The Borrower is Servant to The Lender!

Is it True That the Borrower is Servant to the Lender?
By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins/ May 3 2024

Praise The Lord Saints!! Praise The Lord!! How are all of you doing today? Fine, I hope. I have a very important question to ask all of you. Is it true that the borrower is servant to the lender? This is a very serious question that I would like to ask all of you personally because I have a student loan, and I am having a very difficult time paying it off. The interest of my student loan is 8%. I know that I did not have any business taking out another loan; just to attend college at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I enrolled in college during the fall of 2003. I borrowed the money in order to enroll at UNCC. I was not eligible for any more grants that were available at the time. Frankly, I was trying to acquire a second Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Social Work. I understand that anytime that a person borrows money in any state, fashion or form, it is like being a slave all over again. I really understand that I have to pay this money back in full. However, I am very disappointed because the interest on my Jamison Loan is $80.00 dollars per month.

Next, I want to inform all of you that it is true that the borrower is servant to the lender. It might be a metaphor at the moment, but in reality, we have to pay off all of our debts. It does not matter what they really are, we have to pay our debts. I really understand that student loan debt is climbing each year. I wish that I could have given the money back!! I know that I only receive Social Security Disability right now. I only earn $959.00 dollars per month right now. I have over $850.00 dollars in bills each month. I know that I have to pay my rent at the moment as well as life insurance, and other bills.

Moreover, I have been going through financial hardships for the past 25 years now. I will admit that the William and Fudge Collection Agency wants me to pay this loan off in full. I have called this agency at their Rock Hill, South Carolina Office and they want me to pay at least $275.00 per month. I have explained to them that I can only pay $50.00 per month. I do not understand why these collection agencies are not willing to come to a complete compromise with me regarding my student loan. I am only paying the interest instead of the principle amount. This is a shame!!
I guess I better go back to work just to pay this student loan.

In Addition, there are people that I have allowed to borrow money from me, but they do not pay me back. These people are called welshers right now. To completely welsh, means to refuse to pay off your debts. I have depleted my allotment when it comes to borrowing money from my life insurance right now. I have asked William and Fudge Collection Agency can I pay the amount that I have agreed in the very beginning!! I have to do what is absolutely necessary in order to pay off all of my debts.

Finally, I want to inform everyone that have debts to pay to make payment arrangements with all of your creditors in person. When it comes to handling things over the telephone is pointless right now. I have to get on my knees and pray to Jesus Christ to help me to pay off all of my debts. Do you know that birds of a feather flock together? This is a wise saying that people who are of certain status tend to affiliate with one another. When it comes to socioeconomic status in the United States as well as other countries, the poor will always go through hell in life. I also will admit that a person cannot establish a relationship with the opposite sex; if you are having hardships in any state, fashion, and form.

This is serious because my ex-wife used me for my money at a period of time during our relationship. She was buying street drugs with my money instead of paying bills for our residence. There are some women and men who will completely drain you of all of your resources. They do not care. Some of the people that I was affiliated with were very apathetic. This is the reason why I would like for everyone to please keep me in your prayers because I am physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially suffering right now. I am telling all of you the truth about my situation.

Memory Test Results

You Passed! You have an amazing memory and vocabulary!

Amazing! You fit into 3% of the population that can get a perfect score on this test! (And it’s not easy). You have a sharp memory and a brilliant talent for words. You are a keen academic and love reading and learning new things. You are excellent with people because you remember every person you meet and the stories that come along with them. You’re intelligent, but also creative. With such a sponge for a brain and such an articulate mind, you will go far!

How Come The Bible Says That A Man’s Enemies will be those of His own Household?

How Come The Bible States That Man’s Enemies Are Inside of His Household?

        This is an essay that has a lot to do with the Institution of the Family.  The question is how come the Bible states that a Man’s enemies are those of his own household?  I am asking this question because it has a lot to do with the dysfunctional aspects of the family.  Also, I will focus on what the Bible says about the family as well. 

        Next, I want to inform everyone that the reason why I am writing about this topic is simply because I have a problem with my own family right now, and I would like for the Lord God to resolve it.  For Instance, I want to tell everyone that some of my family members are upset with me because I am attending AA meetings on a regular basis.

 Another reason why I hardly affiliate with some of my family members is simply because they constantly think that I am living in the past.  My siblings and I argue about what I have done in my past.  It does not make sense.  According to 2nd Corinthians 5:17 indicates that if a person is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has passed away and the new has come. 

AnchorBible Verse About Family Strength

bible verse for mother and child

Bible Verses About Family Unity

  • “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” – Exodus 20:12
  • “Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:13
  • “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
  • “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” – Psalm 127:3-5

Bible Verses About Family Love

  • “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25
  • “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
  • “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” – Romans 12:9
  • “We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19  
  • “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:1

AnchorPrayer For Peace In The Family

  • “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” – Luke 6:31
  • “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18
  • “And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.” – Acts 16:31-34
  • “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” – Matthew 6:9-13
  • “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15

Bible Verses About Missing Someone

  • “The Lord watch between you and me, when we are out of one another’s sight.” – Genesis 31:49
  • “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
  • “The Lord is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. Good people suffer many troubles, but the Lord saves them from them all.” – Psalm 34:18-19
  • “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” – John 16:22

Bible Verse About Death Of A Family Member

  • “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.” –Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
  • “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” – Isaiah 66:13
  • “You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.” – Psalm 10:17
  • “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3

AnchorGeneral Scripture About Family

The following bible verses about family are for both the family we are born into as well as friends we’ve made into family. These are perfect for blended families, close friends, and anything in between. But if you’re still looking for more family-based scripture, consider reading our piece on inspiring Bible verses about marriage.

bible quote for family and friends party
  • “Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” – Genesis 28:14
  • “So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” – Romans 12:5
  • “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.” – Romans 12:17
  • “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” – Colossians 3:21
  • “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17

AnchorReligious Quotes About Family

These religious quotes are short, sweet, and simple. They help to both strengthen the ties of family while also cementing your bond to God. Find them below:

Family Strength Quotes And Short Bible Verses About Family

  • “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” – Proverbs 31:25
  • “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
  • “Honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 19:19
  • “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” – Proverbs 17:6
  • “My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed.” – Proverbs 23:15
  • “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” –Mark 10:9

Do you vote in political elections?

Do you vote in political elections?

I have been voting in political elections since 1983.  I have been voting for the Democrats since then.   I will admit that I have been voting since I was a junior in high school.   To be honest with all of you, I was supposed to graduate from high school in June of 1983.  My mother signed me up for the Job Corps because I was not attending public school on a regular basis.   I only completed one phase of my welding class.   I will admit that I became an alcoholic and addict for 18 years.   I started getting injured all of the time for several years.   Anyway I graduated from high school three years late.  I also attended college in Dayton Ohio in 1987.  Frankly I was the oldest student who graduated from high school in 1986.  My grandparents made sure that I would finish high school if I were living with them.   My grandparents were my Guardian Angel’s who made sure that I was doing well.  Yes I was the oldest student to graduate from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School on Tuesday June 10, 1986.  My grandparents and my family members were in attendance at the Dayton Memorial Hall, which was right across the street from Patterson High School.  My family members and friends were very proud of me for finishing high school.   Three months later I ended moving out of my grandparents house into my own apartment in Dayton, Ohio.   Better yet, I ended up renting a room at the YMCA in downtown Dayton, Ohio later that year.  Everyone was praying for me to finish high school and I did receive my high school diploma and in less than a year later I was enrolled in college while I was living at the YMCA.   I was working two jobs in the Dayton, Ohio Area.   My first job; I worked at the Maharg Management Incorporating performing grounds maintenance tasks.   Prior to graduating from high school,  I completed a job training class in building and apartment maintenance at the Montgomery County Joint Vocational School.   I will admit that I still was not satisfied with my accomplishments.   I wanted more than just $4.25 per hour of part time wages.  Afterwards,  I got a job working full-time at the YMCA for only nine months.   I was working 14 hours per day and attending classes at night at Central State University Dayton Campus.  I also suffer from venereal diseases while I was having sex with female prostitutes from 1986 through 2010.  I have been arrested for two counts of petty theft and I have pleaded guilty of all charges in 1985.  My cohort was not very lucky.   He had to serve 15 years behind bars for a parole violation.   I had to pay a fine and work community service for six months at the Holy Name Center in Dayton Ohio.   I am still remorseful because I did not want my friend to serve time behind bars.  During that year  I was recovering from a broken left hand while playing basketball at the Edison School Playground on July 6th 1984.  I was intoxicated while playing basketball.  I had to go through occupation therapy and physical therapy for one year.   Meanwhile, I was still drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana with my family members and friends.   I had a seizure at my mother’s house in 1985.  I remember playing checkers with my baby sister when all of a sudden I was smelling asphalt that was coming from a roof that was being repaired and then I had a seizure.   Less than a year later,  I got stabbed with a hook knife by my stepfather.   I was watching my little brother playing dice with his father.   An argument took place and I had to protect my brother from getting his throat slashed with the same knife that stabbed me.   This took place on Sunday November 25, 1985.  I was staying with my grandparents and I had decided to retrieve my own shoes at my mother’s house.  The police asked me if I wanted to press charges against my stepfather and I told the police officer that my stepfather was too old to go to Jail.  I have a scar on my left forearm reminding me that I had to save my brother and myself.   I went to St Elizabeth Medical Center for treatment for an injury to my left forearm.   My mother was furious because I got stabbed for nothing.  I still finished school in spite of my injuries.   Yes I did voted during the Presidential Election in 1984 and again in 1988.  I also voted for Mayor’s Elections in 1983 and 1990.  To be frank with everyone I am going to write down my name for President of the United States because President Biden and Former President Trump are too old to serve as President of the United States.   It is time for new leadership throughout Congress, Senate, and the House of Representatives.  2024 is a year of change everywhere.   I am very dissatisfied with the way this country is going right now.  It makes me cry because innocent people are dying for nothing.  If Jesus Christ was here, I would not have to vote anymore because Jesus Christ is going to make things right for all of us.  I wouldn’t have to vote for Mayor or any other elected officials in Office because I need Jesus Christ right now to resolve all of our active issues worldwide. In Jesus Name 🙏 🙏 🙏.  Man is destroying the Earth.  Man is committing genocide and other crimes against humanity.

What is The Definition of Spiritual Discernment?By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins May 2, 2024The fundamental definition for Christian discernment is a decision making process in which an individual makes a discovery that can lead to future action. In the process of Christian spiritual discernment God guides the individual to help them arrive at the best decision.   Next, I want to inform all of you that the definition of Spiritual Discernment is separating what is worldly from spiritual.  It is distinguishing the spirit of truth from the spirit of error.  This means that if someone is saying something that does not make sense, please look at the Holy Bible for the answers to all of your questions.  We are supposed to decide what the truth is.  One of the things that I actually do is consult with my personal Savior Jesus Christ about what I have heard to see if it lines up in the Bible.  Further, I want to inform everyone that the Lord Jesus Christ will guide you and lead you in the right path.  It is that when it comes to Spiritual Discernment, we have to understand that there are false prophets out there, and we have to expose them.  I pray to the Lord Jesus Christ for all things.  I also realize that it is not me who is doing the work.  It is the Holy Spirit that is inside of me that is doing all of the work.  I used to hear voices that were not the Holy Spirit for 10 years.  I know that God’s word tells me the truth.  God’s word also talks to me. Moreover, I want to inform all of you that having Spiritual Discernment is very important.  This means that you really understand what is true from what is actually false.  I am a type of person, who pay close attention to what the Pastor is saying on the pulpit.  I have received total acceptance from God.  Spiritual Discernment comes from the Lord Himself.  I know that this is something that is not acquired overnight.  It takes a lot of prayer, reading the Bible, and becoming a doer of the word of God. In Addition, possessing the gifts of the Holy Spirit is very important.  It enables all of us to distinguish the full truth that comes from God.  I know that I have been baptized almost 5 years ago.  As soon as I got baptized, I have felt a complete change inside and outside of me.  Spiritual Discernment gives me an opportunity to fully understand God’s message.  I know that I am still a Work in Progress according to God. I know that I am going to make mistakes in my life.  I truly want to say that I no longer destroy my own Temple by drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana every single day.  I know for me personally, I have been clean and sober for 30 years from marijuana as of January 21, 1990.  I have been clean and sober from alcohol since Wednesday May 2, 1990.  Spiritual Discernment had to really grow on me.  This is simply because I used to let people take full advantage of me.  I used to be a Yes Man.  I used to concur everything that someone says out of their mouth; without fully thinking all about the consequences in my personal life. Also, I want to say that I have learned a whole lot about real life, and real life situations.  I used to be a person that did not understand what Spiritual Discernment until the very last minute.  This is simply because at one point, I dwelt inside of the world.  I obviously did what others did inside of the world.  Spiritual Discernment gives you a sense of maturity.  It will really make you aware of all things.  What is the definition of awareness?  Awareness is knowledge or perception of a situation or fact. “We need to raise public awareness of the issue” concern about and well-informed interest in a particular situation or development.  “A growing environmental awareness”. Awareness is the state of knowing something, such as the awareness that the sun comes up every morning. The adjective aware gets turned into a noun when the suffix -ness is added, so awareness is the state of being aware, or having knowledge of something.  Definition of discerning. : showing insight and understanding: discriminating a discerning critic.  There are three different types of awareness. There is prompted awareness: when asked, people tell you they know the organization when picking them off a list. There is unprompted awareness: when asked, people come up with the organization on their own without having to look at a list to say “Oh yeah, I know. “ Finally, I want to say that having discernment is very important to everyone.  This is simply because our job is to know the truth.  We have a job of spreading the Gospel, casting out evil spirits, and to make disciples of everyone.  I have invited people to Church all of the time.  Sometimes, people come, and there are times when they did not come to Church.  I have been very understanding to everyone.  I share the Gospel with everyone.  I share the Gospel online and in my personal life.  What is Spiritual Discernment? 

Chapter #1 The Beginning

Chapter #1 the Beginning
My personal beginning started at birth. On Thursday June 24, 1965 at 7:30PM. St. Elizabeth Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. I want to inform all of you that my mother was 21 years old during that time. My father’s information is not available. The only thing that I can say is that I was created through a one night stand.

Next, I remember when my mother told me that my father was older than her. I supposed that my existence came all of a sudden. I was born in Dayton, Ohio. I remember during that time that Dayton, Ohio was very popular when it came to music. Although Detroit, Michigan had Motown Records. I remember when my mother used to take me to church all of the time.

Further, I also recall spending a lot of time with my grandmothers. I was blessed to see two grandmothers and two grandfathers. I was a blessed child. The church that I was a member of was Bethel Church of God in Christ, which was located on Germantown Street in Dayton, Ohio. I remember when my grandmother told me that I was baptized when I was six months old.
Moreover, it was very nice during that time because my grandparents were working full time at the Pine Club Restaurant; located on Brown Street in Dayton, Ohio. I recall going to work with my grandmother for a few years. I want to inform all of you that I was a year old during that time when my Great Grandmother used to take me to church with her. I met all of the Deacons of the church as well as the Pastor at the church.

In Addition, I will admit that my first few years, I had spent at my grandmother’s house in West Dayton, Ohio. My grandmother lived inside of a very quiet neighborhood. My grandmother was always working just to pay the bills inside of the house. The first seven years of my life consisted of spending time with my cousins and aunt. My aunt worked during that time as well.
Also, my elders of the house were always busy. The 1970s were very interesting to all of those who used to have a musical talent. My family was small at that time. This is also the time I used to get into fist fights with other kids my age. I guess they used to pick on me because I was a very small young man during that time.
However, there were times when I used to run away from home. There were children that picked on me because I was smaller than they were. There were kids in my age group that were larger than me. I want to say that; the first seven years were very nice.

Edison Elementary School in Dayton, Ohio’s West Dayton was a very large school. I remember when I was 4 years old, I was in the Pre- Kindergarten, and I had teachers who could not handle me because I was very hyperactive during that time. One thing that my grandparents used to do; was take me to church with them. I recall having teachers who were very understanding towards all of us. I know that my mother had other children by her husband.
Edison Elementary School was located on 228 North Broadway Avenue in Dayton, Ohio 45407. I knew the address because my mother used to read to all of us as children. My grandparents used to read to me as well. I remember when my mother was gifted educationally because she graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1961. My mother used to help my Uncle with his homework, and he graduated from Dunbar High School in 1960.

My cousins were gifted in school. They were earning As and Bs in school. I remember earning all Cs in school. I know that I could not stand math in school. I did very well in other classes except math. My math teachers were very understanding and very genuine. I used to have problems doing algebra in school. I had a problem completing word problems as well.
As a result, I ended up earning all average grades in school. I do recall earning above average grades in Science and Social Studies. I had a lot of fun during that time. I did very well in English classes in school. I do recall attending Summer School when I was in the 4th grade and 7th grade.
Yet, I still had problems dealing with word problems in math. I read everything the proper way, but I still got the answers wrong on the test. My sisters were very intelligent in school. The 1970s were challenging for me because I had to transfer to a school that was 8 miles from me in 1977.

They started sending African American children to schools inside of European American neighborhoods in 1976. It was not very easy because I remember getting called names because of my color of my skin during that time. After all, I got along well with everyone except for a few students, who lived across the bridge from me. I do remember going to the neighborhood laundry mat, which was located on Riverview and Williams Street in Dayton, Ohio. It was less than a half a mile from my grandmother’s house.
At the same time, I was very nervous going inside of that neighborhood because of the street gangs that we had in the city of Dayton, Ohio.

What gives you direction in life?

What gives you direction in life?

What gives me direction in my life is my personal relationship with God.   God is my personal Savior.   I know that God is Love!  God Loves You.   God will give you life and peace.   God Bless All of You !  God Loves Me because I Love Him.   Therefore I want to inform all of you that Jesus Christ died for me and all of us.  My relationship with God is very important to me.

Modern Involuntary ServitudeThis is a systematic explanation of an issue that of an issue that exist worldwide.  When it comes to modern day involuntary servitude, this has a whole lot to with the unfair treatment of individuals living in society.  Another explanation of modern involuntary servitude has a whole lot to do with individuals who are in the social system.  A social system consists of not only people inside of communities; it has a lot to do with basic institutions that exist inside of a country.  Involuntary servitude is slavery that exists within people of a certain class, authority, as well as those who have power over a community of people. Involuntary servitude in our society today has a whole lot to do with the unjust treatment of people.  This form of slavery goes against another person’s free will.  This means that a person does not have the same traditional rights and freedoms as other who congregate inside of society.  The definition of involuntary is something that is done unwillingly.  Servitude itself has been abolished in the United States since December 17, 1865.  Servitude is slavery or when one who is under the dominion of another.  How come something like this exists worldwide? It is displayed in certain ways. For example, when it comes to modern servitude, it is displayed when it comes to monitoring and watching the behavior of others.  This has a whole lot to do with class, power, influence, and dictatorship.  For instance, there is a form of dictatorship that exist even countries where democracy has been established.  Another example is when a member of law enforcement is illegally tracking an innocent person.  This is a complete deprivation of one’s rights in a modern society.  A very important question to ask when it comes to this subject is; how come people of power, authorities, or government have others in complete bondage?  This form of bondage exists in various ways.  For instance, if a person is released from prison, jail, or institutions they are more than likely to experience discrimination as well as racism.  This is also a way to keep a certain group of people in a situation of poverty and depression.  Another way is simply because of a demonstrated abnormal behavior that a person displays in society.  When it comes to certain groups of people who are released from an institution, they will have to be remanded to Probate Court.  Probate Court monitors individuals and their behavior on a daily basis.  This is a form of servitude.  The reason why is because these individuals will have to adhere to rules, guidelines, and regulations that are very burdensome.  It also deprives individuals of a way of life that is feasible for them.In countries worldwide, racism, discrimination, and oppression exists in a major way.  When people are stripped of their basis rights, it makes them feel extremely sad and estranged.  It is a shame that a people have to experience estrangement.  When it comes to this subject, everyone is entitled to the same freedoms and liberties as others who are living inside of the same society.  Servitude still exists and there are others who deny it. When a person experience it, they are more likely to be constrained even while living inside of their own communities.  It also make people feel censured, denied of certain resources, and definitely feel persecuted.  Modern involuntary servitude applies to those who are under the dominion or control of another.  It also applies to government as well as law enforcement.  It also means that a person does not have autonomy.  The definition of the word autonomy is self government and independence.  Institutions themselves control mass populations of people without their common knowledge or approval.  When it applies again to modern involuntary servitude, this also limits individuals in society from making advancements in their personal life.  They are also denied employment without a full explanation.  Anyone who is currently experiencing this right now feels completely helpless.The state, county, and federal government can have power and control over another person’s behavior.  This problem is a very serious one because there are those who are in the system; which means government and they are not able to get released.  The reason why is because they have the power and control to monitor and regulate the behavior of others.  There are those who are experiencing involuntary servitude and they are not fully aware of it.  Modern involuntary servitude is illegal.  It places limitations on the amount of freedom that a person can really have.For instance, a mental health patient who has been released from a psychiatric hospital can only participate in certain activities while they are living inside of their own communities.  It prevents an individual from entering into certain communities, or restricts them from affiliating with other people.

The Sinful Nature Vs the New Man        This is an essay concerning the Sinful Nature vs the New Man.  Who do you think will win?  The sinful nature consists of the Old Man Nature.          The reason why I brought this up as a topic is simply because there are some things that I am struggling with as a Christian.  For Instance, I do not use any vulgarity.  I will admit that I am a lonely man right now.  I am not involved in a relationship right now because I was doing things that did not make sense.         Next, I want to say that it is not easy for me to deal with this problem.  I really need everyone to please keep me in your prayers.  The New man is a man that is holy.  The new man is very honest, truthful, considerate, respectful, and Christ-like.  When it comes to the Old Man, it thrives on things that are not of God.         I know that this information does not pertain to the Old and New Man, but it is helpful when it comes to dealing with issues that I am dealing with right now. In Colossians 3:9-10 the apostle Paul mentions the “old self” and the “new self” as he writes “Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.” He says that the old self has been put aside. Why would one want to put aside the old self, or old man? We are taught to put aside our old self because it is being corrupted. “if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,” (Ephesians 4:21-22). We can see that once we have been taught about Jesus Christ that we should want to do away with our old self that is full of sin, corrupted with the lusts and deceit of this world. We can further see that we can put off this old self by having it crucified with Jesus Christ. As he was crucified on the cross so that we may have forgiveness of sins, in like manner, our old self is nailed to that cross so that we will not walk in an unrighteous manner afterward. Paul says “knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin” (Rom 6:6). We also put off this old self by regeneration in accordance with Galatians 3:26 and Ephesians 4:23-24.        We have learned that the old man is one that is full of sin and worldliness. But what is the new man? The new man is the one that is full of the righteousness and holiness of God! “And put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (Ephesians 4:24). Also, if you go back to the beginning of this article and read the text you’ll notice that this new man is one that is renewed according to the image of God (Colossians 3:10).         Once one has decided to put on the new man (and this can only be done through baptism (Gal 3:27), and put off the old, then there are things that must follow after doing so. One cannot expect to go to heaven by accepting Jesus Christ and then quit trying to live the Christian life. There are several things that the new Christian must strive to do every day to live a life for Jesus. It starts by speaking the truth about Jesus. We should feel so good about Him, that we would WANT to tell others about the wonderful happiness that we have found in Jesus. We should want to tell our neighbors about Him. “Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25). In the past we might have gotten angry and sinned, but now the new man understands the righteousness of God and when one gets angry they will “sin not” as it states in Ephesians 4:26. We would be moved to do good works accompanied with good speech, while at the same time striving daily to resist the devil and all his temptations (Ephesians 4:27-29). This will be a struggle for the new babe in Christ but it can be done. Remember, God will not allow you to be tempted greater than you can endure (1 Corinthians 10:13). A new man will be moved to practice kindness to others. “And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). Knowing that Christ died for us, forgiving us of all our sins, we should likewise be quick to forgive others in like-manner. When the old self has been put away, the new Christian will strive to have compassion on others (Colossians 3:12), and be long-suffering towards others (Colossians 3:13). The new man stands out because he has learned to put on love. “And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity”. (Colossians 3:14). There is a big difference between the old man of the world and the new man.

How Do We Teach Our Children How To Obey God?

        This is an essay that ask a very important question.  How do we teach our children how to obey God?  According to Deuteronomy 6:7 says: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.  This means our primary emphasis is to teach our children how to love the Lord God.

        This also means that we are supposed to love the Lord with all of thy heart, soul, mind, and strength.  When it comes to teaching our children about the Bible, they learn by watching their parents.  If the parents are reading the Bible to their children, teaching their children how to pray, and taking them to church all of the time, and conducting themselves like a true Christian, then a child will never forget about the Lord.  According to proverbs 22:6 says: Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he gets old, he will not depart from it.

        I remember when I was growing up in the Dayton, Ohio Area from 1970-1990.  I attended church with my grandmothers on a regular basis.  My Great Grandmother indicated that she was taking me to church, so that I can grow up and be a real man.  She read the Bible to me on a regular basis.  I attended Bethel Church of God in Christ in Dayton, Ohio.  My Great Grandmother stated to me that she was raising me because my mother suffered from postpartum depression.  This is a mental illness that affects pregnant mothers worldwide.  My mother made a decision to take me to my Grandmother’s house and I had a lot of fun.

        At first, I did not understand what was going on with my mother at that time.  I went through a lot of changes myself because on May 30, 1972, I went to live with my mother and afterwards, I started drinking and smoking marijuana at the age of 7 years old.  However, I was born with alcohol inside of my bloodstream because my mother was drinking alcohol during that time.  My mother was also responsible for taking me to church on a regular basis herself.  One mistake that my mother made was trying to change my name.  My birth name is Anthony Joseph Hopkins.  She changed my name because she was married to a man that was not my own biological father. 

        I had to make changes to my own school records because I told my school counselor that the name that I was using Anthony Joseph Russell was not my real name.  I officially changed my name because it did not make sense what my mother had done to me as a person.  My own mother tried to alter my identity.  I have forgiven my mother for what she had done to me.  I will admit that I felt ashamed about having that name.  I used to examine my birth certificate and social security card and say to myself, why did Mom do this to me? 

        I have read the Bible over and over for the past 40 years.  I have always wondered why all of the bad things happened to me as a person.  My own stepfather stabbed me when I was a senior in high school.  I had to protect my own little brother on November 25, 1985.  If I didn’t put my arm in the way shielding my little brother, he would have been dead.  Therefore, I got stabbed with a hook knife.  To be perfectly honest, I almost bled to death from my injuries. 

        I will admit that there are things that I had done to my own mother and stepfather when I was much younger.  Like they say in Ephesians 6:1, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.  There are times when I was a child that I even resented my own stepfather.  I even got into a fist fight with him immediately after he stabbed me with the hook knife that he had in his possession at the time.  There are times when I have actual flashbacks from the things that I had to endure in my personal life. 

        Finally, I am very sorry for mentioning all of this, but I have to tell the truth.  My name is Anthony Joseph Hopkins, and I am a 58 year old man from Dayton, Ohio.  I used to live in Charlotte, NC for 12 years.  I have been incarcerated a total of 26 times within the past 21 years.  I graduated from the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio on June 12, 1993 and June 17, 1995 respectively.  There are times when I meditate about the past and there are times when my own family members argue with me about the past.  God loves me and this is all that matters to me right now.  I have come a very long way in my personal life.