Page Two

Minister Clyde Derrick

Bible Studies
Week 1: Who wrote the Bible?
Week 2: Not all the same.
Week 3: You can control the spirit
Week 4: It's not about the money

2 Peter 1:20

2 Timothy 3:16

2 Peter 1:20 Above all , you must understand that no prophecy of scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 3:16 Cross reference: 16 All scripture given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Understanding
This is the answer you give anyone who says that men wrote the Bible so we can't be sure everything and or anything in the Bible is what God wanted or if it's just historical text. The problem with these people is they don't believe in God in the first place so they can't find room for the creator of all things to be smart enough to make sure that man put exactly what he wanted in the bible.

You have to believe and receive the Holy Spirit in order to understand how the Spirit can guide someone to write what God wants as his word. In other words don't try to fight this battle, walk away man just walk away. Your job in that conversation is to quote the word and keep it moving. You have successfully planted and or watered. We are saved by the hearing of the word.

Important to note:
We know that the roman catholic church had a hand in what books went into making up the bible. That doesn't take away from God's ability to make sure what he wanted is what man believed they were allowing. It's like a volcano erupting right when God wants to destroy a city by fire. It might appear God had nothing to do with it but a wise man understands God made the volcano and God made it erupt just at the right time.

Don't try to convince them, just do your part and give them the scripture.

Romans 9:21

21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? 22 What if God willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory.

Hebrews 5:4 Cross reference: 4 No one takes this honor upon himself: he must be called by God, just as Aaron was,

Understanding
This scripture is referring to the raising up of nations and leaders for God's purpose. This is a hard one because of today's teachings and because of all the Christians who seek to be closer to the Lord in their service. Understanding that there are limits that we must except isn't always easy. We do not all get the same gift. Not all will be called to preach. Not all will have a major roll to play in the church. It's great to want to teach but if it's not your gift then either find somewhere else you can be of service or teach only up to your understanding and be content with that. BUT no matter what, don't ever believe it had anything to do with your actions or the actions of the other person whom more duties and responsibilities were placed. Although favor can be earned by faithful service and taken away for the lack there of, it's still God's choice to give to us as he sees fit. He is the potter and we are the clay.

Other related view of scripture: The word says in regards to Egypt, it was for this purpose you were built into a great nation. (using my own words) This speaks to the God allowing Egypt to be the greatest nation on earth just so he can show himself to be the one true God defeating all the Egyptian gods, the gods of the greatest nation.

If you are the creator you can do what you want with your creations. You might not like this but that is the way it is. If you see God as a God not your best friend as people like to call him in church, you will have no problem with this.

Don't use this as a excuse to do less than you are capable of. You won't know what God has in mind for you unless you get up and do something. Go somewhere. Make some kind of move. Sit around waiting and praying on a thing too long and God may move to someone else to do the job he had set aside for you.

1 Corinthians 14:29

29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 The spirit of the prophets are subject to the control of the prophets. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

Understanding
Many times people say I couldn't control myself, the spirit of the Lord took over and I had to go with what the spirit wanted. This scripture clearly shows that in times where things are not done in order someone is more in self than in spirit. By being in self I mean they are doing what they want to do and not what the spirit is saying. For the spirit to cause confusion in the church would make the spirit, "the word" a lie. They might be carried away with emotions that make them feel like they can't stop but it's not the spirit that's causing the confusion.

Sadly many pastors allow the congregation to have "run away emotional times" that are justified by saying the spirit was high. Consider this, if people are jumping around so long you can't do the sermon or the sermon has to be cut short, understanding that people are saved by the hearing of the word? Then why would the spirit prevent the word from going forward?

On a very simple level, here's a simple example that you might not consider. That man or woman in church who shouts out "religious" things like "say that pastor" or "you better tell it" or whatever, and they do it so loudly that it causes people in the church to look over at them often, there by taking attention away from the pastor who is delivering the message, this is a different spirit, not God's. God's spirit would not act in a way that would take attention away from the word because by the word people are saved.

1 Timothy 6:5

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness; from such withdraw theyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into temptation and destruction.

Understanding
But if we have FOOD and CLOTHING it says in verse 8 we should be content and consider ourselves as having great gain. Then take the cross reference below and you will understand that this part of the bible (Malichi) is always taken out of context. Everybody wants to use it to say God will give you a big house, a great car and a boat or whatever material object you desire which is just not the case. Malichi is saying God will prevent pest from taking away their food. It may not seem like much to you but in those times if you could feed your people with no problem you were very blessed. The first part about MEANS TO FINANCIAL GAIN is very important because today many "preachers" use this type of message to fill up their congregation. If you want to follow Christ then follow Christ, don't follow Christ because you think you will get rich if you do.

Cross reference:Mathew 13:22
The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is that man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.

There are so many scriptures supporting the understanding that God is not about money as most preachers would want you to believe. Money isn't the top gift on God's list. I'm sorry if that doesn't work for you. I must say though, if you really have a major problem with this you might want to examine why you believe in God in the first place. Hopefully this is something you can get pass.