Doing While Waiting For Jesus To Return

for from you has sounded out the word

of the Lord not only in Macedonia and 

Achaia, but also in every place your

faith to Godward is spread abroad;

so that we ne3d not to speak any thing.

For they themselves shew of us what

manner of entering in we had unto you,

and how ye turned to God from idols

to serve the living and true God; and

to wait for his Son from heaven, whom

he raised from the dead, even Jesus,

which delivered us from the wrath

to come.

1Thessalonians 1:8-10

    I did not have a chance yesterday to do my blog because I had to go to the doctor about my problem with poison oak. Medicine given to help and I sure do hope it does, this is miserable. 50% of my body is covered with this poison. Well, there are those who will pray for my healing and this in some sense is good, but God does not heal in small portions. Just look at Scripture and when Jesus healed it was instant. So, what about prayer? Good question: yes, I pray that God would have mercy and heal me, this is miserable, but there is something more important and that is that God will give to me peace and patience to allow this to pass. I and you have been given brains to think and even, as I did in this case by pulling out poison oak, and oleander without some stupid sense that my past immunity would protect me, it was not Satan, it was all me and my poor decision. But God is merciful and will give to those in need the ability to survive whatever comes, even to those in nations were they do not have all that we have in this nation. Those who are suffering and not due necessarily because of poor decisions. God is always with us and this is most important to know, to understand, that God has not taken us out of this world and all its problems, but will take us through them until we go to be with Him in heaven. On top of that my computer monitor stopped working but I had kept another one and put it in place so today I am back attempting to encourage all to remember we are children of God. 

     Paul reminded the Thessalonians about the faith, joy, and that their faithfulness spread throughout Macedonia, Achaia, in every place. They faced persecution, trials, sufferings, those things of life that affect us all in one way or another, but they remained faithful. They did not blame God for not removing all these problems. This word: Godward, in Greek means to have faith towards God, and this we too must have if we are to expect God's blessings, and aid in this fallen world. How did the Thessalonians, and any people who claim faith in God show this faith? They turned from idols, their manner of living was the same as their words, they were, and we too should be, serving the living God. Not just any god, but the true Living God. While we remain on this earth until death or until the return of Jesus we wait with faith because Jesus rose from the dear, God's Son, and Who will deliver us from the wrath that is to come. 

     Sometimes things that happen to us are due to what others have caused, but just as often we cause our own problems. Satan is blamed far too often when in fact it is due to us and not Satan. Deflection is not good when we attempt to absolve ourselves from what we may have or not have done. Here is where our faith comes in to play. God will aid us in our times of trouble to make it through and by this the Gospel is shown as to what manner our faith is, and what our God is. We are not removed from our humanity, we still have and are human and human frailties, but we have God who is greater than them all and will as He has done take us home to be with Him and then our humanity, while still human, is now clothed in a new body, incorruptible and all that Satan caused by his sinning, and the sinning of Adam and Eve will no longer plague you. Praise God for He is present and will answer your prayer that is a prayer of faith. What do we have to lose? Nothing! We are already conquerors just waiting for the trip home. 

Behold, I will create new heavens

    and a new earth. The former

things will not be remembered, 

    nor will they come to mind.

                Isaiah 65:17

Obedience the hallmark of a Christian

Richard L. Crumb

Becoming Authentic Followers Of Jesus Christ

For our gospel came not unto you

in word only, but also in power,

and in the Holy Ghost, and in much

assurance; as ye know what manner

of men we were among you for 

your sake. And ye became followers

of us, and the Lord, having received

the work in much affliction, with joy

of the Holy Ghost; so that ye were

examples to all that believe in 

Macedonia and Achaia.

1Thessalonians 1:5-7

     Paul in writing to the Thessalonian Church did so to aid them to remain in the truth once delivered to them, and this was to those Jews who converted to Christianity, and to the Gentiles as well. This Church was a Christian Church, not due to some antics, or speaking in some gibberish language, or doing any other thing, they were a Christian Church because they believed in God the Father and in Jesus Christ the Lord. Because of their faith even under tribulations they convinced that the Lord Jesus Christ was the purchaser of all good things for the Children of God. Hope is not a pure hope that hopes in things other than that which comes from God in Jesus Christ. The hope that is true, pure, is a hope that expects fro God the best good for God is Good. 

     To pray without ceasing is not to hide yourself secluded in some manner and just speak words in prayer. This may be good for a moment of time, but prayer that is unceasing is for a person to be in the attitude of prayer at all times. It is not always by our words, it is also by our grateful sense of God's goodness that is to be upon our minds. We pray not just for ourselves, but for others, for our friends, family, and do mention them in our prayers when called to mind by the Holy Spirit, or that a person has asked for prayer. This attitude and pragmatic use of prayer will bring comfort in your own faith and the faith of others. Prayer done correctly according to the will of God as outlined in His word give grounds and reasons for your thanksgiving. 

     Paul praised the Thessalonian Church due to their faith, and their work of faith. True faith, not some drummed up faith by some sort of group euphoria, or by some excited preaching that is not the true Gospel, rather, a true faith that brings with it an influence both to the heart and the mind. Paul mentions their love and their labor of love. It is the responsibility of an Authentic Christian to exercise the love of God to others, especially those who are members or your Church. Paul mentions their hope, and their patience of hope, a hope that has as its foundation a well-grounded hope of eternal life. This patient hope is able to bear the trials and afflictions that come upon a person. Paul then mentions that the Object and the efficient Cause of these graces is the Lord Jesus Christ. God's eye is always upon His children and when we keep our eye on God then a sign of sincerity will be manifested, and you will be endeavoring to approve yourself before God. Paul mentions this endeavoring when he wrote to the Church at Philippi: "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:12-13).The writer in the book of Hebrews wrote: "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister" (Hebrews 6:10).

     The Gospel came to the Thessalonians as it has come to you and the Gospel came with assurance and they continued in the faith by the power of the Holy Spirit. Not that they had to display this power of the Holy Spirit as some teach, i.e., slain in the spirit, falling over in some gyrations that are more like an epileptic, speaking wildly in shouts of euphoric intonations as though God was pleased with all this. No! God is not pleased with such outward intentional display. God is pleased when He operates in a person so that person lives according to His commands, and precepts, living a life of purity. It is this life that breaks through all the hinderances that hold a person back from receiving the truth and allows that person to make the needed sacrifices so that they will follow Jesus Christ and have the assurance of eternal life. 

     We who have received this assurance have the privilege to bring the Gospel to others. Pray that God will use you and listen carefully to that small still voice that leads you. Read His word. Apply His word to your life. Now you have influence upon others that you may never come to know. God wants to use you, all you have to do is make yourself available. 

Whoever invokes a blessing

    in the land will do so by

the God of truth; he who

    takes an oath in the land

will swear by the God of truth.

   for the past troubles will be

forgotten.

                     Isaiah 65:16

As A Child Of God: You Are Blessed

Richard L. Crumb

The LIfe Of Living Faith

We give thanks to God always for you all,

making mention of you in our prayers;

remembering without ceasing your work

of faith, and labour of love, and patience

of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the

sight of God and our Father; knowing, 

brethren beloved, your election of God.

1Thessalonians 1:2-4

     Before I begin, I beg your patience for I am fighting a very bad case of poison oak. Itches, hurts, can't sleep, but am doing all I can to get over this. This too will pass! I pray for God to continue to use me and give me strength to continue faithfully this blog. 

     Paul gives "thanks to God for you" so notice that it was to God for them he gave thanks, and gives this thanks due to the working of God in His children. Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he remembers always (without ceasing) their work of faith. Not their work, pragmatic work, which is not altogether wrong if used according to the will of God, but it was their faith. This faith was a faith that consisted of a labor of love, not free love as the world sees love, or to have love for a friend, rather a God principled love. Patience, a thing so often misunderstood and used wrongly. This patience consisted of hope, not in what they were doing, as some think that by doing their are godly, and this does not reject the fact that as Christians we are to be actively being an ambassador for Christ, but this patience had as its foundation, "hope." Hope, what is hope? This hope had as its foundation Jesus Christ. This type of hope is built upon a person's relationship with Jesus Christ and Him alone. All other hope is built upon man's thinking, rationalized at times to cause a theological difference from what God has declared in His word. Furthermore, not only does God see your faith, your work, your patience, and your hope, you too know something very important: "Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God." έκλογήν an accusative singular word that speaks of the act of choosing out, or selecting, or selection the aggregate of those who are chosen. This word was built upon the Greek word:   έκλέγομαι which is in the middle voice,(not used here) and carries the meaning of choosing for oneself, not necessarily rejecting the choosing, but choosing with the subsidiary ideas of kindness or favor or love. The choosing is done in love, a principled God love as Mark wrote under inspiration: "And unless the Lord had shortened the days, there would not have been saved any flesh; but on account of the elect whom he chose, he has shortened the days" (Mark 13:20). Man cannot, not by any means, or work, or practice, or following creeds, liturgies, other than what God gave to the Church, can be saved, or to be of the elected. This choosing is of God alone. Faith, hope, endurance, patience, working to spread the Gospel, to be a living witness for Jesus Christ, this God recognizes for all is done to and for the glory of God, and for Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. 

     What then is holding you back from being a worker, a tireless worker for God? What holds your priorities over God, over Jesus Christ who has chosen you? Christians, that is, Authentic Christians are Christians with Authentic Christian Faith. It is this faith in Jesus Christ, in the Father who sent Him to die for you through His dying to pay this debt we all owe to God and by that applies it to those whom He chooses and this choosing is in love. 

     Prepare now to be that worker for God. Do whatever you can do, but do it now! Sow the seed, water the seed, and watch God make it grow. What a wonderful thing God has done for you and I, we have one responsibility that is over all responsibilities, other than to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ, and that is to be a witness for Jesus Christ, to God. Don't look for blessings. Don't sit back and think that others are doing it so you are not needed. Don't be a Sunday Christian. We are Christians 24 hours per day every day of the year until we die and go to be with our Savior. You are already blessed. 

The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: 

     and their inheritance shall be forever.

They shall not be ashamed in the evil time:

     and i the days of famine they shall be

satisfied.

                           Psalm 37:18-19

God Loves You: Love Him Back

Richard L. Crumb

Preparing An Answer About The Trinity

Paul, and Silvanus,

and Timotheus,

unto the church of the

Thessalonians which is

in God the Father and 

in the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace be unto you, and peace,

from God our Father, and

the Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:1

      You may be wondering: why repeat this verse. Well, good question: and here is my answer. As ambassadors for Jesus Christ it is good to be ready to give an answer for our faith to anyone who asks (1Peter3:15). The Trinity is one of the attacked doctrine of the Christian faith. Usually the person attacking this doctrine knows little, if even nothing, about Greek grammar, and this is why I often give parsing of Greek words so the nuances of the Greek will aid a person to grow in their faith and to be ready to answer questions from those who attack Christianity. 

     Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, first words in this Book, and notice that there is a word, "and," between them and there is not definite article. Many would say that the word "and," is used as a separator, but this is not the case for there is no definite article: "the." When there is not definite article between the nouns then the nouns are considered to be in union with each other. In the case of Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus, these words are not to be considered to conjoin them physically for each as this would mean that there are not separate but the context tells us that they are the same speaking to the Church and that they do so "in (which) God the Father as is the Church. There is agreement among them and the same purpose, to serve God. So, they are separate people with the same purpose, to speak to the church at Thessalonica. 

     Now, about the Trinity. "in God the Father and in (this is added for the word "Lord," is dative meaning "to, or towards, or in) Lord Jesus Christ. There is no definite article to separate God and Jesus Christ. It is not "the God," or, "the Lord Jesus Christ," it is "God," and "Jesus Christ," making both to be the same, speaking of each as being the same while each are different in application as to the purpose of God for His children, they according to the context are speaking the same words, "Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." Both God and Jesus Christ together are saying, "grace, and peace," and there is no other part in this verse to separate them as to be two different beings. Both are essentially the same One Being, God. Notice the pronouns, God is yet three "Persons" who have the same essence of deity. Yes, the Bible does not use the word "Trinity," in fact this word was not written down until Tertullian did so. God the Son (Jesus) is fully, completely God. God the Father is fully, completely God. And God the Holy Spirit is fully, completely God. Yet there is only one God. God operates according to His will and by use of the Three Persons of the Trinity, not as a Modalist will admit that when One Person acts the others are not present making God to divide Himself but then who was Jesus praying to (John 17) when He prayed? God does not divide Himself as you do not divide yourself. An example may be this: You are driving down the highway in your car and using the steering wheel, the gas pedal, brake, and even turning the radio channel and at the same time you are thinking about something else. You do not separate yourself to do one thing then another, you do them all at the same time, in fact you may even be humming a tune while thinking about work, or something else. Now this is possibly a poor example for to describe the indescribable God is impossible. God is a different Being that man or any other thing that He created. God is Triune!

     This blog is all about changing from the inside/out so that we grow in grace and peace, and in our making our faith sure (2Peter 1:10), preparing ourselves to be a witness to God our Father and to our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the Holy Spirit, all the same essence, God, becoming ready to answer those who may ask a reason for your faith. God will aid you for He has given to each of His children the Holy Spirit Who resides in God's children and will recall for you His word. You do not need to fear those who object to the doctrine of the Trinity: you need to prepare to answer for many are asking because they need clarification to aid them in their growth in faith. God will use you to further His kingdom, not because you are so intelligent, no, because you are willing to be used and this willingness drives you to learn how to best serve Him. Continue your growth, blessing and honor are yours before God.

And he said to me, "Son of man, 

     listen carefully and take to heart

all the words I speak to you. God now

     to your countrymen in exile and 

speak to them. Say to them, "This is

     what the Sovereign LORD says,

whether they listen or fail to listen."

                     Ezekiel 3:10

Prepare to be used by God

Richard L. Crumb

Growing Faith Through Knowledge

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus,

unto the church of the Thessalonians

which is in God the Father and in 

the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be

uto you, and peace, from God our Father 

and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1Thessalonians 1:1

     As I do before writing on the letters written to various churches and people some historical background is necessary to get a fuller understanding of why the letter was necessary. Thessalonica an old city with a history that shows that it became an important city. Thessalonica was large and important city, and became the capital city of Roman Macedonia. If you remember it was the land from where Alexander the Great was born as his father Philip was the king and after the death of Alexander (321 B.C.) many battles took place until the Romans captured Macedonia along with Thessalonica. Thessalonica is situated at the head of the Thermatic gulf, and north of Corinth between Philippi a city north of it, and Berea, a city just south of it, and Corinth a bit further south. Cassander became ruler and captured the city and needed to claim the throne as king of Alexander's homeland, and this he did by marrying the only surviving member of the Royal Bloodline, a daughter of Philip the Great, and half sister to Alexander the Great. Her name was Thessalonke and the marriage took place 316 B.C. Cassander built Thessalonica onthe sity of the ancient Thracian city called Theme which means "hot." Thessalonica was especially valuable because of several features. The land of Thessalonica located strategically had a natural harbor that was deep at the shoreline a place where ships could come with goods to be traded. Thessalonica as well had land of forests and good farming land so the city grew in importance and prospered. When the Romans took over the land and finally occupied all of Greece they noticed that Thessalonica was a perfect location and harbor and made Thessalonica the capital of their new province.

     This peace that came with the Romans allowed the city to grow in size and in prosperity. Italians, Jews, and Macedonians, Egyptians, all moved to Thessalonica to share in the opportunities there, and in the wealth that came to Thessalonica. When Paul and Silas managed to turn the city upside down and this during the three months. Unfortunately Paul and Silas had to leave the city but had left behind an amazing change. Christianity had taken hold of the city. Thessalonica was like most Grecian cities full of idols and many gods. The moral standards of the Thessalonians did not differ much from that of other Grecian cities as well, they were idolaters. Some though were displeased with religion that existed and sought other religions and another religous experience and joined with the local synagogue. To give an idea of the importance of this city an edict of importance must shown:

On February 27, 380, by the Edict of Thessalonica, also known as Cunctos populos, Roman Emperors Theodosius I, Gratian, and Valentinian II made Nicene Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire, stating that all their subjects should profess the faith of the bishops of Rome and Alexandria. The edict was issued shortly after Theodosius had suffered a severe illness in Thessalonica (Thessaloniki), and was baptized by Acholius, the bishop of that city. 

     With this history we can now in the next blogs begin our exegetical examination of what, why, when, Paul wrote and how what the Holy Spirit inspired him to write applies to us. I do hope this will give to you the background of this letter and will aid your growth in knowledge so you can answer anyone who might question your faith. 

The LORD is righteous:

     he hath cut assunder 

the cords of the wicked.

     Let them all be confounded

and turned back that hate Zion.

                Psalm 129:4-5

Add to your virtue knowledge

Richard L. Crumb

    

Becoming Faithful Fellow Workers To The Kingdom Of God

Aristarchus my fellowprisoner

saluteth you, and Marcus,

sister's son to Barnabas,

(touching whom ye received

commandments: if he come

unto you, receive him;) and

Jesus, which is called Justus,

who are of the circumcision.

These only are my fellowworkers 

unto the kingdom of God, which

have been a comfort unto me.

Colossians 4:10-11

     As we come to the close of this letter to the Colossians we find Paul speaking of those who were laboring in the spread of the Gospel of the kingdom of God. Aristarchus a fellowworker with Paul was mentioned in Acts 27:2. Others were mentioned and one in view is that of Marcus who was a nephew of Barnabas whom Paul has differed with on account of Mark. What we now find is that Paul and Barnabas had reconciled, and even Paul recommends him to the Churches as an example of a true Christian and with a forgiving spirit. There are those in our Churches who are worshipping with us who may have in the past misconducted but are not faithful workers for the kingdom of God, and are beloved brothers. As Authentic Christians we not only forgive, we forget.

     We find not only Gentiles converts with Paul, we find Hebrews who were converts to Christianity and all had communion with each other as they served the kingdom of God. Each were working out their salvation and were bringing the gospel to others who too can endeavor in their pursuit to live as an Authentic Christian. This too is our example that we are to be workers for the kingdom of God. We are to be good ministers who take comfort in their fellow workers. This friendship is one of eternal brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ and we converse with them, we refresh each other and take of them when they are facing difficulties. Paul continues his admonition for those who were working for the kingdom of God: "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye man stand perfect and complete in the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis" (Colossians 4:12-13). Those two cities mentioned were only a few miles north of Colossae, and were close enough to each other to be associated with Colossae. Prayer, Epaphroditus had learned to pray and this he did fervently for his friends. Prayer is so important that to forget to pray is be apathetic towards the kingdom of God which we all are as a child of God. Prayer may, and often does, take great pain to be earnest in prayer remembering that our prayers are not just for ourselves, it is for others also. 

     "Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, take heed to the ministgry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. This salutation by the hand of me Paul. remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen" (Colossians 4: 14-18). There were some, if not all, meeting in homes and this may be due to the persecution that was coming upon Christians in many of the localities due much to the turmoil that the emperor Nero was causing in Rome. Nero had gone mad in the sense that he suspected almost everyone and when he needed to be absolved from some of his antics, he burned Rome and placed the blame on Christians. Other cites were already causing grief and this just add fire to their already persecution against Christians. The world is much different today here in the United States where Christians are not under such persecution as the early church, yet, Christians are being affronted by those who would destroy religion and especially Christianity. Therefore, we too must prepare that a time may come when we too must worship together privately, even in fear of the government. This should drive Christians to remain close to one another and not separate themselves just because others are not exactly what they believe a Christian should believe. I am not speaking of false teaching, or heresy, rather that they are not as far along in their walk with Christ and are in need of close relationship with more mature Christians. 

     Paul reminded Archippus to take heed to the ministry, and so we too should do the same for we all have a ministry. We should not be in a congregation or following some ministers due to flattery, or those smiles that are hiding even heresy. Often those smiles and flatteries are from being associated with this world's culture. True ministers of God are far from deceit, and are not deceptive, having a spirit of error, to be working for self-love, a self-aggrandizement reaching out for power and money. True Authentic Christian ministers are to be examples of Jesus Christ and all preaching the same doctrine as Paul instructed the ministers in the Churches. We all want the blessing of God and to have His Divine favor, then, we follow Jesus Christ and maintain a close relationship with Him. 

Keep thy foot when thou goest

     to the house of God, and be

ready to hear, than to give the

     sacrifice of fools: for they

consider not that they do evil.

            Ecclesiasties 5:1

Grace and Peace to You From the Father

Richard L. Crumb

Becoming Faithful Servants Of The Lord Jesus Christ

All my state shall Tychicus declare

unto you, who is a beloved brother,

and a faithful minister and fellow

servant: in the Lord: whom I have

sent unto you for the same purpose,

that he might know your estate, and 

comfort your hearts; with Onesimus,

a faithful and beloved brother, who

is one of you. They shall make known

unto you all things which are done here.

Colossians 4:7-9

     Paul here does not give an account of his state there in a Roman prison and has sent Tychicus to give an account for him to the Church. Faithfulness by anyone calling themselves Christian is a lovely thing and by this faithfulness that person is rendered as worthy of our affection and esteem. Ministers, not just in a person's Church, but ministers who are faithful to God's word are our fellow servants. By means of faithful ministers the Gospel is spread by them and there are among them various ministries, and they have different capacities to be used in their service. Paul was concerned for the Colossian Church and desired to get an account of them for he as a faithful servant of God, even under imprisonment, cared for the brothers and sisters. It is a great and wonderful thing that God has provided faithful ministers throughout Church history and has provided even now for us in this present age who care for us. 

    Onesimus who had been a servant to Philemon and had converted to Christianity while in Rome  who had fled from his master's service as a slave was now sent with Tychicus. Onesimus who may or may not have been a free-slave, that is, a bondservant, showed himself to be a poor servant. Now after his conversion Paul calls him a faithful and beloved brother and should be received back into the Church as such. 

     Circumstances of life can and often do cause a person to do things that are wrong, bad, and until those circumstances are placed in the right order life is full of bad and hurtful things. Some people in Church will not accept a person who has repented and converted to the Lord Jesus Christ, but how this can be is amazing to me when one things about the life of Paul. It is a person's spiritual relationship with God, with Jesus Christ following the words of Jesus that manifest the truth and reality of conversion. It is first of all amazing that God has saved that person and by the power of the Holy Spirit and the reading and applying of God's word in that person's life that God has not departed from him and has accepted him/her into the body of Jesus Christ. We who hold to the truth of Scripture when seeing a person's truthful conversion will not hinder that person from communion with the saints of God. The prayers of that person who has converted to God, and that will include all of us no matter our past circumstances in life, should be an excitement to all that this person is faithful and devoted as an Authentic Christian and has made himself/herself, available to the service of God. Misconduct may be a picture of your past and if that past is past then your present conduct is a blessing to you and to all you minister too. 

     Brothers and sisters, while we examine all things and hold on to that which is good (1Thessalonians 5:21) we in love accept those who are truly converted and are faithful in the Lord. It may take time for a person to be fully accepted but there will be a time to accept and this is important for the spiritual health of one who has left the past behind and not be driven back to it by being snubbed. Friendliness among brothers and sisters means more that being part of a "click," and never meeting or speaking to those you may not know at all, or well. Take the time to meet and greet all in the Lord. These are your eternal friends, brothers and sisters, all part of this great body of Jesus Christ, all having to undergo the trials of this world and are in need of your friendliness and love. Give it and you world will be bright and you will receive blessing that you may not know exist. We are the Church of God, the call-out ones by God so we must manifest this to the world. 

Trust in the LORD, and do good;

     so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

             Psalm 37:3

Befriend someone today in the Lord

Richard L. Crumb

 

Prayer The Way To The Throne Of God

Continue in prayer, and watch 

in the same with thanksgiving:

withal praying also for us,

tht God would open unto us a 

door of utterance, to speak 

this mystery, to speak the 

mystery of Christ, for which 

I am also in bonds: that I may

make it manifest, as I ought

to speak. Walk in wisdom

toward them that are without, 

redeeming the time. Let your

speech be alway with grace,

seasoned with salt, that ye

may know how ye ought to 

answer every man.

Colossians 4:2-6

     The English word, "continue," is not as strong as the Greek word: προσακαρτερείτε, a second person, plural, present tense, imperative, therefore this is not some suggestion, it is a directive and command, to persevere, to be unremitting, or steadfast, and to continue and in this case it is speaking of prayer. The word in English, "watching," has better understanding when one looks at the Greek word, γρηγορύντες, nominative, plural, masculine, participle, present tense, therefore, one is to be awake at all times, to be watching, to be vigilant, to be attentive, to circumspect. Prayer is not an apathetic attempt to ask God for things as though God is required to give to a person due to their being faithful, no, prayer is to be a times to speak to God, to thank God, and through prayer to be circumspect allowing the word of God to speak through as the Holy Spirit brings to mind what you have learned by reading, and through good truthful preaching what is the will of God. Then in all circumstances you will not go outside the will of God and simply rely on your reasoning. Prayer is also a prayer of intercession for others, yes, we pray for others demonstrating to God our faith in Him to act according to the need of the other person, and to act according to His will. Be obedient and allow God to handle all circumstances. Paul was in prison in Rome for what? What did Paul do that was demanding death? Even imprisonment? Nothing accept the Roman government under Nero and other emperors hated anything that would disrupt society and be against the accept pagan religions they held sacred. Paul was in prison because he preached Jesus Christ. That is what we as Authentic Christians are to do because we have been commanded by God to do it: Preach the Gospel. Paul was not asking for prayer for himself other than this situation that he was in would be used to further the Gospel, so that he would speak in such a way as to manifest Jesus Christ in his life no matter the circumstance. 

     Wisdom, is this not what we all want? Yes! The beginning of wisdom is: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise" (Psalm 111: 10). There is the beginning of wisdom: having the fear (respect) of God. To know that you are living in this "fear," or respect towards God is to be walking in His truth. As you walk, or go, (Matthew 28:19-20), showing others the wisdom of God, and His revelation of truth through Jesus Christ then you will be ransoming the time, and all will see that you are "living waters" of truth. The word of God, that which revealed to you faith so that you can believe upon Jesus Christ and convert to Him is not to be something that is forced upon another, not to use sly means to bring the Gospel to other, no, it is by grace, seasoned with salt, you are the salt of the earth, and by this, through prayer, you will be able to answer for you faith (1Peter 3:15: Colossians 4:6b). 

     The life of an Authentic Christian begins with believing on Jesus Christ and this is an acceptance that you know from the word of God that God has called you to salvation, and then in prayer, continued, steadfast, prayer, you prepare to be used by God in His service to bring the Gospel to all that you can. This is not going to get you to heaven, it may not bring a blessing as you may see what blessing you feel that your deserve, no, it is being a faithful and discreet slave. Your blessing is already established in heaven by Jesus Christ who went to heaven and while their is or has made you a home and nothing can take that away from you: you are blessed. What more do you need? 

This is the one I esteem:

     he who is humble and 

contrite in spirit, and 

    trembles at my word.

             Isaiah 66:2b

Pray, continue in thoughtful prayer

Richard L. Crumb

Slavery A Most Misunderstood Portion Of The Bible

Servants, obey in all things your masters

according to this flesh; not with 

eye service, as men pleasers; but

in singleness of heart, fearing God;

and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily,

as tot he Lord, and not unto men;

knowing that or the Lord ye shall 

receive the reward of the inheritance:

for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he

that doeth wrong shall receive for the

wrong which he hath done: and there

is no respect of persons. Masters,

give unto your servants that which is 

just and equal; knowing that ye also

have a Master in heaven.

Colossians 3:22-25; 4:1

     How often Christians are accused of promoting slavery and are condemned as a religion of hate. Many times people refer to those passages in the Bible that speak of slavery as their proof. The problem with their condemnation is that they do not understand slavery in the times of the Apostles. Yes, slavery has been and is in some countries abhorrent as to the treatment of men, women and children as nothing more than chattel. Men will do all they can to make money, to have power, and those who conform to be slave owners as was seen in the period before 1865 when the President Abraham Lincoln and the civil war between the states here in the United States whereby slavery was ended often treated slaves horribly. 

     Let us look back to the times of Paul when he wrote about slavery. Often slaves were children sold by their parents as they were in need of money. This is being done today where children are sold into slavery of prostitution as reported in the lands of Nepal and India, and elsewhere. Slavery has existed almost from the time of the fall of Babel as can be read in the history of the Hebrews in Egypt when the Pharaoh made them slaves and forced labor. Rebellion of the slaved occurred often and one most famous rebellion was when Sparticus a slave rebelled and other slaves joined with him.

Spartacus was a Thracian gladiator who commanded a massive slave army during the Third Servile War, the largest and most successful slave rebellion in Roman history. The uprising began in 73 B.C. when Spartacus and a small band of slaves escaped from a gladiator school by using kitchen utensils as weapons. Slaves from across the Roman countryside soon flocked to join the revolt, and the rebel army caused a panic in the Roman senate after it defeated a militia at Mt. Vesuvius and two legions near Mt. Garganus.

According to the ancient historian Appian, as more slaves joined the uprising their ranks swelled to include as many as 120,000 former bondsmen. But despite their early victories, the slaves later fell prey to disunion and split into several unorganized factions. The main rebellion was then defeated in 71 B.C. after eight Roman legions commanded by Marcus Lucinius Crassus cornered Spartacus and demolished what remained of his army. Spartacus died in the battle, and 6,000 surviving slaves were later crucified along a Roman highway as a brutal warning against future revolts.

     Slaveholding societies always lived in fear of the people they kept in bondage. Slave populations were typically much larger than those of their masters, and the anger provoked by a life in chains often spilled over into violent revolts and uprisings. But while these rebellions were usually defeated in brutal fashion, in some instances the slaves managed to escape persecution and even went on to set up their own communities and countries. Find out more about seven groups of slaves who risked everything for a chance at freedom.

     There is some evidence that slaves were better treated in the Imperial period as fewer wars resulted in slaves being in less ready supply and, therefore, they increased in value and it was recognised that harsh treatment was counter-productive so that there were even laws which provided against excessively cruel owners. However, in practical terms, one can imagine, that owners were at liberty to treat their property as they thought best and the only real constraint was the desire to maintain the value of the asset and not provoke a drastic and collective reaction from those enslaved. Indeed, treatises were written advising the best methods of management regarding slaves - what food and clothing was best, which were the most efficient methods of motivation (e.g. giving time off or better food rations), and how to create divisions amongst slaves so that they did not form dangerous protest groups.

     Slavery was part and parcel of the society in the days of Paul and he had to remind them that this life, as good, or bad, as harsh leading to mistreatment they were not to rebel. Actually slaves at this time were treated fairly for the Romans had learned that to avoid more slave rebellion they needed laws and treatment that was good and safe. Slaves were workers for both government and private owners and provided a work force that the Romans needed to build their roads and cities. 

     Masters and slaves alike were given this admonition of how to treat slaves and why. Both have a Master in heaven and it is to this Master that they must give an account. Do not as a slave, or in today's world a worker, just do things so as to get approval from those in charge. Work at what you said you would do, and do not unnecessarily complain. If you have a complaint in this day of laws you have a remedy to use by law. Use it! 

     Authentic Christians do not admit that slavery is good, or necessary, especially in this present age. If a person works for you then you treat them properly. Whatever is done is to be done for the glory of God. 

     Paul has written to every possible position of man and has given the same admonition. Live for Jesus Christ first and foremost. Live as a child of God and bring glory to Him. Your reward is in heaven and as a child of God this reward is not earned, not something you work for, rather it is already yours, so live knowing this fact: this world is not you home, you are just passing through, your treasure lays up somewhere in the blue. Love God, put Him as your highest priority and when you reach your heavenly home you will hear: "Well done, faithful and discreet slave."

The slothful man roasteth not 

     that which he took in hunting:

but the substance of a diligent man

     is precious.

                       Proverbs 12:27

Live for God: not for yourself

Richard L. Crumb

The Responsibility Of Children And Of Parents Towards Children

Children, obey your parents in all

things: for this is well pleasing 

unto the Lord.

Colossians 3:20

Children, obey your parents

in the Lord: for this is right.

Honour thy father and mother;

which is the first commandment

with promises; that it may be

well with the, and thou may 

live on the earth.

Ephesians 6:1-3

     It is apparent that in the days of Paul children were, or had become a problem and needed to be addressed as to how they were to act. This problem is well demonstrated in today's teens and young people. It is not that there are may very good and respectful teens, there are far too many that are not and the problems for this are well manifested.  I do not usually do this but this problem is a problem in the Church and not limited to those who do not believe in God. So please read this for you as a parent have a responsibility to raise your children rightly and in the Lord.

Juveniles

In 2002 juvenile courts in the United States processed an estimated 1,615,400 delinquency cases. Delinquency cases involve juveniles charged with violations of the law that would be crimes if committed by adults. The number of delinquency cases handled by juvenile courts increased 41% since 1985. During this time period, the number of drug law violation cases (193,200) increased 159%.

Fifty-eight percent of the delinquency cases processed in 2002 involved a juvenile younger than age 16 at referral, compared with 60% in 1990. In 2002, juveniles under age 16 were responsible for 41% (76,600) of drug law violation cases Source: OJJDP, Delinquency Cases in Juvenile Court, 2002, Fact Sheet, NCJ FS 200602, November 2006..   http://www.bjs.gov/content/dcf/ptrpa.cfm

Drug-related activities of prosecutors' offices

In 2005, 24% of all offices assigned prosecutors to handle community-related activities. Of the offices assigning prosecutors to community-related activities, 37% reported that these prosecutors were located outside of the central prosecutor's offices in places such as the police department or a community-based office. The types of offenses handled most often by prosecutors assigned to community-related activities were drug crime (81%), violent crime (77%), juvenile crime (53%), and property crime (63%). Over three-fourths of the offices that assigned prosecutors to community-related activities indicated that these prosecutors carried a full caseload.

Source: BJS, Prosecutors in State Courts, 2005, NCJ 213799, July 2006.

6. Lack of Parental Involvement: Today's teachers are upset by the lack of parental involvement in their child's education. Parental involvement has a direct role in student engagement and success. When parents encourage their students to do well in school, assist with schoolwork, communicate with teachers and maintain an active role in their child's academic performance, students will have a better chance at succeeding in school. Parental support and involvement also helps teachers understand students on an individual basis, and makes them more accountable for their actions as well.

Teenagers’ lack of respect for adults

By NATALIE QABAZARD
URSULINE HIGH SCHOOL, SENIOR, 15
In contemporary America, it seems as though more and more teenagers are inclined to act disrespectfully toward adults. The notion that the youth must respect their elders has completely vanished. What has replaced this attitude is a sense of disobedience, noncompliance and rudeness. Some contributors include the lack of discipline from parents, the mimicking of friends’ attitudes toward adults and how the media portrays disrespectful teenagers as being hip.
Modern families contain parents who are more driven and focused on their careers and less focused on the success of their family. According to essortment.com, “Becoming a teenager brings with it a host of new emotions, attitudes and behaviors. As kids age 13 to 19 move from childhood to maturity, they often experiment with language to express their boundaries and talk back to parents in ways that are inappropriate. It then becomes the parents’ duty to instruct their children how to speak with respect to authorities.”
The problem arises when parents fail to teach their children the correct way of behaving toward adults. Once threats are made, the parents back down and the teenager feels powerful. Now, the teenager has control over the parent, causing the parent to feel weak and powerless.
Now more than ever, teens are mimicking the disrespectful and disobedient attitude, which their friends exhibit at school. This can mainly be seen between a student and a teacher. The same attitude that is being used toward parents is used against school officials. Schools should enforce more disciplinary action against these rude teens so as to make them pay for their lack of respect. As teenagers go about their daily lives, they observe others being rude to their friends and their parents, so they in turn do the same. The amount of peer pressure is increasing; therefore, it results in conforming to their peers’ expectations.
The media portrays disrespectful teenagers as being “cool” and therefore has contributed to this epidemic. We see more and more disrespectful teenagers on TV because it is entertaining to watch. However, this should not be at the expense of our future society’s behavior.
On the popular reality show “My Super Sweet Sixteen,” spoiled adolescent girls treat their parents with a lack of respect in order to get what they want. It is apparent, in this TV show, that the parents of these 16-year-olds only care about buying their children happiness when, in fact, the child feeds off of this carelessness and would like to take the power away from the parents and bring it upon themselves. By televising such acts, it is promoting these behaviors, hence more of it.
Teenagers must end this form of verbal abuse because if this behavior persists, America will form into a country filled with insolence. How would the remainder of the world esteem America if the president was arrogant, rude and disrespectful? America is known for its stature as a nation, filled with kind and respectful people. However, with the way that our generation proceeds into the future, that stature will likely plummet.

     This is a problem that my teacher friends say to me and for some one of the reasons that they left teaching. Don't set this aside as a problem for others, it is not, it is all our problem and one that will change culture. We live for God not for ourselves. 

And these words, which I command 

      thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

and thou shalt teach them diligently

     unto they children, and shall 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.

                Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Love your Children in the Lord

Richard L. Crumb