Reach For The Crown Of Righteousness

A Site You've GOT to visit....

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:06:00 +0000

There is a website available that is well worth checking out.

End Times Roundtable (ETRT)

There is a wealth of information on end times, disaster preparation, gardening, homeschooling...pretty much any topic that might affect a Christian's daily life.

I would like to humbly invite each and every one of you to come on over, get yourself registered, and join in the fellowship. Be sure to give me a shout while you're there!

Just A Clay Pot (Stuart)

To Love Or Not

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Mon, 26 May 2008 23:05:00 +0000

"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing."
2 Tim. 4:6-8

In this passage, we see that Paul is thoughtfully viewing his coming execution. He knows that he has done what has been required of him. And it is his expectation that there is a crown of reward awaiting him when he is judged by our Saviour, Jesus Christ. This is the Crown of Righteousness. It is the namesake of this blog.

So, have you noticed the separation of the two types of saved Christians that this crown provides. As Paul states, the crown is not just for him (Paul), but "all them also that love His appearing." So, we can determine that one group of Christians will be those that love the return of Jesus. The second group will be those that don't love His return. But, you may ask, how can a Christian NOT love the return of the King?

That is easy to answer, but I shall remind my viewers of a couple of facts first, which will add support to my answer.

First, we must realize that there is no such thing as a person deciding to accept Jesus as their Saviour by their own free will. It can't happen. Before we are brought to Jesus, we are creatures of the flesh 100%. Remember, in Genesis 2:17, God said,

"But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."

Now, Adam and Eve both ate the fruit of the tree. But, they didn't die on that day.

Or, did they?

Their bodies (flesh) didn't, but their spiritual side most certainly did. And, without a spiritual side to them, each generation that followed was born with a soul and a flesh, but no spiritual aspect. We know that Jesus confirmed this when teaching Nicodemus:

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
John 3:5

When we are given faith by God, we are able to accept Jesus as God's Son, and as our Saviour. God gives us the ability to repent, as this gift of grace through faith is able to rebirth a new spirit in us.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Eph. 2:8-9

So, why did I go through all of this? To make you realize that a Christian, after he/she is reborn spiritually, also gains the ability to choose. Whereas we, prior to salvation, had only one choice presented to our soul (that of the flesh), we now have the choice of following the desires of the flesh or the desires of our spirit. And therein lies the problem.

Some Christians will be following the lead of the Holy Spirit. Their hearts will be forever walking towards the Lord. This doesn't mean that there won't be times when we stumble, fall, sit...sometimes even turn and walk off in the wrong way! But, when we strive to seek the Kingdom of God, all our failures will be left behind and we will love the thought of Jesus coming to take us from this place.

Other Christians will be focused on the things of this earth. Be it desires to see children grow up, the comfort of worldly goods, the dreams of long life...the list is really endless. But, they all amount to one simple throught: they don't want the world-game to end yet. These people are still saved, they are just as much Christian as the first group. They just don't want to leave this situation. And these people will be shocked when they are called to meet the Lord in the air. They will be, if only for an short instant, disappointed that it is time to get out of the pool, so to speak.

Every Christian should take note: This life is but a blink of God's eye. It is nothing when compared to the length, width and depth of eternity. Let it go! Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, let go of the things of this earth. Long for the return of Jesus. Remember...

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Mat. 6:33

The Crown of Righteousness is there, yours for the taking!

Grace and Peace....

Criminal On The Cross

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 01:43:00 +0000

To get things going again, I'm going to post the lyrics of another great song that delivers an important message. So, from Acappella, here's the song....

"Criminal On The Cross"

Well, it was many years ago in the time of the Bible that they took Him up to Calvary.
They could have let Him go, but instead they chose Barabus just to set another criminal free.
When they crucified the ever loving, caring Master with compassion flowing from His eyes
Well, He said to a thief who was begging Him for mercy that, "Today, you'll live in paradise."

And I'm saved like the criminal on the cross.
Praise God! I'm saved, no more to suffer loss.
Well, He said I'd live in Paradise and He's taken care of the cost.
Hallelujah! I'm saved like the criminal on the cross.

Well, on the Judgement Day when all the people gather 'round Him and they wait to hear what He will declare.
There will never ever be more intense anticipation that has ever happened anywhere.
When they call my name to defend my reputation there is only one thing I can say
"I'm a wretch I'm a worm, I'm a no good sinner." But, He said, "I'll save you anyway."

Oh, and I'm saved like the criminal on the cross.
Praise God! I'm saved, no more to suffer loss.
Well, He said I'd live in Paradise and He's taken care of the cost.
Hallelujah! I'm saved like the criminal on the cross.

Well, I'm saved, I'm saved, through Jesus I am saved.
Well, I'm saved, I'm saved, His mercy showed the way.
Well, I'm saved, I'm saved, no more for me to say.
Well, I'm saved, I'm saved in Paradise today.

Well, it was many years ago in the time of the Bible that they took Him up to Calvary.
They could have let Him go, but instead they chose Barabus just to set another criminal free.
When they crucified the ever loving, caring Master with compassion flowing from His eyes
Well, He said to a thief who was begging Him for mercy that, "Today, you'll live in paradise."

Oh, and I'm saved like the criminal on the cross.
Praise God! I'm saved, no more to suffer loss.
Well, He said I'd live in Paradise and He's taken care of the cost.
Hallelujah! I'm saved like the criminal on the cross.

I'm saved like the criminal on the cross.
Praise God! I'm saved, no more to suffer loss.
Well, He said I'd live in Paradise and He's taken care of the cost.
Hallelujah! I'm saved like the criminal on the cross.

I'm saved like the criminal on the cross.

"With one voice, they cried out, 'Away with this man! Release Barabus to us!'"
Luke 23:18
"One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: 'Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!' But the other criminal rebuked him. 'Don't you fear God,' he said, 'since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.' The he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom' Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.'"
Luke 23:39-43

Are you being called into the adoption into God's family? Is the Holy Spirit leading you to consider the awesome gift that Jesus gave us? Surrender to the calling unto Jesus Christ. After all, this might be the day that you are called from this earth....

Grace and Peace....

The Beagle Has Landed (or, the move has been made....)

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 04:50:00 +0000

Greetings!

We have completed our move from Louisiana to Oklahoma.

I could never express our sincere thanks to God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ for the blessings we've experienced during this rather trying time. The Holy Spirit was with us, and comforted us at all times.

Here's a few of the "little" things that popped up along the way:

We had the exact amount of money to make the move and get settled in.

The electrical system failed in the RV (our new home) at the exact moment that all of us were looking for a reason to stop at a hotel. The system took about five minutes the next morning to troubleshoot and fix.

The RV's brakes started to fail about twenty miles from the final destination. They functioned right up to the last parking, where they quit entirely.

My mom (the reason for the family's move) was flirting with death due to complications with COPD. I had to take her to the emergency room at a local hospital the next day after our arrival. Her health has, with all the glory given to our gracious Heavenly Father and our Beloved Savior, made a complete turnaround.

And many, MANY other things that just can't be attributed to anything other than a loving Father.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making the sacrifice that allowed us to become members of the royal family of God Almighty!

One verse kept coming to mind as we made the trip:

"The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower."
Psalm 18:2

Sometimes it is good to be put in a position of stress and trial. It's during those times that we can clearly see just how much God (Father, Son and Spirit) loves His children, how much He protects us, how much He provides for us all. His will is perfect, and He is never going to leave us in a position of trials without being there to hold us up and support our efforts.

Grace and Peace....

A Loving Father Provides....

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 03:55:00 +0000

"And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
"For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
"But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Luke 12:29-31

A quick update as our family starts the downhill run on packing and moving.

Part of our plans on moving involved getting a cheap (really, REALLY cheap) RV to live in. We were counting on the money from my wife's severance pay to buy this vehicle.

Well, we didn't get nearly as much as we were expecting. All we could do was turn it over to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We knew that God would not let us flounder. Even though it goes against every fiber of our natural, fleshy side, we knew that if we followed God's leading, He would direct us in all of our paths.

And, He did!

One circumstance after another fell into place, leading us to an RV that would be affordable. It's old, and has seen better years, but it should get us where we are going. It has room for all we need to carry, and it will provide a bed, a bathroom and a place to sit.

Praise God Almighty and His Most Holy Son, Jesus Christ!

So, to all my brothers and sisters in Jesus out there--be bold, and lean on Jesus. The world won't understand, but you'll come to acknowledge that God is just as true to His promises today as ever!

Grace and Peace....

Psalm 13 - The Prayer Of The Present-Day Christian

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 09:51:00 +0000

"[[To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.]] How long wilt Thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me?
"How long shall I take counsel in my soul, [having] sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
"Consider [and] hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the [sleep of] death;
"Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; [and] those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
"But I have trusted in Thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation.
"I will sing unto the LORD, because He hath dealt bountifully with me."
Psalm 13:1-6

There are times when every modern Christian wonders just how much more must be endured until the return of our King, Jesus Christ. It takes no effort to find countless stories in the news that show how evil is rampent in the world. Killing, stealing, destroying...over and over and over.

And in many cases, you will find that Christians are the target of these evil deeds. Torture, execution, defilement...again, satan knows few bounds today.

What is a Christian to do? Simple--we are to rejoyce! The mercy of God Almighty towards us through His Son, Jesus, is without limit. We can celebrate the fact that we have been granted salvation. We can shout our shouts of thanksgiving, for we have been given adoption into the royal family of God. We can sing with a glad heart, for He provides for us in all ways. Uncertain times do not bring uncertainty to a Christian. We know our hope, our faith and our future.

We shall join our Lord Jesus in life without end, resurrected into an eternity of love and fulfillment as we grow forever in the knowledge of our God.

So, be of a strong heart, my brothers and sisters. Jesus will never lose a single person that He has been given. We are sealed with a seal that is unremovable. We have a promise that can never be broken.

Soon, so very soon, the evil of this world will know that Jesus Christ is the King of all kings, and the Lord of all lords.

Grace and Peace....

If The Stock Market Has You Worried....

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 01:33:00 +0000

I found this posted on a forum, and thought that it was most appropriate for the recent events in the financial news.

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God's Provision for Israel in the Wilderness

After they left Egypt, Moses and the Children of Israel were in the desert for 40 years, but what was God going to do with them? They had to be fed, and feeding 2 or 3 million people requires a lot of food (and water).

According to the Quartermaster General of the US Army, it is reported that Moses would have needed 1500 tons of food each day!

Do you know that to bring that much food each day, two freight trains, each a mile long, would be required! Besides, you must remember, they were out in the desert, so they would need firewood to cook the food. This would take 4000 tons of wood and a few more freight trains, each a mile long, just for one day. And just think, they were 40 years in transit (that's more than 14,500 days - half a life time)! (Oh, and by the way, trains and freight cars were not invented for another 4000 years!!!)

And, oh yes! They would need water. If they only had enough to drink and wash a few dishes, it would take 11,000,000 (yes 11 million) gallons each day, and a freight train with tank cars, 1800 miles long, just to bring the water to them! (Boy, they must have been a stinky lot - 100+ degree heat, no water to wash, no swimming pools, no bathrooms....no deodorants...).

Then another thing! They were to get across the Red Sea at night (in one night). Now, if they went on a narrow path, double file, the line would be 800 miles long, and would require 35 days and nights to get through. So, there had to be space in the Red Sea 3 miles wide, so that they could walk 5000 abreast, in order to all cross over in one night.

But then, there is another problem. Each time they camped at the end of the day, a campground two-thirds the size of the state of Rhode Island was required, or a total of 750 square miles ... think of it! This space was just for nightly camping. Do you think Moses figured all this out before he left Egypt? I think not! You see, Moses believed God. God took care of these things for him supernaturally...

Now, do you think God has any problems taking care of all your needs?

As Paul reminds us....

"And my God shall supply ALL your need according to HIS riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Phil. 4:19

God is our source - not our jobs, pensions, investments, inheritances...

==========

We can see God putting all the pieces into position. Each day brings more and more things being made ready. We shall not have to wait much longer to be in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Grace and Peace....

Just Let Me Die....

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:38:00 +0000

(Dear Readers: There will be some interruptions to my postings over the next month or so, as our family is working on moving to a new location. Please bear with me during this time.)

In the Book of Jonah, we see that sometimes the man of God doesn't always follow the directions of God willingly.

Jonah was called by God to go to the sin-filled city of Nineveh. When he get there, he is to announce to the city that, due to their ongoing sins, they shall receive the wrath of God.

Jonah doesn't really want to go. Instead, he jumps on a boat and heads off in the opposite direction.

While underway, God sends a violent storm. The storm threatens to sink the ship. The sailors are tossing everything that isn't nailed down overboard. They instruct every person on the ship to pray to their "gods" for safety. Everybody is in full panic, praying to every god they know.

Except Jonah.

He's asleep below deck.

The crew cast lots, and determine that he is the reason for the storm. When they awaken him, and tell him of what has happened to this point, he acknowledges that he is the cause for the storms. He tells them to throw him overboard. They are reluctant to do so, but they do as he asks.

The storm calms.

Many that see what has just happened accept the fact that God Almighty, the God of Israel, is in fact the one and only true God. Many believe, and many make vows of dedication to Him.

God has a big fish swallow Jonah. Thereafter, for three days, Jonah is educated in the school of humble pie and obedience. Once Jonah has taken this instruction to heart, God has the fish vomit Jonah onto dry ground...not to far from Nineveh.

So, after all his efforts to resist the will of God, Jonah goes into Nineveh proclaiming that in forty days the city will be destroyed, unless the citizens repent of their sinful ways.

Believe it or not, they do!

From the lowest beggar to the king himself, everyone puts on the clothes of mourning. They begin, at the king's command, a time of prayer and fasting. They confess their sins to God, and beg for His forgiveness.

And God, being merciful and loving, forgives them!

And so, Jonah goes outside the city...

...and sulks.

"And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, [was] not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou [art] a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil. Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for [it is] better for me to die than to live."
Jonah 4:2-3

Jonah was NOT a happy camper! He had to dragged to Nineveh, kicking and screaming. He was all but forced to deliver a message of imminent destruction. After all this, he was ready for an old-fashioned rain of fire and brimstone on Nineveh. Yet, that was not to be. So, he just really wanted to die, to get away from it all.

So, there he was, sitting on the hills outside the city, throwing a pouting fit. He decided to build a booth shelter, and just sit and wait to see what happened next.

While Jonah was just sitting there, God caused a gourd plant (known for it's full, wide leaves and thick growth) to grow up and form a shade for Jonah. This is rather amazing, and obviously from God, since it normally takes months for a gourd plant to grow to any real size.

The gourd gave Jonah welcomed protection from the hot sun. However, overnight, God sent a worm to destroy the gourd. By the next mourning, it was dead and wilted away.

That day, the winds were strong and hot, and the sun beat down on Jonah mercilessly. Once again, he decides it would be better if he could just die.

So God asked Jonah, do you think it's a good thing to be this angry? Jonah answered that he did. In fact, he told God that he felt it was just fine to be upset, even to the point of wishing he was dead.

God decided it was time to put things into perspective.

"Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and [also] much cattle?"
Jonah 4:10-11

Here was Jonah, getting all bent out of shape because of a little thing like a plant dying. God explained that, if he could be upset about a plant, wasn't it just and proper of God to be concerned, and to take steps to give a second chance to the 80,000 babies? And, what about all the livestock that would have been destroyed just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time?

We need to keep a simple fact in mind: God's will is perfect. There is nothing that has, is or will be happening that is not under direct control of God Almighty. When Jesus died on the cross, it was part of His plan. He knew each and every single one of us before the world was created. He knows what we go through. He allows trials and tests in our lives, not to torment us. No, He allows these things in order to perfect us. Each trial teaches us to rely on Him more. Each test perfects the faith that is in us, just like the refining fire purifies the metal of imperfect substances.

There will be times when each of us may well be tempted to cry out to God, "Just let me die!"

During these times, just remember that your brothers and sisters in Christ are going through similiar trials. God Almighty and our Lord Jesus Christ love us, and are awaiting us at the end with arms open wide and with eternal love for their family members.

Grace and Peace....

The Brass Tacks

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:59:00 +0000

Sometimes, when we are fighting to defend our faith, it is easy to get so wrapped up in the details of doctrine that we lose sight of the real purpose for our lives.

This isn't a bad thing, nor is it evil. It's just the way we humans tend to think. We forget those things that aren't constantly thumping against our brains. On top of that, we are constantly bombarded by the noise of the world. Little cares take away our focus. Worries of the world bog us down. This leads to our relationship with the Lord growing colder than it should.

Micah had seen such amongst the people of Israel. God gave him words by which to remind His people what was really important. As we see in Micah chapter six, verses six and seven, God, through Micah, asks His people a series of questions:

"Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, [and] bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, [or] with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn [for] my transgression, the fruit of my body [for] the sin of my soul?"

Truly, this is a situation of "what do you give the Man that has everything?" Notice how each step of example gets bigger, and more difficult...and crazier when you try to imagine in the doing. Will a simple sacrifice make God happy? How about a couple of truckloads of sacrifices? Would God be please with millions of gallons of oil, poured out for Him? Even the thought of killing child and self is presented.

How about us? Do you ever find yourself promising God that you'll be a better Christian. You promise that you'll give more money to the church. You'll pray harder. You'll throw out all your old stuff and become a monk. But, would God be pleased by this?

Instead, let's see what God really wants from us.

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

Wow! God doesn't want (and He sure doesn't need) any of your possessions. Hey, He made them all to begin with. Instead, He asks for three simple things:

Do justly.

Love mercy.

Walk humbly with Him.

In order to justly, one must (according to the dictionary) be honorable and fair in one's dealings and actions. Never take the low road when you interact with other people. Aim to be honest beyond what is expected in the world today. Play fair! You know--take the smaller piece of cake, return the money that you found, let others go first. The basic things you SHOULD have been taught as a child. Be that child again, for the Lord!

Mercy. We display mercy when we are compassionate, kind and forgiving to others. No matter what a fight may be about, be the peacemaker. When you come across a person that is down, give them a hand instead of the boot. Care for those around you. Try to make the lives of others as important to you as your own.

To be humble is to be meek or modest in behavior; not prideful, not arrogant. God Almighty, creator of all and everything, ruler and master of all that was, is or will be, has every reason to dislike pride and arrogance from His creations. What would you think of a child that has been cared for, loved and nurtured by it's parents, if that child turned around and took the credit for everything the parents did? How about if a coworker took the raise and the promotion that you did the work for? God just wants to walk day after day with those people that love Him, and respect Him for who He is. What He wants from people is the same as what He wanted from Adam and Eve...fellowship.

All this is nothing new. Jesus taught us all of these things:

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

"This is the first and great commandment.

"And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

"On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
Matt. 22:37-40

When we do these things, God the Father/Son/Holy Spirit will be please with us. And, when we are doing these things, everything else that we should be doing will fall into place.

These are the "Brass Tacks" of our Christian walk. These are the fruits of our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Grace and Peace....

Who Will Occupy The Millennial Kingdom?

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:32:00 +0000

As most of you that read this blog have noticed, I am very selective when it comes to posting information from outside sources. Before I'll put something on this blog to be read, I have to be 100% assured that it is correct in fact and doctrine.

The following article fits just fine under those guidelines. Have a read, enjoy the teachings, and feel free to visit their site at the link below for more articles.

Grace and Peace....

Question: "Who will occupy the Millennial Kingdom?"
http://www.gotquestions.org/millennial-kingdom.html

Answer: There will be two distinct groups occupying the earth during the millennial kingdom—those with glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15) who were raptured prior to the tribulation, and those with earthly bodies who lived through the tribulation and on into the millennial kingdom. The group who have earthly bodies can be subdivided into two groups: believing Gentiles and believing Jews (Israel).

In Revelation 19:11-16, we find the return of Jesus Christ to Earth, known as His second coming. The rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53) is an appearing of Christ in the air, not His second coming. This is included to make a distinction between the rapture and the second coming of Christ. There is no mention in Revelation 19-20 of any kind of rapture event where believers receive glorified bodies. The implication is that saints who are on Earth when Christ returns will remain on Earth to enter the millennial kingdom in their natural bodies. If the rapture or any kind of event where a believer receives a glorified body were included in the second coming of Christ to Earth, one would expect to find reference to such a major event in Revelation 19. But no such reference is to be found.

Matthew 25:31-46 is another passage that should be considered. This passage is commonly called the separation or judgment of the sheep and the goats. The sheep and goats refer to righteous and unrighteous Gentiles. Christ will judge the unrighteous Gentiles (goats), and they will be cast into the lake of fire for eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46). Therefore, no unbelieving Gentile will survive to live on into the millennial kingdom. The righteous Gentiles, or sheep, will live on into the millennial kingdom. They will give birth to children and will populate the earth. However, these are not the only ones who will be producing children during the millennial kingdom.

The impression is given that when Christ returns, all Israel will trust in Him (Zechariah 12:10). They too will not receive glorified bodies (as those did who were raptured prior to the tribulation). They also will produce children during the millennial kingdom.

So, believing Gentiles, Israel, and resurrected/raptured believers (all of whom have glorified bodies) will occupy the earth. It should be noted however that believers with glorified bodies will not be reproducing. There is no marriage after this life (Matthew 22:30).

Children born during the millennial kingdom will have the responsibility of faith in Christ as all people of past ages have (faith in Christ since His coming; faith in God before—Genesis 15:2-6; Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 3:20). Unfortunately, not all of the children that are born during the millennial kingdom will come to faith in Christ. Those that do not will be led away by Satan into rebellion against God at the end of the millennial kingdom when Satan is let loose for a short time (Revelation 20:7-10).

For a further look at this subject (who will live into the millennial kingdom), look also at the following passages: Isaiah 2:2-4; Zechariah 14:8-21; Ezekiel 34:17-24; Daniel 7:13-14; Micah 4:1-5.

Clouds

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:59:00 +0000

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
Psalm 19:1

Have you ever taken time to just watch the clouds?

Most of us have. Maybe it was when we were kids, out lying on the grass. Perhaps it was when driving to work, or just laying in a bed next to a window. In all my life, I have never met a person that didn't enjoy just watching the clouds.

For just a moment though, I'd like for you to consider what a cloud is.

It is a mass of water vapor containing millions of tiny dropplets of water in it's steam form, or at least going or coming to the point of being in that form. And in each little dropplet are millions of water molecules, flying about due to the thermal energy they possess. Sometimes the join together to form the bigger drops of water that we eventually see as rain. Other times they remain separate, having enough energy to keep them following their own paths.

And, inside each molecule of water is a chemical grouping of oxygen and hydrogen atoms. Each of these atoms is made up of a nucleus composed of protons and neutrons, surrounded by a cloud of even smaller parts called electrons. And these subatomic particles are composed of even smaller things that enter the realm of quantum physics; forces and particles only recently being explored with any depth. And, beyond that? No man knows at this time.

Yet, each and every cloud, dropplet, molecule, atom, particle...every component of every thing was put into place by God. Everything has a purpose in His will. Everything has a design, as determined by the mind of God Almighty. Nothing was left to chance--there is nothing that was "just random." All things that every were, that are, that ever will be, were created by God our Father.

How did He do this?

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made."
John 1:1-3

God created all these things by The Word, which was both with God and was God. Look in the first chapter of Genesis and see how many times you find, "And God said...." All things were spoken into existance By God with His Word.

But, you know what is the most amazing thing?

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
John 1:14

The Word of God Almighty, the Son of God, Jesus Christ...left His place in heaven to become a man. He came to earth to give up His life in order to bring His people into His home forever. An undeserved death of the most cruel nature, because He loved His children.

In the clouds, we see the glory of God. We can recognize His handywork. We can know that He has a plan and purpose for everything and everyone.

Even you.

So, why not cast off the burdens that sin have brought into your life. Surrender them and confess them to Jesus Christ. Repent, and be born again of the spirit. Then you can truly find out what God's purpose and plan is for you.

Every knee will bow and every mouth will confess that Jesus is Lord. It will be so much better to do this out of love and thanksgiving than in fear and failure.

Grace and Peace....

Spirit Of Antichrist

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:11:00 +0000

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."
1 John 4:1-3

Let's start the new year off with a bang, shall we?

I'm going to show you what the Bible gives us as a test to look for those things that are not of the Spirit of God (and, therefore, should be avoided.)

As you can read above, we are required to test the spirit behind everything that we come in contact with as we go through our days. Why? Because, false prophets have gone out, and are all over the place.

How can that be, you may be wondering? After all, you don't see false prophets standing on street corners, now do you? You go to church, or you go to work, or you go to the grocery store...yet, you don't remember seeing false prophets.

Well, in fact, you probably DO see them in all these places. You just don't recognize them for what they are.

In the Bible, the action of prophecy is claiming to speak what is from God, or what is in direct keeping with the revelations of God. From the time of the new covenant (sealed with the death and resurrection of Jesus), all that we have from God, and all that we have revealed from God, is contained in the Holy Bible. This does not mean that the Holy Spirit doesn't move people to speak for God. But, it does mean that EVERYTHING they say must be 100% in harmony with what the Bible says. No exceptions.

Now, think about it for a moment--how many times in a given day do you come under the influence of another person? Be it a phone call, a casual conversation at the store, a quiet moment with spouse, etc...these are all moments where you are potentially under spiritual influence.

So, the first question in your mind in each of these situations should be, "Is this person representing a spirit that is Christian, or a spirit that is antichristian." And yes, those are the ONLY two options. There is no such thing as a spiritual "middle ground." If it is not of God, it is most assuredly of satan.

When you ask this question, you need a way to find the answer. The test is given in the Scripture at the top of this article. To review:

"Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God"

This means more than just what the first reading of the words might seem to say. In fact, there are a few key words here that add a deeper meaning than what we might get from just the English rendering.

Confesseth - ομολογει (homologeo - composed of the roots homou (like, or same) and logo (word)...to acknowledge, give thanks or promise.)

This word implies more than just a simple verbal statement. Instead, it represents a type of "kindred spirit", an "esprit de corp", a "blood is thicker than water"...a strong, common bond.

Another important phrase is "in the flesh". This is σαρκι (sarx - the meat of an animal, skin and bones and blood.)

So, when we put this all together, we see that a spirit (πνευμα - pneuma - a word meaning breath, which is often used to describe, as it does here, the soul) that expresses a common bond between themselves (that is firm and unbreakable) and Jesus Christ, and accordingly bears witness that Jesus did in fact come to earth as a human (flesh and bone, not just some "spirit" that looked like a human) and did fulfill the role of both messiah and savior (which is a must since that is what He said He did, and as part of our confession we believe that completely.) The soul that passes this test is of God (and is a member of the family of God Almighty.)

So, when you are listening to that song on MTV, or CMT or such, do you think the artist is passing the above test? Remember, there is only a grade of "PASS" or "FAIL." How about that movie you're watching? The TV show? The book...magazine...website...etc?

If it doesn't pass this test, it is of the spirit of antichrist. Period.

How about the church you're attending? Are the messages in line with the above? Friends? Co-workers? Are they passing the test?

Are you? Am I?

We must not fall into the "you shouldn't judge" trap. This isn't judgement--that is reserved for our Lord Jesus. This is pure discernment. And, if we don't use it, we'll be in danger of following after all sorts of wrongful, lying spirits. For the unsaved, this can be used to lead them to eternal damnation. For the called of God unto Jesus His Son, it can wreck our fellowship and remove opportunities to gain treasures in heaven.

Test the spirits!

Grace and Peace....

The Only Real Hope For 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 05:06:00 +0000

May this year be the time where our Lord Jesus Christ returns for His people. The season is upon us. Now, we just wait to see the day and the hour revealed.

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
Rev. 22:17

Grace and Peace....

"Winning" One To The Lord

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 20:04:00 +0000

I guess it is time for a personal rant. I don't like doing it, but I consider it like eating something that is spoiled. You'll feel better and health will return once you vomit it out of your system.

On a Christian forum, yet again I watch as people were being admonished for wanting the rapture to come quickly. I saw another person being jumped on because they not "winning souls to Christ." Still others being down on others because they weren't acting as "street preachers."

Enough is enough!

First, NO ONE wins anyone to Christ unless that person was already predestined to be called to Christ! Anyone that really thinks that, by the strength of their own works they can coerce a person into Christianity, is truly blind of what the Bible teaches us.

"For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified."
Rom. 8:29-30

If you'll notice in the above verses, at no point does it say anything close to, "...them also He was lucky enough to have a person go and win to Him, so He could do...." Man, we humans have massive egos, to actually think that God needs us to being anything to the table. He has done it all...He is doing it all...He will do it all...forevermore.

As for the thought that Christians that desire the immediate rapture are being mean or cruel, that somehow this sentences great numbers of people to hell that otherwise wouldn't go...BALONY!

"He telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by [their] names. Great [is] our Lord, and of great power: His understanding [is] infinite."
Psm. 147:4-5

OK, is there anyone out there that would actually dare to say that the one true God, who is of infinite understanding, who created the stars and knows each one of them by name...is going to someday say, "Oops, guess you all should have worked harder. There's a bunch of people going to miss getting saved because you didn't do enough, and I wasn't smart enough to know that some of my own children were unaccounted for...."

If this is your god, then do us all a favor and don't even dare touch the term "Christian." That is NOT the God of Israel, the Father of Jesus, YHWH, the I AM. That is some imaginary friend, a fake god with a small case "g." The Father of Jesus Christ IS GOD ALMIGHTY! He needs nothing from any person. He, as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, were the ones that were there at the beginning of time, and will be there at the end of that which will never end. Nothing escapes the will and knowledge of God Almighty.

And, accordingly, no one will be lost by any human action.

"I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them."
John 17:9-10

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand. I and [my] Father are one."
John 10:27-30

Again, it takes a whole lot of ego, as a sheep, to declare that you have something to do with the actions of the shepherd.

Finally, it should be stressed that, as Christians, we have the obligation to be a witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The problem is, some people want to turn this into some kind of "I'm holier than you" contest. Instead of realizing that we can only do what our Father gives us to do, we try to take control of the situation. This results in trying to steal God's glory for ourselves.

Consider a witness in a court of law. This is a person that, when called upon, delivers a truthful testimony of what they have personal experience of. The same is true of a Christian's witness. We should give the truth of the how and what of Jesus in our lives. If we do this, then the following should make complete sense:

"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase."
1 Cor. 3:6-7

We must accept that the increasing presence of ego in the world is a dead on indication of just how late the hour is.

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
2 Tim. 3:1-5

But, we should be ever prayerful that we not find ourselves described by that passage. In everything, give God the glory. Don't try to take any of it for yourselves.

Grace and Peace....

What's On The Menu - Part 2: Real Good Eats

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 08:27:00 +0000

"They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.

"Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

"Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.

"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."
John 6:30-35

The people that had gathered around Jesus were wanting to see a sign from Him that would prove that what He was saying was true. As an example, they wanted something like what the people in the wilderness had seen when being led by Moses. When the people were hungry, God sent a form of bread, called manna, to fall on the ground. They could eat what they needed to survive, but they couldn't try to keep any extra. Anything that was stored would rot.

But, there were two points that got in the way of anything like this happening. One, Jesus was not here to provide their daily groceries. That doesn't mean that He couldn't have done so if He so desired. But, He was sent to show the people that the things of this mortal life are not what is of eternal importance.

Second, the whole purpose of the life and teachings of Jesus was to give power to faith in the life of each believer. As soon as you give a proof that can be touched, tasted or the like, then it is no longer faith that is at work.

Jesus told these people that the REAL bread of life was Himself. Manna could keep the body alive for a day. Jesus could provide life forever.

However, this statement was being lost on most of these people. They were too wrapped up in the "now", and not able to grasp the "evermore" of the situation.

This is why they were asking the Lord to evermore give them this bread He was talking about. They were not wanting to be saved. They were wanting free groceries, so to speak. They wanted the needs of the flesh; the needs of the day, to be taken care of.

This led to one of the most important statements that Jesus ever made.

"I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."

For those that were given the ability to hear and understand this statement, an offer was being presented unlike any before. Jesus was showing that, by "feeding" upon Him (as in, taking in those things that the spirit and soul hungered for) a person would find eternal life.

Jesus promised to fulfill the needs of all those that would partake of Him. The promise of never being hungry nor thirsty again was beyond simple food and drink. It was the power to be with Him forevermore.

Today, if you will hear His call in your heart, you too can join Him at a table that never runs out.

You may starve to death in this life, but Jesus will take care of your needs for all eternity. This life is but a blink of an eye compared to the future that awaits those called to be His people.

If you are being called to repentance by the Holy Spirit, do not try to fight the call. Instead, put down your fleshly life, take up His cross, and follow Him.

Grace and Peace....

When Satan Punches You In The Gut....

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 10:23:00 +0000

Just remember: satan tends to punch us in the gut when we have our heads lifted up high, nose in the air and full of ourselves.

To avoid being hit, it is always a good idea to keep your head down...bowed in prayer to God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Make a commitment to spend more time in loving prayer to God as 2007 comes to an end. Our rapture is drawing closer with each passing second. So, today would be an excellent day to spend thanking God for the gift of Jesus. That gift will allow us, as adopted children in the family of our Father, to be with Him forevermore.

Grace and Peace....

What's On The Menu - Part 1: Prosperity Gospel

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 08:35:00 +0000

"The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but [that] his disciples were gone away alone; (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks.)

"When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?

"Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

"Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed."
John 6:22-27

There is a movement of evil afoot in the Christian community. People are being led astray from sound doctrine, and into the camp of the "name it-claim it" prosperity gospel.

Now, before I say anything else, let's look at what is their key Scripture for making such a claim:

"And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do [it]."
John 14:13-14

That seems to make a pretty bold statement that a person can have ANYTHING they want. They just have to ask for it in the name of Jesus and "poof", there it is at your feet. But, is this really what is being said, when taken in the context of the passage?

First, in verse twelve, there is the point that, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also...." So, we see that the passage is being addressed to those that believe in Jesus. That eliminates those that would just use His name as a "magic spell" or "lucky charm."

Next, in verse ten, we read, "...the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." Jesus is showing us that even He is under the willful direction of God the Father in the things that He (Jesus) does.

Finally, the biggest thing to note here is in verse thirteen. Jesus says, "...that the Father may be glorified in the Son." The things that are to be done must result in God the Father receiving glory.

One has to ask the obvious question here: Does the thing being prayed about result in God being glorified? If a person prays, "God, in the name of Jesus I ask for a brand new car with all the options", does it deliver glory to God? Did Jesus need a brand new car to bring the gospel of the kingdom of heaven to the people?

Most prayers, sadly to say, don't even meet these minimum requirements.

So, when looking at the prosperity gospel, we see a flawed concept of Jesus, not as sacrifice and savior, but as either a magician with a hat filled with your every wish, or as a lawyer, demanding that God provide our every desire due to a legality.

Not gonna happen, I'm gonna say.

The good news is, that when we pray, we as born again believers do have an audience with the Creator of All and Everything. We have Jesus, standing on our behalf as our advocate, defending us from the attacks of satan. We have the Holy Spirit in us, speaking for us with words we can't even say. We have a loving Father, listening to His children with an open heart and a spirit of mercy.

Now, with that said, consider carefully what you do next.

Pray for a winning lottery ticket?

Pray that your boss drops dead from a heart attack?

Pray that you can be used to deliver the witness of Jesus to others?

Pray thanks for being given life's necessities, like food, clothes, shelter?

Pray out of love for Father, Son and Spirit, that they might have a good day?

Pray for those that are in authority over you?

Pray for those that work under you?

Pray for those that are around you?

I can't tell you if any of the above is a good prayer, I can't tell you if it is a bad prayer. That depends completely on the situation of the prayer. If God would be glorified by you getting a new car, I promise you He will send one your way. If you are praying for your coworkers to get a promotion just so you can get them away from you, that might not happen. The result is between your heart and God's will.

But, just remember: Jesus showed us the way to pray, in what is commonly known as The Lord's Prayer. A most important element in His teaching is something that we should all keep in mind when we talk to our Father....

Thy Will Be Done

If we keep that in our hearts while we pray, the chances are we won't be praying for our own greed, but to see and do those things that will glorify our loving Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son, Jesus.

Grace and Peace....

You Really Shouldn't Read This Post!

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 07:54:00 +0000

I'm not kidding! Maybe, you should just turn around and surf off the other way.

After all, like a line from a certain movie stated:

"You can't handle the truth."

But...

If you are willing to take the risk...if you are willing to accept the responsibility for what you are about to read, and quite possibly learn...

Click Here

Most people will never click that link. Of those that do, most will lose the will to read what is there. And, of those that read it, most will never take the time to be Berean, and look to the Bible to see if what they are reading is right or wrong.

But, those that do click, read and check, will find that their knowledge and wisdom will have been expanded, to the praise of God Almighty and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Go on. Click and read. I double-dog dare ya! :)

Grace and Peace....

Alive And Well

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 10:22:00 +0000

As that day approaches, when people turn their hearts to gifts, carols, trips, trees and pretty much everything EXCEPT Jesus, allow me to tell you the story of what is REALLY important....

"The first [day] of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

"Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

"Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

"So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

"And he stooping down, [and looking in], saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

"Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

"Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

"For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

"Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

"But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, [and looked] into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

"And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

"And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

"Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

"Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

"Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and [to] my God, and your God."
John 20:1-17

People, Jesus Christ is not laying in a manger somewhere in Bethlehem. He is not the son of a carpenter. He is most assuredly not hanging on a cross. He is not dead.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God Almighty, is very much alive and well!

Jesus Christ is not the brother of satan. He is not throwing a temper tantrum requiring Mary to calm him down. He cannot be mystically dragged from heaven and stuffed into a cookie.

Jesus Christ is God Almighty, who took up the mantle of humanity so as to live a sinless life, tempted but triumphant, sacrificed so that His perfect blood could atone for the sins of His people.

Jesus Christ has no need for our works. He doesn't need any help in accomplishing the will of God the Father. He doesn't need Muhammad, Mary, Buddha, Sun, Moon or any other person to pave a way to or through Him.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6

Jesus --Ἰησοῦς (Iesous - pronounced "ee-ay-sooce'") was raised from the dead. He was seen by family members, friends, His apostles, groups of people--over 500 people saw Him walking on earth. After this, He was ascended into heaven, where He and He alone acts as our "attorney", defending us before God the Father when satan brings charges against us. He is preparing a place for His people. He is awaiting the word from His Father (and ours) to go and get His bride, which is the body of believers known as "The Church."

And that word could be issued by Our Father, YHWH, any moment.

Maybe now. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe next year.

But, it is coming--much sooner than most people would care to imagine.

So, now is the time when you must choose. Do you worship the god of yourself? The goddess Mary, queen of heaven? The god allah, who is nothing other than satan himself? Or, are you called to believe in Jesus Christ, Savior, King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

Grace and Peace....

Let's Talk About A Special Day In December....

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 23:26:00 +0000

It's a very special day. It is the celebration of the death and rebirth of the sun-god. No matter what that god's name (Tammuz, Mithra, Baal, Adonis, Saturn, Osiris), it was considered the unconquerable sun-god. And, in pagan culture, his rebirth was celebrated at the winter solstice, which is at or near December 25th.

This day of celebration has been around since the days of Nimrod, far before the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. It was a time of giving gifts to one another.

They would even celebrate using a tree. They would cut one down, nail a couple of boards to the bottom, then decorate it. So what, you might think. Surely the Bible doesn't even mention anything about this being wrong, does it?

"Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

"For the customs of the people [are] vain: for [one] cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

"They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."
Jeremiah 10:2-4

Hmmm. The Lord commands that we "Learn not the way of the heathen", yet many proclaimed Christians jump all over the place to do just that.

What else is used in christmas...how about holly. Everyone loves having holly wreaths. Of course, most people never bothered to find that holly (the red berries in particular) was used in pagan rituals to symbolize the menstrual blood of the queen of heaven.

Of course, there's also mistletoe, where the berries are symbolic of semen of the sun-god. And the kissing tradition dates from the use of mistletoe in temples as part of the sanctioned prostitution, which was part of the celebration.

And we won't even get into the yule log, the candles on the trees (which are electric nowadays) and all the rest. Instead, we'll just ask two simple questions: Where did christmas get attached to Christianity and is it really the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

The first question can be answered in the short form with one word: Constantine.

Emperor Constantine decided on day that all the Roman Empire would be "Christian." What a nice man, one decree and everybody is converted. Well, it doesn't work like that, and the people did not want to part with their celebrations, such as Saturnalia and Natalis Solis Invicti, where you had drunken parties, gift exchanges, public orgies and such. So, Constantine decided to combine the pagan holidays with new, Christian titles. So, the winter celebrations were combined into christ-mass. Other holidays, such as aster (easter) would follow suit. The result is an unholy mix of pagan and Christian. You probably wouldn't drink a glass of water if a portion of it was rat poison. So, should Christians have anything to do with this mixture?

"Learn not the way of the heathen"

You decide.

As you might guess, the second question above has already been answered, but let's add a point or two.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night."
Luke 2:8

By the end of the month of September and the first of the month of October, the shepherds are no longer abiding in the fields. That one verse ends any question as to christmas being the birthday of Jesus. It wasn't.

Now, here's a pop quiz for you. Where in the Bible are we either asked or commanded to remember the birthday of Jesus?

Answer: We aren't.

Think about it for a minute. Jesus is the Son of God. He has been alive and with God FOREVER! He temporarily took on the role of human in order to live the life of a perfect sacrifice for the sins of His people. So, how do you, in good faith, celebrate the birthday of a person described as:

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
Heb. 13:8

Jesus was much more insistant that we remember Him in this manner:

"And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake [it], and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave [it] to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many."
Mark 14:22-24

Now, some people will wish to remind me of this passage of Scripture:

"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]:"
Col. 2:16

To this I must answer: I am in no wise judging any person. That is not my job, nor is it my right. I merely am teaching about the days that some see as Christian. If, after reading this information, you can of pure heart and in a respectful spirit continue to celebrate christmas as the world does, then that is your decision.

If, on the other hand, you can see the mixing of truth and lie as something to be avoided, then you are now responsible to God Almighty and our Lord Jesus Christ for what you do from this point forward.

Grace and Peace....

A Worldly Christian?

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 10:41:00 +0000

We have talked many times about the process that leads to salvation.

But, what about AFTER you recognize your calling?

It is far too easy to just go on about your affairs, happy that Jesus is your Lord, but without understanding the responsibilities that come with being His man or woman.

Let's take a look at one of the things that we are called to do when we are His servant:

"As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
1 Pet. 1:14-16

We understand from our readings in Romans that before we are called to be one of Jesus' people, we are dead spiritually. This means that our soul will always choose to follow the lusts of the flesh.

However, now that your are reborn in the spirit, you no longer get to claim ignorance of the truth. The Holy Spirit leads a Christian to follow a path that is no longer led by the desire for fulfillment of fleshly lusts. You will be shown that there is a good and proper way to go in life, and there is a bad and disobediant path that you can choose.

As Peter is showing us, we are given a new, high standard to aim for. We, as children in the family of God by adoption, must do our best to model ourselves after our new Father.

Just as in any earthly family there is a drive to copy the actions of the parents, so too is there a desire to conform ourselves to the image of God. And God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are all 100% HOLY.

So, one might ask, what is holy?

To grab a definition from Webster's, to be holy is to be "one perfect in goodness and righteousness." God, in all aspects of the Trinity, is holy. He is perfect in all ways. He is perfectly good. He is perfectly righteous in all ways. Without flaw, without error.

So, how important is it for us to be perfect? Let's see what the Bible says:

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
Matt. 5:48

"The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master."
Luk. 6:40

"Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you."
Phl. 3:15

"Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:"
Col. 1:28

And this is just a small portion of the many verses that detail to us that perfection is not just a goal, but an expectation.

But, how on earth could ANY person be perfect, seeing that we are still attached to a sinful, evil flesh?

"I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."
John 17:23

We can only be perfect by the presense of Jesus in us. But, that doesn't mean we can just sit back and rest happy in the knowledge that Jesus has it covered. Because, even though the work is already done, we are still (while on this earth) taught to be molded into the pattern of Jesus.

Our day-to-day actions should always be a reflection of Jesus in us. Each day, we are to take up our cross and follow Him. Not only does this bring glory and honor to Our Father, but it proves that we have truly been grafted into the Vine that is Jesus.

So, take these words to heart: If you a Christian, it should be your daily, moment-by-moment effort, to live a life that would be pleasing to God Almighty. If you are living a life of a Christian that is defeated by sin, then you are depriving yourself of heavenly treasures, and you are failing to display a useable witness to the world of Jesus in your life.

If this is you, and you are living life at odds with God, then repent now! Turn away from that sinful journey, and ask Jesus to heal the wounds that sin has inflicted upon you. A joyous fellowship will certainly follow.

So, my brothers and sisters...be ye holy!

Grace and Peace....

One More Time, With Feeling....

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:29:00 +0000

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Eph. 2:8-9

While reading a Christian forum recently, I was amazed to see, once again, Christian brothers and sisters almost get it right, then lose it at the end.

What am I talking about? The act of salvation of man, and man's role in such.

These people admitted to certain points that would be called "Calvinistic" by some. They got these points right. Then, they messed it all up by stating that man must still make the free will choice to be saved.

Bzzzzt! Wrong answer...thanks for playing, but you don't win what's behind door number two.

Now, this doesn't mean they aren't saved. As a matter of fact, the very part that they are getting wrong is the part that ensures that they are, in fact, saved.

So, let's take a look at one passage of scripture that could very easily be considered the summary of the process of being saved.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Eph. 2:8-9

"For by grace" - In other words, this process that is being talked about (salvation) is produced by grace. Grace is defined in the dictionary as "a favor rendered by one who need not do so." Grace is a free effort, that has no requirement driving it to be given. God chose to make an effort--to render a gift, a favor--where no person deserved such an effort to be made.

"are ye saved" - In a more modern rendering, this would read as "you are saved." It means the same thing either way. Your salvation, your forgiveness in the eyes of God Almighty, your adoption into His Family by the work of His Son Jesus...this is the result of God's grace.

"through faith" - This is the passage by which the gift of grace, your salvation, is delivered. Two points about this faith. The first is, we do not possess it of our own accord. In fact, let's see what Jesus Himself had to say about faith:

"And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.

"And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

"But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

"And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

"Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.

"So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."
Luke 17:5-10

Jesus told them that if they had even the smallest portion of faith, they could command the tree to pull itself out of the ground and go reroot itself in the sea and it would obey.

Jesus even goes a step farther, and shows how it is not the place of the servant to be in a position of authority. The servant knows his place, and does what he is commanded to do.

Faith is the right and the balliwick of God Almighty. He portions it out when and where He chooses, in accordance with His will.

"and that not of yourselves" - Paul is making the point crystal clear. The process of salvation by faith through grace is in no wise originating from you. All of the process, each and every step, has the common factor of not coming from the person being saved. Why?

"[it is] the gift of God" - If salvation had anything whatsoever to do with the person involved, it could not, would not, be a gift from God. Say two people are building a boat. When they finish the job, one turns to the other and says, "Here, I'm giving you this boat as a gift." Wouldn't that be somewhat stupid to say? After all, part of the boat was already the second person's property. How can you give what you don't possess? How could you think to claim what isn't yours?

Yet, misguided people still try to do that very thing. They are dead to God, yet He gives them a new life in the spirit. His Son pays off their sin debt. God does it all. So, what does the saved person say? Does he do as Jesus said to do? Does he say, "I am an unprofitable servant: I have done that which was my duty to do."?

Nope. The misguided Christian, after having all this done for him as a gift, says, "I'm just so happy that I chose to follow Jesus. It just makes me proud to know I decided to let Him into my heart."

"Not of works" - Salvation has absolutely NOTHING to do with what you do! It makes not a single bit of difference to God if you are a good person. It makes no difference if you go to church every Sunday. He doesn't care if you give the tithe every week. Nothing, nothing, NOTHING you do, oh, little man, does anything to influence God in giving or not giving salvation. Why not?

"lest any man should boast" - First and foremost, God wants His adopted children to understand that HE is the author of your salvation. He wants the glory for what He has done. The first step towards true worship is to know why you should worship. Look at what satan did to bring about his expulsion from his position in heaven:

"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

"For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."
Isa. 14:12-14

What do the sayings of satan (I will ascend...) and a misguided Christian (I will decide) have in common?

EGO!

This is something that God, rightfully, does not want from His children.

Think about it: God made heaven and earth, made man, gave a way for man to remain close to Him, gave gifts of land, food, security to His people, allowed His Son to be killed to pay for our sins, is making a place at His table in His house for us for all eternity. Is it really so much for God to desire the recognizition for His works?

There it is, laid out on a silver platter, so to speak, for all to see. Many people will find this offensive. Good. Many will get mad about not being part of their own salvation. Great. Some will think me blasphemous, stupid or "hyper". Thank you! I appreciate that. Because, it is exactly what the Bible is saying. It glorifies God our Father. It magnifies Jesus Christ, our Savior. It puts us exactly in the position we belong in--servants, doing our duty because it is what we were commanded to do.

Praise be to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ forever!

Grace and Peace....

Moth And Rust

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 07:27:00 +0000

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Matt. 6:19-21

Have you been watching the financial news recently?

There are some serious events coming around the corner at us. Things that most of us have only read about. Allow me to drop a few quotes on you.

"The Government must suspend a set of key banking regulations at the heart of the current financial crisis or risk seeing the economy spiral towards a future that could make 1929 look like a walk in the park."
Peter Spencer, Economist

"There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved"
Ludwig von Mises, Economist

"According to Merrill Lynch, the slope of the yield curve and the value of credit spreads point to a 100% chance of a recession."
Doug Kass, Analyst, Contributing Editor-thestreet.com

Ah, poodles...the list goes on and on. Even though you won't hear many facts or opinions like this on your average network news program, the people that WORK in the field day-to-day are worried. Near panic, if truth be told.

The American economy (and, by association, the world economy) is standing on the tippy-toe edge of disaster.

Most of the problems stem from the practice of the last decade of buying bad debt with bad debt, making even more bad debt. OK, that's accurate, but a bit cryptic.

Let's look at the housing market for a real-world example of what's happening.

Person "A" really can't afford a house. Bank "B" comes up with some wacky methods of making it "affordable" (read that as, where it is easier to delude person "A" into thinking that the debt of the house will, in the future, become a credit.) Bank "B" takes a bunch of "A" people, and sells their packaged debts to Bank "C". Bank "C", hoping to make some profit off of this package sells it, combined with other packages of debt to Bank "D". And, they also sell it to Mutual Fund "E". And maybe, even to Foreign Investor "F".

If this sort of looks like a pyramid scheme, you wouldn't be the first to notice the similarities.

Now, as long as "A" makes payments on time, everybody is happy.

But, along comes, say, food prices going up 20%. Or, maybe, a loss of job. But, something happens that makes "A" stop payments on the debt.

The result? "A" loses a house. "B" through "F" lose value (money) of their investment.

If there are a bunch of "A"s, then "B" goes under. If "B" goes, "C", "D", "E" and "F" are going to be treading water like a passenger on the "Titantic". A few might get a ride in a life boat, but most will go under.

The problem is, even though only these people CAUSED the problem, everyone will feel the pain. When a bank goes under, it doesn't go alone. It takes the savings accounts, the checking accounts, the loans, the business accounts...all of it, right to the bottom of the sea. And, when one of those business accounts gets lost, a business goes dark. This means people that had a job, no longer do. So, they become "A" people.

Lather, rinse, repeat...often.

The REAL root to this is the simple truth:

"For the love of money is the root of all evil...."
1 Tim. 6:10(a)

Paul had told Timothy just a little before this statement:

"And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."
1 Tim. 6:8

Being clothed and fed should be enough for any person. But, when the lust for wealth takes over, nothing good can come of it.

So, it may be a matter of years, or it could be just a few days. But, this economy is heading for the trash dump.

I recommend investing heavily in heaven, as our opening verses show. Doing those things that can open an account in heaven (such as surrendering to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior) and can deposit riches into that account (doing those things commanded of us as bondsmen to Jesus) make a whole lot of sense.

God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, when it is all said and done, are the ONLY treasures worth having, on earth or in heaven!

Grace and Peace....

Notice: Group Prayer Taking Place

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 08:50:00 +0000

Just to let everyone know, at 5pm Central time today (December 16th, 2007), there is going to be a nationwide group prayer that our Father might consider sending Jesus to get us very, very soon.

It is the opinion of those involved that the evil and hatred in the world is reaching a point where the best medicine would be the removal of the Church. That way, the wrath of God can be poured out on earth. When that is complete, our Lord and King, Jesus Christ, will begin His reign on earth. This is the healing that the world needs.

So, I would like to invite each of you, no matter where you may be, to take a moment or two and pray that the Father would say to His Son:

"Go and get your bride!"

Grace and Peace....

Time For A Change?

noreply@blogger.com (Just A Clay Pot) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 08:04:00 +0000

"Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."
Isa. 55:6-7

When the rapture of the Bride of Christ (the true and faithful Christian church) takes place, the Age of Grace as we know it now will come to an end. The final week of Daniel's 70 Week Prophecy will take center stage, as the Age of the Law is finished. During this time, the Jewish people will once again be the focus of God's actions.

That doesn't mean that there will be no more gentiles called to Jesus. But, if the expectations of many people prove to be accurate (as the Bible seems to tell us), these future Christians will pretty much to a person have to give their life in defense of their new-found faith. Also, these people will be called to render service in the Kingdom:

"And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

"And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

"Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
Rev. 7:13-17

Notice, however, that these are not part of the Bride of Christ. They serve in God's temple. Still, an incredible job to have, serving our Father and our Savior!

But, the Bride has a different path in store:

"For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ."
2 Cor. 11:2

The church that is raptured will be going off with their Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, for seven years. This will be a time of celebration and rewards. On earth, however, this will be the time of tribulation. A time period that will be so evil, so vile, so distressful that it will make the worst of days now look like a day in the park!

So, the question is, why would a person desire to NOT be part of the Bride?

Pray now, that the Lord would grant you mercy in the form of forgiveness for your sins. Repent, turn your back on the ways of the flesh, on the paths of earthly life. Die now, and be buried with Christ, so that He may live in you anew, and that you may receive eternal life. For we are promised:

"He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
Matt. 10:39

You only get one life. You must determine if that life is to be an earthly life, lost when you die, or if it is to be eternal life, gained by giving up this life as your own.

"And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?"
Luke 9:23-25

Grace and Peace....