DAVID ALSO, AND SAMUEL, AND OF THE PROPHETS: ( 33 ) WHO THROUGH FAITH SUBDUED KINGDOMS, WROUGHT RIGHTEOUSNESS, OBTAINED PROMISES, STOPPED THE MOUTHS OF LIONS, ( 34 ) QUENCHED THE VIOLENCE OF FIRE, ESCAPED THE EDGE OF THE SWORD, OUT OF WEAKNESS WERE MADE STRONG, WAXED VALIANT IN FIGHT, TURNED TO FLIGHT THE ARMIES OF ALIENS. ( 35 ) WOMEN RECEIVED THEIR DEAD RAISED TO LIFE AGAIN: AND OTHERS WERE TORTURED, NOT ACCEPTING DELIVERANCE; THAT THEY MIGHT OBTAIN A BETTER RESURRECTION: ( 36 ) AND OTHER HAD TRIAL OF CRUEL MOCKINGS AND SCOURGINGS, YEA, MOREOVER THE BONDS OF IMPRISONMENT: ( 37 ) THEY WERE STONED, THEY WERE SAWN ASUNDER, WERE TEMPTED, WERE SLAIN WITH THE SWORD: THEY WANDERED ABOUT IN SHEEPSKINS AND GOATSKINS; BEING DESTITUTE, AFFLICTED, TORMENTED; ( 38 ) ( OF WHOM THE WORLD WAS NOT WORTHY: ) THEY WANDERED IN DESERTS, AND IN MOUNTAINS, AND IN DENS AND CAVES OF THE EARTH.

In all of those verses we need to see just this one thing: ( of whom the world was not worthy ). We pick up the word of God and we read in the comfort of our warmed or cooled homes. We sit in Churches with padded pews and air conditioning, drive automobiles that almost drive themselves and, are more comfortable than the chairs in our homes. All that and then complain about the length of the message the pastor preached. We never even consider what price was paid for all we have, even the fact that we have the word of God that we can read. There was a price paid ( BY REAL PEOPLE ) to give us the Churches we have today.

Moreover, this great nation we live in. There are those that paid a tremendous price to bring about the liberty that we have here. Long before the destruction of this great country began, the destruction of the power within our Churches started and, that started by the destruction of our families.

Now, in closing, The very sensitivity, the very value, the worth of anything is always found in the price that has to be paid for that object. In these two cases, the true Church and the United States of America. When people pay a tremendous price for things, they value it and, protect it with all that they have. When we receive things too freely, then the value is gone.

Look at this verse: ( Nehemiah 4:17 ) They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.

Nehemiah had a great burden to rebuild the wall of the city. He or, they had many enemies. However they were so sensitive and passionate about what they were doing that they were willing to work to buid and be prepared to fight the enemy at the same time.

The problem we have in our Churches and, in our nation is that ( we don’t see or recognize the enemy ) and, ( we have no passion ) for either the truth in ( our Churches or ( the freedoms in our Country ).

( THE CHURCH ) The truth in God’s word is the foundation of the Church and, the very foundation of this country was founded on the passion of that truth and, those people being very sensitive to the price that was paid for both.Can we, as a nation, as a Church get back to that passion and sensitivity? ( In my opinion ) the answer to that question is ( NO ) we can’t! Not without our willingness to pay the same price others were willing to pay.

Why would I say that? Because, even as I sit here and write, I realize where we are as ( THE CHURCH ) or , what we call Church and, the our unwillingness to to be submissive to a Holy and Righteous God. We, as Church members today; are not and will not be sensitive to the Spirit of God, even as we read the word of God.

Let’s consider; the family was founded before the Church. The Church was founded before our nation. In the average family today; the father is not sensitive to the spirit of God, the wife is not sensitive to the will of the husband and the children are not obedient to either parent. The children have no respect for their mother because they see no respect for her; from her husband. The husband is neither respected by his wife or children because he gives them no reason to respect him.

That same mindset bleeds over into the local Church. We might say we ( love ) our pastor but, it’s not because he is sensitive to the will of God. Not because he preaches with the power of God in his messages, not because he has a passion for God’s word and preaches with great conviction. It’s because he is sensitive to our own will.

In closing, when this country was founded, the Church was the salt of its very foundation. The truth, the passion, the will of those that prayed, sought God’s will was so powerful that it effected even those that didn’t attend Church. Why? It was because of the price that was paid and recognized by those people that had paid the price for both. Also, it was so valuable that if any person sought to destroy either; would also pay a tremendous price for their disobedience.

( WE HAVE WANDERED SO FAR FROM THOSE FOUNDATIONS ) that we are now living on sinking sand.

Lord, as a man with a great love for our country and for the Church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I pray that my passion will bleed over onto other people. Lord, our children are blind to the dangers all around them, our people are blind to your gospel. Open our eyes and cause us to see our true needs and help us to be willing to pay any price necessary for your will to be done, in our own lives and, in our country. As I work with the tools I have to build this nation, let the weapon in my other hand to be the Word of God. Help me to see myself as it speaks to my heart and, to be willing to submit myself to your own will with passion and humbleness. Let revival of Godliness begin in my heart and spread to other people, all for your glory. AMEN!’

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7