( HEBREWS 5:6 )

AS HE SAITH IN ANOTHER PLACE, THOU ART A PRIEST FOR EVER AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHISEDEC, ( 7 ) WHO IN THE DAYS OF HIS FLESH, WHEN HE HAD OFFERED UP PRAYER AND SUPPLICATIONS WITH STRONG CRYING AND TEARS UNTO HIM THAT WAS ABLE TO SAVE HIM FROM DEATH, AND WAS HEARD IN THAT HE FEARED; ( 8 ) THOUGH HE WERE A SON, YET LEARNED HE OBEDIENCE BY THE THINGS WHICH HE SUFFERED; ( 9 ) AND BEING MADE PERFECT, HE BECAME THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION UNTO ALL THEM THAT OBEY HIM; ( 10 ) CALLED OF GOD AN HIGH PRIEST AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHISEDEC.

If you study out Melchisdec, you will see that he was a type of Christ. You can find his name in ( Genesis 14::18 ). We can’t find where is was ever born nor did he die. There’s no record of it. He was the King of Salem which means ( peace ).

I’ll write those verses, make that statement and, now we’ll look at this, also the rest of this chapter. I’ve stated before; ( I believe ) the Apostle Paul wrote ( Hebrews ). He was speaking to his own people. He sought to get them to understand that following any man is not wise; that is, any man in the flesh. The reason for that is that, they all die, that because of their own sin.

Jesus Christ also died because of sin ( ours ), not his own. That’s why God the Father raised him from the dead and, why we are freely justified because of his resurrection. Melchisedec was a type, just like we see often in the Old Testament.

Now, notice something. The Apostle Paul, being a Jew; new this fact. Why? Because he had studied it out, just like any other Jew could have done. You might say; that’s a debatable fact. I’ll agree however, we can see that no matter how he gained that knowledge, he is now sharing it with his brothers in the flesh. My point is that God, through different ways had been trying to reveal this knowledge to them for years. The Apostle Paul just happens to be the last way that it will be revealed. He’s is the ( open door ) to ( the Church ) for all men.

Now, look at:

( verse 11 )

OF WHOM WE HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY, AND HARD TO BE UTTERED, SEEING YE ARE DULL OF HEARING.

It’s so much that can be taught here! For instance; we know that the word of God teaches that God purposely ( dulled the hearing ) of Israel as a nation. That because of their unbelief; as a Nation. We speak of ( Melchisedec ) as being a type. Well, look at this verse:

( 2 Corinthians 3:13-15 )

And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the of that which was abolished: ( 14 ) But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the Old Testamant; which veil was done away in Christ. ( 15 ) But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their hearts.

We often simply read by verses such as we see here and in the book of Hebrews, not ever understanding what is being taught. I’d like to take the time here to show all that is being taught. So, let’s look in:

( Exodus 34:30-33 )

And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the shin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come high to him. ( 31 ) And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them. ( 32 ) And afterwards all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him in Mount Sinia. ( 33 ) And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face. ( 34 ) But when Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he took the veil off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded. ( 35 ) And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone: and Moses put the veil upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

As I seek to tie these things together, in all cases we see typlical things. Now, let’s begin with the letters that the Apostle Paul wrote to different Churches. We call them epistles. When he wrote those letter, he was speaking to ( the Church ) in those cities or, areas. Here, in Hebrews; he’s speaking to the people, members of ( the Church ) that are Hebrews. Those that are born again in the Nation of Israel. He’s not speaking to them as a nation but, as individual people. As you consider this, we must understand that he was concerned for the souls of all men. In other words, he was hoping that all Israel would have their eyes opened and see Christ as their Savior. That’s is the spiritual mindset of any Church, it’s members and, it’s pastor; wouldn’t you agree?

While we see that the Apostle Paul is he ( Apostle to the Gentiles ) in ( Ephesians 3 ); can you see that ( the Hebrew people ) are just as likely to be born again as the people are anywhere else? They can become members of the body of Christ ( the Church ), as can people in any nation under heaven. ( The Veil ) we are speaking of was on ( Israel ) as a Nation, not as individuals. The ( dull of Hearing ) was upon ( the Nation ) not simple individuals.

As born again believers in the Nation of Israel; the Apostle Paul knows well that ( they ) as a people had always followed ( a man ). They looked at the high priest as their leader so to speak and, they also considered the ( tabernacle ) as a place of worhip. In:

( John 4:23-24 ) Jesus tells the ( woman of Samaria this )

( 23 ) But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. ( 24 ) God id Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth.

If you go to any letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to any Church; you can see his mindset as far as what might be a hinderance to their worship in that particular area. In Corinth, they were ( carnal minded ). In Galatia they ( mixed law and grace ). The Romans ( struggled with grace ). The Hebrew believers ( struggled with how to simply allow God to speak to them ) apart from any man directing them.

That quest, the quest to learn to hear God speak by his spirit within us can still be seen as a real problem today. For example; what is a denomination? What difference can it make? I, Marshall Clayton was born again in an Independant Baptist Church. While I consider that to be a very great blessing, does that mean they have all the answers? If I base my salvation on simply what they teach then, I’m a fool! While God uses Churches and men, just like me to speak to people; he also desires for those same people to learn to allow him, by his Spirit to teach them and lead them.

I contend that we are more like the Hebrew children than we like to admit! We fall in love with our Churches, pastors, Sunday School teachers and yes, even our denominations. There’s an older song that says this: ( I’LL GO TO MY GRAVE, LOVING YOU ). A lot of Christians say that about their Church, pastor ana denomination. Not me, my friend! I love Jesus and, the study of his word! I’ll go to my grave, loving, listening to him!

THe Apostle Paul is seeking to get the ( Hebrew Childern ) to understand that Jesus is now your High Priest. That, after the order of Melchisedec. What he’s saying is that every high priest that lived, died. They had a beginning and an end. However, Jesus Christ, the Hight Priest that we follow today had no beginning and no end. That, Just like Melchisedec.

If you wish, you can say that ( Abram ) worshipped Jesus Christ 2000 years before he was born. That’s what is actually being taught. Abram understood the concept of God speaking and, he, being willing to obey that voice. If I lock myself into ( a man ) ( a denomination ) even ( a teacher ) then the knowledge that is found there is as high as I can go.

If any person will allow themselves to learn to hear God’s Spirit then, the teaching is unlimited. What is the gift of preaching? That gift is the ability to take a few words from scripture and, allow God’s Spirit to speak through and reveal many other things.

( In my opinion ) many pastors are average teachers but, they can’t preach! In that case, he simply becomes one of his congregation, no different. It takes great courage to step out and allow God’s Spirit to use you as his voice!

In closing, I’ll say this. The children of Israel saw the lightnings and thunderings, dark smoke and feared. They told Moses to go up and allow God to speak to him and, whatever he said, they would listen. Well, I desire to be like Moses! I want to walk right up into that dark smoke, right into the thunder and lightning, I want to hear all God’s got to say.

There once was a powerful evangelist in our area, I won’t call his name but, my daughter and I went to a Church he was preaching at once to sing. At that time, my daughter was about eighteen. This evangelist came out of the pulpit, stood on one end of the communion table and said this: Jesus Christ, as our High Priest, shed his blood and died on his Cross. When He died, he took his own blood, brought it to this end of the alter of sacrifice and said; I offer this blood for the sins of the people of the world and, sit that blood down on that alter. Then, he walk right to the other end of that communion table and said, ( I ECCEPT IT )! He offered that blood as the Son and eccepted it as the Father!

During that preaching exchange, I seen my daughter laughing and crying all at the same time! Friends, can you see that picture! Teaching never does that! It only come from the power of the Holy Spirit when a man is willing to allow himself to allow God to reveal himself through his body of flesh!

Far too oftn we lock ourselves into the things of this world and, at the very same time, by that very act, we lock God’s ability to speak to us ( outside ) The Apostle Paul was trying to gat the Hebrew Children to understand that very concept!

What are you locked into? As for me; my desire is to be locked into ( God’s Holy Spirit )!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

( 1 ) For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: ( 2 ) Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. ( 3 ) And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. ( 4 ) And no man tahketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. ( 5 ) So also Christ glorified not himself to be made and high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my son, today have I begotten thee.

If you will notice in ( Hebrews ) the term ( let us ) is used often. We also see the word ( better used often ). The writer of this book is seeking to show the people he is writing to that the old methods of the way they had been doing things we passed and, now we have a ( better way ) as individual people to communicate to our God. Last week , we considered the last verse in ( chapter 4 ) ( Let us ) come boldly to the throne of grace.

The Hebrew children has always been instructed to follow a man; a high priest. And, also to go to a building. We can carry that all the way back to Moses. However, we see in the book of ( Deuteronomy chapter 34 ) that Moses died. We also see in that chapter ( verse 6 ) And he ( being God ) buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.

As I seek to allow God’s Spirit to use me as a vessel to share this; I can see the importance of what we are seeing here about Moses as it relates to what we are studying in Hebrews. Therefore, let’s consider some things about this. Moses was the man that God chose to deliver the law to for Israel. However, he was not, in the end the man that seen to it that it was carried out. Aaron, his brother was the first Hight Priest.

If you will study, you will notice that Moses did not get to lead Israel into the promise land because of an act he committed. ( Numbers 20:8-12 ) You can read that and study it out. However, we see that because of that act he didn’t lead Israel into the promise land.

We also see where he was buried. It was not a glorious place among men. THe land of Moab was simply a place just like all the rest of this world. I heard once that it could be defined as ( God’s washpot ). Also, not one person other than God the Father knows where he is buried.

I point these things out because Moses was just a sinner like every other man born of this world. As a matter of fact; every spiritual leader and high priest that’s ever been; died. No exceptions.

If I were to make a thought concerning ( my opinion ) it would be this. From the time that God gave the law and, created the High Priest, it was always about people listening to and, obeying the things that God said and, never about any man. However, Israel could never quite understand that concept. They desired for a man to tell them what to do, how to think and, also be accountable to God for their actions.

In ( Hebrews 4:16 ) we see that he says ( Let us ) ( come boldly ) to the throne of grace. We, as individuals don’t need a man to teach us, lead us now. We ourselves can go directly to God’s throne to find every answer we need.

True men of God. pastors and preachers to; understand this fact. They also push ( individual responsibility ) greatly. If you will notice in ( verse 2 ) of ( Hebrews 4 ) he says this. Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and them that are out of the way. Why? for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

He realizes he is no different than the very people that he is trying to help. ( I believe ) that God was making a point to the nation of Israel with Moses. If you remember, it was the unbelief of Israel that caused Moses to smite the rock twice rather than to simply speak to it. Another way of saying the same thing is this; If Israel would have been listening to God, seeking to hear him rather than listening, depending on Moses, that act would not have happened.

In a very powerful way, we are people with the same mindset of Israel far too often. We fall in love with pastors, men, teachers and so on. We are passionate about our buildings far beyond our desire to follow the voice of God.

Do you realize that it shouds take no more than you; hearing and obeying the voice of God to cause you to leave your Church. I personally believe that I, as a man have the responsibility to pastor my wife and family, first and formost. ( I am the pastor of the Church in my house )! God designed local Churches as a means of fellowship and, to shed the gospel in communities. He desires for us to come together in unity, in his name.

The next Sunday that you go to Church, as you sit there; you look at your pastor. Guess what? He, or she is nothing more than a hell deserving sinner that is going to die because of the sin in their life just like you are! The Church building you’re sitting in will be torn down one day, no matter how much you love it. It might out last you but, it to will be destroyed.

In the book of Hebrews, the Apostle Paul is making this point! He is seeking to cause the Hebrew children to realize that God’s desire is to deal with each of them as individuals if, they will boldly come to his throne.

In reality, my wife, my children should be able to come to me to get any spiritual answer they need to become spiritually mature. Mature enough to begin to go boldly to God’s throne for themselves! The problem is that we depend on our pastor or teachers and, we never get to that spiritual level in most cases. Even if we can depend on them, at some point we must reach spiritual maturity, if we ever desire to be pleasing to God the Father.

I often seek to make this point. If you are a member of a spiritually motivating Church. Let’s just look at one young man. First of all, this young man gets born again. Soon after that, the pastor calls on him to pray, he becomes a witness in his community, an usher in his Church, a teacher of Sunday school,then he might one day become a deacon and, even, in time the head deacon. When all this is accomplished, what’s next?

If could also be that a young man never does any of those things but, he, in time matures to a spiritual level, what’s next? God never builds a Church for you to stay in all your life or, even your children. We must learn to mature spiritually and become all God desires for us to be. We can only do that when we learn to ( come boldly to God’s throne of grace ) as individuals.

John F. Kennedy made this statement: ( ask not what your country can do for you but, what can you do for your country ).

Far too often we look at the Church the very same way. We seek to get something from Church when we should be seeking to add something to it. After all, the Church is not a buliding, it’s a growing organism. When we learn that we are to die to ourselves, offer ourselves as a living sacrifice, learn that the best thing we can give the Church is the salvation of other people then, the whole concept of ( Church members ) and ( buildings ) will be far less important to us. The whole concept of following men, the high priest came to an end. Now, we see Jesus and, we as born again believers have the very spirit of God within us.

Again, look at the people in your Church, one day every person there will be gone. However, the true High Priest that we’ll look at next week will never die! He is the one we need to follow above all!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

( HEBREWS 4:16 )

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

Today is the day that we take time to remember the death, burial and resurrection of our Savior; Jesus Christ. I am very thankful continually for his saving grace and, the Holy Spirit he placed within me the day of my salvation. In reality, God, through and by his grace gave us a way to remember the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus ( according to his will ) and, that apart from how men choose to remember it. Man devised a way to remember it each year. God the Father said it do it ( as often ); that is, when ever you desire to. His way is ( the Lord’s supper ). Many Churches have, what we might call communion, each Sunday, some, every quarter and others, whenever the pastor feels led to do so. In other words, ( communion can be done ) as often as one desires to.

While I’m not anti- Easter in any means; I do believe it has become a ( religious ritual ) and, if it is the only time that a person ever considers the death, burial and resurrection of Chirst then that, in itself becomes a shame! As a matter of fact, if the very act of having communion can become the same way if we do not truly reverence and become closer to Christ because we commit that act.

On any given Sunday, just like this one; I truly seek God’s will for what I teach. In the last few Sundays it’s been in Hebrews. It just so happens that today we are looking at ( Hebrews 4:16 ) which is actually one of the most powerful attributes, other than our salvation we can contribute to Easter; which is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I want you to consider something here. Do you realize that God, by his Holy Spirit, under the writings of the Apostle Paul chose to describe the act of Communion in the book of Corinthians? The Church was the most carnal Church we see in all of the Apostles Paul’s writings. They, in fact were, by their actions, making a mockery of the whole concept of the Lord’s supper. You can read about it in ( 1 Corinthians 11 ).

So, let’s get to what I feel led to teach today. In this verse; look at what he says: ( Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace ). Do you realize that up until the death of Jesus Christ that no person other than the high priest could ever go behind the veil? However, the very moment that Jesus Christ ( gave up the ghost ) that veil was rent from ( top to bottom ). That ( top to bottom ) signifies ( God coming down to man!

( Matthew 27:51-53 )

And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from top to bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; ( 52 ) And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, ( 53 ) And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

In the Old Testament if any man went behind that veil, he would die instantly. As a matter of fact, even the High Priest had to make sure he followed ever ordinance given by God the Father precisely or, he would die as well.

We commerate Easter, not to remember his death necessarily but rather, the resurrection, althouth it all goes together. When Jesus Christ was raised from the dead it was proof that God the Father had excepted his sacrifice for the sins of this world. He, Jesus Christ became our high priest. While we see that in the previous verses here, we can also study it further in ( Hebrews 5 ) and possibly we will get to that.

What might be significant about that fact? In the Old Testament, God the Father looked at Israel, typlically theough a veil. He could see them but, they couldn’t see him. In the New Testament, the ( Blood of Christ ) became that veil. Now God the Father looks at us, sees us through the Blood of Christ once we are born again. His blood blocks out everything about us that is not Jesus Christ, therfore, God the Father see us as perfect through Christ. Our sins are filtered by his blood. His blood is that veil!

Therefore, we can boldly come before God the Father just like Jesus Christ. However, it is actually through him we can see God the Father.

Now, let’s look at something here and you see if you agree with me. The next part of ( Hebrews 4: 16 ) says this: ( that we may obtain mercy ). Once we are born again, I, for one will have to admit that I am not perfect! We go back to ( verse 12 ) we see that he, God the Father knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts. There is nothing hid from him. Therefore, as a born again believer, when I know that I fall short, I can obtain mercy! In: ( 1 John 1:9 ) It says this: ( If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Can you see how God’s will is for each of us to be like Christ? Although we will never reach that perfection in this life; it’s still God’s will for us to be just that sensitive to the sin that easily besets us, having a desire, by the Holy Spirit to overcome every sinfil weakness we have. This has nothing to do with salvation but, our desire to walk circumspectly in Christ, to be obedient to his will. God’s mercy, through the Blood of Christ allows us not to be perfect but, his mercy will always be there, continually.

I love my wife! does that fact make me a perfect husband to her? Take my word for it, no it doesn’t but, although I cannot reach perfection as her husband, my desire is still to be pleasing to her. Therefore, I don’t live in a way that is displeasing to her and, if I do something that is upsetting to her, I confess; honey, I was wrong. If I fall short as her husband, are we not still just as married?

It’s the ame picture with each born again believer and God the Father. We are still just as much his child even when we are less than perfect but, if we truly desire to be pleasing to him, we will confess before him and continue to move foward toward being like Christ.

Now, look at the last part of this verse:

( Hebrews 4:16 )

and find ( grace to help ) in ( time of need ).

There is a very important question we must ask ourselves here. Just how willing are you to overcome the sinful weakness in your life? We often seek to tie our physical bodies to this verse of scripture. I suppose that there are times that God helps us in a physical sense however, God’s true desire is to have us walk with him in a very healthy spiritual life, and that; far beyond any problem we might face in our flesh.

Many people that say they are born again are very content living in the sin they live in. They are simply looking at Christ as a way to stay out of hell; never even considering changing anything about their lives. Most people that say they are born again are not even sensitive to the little things that might be displeasing to God the Father. They look at it as ( God saved me ) here I am. If that is your mindset, maybe you should actually consider whether you are truly born again or not.

I’m going to insert something here about a husband and his wife. In either case, whether you are ( a husband ) or ( a wife ) if you are not at least seeking to be pleasing, are you truly married? If marriage hasn’t taken place within the heart of a man and a woman then, the paper work that comes with marriage is worthless!

It’s actually the same way with being born again. If God; by his Holy Spirit hasn’t moved into your heart then, Church membership and baptism is completely worthless. It’s a terrible thing to die, to wait to late to find out you are actually not born again. The very same way with marriage; once the paper work is done, by law you are maried but, if it’s not in your heart, you can look for problems!

The spiritual needs we have are real! God didn’t say he would take anything away from you just by asking. He said you could ( obtain mercy ) and ( find help ) in time of need. God’s grace can help you overcome anything, however it must be your desire to overcome those things in your life. One of my favorite pharses in scripture is this: ( and Jesus said: and it came to pass ). No matter what you might be facing in your life, it will come to pass.

I’ll share this story in closing. I come home from work one afternoon; my wife was standing at the pation door and a young man was sitting on the patio. As I walked up, my wife told me that the young man wanted to talk to me. I sit down and, he begin to talk. He said: he didn’t have a job, he had one offered to him but he didn’t have gas money to go to it. He also said, he had a speading ticket that he had to pay. I could have been more but it’s been so long I’ve forgotten. What he wanted from me was to borrow some money, I didn’t know this young man, had never seen him before.

As I looked at him, I felt impressed by God’s Spirit to help him. This is what I said. Son, I’ll loan you the money you ask for. You know, I have never seen you before, I don’t know you. However, this is what I want you to know. Everything you just told me will shortly come to pass, you’ll get a job, you’ll pay the speeding ticket, life will move foward. At the same time, what you do from this day foward is completely up to you, even whether you repay this money or not. If you are not careful, you will continue to make the same mistakes over and over again but, that’s completely up to the choices you make from this day foward.

This young man did give me the money back in about a month, what else he did from that day foward, I don’t know, I have never seen him again.

My point is that, you have the very same choices to make! We either make a choice to be pleasing to God or remain like we are. His desire is to help but, are you willing to allow that help to change your life?

Marshall Clayton

2 Timpthy 1:7

THE WORTHLESSNESS OF MY FLESH

last night as my wife and I sit and done our nightly Bible reading and prayers, we were reading in ( Deuteronomy 7 ). God had instructed them to kill all the people, every one. My wife expressed the fact she did not have an understanding about God having them kill all those people, men. women and children. Where did they go? Did they all go to hell? As we sit and talked about those things ; God’s spirit began to stir in my heart about a Sunday School lesson to I might be able to teach.

We often misunderstand the actions of God because we can’t see God’s purpose even in our own lives. What is God’s will for me as an individual? ( I believe ) that the nation of Israel is a perfect picture of every born again believer. In the Old Testament, God chose a people. His desire was for ( this nation ) to be a people that completely yielded to his every word. His desire was for ( that nation ) ( that mindset ) to completely take over the complete world as we know it.

In the Old Testament, it’s all about a picture and, what we can learn from that picture. If you read after me, you know that I taught ( Hebrews 4:12 ). This can be totally related to what is said in that verse. We know for a fact that all flesh is going back to the dust of the earth. With that being said, can you see that even the ( flesh of Israel ) was going to do the very same thing? God’s desire to destroy all flesh that didn’t obey his will was even true when it came to his own people. Every person in Israel had to die just as every other person did. If you will read his account all the way through the Old testamant, he instructed Israel to teach their children and grand children his statutes, his will. When we see ( the law ) God gave that law to Moses only. He presented that law, by Moses to Israel. He instructed them to learn it and obey it. Put another way, he is not going to change or give that law to a different person in every generation. It became the responsibility of Israel to keep it and to see to it that the next generation did the same.

The spiritual picture we see is one of seperation. God knew that if Israel didn’t destroy all that was not of him; then the strength of their enemy would slowly overtake them and they would be corrupted. The very first enemy that had to be defeated in Israel was the weakness of their very own flesh. As a nation, they never became able to do just that.

When we are born again, just like the picture of Israel; God seperates ( the soul ) part of us from the other two parts within each of us. That being our flesh and our spirit. Just as Israel was supposed to destroy every other group of people, every other city or mindset, it becomes our responsibility to allow the very power of God within us to overtake our spirit and flesh, destroying our own will as we walk in our flesh.

I’d like to share some verses of scripture with you.

( Matthew 25:24 )

Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: ( 25 ) And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there is thou hast that is thine.

Now, look at this:

( Matthew 25:30 )

And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: ther shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Personally, I believe these statements are related to nations, such as the ones that God wanted destroyed by Israel but, the spiritual point is still the same. Let’s say that you, as an individual are born again. That makes you a servant/ child of God. He has performed surgery on your heart and seperated himself within you. Now, it’s your responsibility to yield your members to his own will. We know this:

( Romans 8:8 )

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

That, we know; is an absolute fact! Now, look at the very next verse:

( Romans 8:9 )

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

He’s not talking about the fact we are still in our fleshly bodies but rather that he has placed his spirit within our flesh. He’s saying that if that spirit is not in you then, you are simply not saved. Now, I ask you, does God’s Spirit live within you? Only you can answer that question?

If you consider the servant that hid his talent ( in the earth ). That servant never took God’s talent within him did he? It was hid in the very place God’s desire is for each believer to turn their flesh away from. If you will notice; that servant says this ( there thou hast that is thine ). It never became the servants did it? He never received it?

I truly believe that there are many Church members that live ( in the flesh ) meaning that their desire is the please their flesh. The reason they don’t seek to please God is because ( his Spirit ) is not in them. God has never performed surgery on their hearts, there is nothing within them for the spirit to build on! He can’t work on you flesh until you allow him in!

That means that they will be thrown into outer darkness. Where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth!

Do you see that the servant with the most talents and, was willing to use them all was the very best compensated? or, at least the very same as the other servant that was willing to use all? We see that all people might not have the same talents so to speak but, are you willing to use what you have for God’s glory? Are we willing to slowly allow that spirit to overtake our worldly desires of our flesh?

If your answerer to that question is no then, explain to me what good you are for God’s purpose? The whole picture of Israel and the other nations was to bring about God’s will in this world by his people yeilding to his will and guidelines. If Israel was not willing to allow that to happen then what good was Israel to God the Father?

All Israel will be save, that as a nation, They will inherit the earth however, they have faced and, will face the chastening hand of God because of their unbelief. There is no differece in a single born again believer! If you are born again and, yet you refuse to be obedient to God’s will for your life, you will suffer loss at the ( Judgement Seat of Christ ). Exactly what does that mean. A subject for another lesson:

Next week by God’s grace we will look at the last verse in ( Hebrews 4 ).

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

In the last couple of lessons we’ve been looking in ( Hebrews 4 ). We will continue on this course today as well. Last week it was ( Hebrews 4:12 ), so today we will look and study, make comments about at least the next three verses.

Hebrews 4:13-15 )

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. ( 14 ) Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that has passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. ( 15 ) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

In our lesson last week I sought to show how that God the Father seperated our ( soul and spirit ) at the moment we were born again. With that being the case, can you see how he is still connected to us. He completely dependant on us to carry out what he, spiritually wants to do in this world. Do you remember the song ( In The Garden )? the words of that song says this: ( And he walks with me and he talks with me. He tells me I am his own. And the joy we share, as we tarry there, none other has ever known.

Jesus says it this way:

( John 14:10 )

Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me? The word that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

He is so close to you, he becomes you! In ( verse 13 ) it says that ( there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. As we consider that verse and what is being said, it becomes one of the most powerful connections between God the Father and every person that is known to exist! The last part of that verse says ( with whom we have to do ). Let’s consider something here; I’m left handed. Often when I’m using a hammer I might miss the nail I’m seeking to drive and hit the thumb on my right hand. When that happens, do you realize that it’s not just my right thumb that hurts? My whole body is somewhat effected by that one member.

It says that ( all things are naked and opened before his eyes ). As I mentioned hitting my thumb with a hammer, do you realize that we can suffer pain that is much more hurtful than any physical pain we might feel? I once sit in my pickup with my oldest sister and cried like a baby telling her about the pain I felt. There is no way she completely understood all the pain I felt and why. As a matter of fact, I could not even put it all into words myself, still can’t. With that being said, The God that I’m eternally connect to, that lives within me knows exactly how I felt, what I had done, what had been done to me and, guess what, in time ( He ) gave me a comfort that probably not many people understand!

I often try to relate the connection that God has with us with a woman with a child within her. Together, that mother and child feel every move, every pain. In most case there is a love that grows that no man can completely understand. It’s like that mother and child become one in all things! When we become willing to allow God’s spirit to ( feed us ) instead of ( we trying to feed him ) them spiritual growth becomes very real. You see, a child within the mother is completely dependant on that mother for all the nurishment he or she gets. To the contrary, that spirit within us, when we are born again desires to feed us all the spiritual food we need that we might grow spiritually. A child becomes strong and healthy because of the food its mother feeds. We become spiritually strong and healthey because of our yielding to that power within us.

Now, let’s look at the next verse:

( Hebrews 4:14 )

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that has passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

I’ve already stated that I believe that the Apostle Paul wrote the book of Hebrews. He is speaking directly to the Hebrew people however, it also applies to every born again believer. In the Old Testament the Hebrew children could not grasp the concept of God being with them. Basically, every time the were faced with adversity that always went back to leaning on their flesh rather than simply trusting God to take care of them. I could use many examples of how they should have been and, how they should have simply based their faith on what God had told them but, I think this one best relates to how God desires for each of us to live our lives.

In ( Genesis 22 ) we read where God instructed Abraham to take Isaac his only son and offer him for a scrifice. Now, look at what ( Hebrews 11:17-19 ) has to say about that account.

( 17 ) By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, ( 18 ) Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: ( 19 ) Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

Can you see the picture here? This is exactly what God’s desire was for the whole nation of Israel to see and understand. Abraham never flinched! In his heart by faith he knew, he understood that even if he killed Isaac his only son, God would have to raise him from the dead. And that, simply because of what God promised.

What we far roo often forget is that we all live in a sin cursed world. We are not exempt from the pain and suffering that comes with our lives in this world. In reality, the only person you can completely trust is Jesus Christ. The flesh of other people, even our flesh will let us down. When we learn that, simply learn to expect flesh to fail but, to depend on the one that never will let us down then it will make our walk through this world a little easier. By faith we walk and not by sight. That was the heart felt belief of Abraham.

We must learn to ( expect the unexpected ). Peter told Jesus, I’ll never leave you, I’ll never forsake you! Jesus knew the very moment he said that, it was coming! I told my wife before I married her, ( you can lay your heart in my hand ) I’ll protect it! Guess what! She knew that at my very best, that’s hard to live up to as a man. It’s not that I don’t try and seek to live as a Godly man should and, to be all I am supposed to be for her but, I’m still in my flesh. She knows and understands that. She also understands that in my weakness, she can still find needed strength in Jesus Christ! The very fact that I seek to be that way is a blessing to her. That’s the same picture of each born again believer and Jesus Christ. As long as we are seeking to be what he desires then that is a blessing to him.

And last for this lesson:

( Hebrews 4:15 )

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

What are you facing today? What do you battle in your flesh? According to this verse, you are not facing or being tempted with anything that Jesus Christ hasn’t been tempted with. Consider this: Jesus Christ was tempted to murder, lie, steal, fornicate, have a homosexual lifestyle, be depressed, hate, reject the Father, be lazy, be a work far too much, get drunk, do drugs, commit suicide, yield to the desires of Satan himself, love this world, what else can you think of? Yet, he never yielded to any of those temptations. How did he overcome those temptation? He allowed the spirit man within him to guide his complete being!

As soon as we say that; he also understands when we are weak and why we fall. His blood was shed because he completely understood our weaknesses. He also loves us although we are weak. His desire is to take the things we face and, to help us to grow strong spiritually because of what we learn from our failures.

If we allow one of our weaknesses to be ( not being willing to learn ) if we are born again, then, whose fault is that?

I pray God’s Spirit will use this lesson to be an inspriation to all that read it!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

( HEBREWS 4:12 )

FOR THE WORD OF GOD IS QUICK, AND POWERFUL, AND SHARPER THAN ANY TWOEDGED SWORD, PIERCING EVEN TO THE DIVIDING ASUNDER OF SOUL AND SPIRIT, AND OF THE JOINTS AND MARROW, AND IS A DISCERNER OF THE THOUGHTS AND INTENTS OF THE HEART.

Last week we looked into the ability of man to inner into the very rest of God. We looked at the verses here ( 4-11 ). In ( verse 11 ) we seen the word ( labor ) and sought to understand what he means by that word. God’s saving grace ( salvation ) is free but, the actual studying of his word takes work and time to gain the rest that he desires for each believer to have. It’s a continual fight between our flesh and the spirit that he has placed within us to teach us and guide us to that rest.

Here, in ( Hebrews 4:12 ) we see what it takes to bring us into that rest. He says here that the word of God is ( quick ). That word means ( alive ). The same word is used in:

( Ephesians 2:1 )

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in tresspasses and sins;

( Quickened ) Each believer has been made alive. We were dead in out trespasses and sins but, when the ( word of God was preached unto us, it did exactly what it says it’s capable of right here in ( Hebrews 4:12 ). Just typically speaking, when God’s word is preached to a sinner that is lost without God in there sin; that word does ( heart surgery ) on the sinner’s heart. It creates a distinction between the spirit of man and, the soul of man.

Now, to be perfectly honest with you, I can’t say I completely understand ( body , soul, and spirit ) and how it all works. However, just in my simple way of putting it, we have a spirit of our own, and, of course we can see our bodies. At the same time we have a soul. Within that soul is were we have a ( God Consciousness ). The problem is, although we realize that fact we live our lives governed by our own spirit, we do as we please and give little thought to waht God desire for us to be and become.

The Bible teaches us that ( our flesh ) is going to return to the ( dust from whence it came ). Therefore, if we live our lives simply pleasing ourselves, following our own spirit, when we die, it all ends at the grave. However, the ( God Consciousnes ) within us desires to be ( quickened ) and to take control of our very being. His desire is that ( His Spirit ) becomes the controlling factor in the believer’s life. We can argue that our sin, the sin in our flesh corrupts the very soul of any of any person that is left to themselves.

If our sin factor in our lives is not put in check you might say then, every lost soul ends up in a ( Devil’s hell ). However, when we are put under conviction by the preaching of God’s word and, we surrender to the very will of God, asking him to come into our heart for salvation then, just like it says; he has the ability to completely seperate our soul and spirit. In a sense, we become two people in the very same flesh. If you will notice, he mentions three sets of things in that one verse. ( soul and spirit ) ( joints and marrow ) ( thoughts and intents ).

Why would you think he would mention the ( joints and marrow )? ( In my opinion ); you can disagree if you like but, our joints is what gives our bodies flexibility, that help is to move. The bone marrow brings life to those joints. Therefore, when God seperates our soul and our spirit. Then, his spirit is the one he desires to be the one that feeds and nourishes our joints, directing our every move. When we are in our natural state, we are led by our own personal will. Our bone marrow, being dictated by our own will tells our joints to go and do as we please. Once God’s Spirit has moved into our being, his will is to feed our joints with a new food being God’s Holy Word.

When we get down to the ( thoughts and intent ), this is where men often misunderstand our motives and the way we might act. Let me give you something to think about. Once you soul and spirit has been ( divided asunder ) by God’s word; can it ever be put back again? Do you think you are strong enough to take it back from God? We could even say that we don’t have the ability to undo the surgery that God has preformed. We didn’t have the ability to fix it the first time and, we don’t have the ability to undo it either.

Once we are born again and, that operation has occurred in our hearts in essence, our appetite changes, we begin to crave the ( meat from God’s word ). If we are feed a healthy meal of God’s word on a reagular basis then, the very spirit of God begins to slowly transform our flesh into what he desires for us to be. What happens it that man within us is not fed?

Before I get into this I’d like to point out that we can’t see what has happened in the heart of man with our naked eye. We can see how people live, how they act,and, what they do but, we still can’t see what has actually happened within.

So, if you forget about yourself and look at some people you know. First of all, people ( you believe ) by what you see that they are truly born again. What you are seeing is a person that is allowing ( the God man ) within their body to feed their ( Joints and marrow ). It is so powerful that you can see God in their lives. However, you still can’t see the actual ( surgery ) that ( you believe ) has taken place in their heart can you?

Secondly, Let’s look at someone that you know that has been down to an alter, said they were saved but, you cannot see salvation in their lives. Does that mean that ( the surgery ) hasn’t taken place, simply based on what you can see? No it doesn’t! It’s very possible that this person is saved as well, this person just hasn’t been fed the spiritual food they need to allow the ( God man ) within him to grow. It could be just as real to say that the first person is simply putting on a show and, not actually born again.

Do you remember ( the thoughts and intents ) of the heart? What we can’t see and say for certain, God can! The word of God instructs us not to judge. I, as a man in my flesh can say that it’s much easier for me to say that a person that ( acts like God ) is saved rather than to see salvation in a person that doesn’t act the part but, the point is still the same.

If we leave this verse in the context of rest as it is written, can you see that ( the rest ) that any person has is simply within themselves and not something that can be seen by man? As a man that is ( born again ) I have that rest within me! I know that that ( surgery ) has taken place in my heart. You, as an individual has to find that rest within yourself and, with or without the approval of the people around you.

In closing, I’ll share this story. I’ve told this many times. I went to visit a man once on visitation. When I drove up, he was standing in his yard. I walked up and introduced myself and, we begin to talk. During the converstion, I asked him if he were a born again believer in Jesus Christ? When I said that, he began to weep. This is what he said:

Preacher, four years ago in a little Church one night during revival, God drawed great conviction on my heart, I went down to the alter and gave my heart to Christ, i want you to know that for some time after that; I truly tried to walk with Christ. However, This liquor has got me and, it will kill me!

I want you to know that this man was completely resting in Christ. He was settled on the fact that he was born again but, realized as a man that his flesh we sinful and he was losing that battle over his flesh.

Now, was this man saved? All he is saying is that there has been a ( surgery ) within his heart. A seperation had taken place between his ( souls and his spirit ). He, just like me was a man that was completely unworthy of the grace of God. At the same time, God knew the ( thoughts and intents ) of his heart.

If we as people that are born again are going to place our faith in Jesus Christ then, we must realize that none of us are worthy of his grace. It is simply the grace of God ( I am what I am ). I can sit here and tell you all kinds of things that I am not but, It’s one thing that ( I Know ) for certain! ( I am still a hell deserving sinner ). The only difference in me and any other sinner is that I have had ( the surgery ) done on my heart that only God can perform! That simple operation is the only thing that seperates any of us from our journey to hell or heaven and, it must be done by God!

I preached that man’s funeral when he died. I told that story at his funeral. As I finished, his son came to me and told me, when you gave to alter call, I almost came to the alter. Just a few years ago, his son died of the very same problem. As I say these things, I can’t say where either one of them are today can I? Only God knows and, only they as individuals knew!

Has God performed that needed surgery on your heart? Have you been born again?

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

( HEBREWS 4:9-11 )

THERE REMAINETH THEREFORE A REST TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD. ( 10 ) FOR HE THAT IS ENTERED INTO HIS REST, HE ALSO HATH CEASED FROM HIS OWN WORKS, AS GOD DID FROM HIS, ( 11 ) LRT US LABOUR THEREFORE TO ENTER INTO THAT REST, LEST ANY MAN FALL AFTER THE SAME EXAMPLE OF UNBELIEF.

As we begin to study the ( rest of God ) I see it as a great problem in our Churches today. It’s my desire to possibly shed some light on exactly what he is speaking of here. As you can see, we are looking at ( Hebrews 4 ). However I’d like to move foward and show you a verse of scripture in:

( Hebrews 6, verse 1 ).

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and faith toward God,

We could show more verses here in ( Hebrews 6 ) but, I believe I can use this one to make the needed point that we are looking into today. ( I believe ) that the book of Hebrews was written by the Apostle Paul. He is speaking to his own people the Jews. As he spoke to them, he is reminding them of their own ( unbelief ). What does he mean by that word? If we use the Nation of Israel for an example. they were ( God’s Chosen People ). There was no need in even considering that fact as they looked at unbelief. That was an established fact. If we relate that fact to any person that has been born again then, it is an established fact to you are now within the very body of Christ, ( the Church ).

The problem they had was not recognizing who they were but rather, could they trust God in any situation? The word ( unbelief relates to our inability to trust God in the situations we face in our lives. It’s not a question of salvation. Again ( I believe ) that our inability to ( rest in Christ ) is due to the lack of spiritual education we receive in our local Churches. We are continually taught ( salvation messages ) and we never move foward in our spiritual growth. If we never get satisfied within the ( doctrine of salvation ) then we are left in bondage to always seeking to grow spiritual because of our own ( unbelief ).

( We never ) ( enter into that rest ). So, what is he telling us in this verse:

( Hebrews 4:11 )

Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

He’s saying to us, as well as the ( born again believers ) among the Jewish people to learn to trust God ( rest in what he says ). I’m going to use ( David the shepard ) as an example here because I believe it shows a picture of The average person in the Jewish nation at that time and, compared to what God was looking for in them.

You can read this in ( 1 Samuel 17 ). David was the youngest of his brothers, he was the shepard of his father’s sheep. All the rest of his brothers we ( shall we say ) in the King’s army. David’s father told him to take food to his brothers. When he arrived where they were, there was a giant named ( Goliath ) that was making little of them and their God. These big brothers were afraid of him and, wouldn’t go up against him.

When David arrived on the scene and witnessed what was happening, this is what he said:

( 1 Samuel 17:29 )

And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

Most people know the story of David and Goliath. We all know that little David killed him and so on. However, can you see that the army of Israel were afraid of him because of their own physical ability. David was not even considering his own ability but he was totally depending on God to do what he knew well he could not.

Therefore, if we go back to our own salvation. I’ll use myself as an example, I can no more live good enough, perfect enough to win my salvation than David could win against Goliath in his own strength. ( The unbelief ) of Israel’s army is what defeated them. ( The Belief and trust in God ) was what made David victorious.

God’s desire is for me as his child, a born again believer to look boldly at every sinner and tell them ( I know ) I have salvation and, ( I know ) I’m going to heaven when I die! To David, it was something more important that just his life. If Goliath killed him, then, as far as he was concerned another man should stand up and fight for the same greater cause. Aren’t we the same way? Often we fear being made fun of, even killed sometimes for what God desires for us to stand on. However, Is there not a cause? If I, as a man that says he’s saved look at my Children and only tell them them that ( I hope ) I have salvation, then what am I teaching them?

The verse we begin with said ( let us labour )! What are we labouring for? Look at this verse:

( 2 Peter 1:10 )

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

This verse ties back to what he is teaching in ( Hebrews ). There is no lobor to being saved, born again. It is simply you realizing your sinful condition and asking Jesus Christ to be your savior. However, it take ( labor ) as in studying to understand all that comes with the free gift of salvation. I often say it this way ( salvation is free but, everything else you have to work for ).

We are often left to believe by our Churches that we have to live right to be saved. Now I’m not saying that living right is not a good thing but, living right is not earning salvation. If we seek to live right to earn salvation, we will never reach that rest he is speaking of. I personally believe that the essence of Church teaching today is based on ( right living ) and, not helping people to understand the assuranse of their salvation.

God wants each of us to ( rest in his finshed work ) just as he did. When we speak of labor, we are speaking of allowing God’s spirit to teach us ( how to ) ( rest ) in his salvation, that he so freely gives. If we go back to David, was he not victorious ove the gaint? The giant we often face is ( unbelief ).

If you will study David, you will see that God had already prepared him for this day. He didn’t back down from the animals that threatened the sheep he protected. That my friend is a picture of you learning small lessons preparing you to face the big ones. Look at yourself, how do you feel about facing death? are you afraid of taking that step? If we never face the battle of ( making our calling and election sure ) then we will always be afraid of the gaint we face! ( Death ).

Often in our Churches and this , for many different reasons, we continuse to swim in the ( children’s pool ) and never dive of the diving board into to deep, deep water. We depend on the knowledge of our pastor or teachers as our complete understanding of God’s word. We never get grounded in faith and we stay continually in ( the salvation mode )!

My grand dad in law died in 1975. He had an aneurysm right next to his heart that he was to be operated on for. The night just before that operation, his pastor came to see him. He asked him if he were prepared for what might happen in the operating room? This is how he answered. He said, If I go into this opereration and everything goes well, I’ll get well and go home! If something goes wrong and I die, I’m going home!. In 1975, I wondered how he could make such a statement? By the way, he died on the operating table! Now I know, it goes far beyond just saying you are saved. You have to ( Labor ) to ( make your calling and election sure ). That labor is simply you studying and allowing God’s Spirit to give you the assurance you need!

I’d say; ( it a shame ) we can’t depend on most Churches to bring us to that ( spiritual understanding ) in our salvation journey. But, we must seek it if we are ever to rest in Christ Jesus!

God the Father desire for each of us to lay our heads on our pillows and rest, knowing that if we never wake up; ( we can rest in him ). If we get cancer, no matter what ( we can rest in him ). If we die in a accident ( we can rest in him ). This type of rest can only be taught you by God’s Holy Spirit. Pastors, teachers and study guides can help but, it must be made real within you by God’s Spirit.

I’ll close with this verse:

( Hebrews 4:10 )

For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

When God created the world in six days, the Bible says he rested on the seveneth. ( Genesis 2:2-3 ) It was finished. As you labor to learn to trust God, one day that labor will be complete meaning that from that day foward ( your rest is finished ). You will still work to help other people, even continue to study to ( know Chist ) more completely, maybe even to accomplish other things but, from that day foward, you will never be concerned about your ( security in Christ ).

Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? If so, then kill the giants in your spiritual life, trust him in all things!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7 )

SUNDAY ( FEBRUARY 21, 2021 )

EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND THAT OF THE HOLY GHOST

I’ll be looking at Jonah this morning and seeing why he was so effective in the message he preached to Nineveh and, with so few words.

( Jonah 3:1-2 )

And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, ( 2 ) Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

We see here that God had already told Jonah what to say to the people of Nineveh. The very first time he spoke to him he told him what to say. ( Jonah 1:2 ) Arise, go to Niveveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.

Everything that Jonah needed; he already had before he faced the things he faced. He had ability, the truth and the hand of God to support him. They only thing he actually lacked was ( will ), a desire to do so. What if we bring this story down to the average Sunday School room in the Average Church today? How can we relate this story to what we see. Within that, let’s look at the average Sunday School teacher as well.

In reality, it seems that Jonah had made a choice to whom he would speak. He was a Hebrew, therefore he spoke to the Hebrew people. Here, we see God directing him to speak to Gentiles, a wicked people, Jonah refused to do so. Are we not guilty of the same things? We go to our perspective Church, Sunday School room and listen to our Sunday School teacher. In more cases than not, that is the extent of our reach! Neither the teacher nr any of his or her students takes the message of God out of that Sunday School room.

We like the way we live. We assume that sinners will watch the way we live and, be drawn to Christ by our actions and, we never share the message that God would have us to share. God, through and by his Holy Spirit is calling us to go out to the sinners of this world. His desire is for us to carry a message of destruction because of a sinful life style.In a little while, I’ll get back to the message that Jonah preached to Nineveh.

( is it possible )! Are we living in the ( Spiritual belly of a great fish )? Is God waiting for his people to humble themselves and submit to teach and preach his words?

In the United States of America, we love inviting people to hear our pastor, to come to our Church, our Sunday. However, that is not the message that ( a wicked nation ) needs to hear from our lips. If we can consider ourselves ( spiritual ) then; that lives and dies within the walls of our Church and, Sunday School rooms in America. ( I believe ) it could be more than one reason for that. I can see how we become afraid we will lose our clout or place of authority within our perspective places if we allow other sinners to come in with the power of the Holy Ghost upon their lives. Therefore, like Jonah, we pick and choose who we share with!

Once God got Jonah’s attention, he became very passionate about speaking God’s truth and, that to exactly the people God told him to speak to. We read in ( Chapter 3 ) where he made a ( three day journey in one day ). Notice what he says when he gets there. ( Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown ). He put a timeline on the destruction that was coming!

What will it take for us to realize that every lost sinner has but a short time to prepare to meet God? Not one of us is promised tomorrow! when we ( being born again believers ) shut up and refuse to be a witness to those that are lost in our everyday walk of life we are doing exactly the same thing Jonah was doing in the beginning.We refuse to preach the word, share the destruction coming in the life of a sinner that rejects Christ.

Once Jonah had preached what God bid him to preach, his job we done. He had no control of what the people would do. When believers witness to sinners. When we share the gospel and , the destruction to come by their rejection then, our job is done! Only God can draw conviction on the heart of a sinner. However, the only way the Spirit of God can draw conviction on a sinner is for a believer to share that truth with that sinner.

When Jonah preached, his message was effectual. His message not only reached the people in the village but, it also went all the way to the King of Nineveh. It brought great changes in that whole city.When we as ( born again believers ) realize that it’s a great possibility that the sin curse on a nation is because we are not seeking God’s will, it might just open our spiritual eyes! When we leave our Church buildings, see ourselves in the ( belly of the fish ) awake out of our spiritual termoil, then God will place a passion on each of us that we will not believe! That passion will draw us to our knees and, cause us to speak spiritual things.

Look at this verse: ( Philemon 1:6 )

That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

Can we as pastors, Sunday School teacher and students learn to communicate our faith? To acknowledge every good thing that is in us in Christ Jesus? When we consider a nation such as the United States of America, a nation that has a Church with the name of Jesus Christ on every corner, a nation where 75% of its people claim to know Jesus Christ; what do we have to assume the problem is? The problem is with our communicating ability or willingness to do so?

As I look at myself as a pastor, a teacher, a born again believer and consider that people will go to a devil’s hell because of my lack of communicating the truth of God’s word to them, that very thought draws tears to my eyes and, conviction on my heart!

Who owns the Church you attend? The very position you hold in that Church, why do you fulfill you duties there? Is it for personal gradification or are you truly seeking to please God. I can see how it was a personal thing to Jonah. I might just be to you, only you can decide. Only you can decide whether you are just going through a mation within a building or, truly seeking God’s will for you life.

Look at the last chapter in Jonah.Jonah is displeased! In the very last verse we see that there were 120,000 people that repented and got right with God, transforming a whole city, even to leadership and, Jonah is displeased? I believe we become satisfied with our Churches ( just as they are ). We don’t mind other members coming in as long as our playhouses are not torn down. We fear people becoming more powerful than we are, being recognized above us!

Our nation is spiritually where it is because our Churches are where they are. When Jonah got on the ship going down to Tarshish, think about this; that ship was floating above destruction. Jonah ; by his actions brought that ship next door to destruction alone. What would happen in our country if our people ever realize that much of what we face is because of people that say they love God; not being obedient to him?

I want you to consider this. There was a place in ( Genesis ) called ( Sodom ). We see in ( Genesis 13:5 ) where Abraham seperated himself from Lot, his brother’s son. We see where Lot made a choice to pick the plains of Jordon. He picked what was ( pleasing to the eyes ). He and his family ended up in Sodom. Now, to help you see this; Lot was seen by God as a ( righteous man ) ( 2 Peter 2:7 ) And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy converstaion of the wicked.

I want you to see this; God brought ( Just Lot ), his wife and two daughters out of Sodom before it was destroyed. Lot, being a man that could have taken faith to a whole city, he could have been a witness for God the Father but, he choose to become wicked just like they were. Are our Churches commiting the same sin?

I’m going to share something here that I can’t prove but, I just want you to consider what I’m saying. Here’s a man that knew the faith of God. He went into a city that needed God desperately but, he choose to join them instead of seeking to share his faith with them and, live above sin. If all the people that lived in Sodom died and went to a place called hell; could now look at Lot; what would they say to him?

I can see this as bing a picture of a born again believer but, will not share the gospel with others. Lot, like every born again believer will have to face the judgement seat of Christ but, at least they will be saved. ( I believe ) every born again believe will be standing behind Jesus Christ at ( the Great White Throne of Judgement ). That the place sinneres will be judged. We see that in ( Revelation 20:11 ). As those lost sinners come before Christ; one by one and, Christ judges their unrighteousness, they will be able to see us. We just might hear this statement: they might point their finger at us as a person that could have helped them see truth and say: you could have told me! You could have prayed for me!

It doesn’t matter whether a person will listen to you are not, that’s not your concern. Your concern is sharing the gospel, God will take care of the rest. Can you also see a sinner pointing his finger at you and saying, you tried to tell me, you told me about Jesus, I just wouldn’t listen!

Right now our Church members are in the belly of the fish! Sinners are facing destruction and can’t see it! When we repent and become willing to speak God’s word in truth, no holds barred then will God bless our nation! When that happens it could and will transform our whole government to a righteous people, changing a nation back to ( one nation under God )!

Where do you stand? Do you witness outside the doors of your Church? Do you share the gospel with those that are lost? Be willing to give up all you have for the salvation of one soul, one day you will be glad you did!

Marshall Clayton

2 Timothy 1:7

GO THY WAY: FOR HE IS A CHOSEN VESSEL UNTO ME, TO BEAR MY NAME BEFORE THE GENTILES, AND KINGS,AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL: ( 17 ) FOR I WILL SHEW HIM HOW GREAT THINGS HE MUST SUFFER FOR MY NAME’S SAKE.

THE TRUTH, THE CHURCH, THE ROCK OF OUR FOUNDATION

In this lesson I’d like to attempt to show the significance of theses verses as it relates to every born again believer since the salvation of the Apostle Paul and just how much spiritual weight is placed on each of us as well as it was in the calling of the Apostle Paul.

If you study this account in its entirety you will see the Salvation of a man named Saul. Once he was saved, he was blinded and led to the house of Ananias. Ananias fears him because he killed believers or put them in prison. The Holy Spirit enabled Ananias, being a believer to remove the scales from the eyes of Saul. If we make these scales a spiritual point; what would that be? One thing it could be could be is ( religion). Saul was blinded by religion. The question today might be; are you? Has religion blinded you to the point that you cannot see the truth of salvation? Often that is a fact, a controlling factor in the lives of many people. Saul was determined that he was doing to work God had called him to do but, he was deceived. What he was doing was a complete contradiction to the gospel of Christ.

This is one of the first places in scripture where we actually see a sinner, once he was born again allowing the spirit of God to use him to help transform another sinner for the glory of God. One other person we might mention here would be Stephen. ( Acts 7: 54-59 ) Here we see where Stephen preached to Saul and others and Saul had him stoned to death. I believe this is where the Holy Spirit began to work on the heart of Saul.

The Apostle Paul made a proclamation that he was the chief sinner. ( 1 Timothy 1:15 ) This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

I entitled this ( the truth, the Church, the rock of our foundation ). God chose the chief of sinners to use as the man that unfolded the mystery concerning the Church. In ( Ephesians 3:1-5 ) we read this. Of all the men that God could have used to set the defining factors of the Church; he chose a man that many might not want to listen to because of his past. Although that fact might not be very visible to us today, I believe that some of the issues the Church faces today exists because of the fact that the Apostle Paul was rejected in his day. I often stated that I believe that understanding the book of Acts is paramount to understanding the Way the Church works correctly today. If we can’t separate law and grace then we will never understand how God ordained the Church to work.

The Apostle Paul is the Apostle to the Church. Without meaning to discredit any of the other Apostles, do you see where any of the rest of them made a statement that they were the chief of sinners or that they were the least of all Apostles? The Apostle Paul made that statement in ( 1 Corinthians 15:9 ).

Often we set our Church up with people that we think are highly esteemed, above reproach and with great spiritual accolades. However, often we see where God uses those that are not highly esteemed but are more in tune and sensitive to his spirit. And, even if they are educated the education is to none effect as far as God’s spirit is concerned.

Before we get more into the meat of this I’d like to show you one more verse; another thing the Apostle Paul said of himself. ( 1 Corinthians 15:8 ) And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

The very point in teaching this lesson is to show just how important we all are as born again believers; beginning with the Apostle to the Church, Apostle Paul. In this verse he points out the fact that he met Jesus Christ after Jesus was crucified. In the previous verses the makes the point that all the rest of the Apostles met him before he was crucified. This one point makes the Apostle Paul just as we are in the sense we all have never seen Jesus Christ either. Now, let’s look at something Jesus said to his disciples. ( John 20:29 ) Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

The Apostle Paul was convicted of his sin and ask Jesus Christ to be his Savior just as we have or every born again believer does today. Our faith and hope is in a man we have never seen or never met in the flesh, but yet we believe by faith.

When God, through his spirit told Ananias that Saul would suffer for his name sake, why would there be suffering? To answer that question; why did Saul seek to punish those that believed in Jesus Christ and, that after he was crucified? The answer to that is in the power of the resurrection. The Apostle Paul made this statement: ( Philippians 3:10 ) That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his suffering, being made conformable unto his death; ( 11) If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

As we look at these verses we might ask the question; what happens when we are born again? Within that answer we see the power of his resurrection. God cannot be killed or destroyed. Jesus Christ and his resurrection was only the first fruit of what we see in ourselves.

This is the foundation of the Church, the body of Christ. At that time the people that ask Jesus to be their savior stopped talking about themselves and began to speak in his name. Another way of saying this would be to say they died and resurrected anew in Christ. This is also called the new birth, old things about us are gone, all things are become new. ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 )

In the religious aspect of their lives , as well as ours, it’s all about looking good, being seen as good, not about Jesus Christ.

I know we never consider this fact but, just as Jesus Christ was an individual that paid the entire cost for the sin of the world, the Apostle Paul was the sole voice for the correct doctrines concerning to Church. That fact had to be. It had to be only one voice because if not then the argument would be what voice is correct?

Even with that being true look at what we have in our Churches to because of the lack of understanding that fact. In most cases, in our Churches we assume things but never truly seek to know the truth or how God desires for it to be.

Can you see how this even involves us today? When you consider, one God, one spirit, one truth then where do we find that truth?

Just as the Apostle Paul was that one voice in the beginning of the Church and was persecuted because of what he said; do we not fight that same battle today. If you doubt that, then you try finding and standing for that one truth and watch what happens.

Look at this verse of scripture: ( 1 Kings 18:21 ) And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

The truth is there is not but two opinions. I call it opinion because of how it’s stated here but either we are walking in the statutes of the Lord or, we are not. Either the Church we attend is standing on the doctrines of the Holy Spirit or it is not. The is no middle ground.

As we consider these things and the true persecution that comes with that truth; there is a question each of us must ask ourselves. Do we truly desire a Church as established by the leadership of the Holy Spirit and governed by the doctrines in scripture or, are we willing to set for less?

Within two miles of where I live there are three Churches. According to the doctrines that govern each of them, ( they halt between opinions). We know that since there is only one truth; they all cannot be teaching correct doctrine, possibly they all are wrong.

As I look at these three Churches, I wonder, isn’t Jesus Christ and what God the Father worth more that just settling? When will we learn not to just disagree but as having two different opinions, seek truth and be willing to submit to that truth. If we as sinners yield to anything less then it’s not the Spirit of God we are yielding to is it?

Romans 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

I’ll close this by saying; everything we do should founded under to concept of seeking truth. We can be seen as good Churches, but not before God; we can name any denomination we choose to and claim it to be the best, but not before God. The Apostle Paul in that verse is saying that about Abraham. The ability of men to justify themselves is a very simple fact, however if God is not pleased with me or my Church then it’s all to non effect. Making certain that God, through his Spirit is content should be the number one focus of all we do.

In attempting to make that certain, we have no idea how much we will suffer for his name sake, just as the Apostle Paul suffered in layout the very same truth.

If we seek to justify we we believe to be true and refuse to change; not only do we separate ourselves from the teaching of the Spirit but, we also become the persecutees of those that seek to reveal truth. We become he enemies of the very cross of Christ.

The Apostle Paul ceased from being the persecutee to becoming the persecuted, where are you in that concept?