The Truth Of Authentic Christian Faith

When I shall send Artemas unto thee,

or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto

me to Nicopolis: for I have determined

there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer

and Apollos on their journey diligently,

that nothing be wanting unto them.

And let ours also learn to maintain

good works for necessary uses, that 

they be non unfruitful. all that are with

me salute thee. Greet them that love us 

in the faith. Grace be with you  all. Amen.

Titus 3:12-15

     We have come to the end of the letter from Paul to Titus and we have come to learn that the Gospel never changes, the admonitions are the same in every letter. Faith in the word of God, the Gospel is foremost presented for people who desire to be an Authentic Christian to have and to follow. Faith is found in the New Testament many times: i.e., to have faith in is used 248 times, Faith is used 244 times, and trustworthy 67 times, therefore faith should have a priority in an Authentic Christian life to have Authentic Christian Faith. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)

     The truth of faith. Faith is that whereby we believe one almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, True Trinity, true Unity. Genuine Trinity, not a trinity as found in Hinduism (Brahma, Vishnu, Shema, separate gods), but genuine Trinity wherein none is born of Himself, not proceeds from Himself, but one from another. The Son is begotten of the Father, the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. Without doubt there is One who has begotten, another who has been begotten, another who proceeds from both. This Unity is genuine wherein there is not one Spirit of the Father, another of the Son, but one of both! Nor does He proceed first from the Father into the Son, then from the Son to diffuse the gift of charity into the Son, then from the Son to diffuse the gift to charity into the hearts of believers, but at once from both. There is not one Godhead of the Father, another of the Son, another of the Holy Spirit, but one Godhead of the three; and for that reason truly one God. If each were separate, one from another, it would not be one, then this Trinity would be the same as the trinity of the Hindus. Also, the Son would not necessarily be God, rather a god as the Jehovah Witnesses teach. There is one Godhead, one eternal, one majesty, one mightiness, one will, one activity, one affection, one glory. There is distinctly one Person and another Person, therefore the Trinity: but since there is not one thing and another, there is Unity. Because the Son is not Himself the Father,nor is He who is the Father Himself the Son or the Holy Spirit, therefore a genuine Trinity, yet because what the Son is the Father is and what the Father and the Spirit are the Son is, therefore genuine Trinity.

     Neither the power nor the will of the Father preceded the birth of the Son. so there was nothing to precede the procession of the Holy Spirit. We acknowledge the Father as the begetter of the Son; moreover, as maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. We acknowledge the Son as only begotten of the Father, God of God, light of light, very God of very God, begotten not made, homoousios with the Faither, that is, of the same substance with the Father, by whom were made all things in heaven and on earth, through whom the angels praise the Father's majesty, whom the dominions worship, and before whom all the powers, of heaven, and virtues of the heavens tremble. We acknowledge the Holy Spirit as the life giver, proceeding from the Father and the Son, with the Father and the Son together to be worshiped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets. We acknowledge  the Three together as giving grace, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, undivided without confusion, everlasting without time, equal without difference; one Lord, great and praiseworthy beyond degree, of whom greatness there is no end and of whose wisdom there is no measure; great indeed, not in size but in worthiness; who, while He is nowhere by mass of body, is nowhere absent by uncircumscribed substance.

     This truth is the very foundation of Authentic Christianity. Faith stands upon this truth, a truth revealed to man by God. By faith we believe and convert to God and this conversion is to live by the commands and admonitions given to us by God. Read, speak out loud, the Apostle's Creed, the Athanasius Creed, regularly for by this you are proclaiming this foundational truth. 

     Paul in his letters written to Christians were not suggestions, follow or in some way follow, or by some doctrines that he had not taught, no his words are inspired by God to reveal His will for His children. If you are one of His children, then: "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these thing, ye shall never fall" (2Peter 2:10).

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

   In God I will praise His word, in God I 

have put my trust; I will not fear what 

   flesh can do unto me.

              Psalm 56:3-4

Live Authentic Christian Faith

Richard L. Crumb 

The Meaning Of Christian Works

But after that the kindness and love

of God our Savior toward men appeared,

not by works of righteousness which we

have done, but according to His mercy

He saved us, by the washing of 

regeneration, and renewing of the 

Holy Ghost; which He shed on us

abundantly through Jesus Christ

our Savior; that justified by His grace,

we should be made heirs according

to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:4-7

     Paul always teaches the Gospel without adding anything to it, not straying into futile arguments, or doctrines of man. There are many preachers, Churches that teach a doctrine of works, that is, by doing this or that you will receive blessings, or that you will be demonstrating Jesus when in fact it is a work that people feel that God will be forced to bless them, so they work. This work is to achieve salvation, and this is far from the truth: "For be grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; not or works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:8-10). Paul wrote to Titus the same as he did to the Ephesian Church. James wrote: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works" (James 2:17-18). What works is being spoken of that an Authentic Christian should walk in? James go on to write: "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.But be ye doers of the word, and not a doer....Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspoted from the world" (James 1:21-11;27). 

     If a person is attempting to do what he thinks is a calling of God but is only their desire to work for God, they probably are not called, in fact we do not work for God, we work with Him and the calling may not always come in a loud voice, in fact it more often than not comes quietly. While we may be called to a specific ministry, we are all called to witness of God and this witness begins with you, your home, living a righteous life according to Scripture. Paul writes to Titus: "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. these thing are good and profitable unto men" (Titus 3:8-9). 

     Question: Are you taking time to visit other brothers and sisters? Especially those who are sick, ailing, having problems? Are you coming to Church as though you have had your Church ticket punched, or, are you coming to Church to worship with other brothers and sisters? Are you caring for the Church? Are you examining the goings on in the Church? Are taking action according to Scripture? To many Churches today seem more zealous to fill the pews than to fill the hearts and minds of people to follow the commandments of God. Paul continues how Authentic Christians should work out their faith and to keep the congregation pure: "But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition (Matthew 18:15-17) reject; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself" (Titus 3:9-11). 

      As we work to keep the congregation clean, pure, we also look to those who govern us secularly, to ensure that they are governing justly, for God is Just and demands that we live justly, and by this are a light for the world to live justly. All we do is according to Scripture and if we live that way, Authentic Christians, we will have a positive affect upon others, brothers and sisters, and the world around us. We have much to do, but we have the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us, what do we have to fear? Nothing!

O GOD the Lord, the strength 

    of my salvation, thou hast

covered my head in the day

    of battle.

                   Psalm 140:7

Faith, a gift of God, works come by faith

Richard L. Crumb

How Are Christians To Understand Unconditional-Submission To A Government?

For we ourselves also were

sometimes foolish, disobedient,

deceived, serving divers lusts

and pleasures , living in malice

and every, hateful, and hand

hating one another.

Titus 3:3

     Paul is reminding Titus that man has a dark past that was in disobedient to God and man left to themselves has and is in the present living hateful, hurtful and disobedient lives, therefore God in His providence made provision for man. Adam fell in the Garden of Eden, and since that time man has been unable to conduct himself in an innocent and rightful manner. Man falls prey to prejudices of passion rather to listen to reason and truth: "Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions" (Ecclesiastes 7:29). Man before the flood did not have the law, but they did have Adam and Adam's children, especially Seth who lived right up until the great flood came and destroy man except for eight souls. The law came into existence because even after the Great flood man still would not listen to reason and live upright, so God added the Law because of transgressions. Society had for need, for man to exist among each other because the had the inability to conform to the whole duties of man there was a need for a righteous government that would appropriately govern for a particular society. Government, no matter what society it governs exists by virtue of the purpose and for the benefit of society. Even this became distorted and misused harming people and society for those in power lost fact that they are not in power as the principle or original in nature, but secondary, fiduciary. What does this mean? The power given to government is a derivative of the family's power for government's nature is only fictitious not actual. When government loses sight of this fact that they rule or govern for the benefit of society and not impose laws and rules that are harmful to society then government is not far from what occurred in the past whereby God had to destroy man who wanted to live in antinomy. Government is bound to the condition of good faith, that which God imposes upon all individuals, and society for society has the potential for harm. This is government's role in governing people for their ordination is from God and falls into a inferior position to the superior position and ordination, that is of God for the benefit of society, individuals, and family. 

     Religions attempt to apply justice into the social order of things and make laws that their religion states as fact from God, and as can be seen in lands where religion is a force, it is a force to control man and not necessarily give them rights and protection and if a person does not adhere to a religion they have a law allowing that person to be punished even to death. This is a justice according to their religion but not justice according to the justice of God who created man and all things, it is justice according to man. As does Islam (Muslims) they want a theocracy on earth but God ordained government not to form a theocracy, rather to implement His justice and righteousness according to His word which contains His laws that man, government should apply in governing, and in life. God does not use tyranny to accomplish His purpose. God gave laws so that man might have a written law that was designed to teach them and lead them to live righteously, to live by His principles. God's ordination of government has everything to do with an objective standard of righteousness that is immutable, that is unchangeable and is to be followed by every generation. 

     Are Christians to give unconditional-submission to government? This argument is used by those in de facto power, it is de facto because the rule by the ordination of God and not by their being superior for when examined governments run amuck preventing people form prioritizing their allegiance to God and Jesus Christ and enforce undue loyalty for unjust purposes. This type of government as nothing to do with true, Authentic Christian duty of man towards God. 

     Paul faced this as we do today and Paul makes it clear and very plain, we as Authentic Christians are live and be submissive to God, first, government second for as ministers of God our responsibility belongs to God. This then means where laws are not in conflict with God's law, then we must obey, if they are not we have the right, at least in a democracy government to address what we see as wrong, aid to have those laws changed, or omitted, we are not to just allow those who hold power to rule outside of the laws of God according to the Bible. 

     God is our Rock, God is perfect in all His ways, for all his ways are judgment, a God of truth and without iniquity, He is Just, and Right. God cannot be a God of truth unless He is also a God of justice. Live according to His word, and then whatever circumstances come by your living righteously will come but you are not to be removed by those circumstances that God is your God, God has promised you to take you through those circumstances and will give to you your home prepared for you in heaven, not because you are so good, but because He is so Good, and by your conversion to Him, no government can harm you, your faith that came by His word (Romans 10:10), then your hope is secure.

Blessed be the LORD thy God,

    which delighted in thee,

to set thee on the throne of Israel:

     because the LORD loved Israel

forever, therefore made He thee

    king, to do judgment and justice.

                          1Kings 10:9

Do not fear him who can kill the body

Richard L. Crumb  

How To Prepare To Know How To Respond To Government Authority

Put them in mind to be subject

to principalities and powers,

to obey magistrates, to be ready

to every good work, to speak evil

of no man, to be no brawlers, but

gentle, showing all meekness unto

all men.

Titus 3:1-2

     This blog has as its heading: Consider Faith: Changing From The Inside/Out. This heading was considered carefully because too many books, or even preaching and teaching give conclusions and statements without resources and without resources those statements, ideas, or even premises, those assertions, leave the hearer or the reader without the benefit of examination (Philippians 5:21). I have attempted to give to the reader of this blog to provide tools for further research and further development so that you, or whoever, may independently critique, use critical thinking of thought, and by analysis draw the truth from Scripture. A serious student of Scripture must recognize what it takes, to have the ability, the endeavor to develop sound thought, not just assimilate information, but to be able to come to a sound Biblical conclusion, to become an Authentic Christian. The subject about government, not just Church government, but secular government and whether or not God requires people to obey, submit to those people, governments that are holding de facto power over them. I will in the next blogs address this fully, but before we must lay down the foundation of what it means to be an Authentic Christian, to have Authentic Christian Faith.

     I have written much about our relationship with Jesus Christ and the sum of Jesus' teaching is that our relationship, that which He demands, is impossible, that is it is impossible in our nature, those volition(s) of man to make choices for more often than not he will choose poorly. It is impossible unless it is Jesus Christ, our relationship with Him who is and will do a supernatural work in God's children. I have said it before, the harshest words a person will ever hear comes from Jesus Christ, to deny oneself, to fully convert to Him. Jesus Christ demands, not suggest, demands, that in a person calling himself/herself, a Christian must not have the slightest trace of resentment in their heart. It is not wrong to have enthusiasm towards God, His Son Jesus Christ, it is wrong to misuse enthusiasm as in some euphoric expression, but no enthusiasm will stand the strain of life, let alone the strain that Jesus Christ puts upon His bride. If a person, one who is calling himself/herself a Christian and has even a trace of resentment when meeting tyranny and injustice without a right relationship with Jesus Christ, they will fail the test. God did not say that His children would be insulated from the stresses of life, but He will take a person through it: "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1Peter 1:6-7): "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you" (1Peter 4:12). "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1Corinthians 10:13). Life may be filled with trials, temptations, fogged to the point of confusion, but God will not allow you to be tried to the point of Him not being able to take you through it, not remove it, to take you through it, and this is possible if your relationship with Jesus Christ is solid, firm, and not altering due to circumstances.

     With the world in such turmoil, fighting, wars, problems with the law of the land being challenged for reasons that are in odds with the Constitution, it is easy then to become agitated, to be angry, to be ready to demand and the government will set your demands aside. It is easy then to forget that we have a Savior who will aid us in our efforts to live in a right relationship with Him, and will aid you in your efforts to not allow laws, or decisions that are harmful, not to just Christians but to the world at large. How can we do that and remain faithful to the word of God? This will be the subject of the next blogs and to consider Romans 13, and the above admonition to be subject to authorities. 

     First we, if we are to be disciples of Jesus Christ, we must be changed from the inside/out, and to be made disciples supernaturally and this is possible of we are not being led by our own sinful volition, choices, and dead set on our way, to make the nation we live in to be a theocracy, as is done in Islamic nations. We can fight for truth, in the right way according to Scripture, and we can struggle with all that a government may do, but there is one thing no government can take away from an Authentic Christian and that is eternity with Jesus Christ, that is a done deal. It is sure, it is where you are legally now, so nothing should take you off the narrow road. god never asks us to do the things that are easy, by our natural capacities, He only asks us to to do the things that we are fitted to do by His grace. 

     Because of so many ideas about how a Christian should handle their lives in regard to a government, I must and will give Scriptural warrant how to do this so that we are not in opposition to God. 

     Until Monday, get ready for Church, prepare by prayer, and be study of God's word, take notes at Church and then take time after Church to go over those notes with you spouse, children, and friends you may be associated with, for this day is not a day for vacation, it is day to be set aside for God.

For I know the thoughts that

    I think toward you, saith the LORD,

thoughts of peace, and not of evil, 

    to give you an expected end.

                   Jeremiah 29:11

Hear the Word of God

Richard L. Crumb

Two Choices: Choose Wisely

For the grace of God that bringeth

salvation hath appeared to all men,

teaching us that, denying ungodliness

and worldly lusts,we should live

soberly, righteously, and godly, 

in this present world; looking

for that blessed hope, and the

glorious appearing of the great 

God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 

who gave Himself for us, that He

might redeem us from all iniquity,

and purify unto Himself a peculiar

people, zealous of good works.

These things speak, and exhort, and 

rebuke with all authority. Let no man

despise thee.

Titus 2:11-15

     Jehovah Witnesses deny that Jesus is God and is only a god and claim that they believe this because of the Greek. Well, that is far from the truth for the Greek is plain and clear: Greek grammar must be known and followed and the words: θεου̃  καί σωτη̃ρος (God and Savior) does not have the definite article ό (the), it isn't the God and the Savior, for this would make "and" to be a separator making two beings, so without the "the" "and" joins the two nouns to be one and the same, God is the Savior and the Savior is God. Therefore following the words of Paul, I will rebuke such false teaching, heresy, and so should you.

     Paul, Scripture is clear as to how an Authentic Christian should live. John the apostle admonishes us to despise things transitory: "And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever" (1John 2:17). We studied 1Timothy so to remind us in regards to the transitory things that we are not to hold onto Paul writes: "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life" (1Timothy 6: 17-19). Important to remember and to think carefully upon what Paul under inspiration wrote, for when the rich are admonished to treasure a good foundation for themselves in the future so that they may lay hold of true life, there is no doubt that there is a false life.  

      Here lies a problem: when the poor see the rich, they groan, grumble, envy their praise, yearn to be made equal, lament their inequality, is this not what you see in this present age? Yes, advertising, teaching, promoting, to be rich, to be important, to make all things equal (Communism advocates this), to be empowered, a word used especially for women (this is not denigrate women only to point out that this word is used to make equal all people, when in fact it is used to make women want to be like men, leave home, children (preschool, kindergarten, nannies, programs for children) to be raised by others and only to have them when the "empowered" person wants to be with them as though they are to be thought of as "good." In some sense this is the thinking of the rich: when the rich are praised, most of them say, "They are the only ones--they are the only ones who live." The poor flatter the rich, want to be rich, to be like them, because they live, they have big homes, fancy cars, go on expensive vacations, and by this the rich are puffed up. Paul admonishes that the rich, as well as all people, are not to set their minds on the things of this world, those transitory things, rather to set their minds on heaven, on the return of their Savior Jesus Christ. 

     Let the rich share, let all share according their means: "If a man say, I love 'God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment have we from Him, that he who loveth God love his brother" (1John 4:20-21). The poor often dream of being rich, to have what others have, he/she dreams of treasure and rejoices, and becomes proud and while dreaming does not recognize his tattered self and believes he is rich. When this man awakens he finds that his dream is false and he is truly sorrowful. Dreams are only dreams, put a dream in both hands and you have nothing, only dreams. Why? Because he has done nothing good with his hands. Because of life we seek to be rich, or better, to seek to have enough for the day, but we do not seek riches to have life. While we seek to enjoy this life we cannot forget what a price must eternal life be acquire, if the life that will perish becomes so precious, why seek to hold onto this life and not seek to do all for the kingdom of God, for the eternal life promised to all of God's children: which is more important to place our energies? 

     If, therefore, my brothers and sisters, you may desire to be rich, love true riches. If you seek the height of true honor, seek the honor of the heavenly kingdom. If you seek glory, then seek to be known as one enrolled in the higher court, where angels of God reside, heaven. Remember, everything in this world will pass away, and at the Last Judgment, there will be no chance of this transitory world to remain, you are going somewhere and you are hurrying to be somewhere, why then love this world? Love the heavenly, reject he earthly, seek the eternal, neglect the temporal, and by this you will make you salvation sure, that is you will know that you are a child of God, and you can hold fast to the everlasting Kingdom with Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with His Father the Second Person of the Godhead, God who in unity with the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, Who is God forever. 

     

And he said, "Naked came I out 

     of my mother's womb, and 

naked shall I return thither:

    the LORD gave, and the LORD

hath taken away; blessed be 

    the name of the LORD.

                Job 1:21

Seek the treasure of God first

Richard L. Crumb

Wide Road: or Narrow Road: One To Death: One To Life: Choose Wisely

Exhort servants to be obedient

unto their own masters, and to

please them well in all things;

not answering again; not purloining,

but showing all good fidelity; that

they may adorn the doctrine of God

our Saviour in all things.

Titus 2:9-10

     Paul has left no one out, no class of people, all are admonished to live a pure life. You may not think of yourself as a slave, but you are, one way or the other you are a slave to someone or some job, some idea, you function as a slave. Do not think of a slave as the common understanding is, such as those slaves who were sold into slavery, had hard lives, and the word "slave" is a pejorative word. This is not the case with the Greek word the we translate "slave." Slaves in the days of Paul were often in slavery to pay off debts, to have a place where they could be fed, clothed, a place of safety. Of course this is not true of all, for some were in slavery due to being sold, captured in war. The Greek word is about being a "bondservant." This has the meaning of one who is willing to work without wages, or even though being freed he/she is willing to stay on as a bondservant rather than go their own way. Who do you owe a debt, a mortgage company, a car loan, credit cards, even utilities can be placed under this umbrella of what you owe, and by what you promised to pay. You are a bondservant, a slave to whom you owe money. Paul then reminds us that no matter the circumstances you are to be a witness for God, following true Authentic doctrine. Your fidelity is seen by all, especially those to whom you are a bondservant.

     You may be looking for a blessing and you will receive it if you are believing in Authentic Christianity and living well and by living well you will guard right faith. Faith without right works is an idle faith and if no works is dead in its tracks. Authentic Christian Faith it is profitable. Therefore, strive, work at it to have Authentic Christian faith manifested by right living, spotless according to Scripture. Need help? Here is a good way to be reminded of Authentic Christian Faith: learn, recite often the Apostolic Creed, the Athanasius Creed for they contain the foundation of our Christian Faith, then live zealously to observe what you have read, recited. Avoid the deadly poisons and opinion of heretics, reject completely the unspeakable trappings of these heretics, false teachers, who are in association with Satan, hold you mind to the confessions of Authentic Christian Faith. Openly reveal your Authentic Christian Faith, not just by words, but by your acts, faith, praises, and your love of Jesus Christ. 

     By means of Authentic Christian Faith you will have a firm foundation of faith, a firm hope that draws your spirit to things invisible and will engrafts your attention upon the heavenly and eternal and binds it together by indissoluble bonds; that do not deceive but faithfully preserves and leads you to eternal blessings and to the eternal blessedness that is Jesus Christ. No matter your burden, the weight of sin you may have, never give up you hope in the goodness of God, in divine piety and have hope, a sure hope, in His mercy and pray with daily tears for pardon, that which only He can pardon and will aid you in your efforts to live a godly life, help you from doing evil deeds. 

     God pardons the truly repentant sinner, and you know if you are truly repentant for you do not live any longer in despair and you avoid those dangers that once so encumbered you, you turn from evil and hold fast to your hope in God."In God is my salvation and my glory; for God is my help, and my hope is in God" (Psalm 62:5-7). Nothing is more pleasing, nothing more sweeter that the perfect love of God. You will as you hold fast to Authentic Christian Faith learn to love God, and enjoy its good more sweetly. There are two roads: one wide, one narrow: pick the narrow one (Matthew 7:14). 

My son, give me thine heart,

     and let thine eyes observe

My ways.

                    Proverbs 23:26

Check the road you are traveling

Richard L. Crumb 

The Simpicity Of Faith: Entrusting In The Grace Of Jesus Christ

Young men likewise exhort to be

sober minded. In all things showing

thyself a pattern of good works: 

in doctrine showing uncorruptness, 

gravity, sincerity, sound speech,

that cannot be condemned; that 

he that is of the contrary part

may be ashamed, having no evil 

thing to say of you. 

Titus 2:6-8

     I must be getting old or lazy, I noticed that I put chapter 3 instead of 2 when quoting a scripture in the last blog. Sorry, I will check my work better. The love of God is so great and the time I spend studying and preparing for a blog sometimes is overwhelming for I realize that I as much as anyone can know: I am a sinner and in need of God's grace. As a Christian I know that I have a responsibility to myself to do that which God has commanded and next to aid in the work of keeping the Church pure. This requires to speak about things that are seemingly harsh, but did not Jesus speak this way? Did not Jesus command that which is so against our nature? Yes! this requires work and a change of my nature and this is only possible if I am obedient. This is true of anyone desiring to be an Authentic Christian. 

     Let us, then, think about this, and pour over it in purity of heart and in simplicity of faith, cleanse ourselves from every defilement of the flesh. This is to sanctify ourselves as we grow in our faith and become the Authentic Christian that God desires of His children. Preserving the law of God, His commandments that is spotless and our souls convert to Jesus Christ, this is done by fulfilling His commandments, we then entrust ourselves with the grace of Jesus Christ, and as heirs of Jesus Christ and as coheirs of Jesus Christ we have an everlasting inheritance. 

     John records these inspired words: If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself" (John 7:17). The golden rule for understanding spiritually is not intellect, but obedience. If a person desires to have insight into a field requiring knowledge(most field do require knowledge), intellectual curiosity is needed, it is his/her guide, but if a person wants insight into what Jesus Christ teaches, this can only be gotten by obedience. 

     Paul instruction to Titus in regards to young men is nothing different from his instructions about men and women, be diligent, sober of mind, and then manifesting the life of Jesus Christ in their lives. As parents, as elders, as pastors, teachers, we have a responsibility to teach the young, that it is not all about experience, not about some feeling that makes a person feel godly, no, the word of God when received must be acted upon immediately. How then will we know if we are acting rightly and acting upon God's commandments? God will test you! If you disobey, you will find yourself not going forward in your spirituality according to Scripture. The teachings of Jesus hits us hard, right where we live. Jesus does not leave us without help though, for He educates us right down to the last scruple. The Spirit of God uncovers our spirit of self-vindication: and He makes us sensitive to the things that we never thought of before. Be careful about those things that you make an excuse designed as a reason for not being obedient according to Scripture. Go.....! Go, at the risk of being thought of being fanatical and obey what God tells you. 

     Our young people are the next people to administrate the Church, so what the are taught or not taught will become how the Church becomes, heretical, or pure. Our young people deserve the best and the best is when a parent teaches their children, live according to Scripture. Will you take this time? Or, will you still be running to and fro trying your best to give to your child this culture, or, will you give them the knowledge and training of an Authentic Christian building in them Authentic Christian Faith?

But mine enemies are lively,

     and they are strong:

and they that hate me wrongfully

    are multiplied. They also that

render evil for good are mine adversaries;

   because I follow the thing that good is.

                           Psalm 38:19-20

Obedience: God's requirement

Richard L. Crumb

 

Rebuke Brings Soundness Of Faith

This witness is true. Wherefore

rebuke them sharply, that they

may be sound in the faith; not

giving heed to Jewish fables, and

commandments of men, that turn

from the truth. Unto the pure all

things are pure: but unto them 

that are defiled and unbelieving is 

nothing pure; but even their mind

and conscience is defiled. They profess 

that they know God; but in works they 

deny Him, being abominable, and 

disobedient, and unto every good

work reprobate.

Titus 1:13-16

     As a reminder, this blog is all about changing from the inside/out, to become an Authentic Christian leaving behind the things of this world and living as what God has made all His children, living eternally in a world made just for them. As was the early Christians, bombarded by many who changed the Gospel into another gospel, and by the Judiazers who desired to imposed the old festivals, and rituals that were a part of the Old Covenant and not a part of the New Covenant, we are faced with men inside the Church, claiming to be Authentic Christians but are teaching a gospel that is not the Gospel. Things have not changed much over these last 2,000 years. New faces, but the same old doctrines that are not Scriptural. The other day as I was channel surfing I came upon a program, a "god" program, where this man, probably called himself a pastor or prophet, or just a teacher, whatever, what he was doing was what has so often been done: "just send a prayer request and he would put it on a pile of prayer request, and then pray over them and God would answer his pray. Now send in some "seed" money with the request and God will multiply this "seed" money....etc......" Where in the Bible is this taught? It is not. Yet people are duped into doing just that, sending money, prayer requests as though this man has something special with God that they do not and his prayers will be answered as though theirs would not. Blasphemy! 

     Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit Paul could say: "This witness is true" (vs. 13a). We need no other "new" revelation, some new doctrine, it is all in the Bible. Paul then gives the admonition about these men and women who taught a new form of Christianity, or requiring men and women to do to get, and that is to "rebuke them" "sharply." When was the last time you heard a pastor speak sharply against such heresy? What they teach is impure, and their minds are defiled, so leave them, run from them, run to the Bible, to those who teach the Bible pure and without some sort of "new" and special revelation. These heretics profess to know God but they do not, they are abominable and disobedient to the word of God, and every work they do is reprobate. 

      Paul lovingly adds: "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior, as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blaspheme" (Titus 3:1-5). Pure Authentic Christian Faith is laid out here by Paul to teach us how and what God requires of His children. We are to be the image of Jesus Christ, not the image as some would have a person become, for it is not in how we euphorically, emphatically by gyrations, and some mumble jumble, gibberish sound that we are in the image of Jesus Christ. No! We are in the image of Jesus Christ if we would apply what Paul has reiterated for God's people. Jesus lived a humble life, with only one objective and that is to represent God on earth, and then to die as a perfect man, God in a man, a God/man who did not try to become rich, or famous, or to be the king of the Jews as the Jews wanted, no, He lived to be a witness for God. This is should be our one objective. 

     Does this mean that we are to go about in sack cloth and ashes? No, with a sour face? No! with some special clothing? No! We live and enjoy this time on earth, for God has allowed us to live here until our death or His return, and that enjoyment could be a vacation, dancing, laughing, hiking, fishing, and so and so on...... But, we do all with God manifested in all we do, this is Authentic Christian Faith in action. Joy, is the life of a Christian, and joy is yours free, you are saved from eternal death, you are saved for life eternal. Be a witness, both in speech and action and you will be displaying the image of Jesus Christ. Living for God is a blessed life: Be obedient and leave all the consequences to God. 

Behold, the LORD's hand is not

    shortened, that it cannot

save; neither His ear heavy

    that it cannot hear

                   Isaiah 59:1

Obedience brings blessings

Richard L. Crumb

Are You A Cretan Or An Authentic Christian?

For there are many unruly and vain

talkers and deceivers, specially they

of the circumcision: whose mouths 

must be stopped, who subvert whole

houses, teaching things which they

ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

One of themselves, even a prophet 

of their own, said, The Cretians 

are always liars, evil beasts, slow

bellies. 

Titus 1:10-12

    There is a spiritual trap  for those who only see the books of the Bible as just letters, or stories, some historical accounts, and do not see that these writings were inspired by God for His people to have revealed to them Him, His requirements, His commandments. There is also a problem with many who only see the island of Crete as simply an island, almost as if the people who resided on that island were somehow inferior. That simple is not the case with Crete, the island that Titus was sent to and to bring order in the Christian Church. A bit of history will help to understand what Paul wrote to Titus: "The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies" (vs. 12b). Crete has a long history dating back to around 3000-1200 B.C. when the island was controlled by the Minoans and the island was ruled by autonomous city states, much like in Greece. They were a civilized society and had many forms of life, great agriculture, dancing, sports, etc., and independent people but were willing and able to aid in wars. In fact, even today, especially after the Ottoman rule, the people have guns in their homes willing to fight if needed. Much architecture remains in Crete, rich in design and have figurines that depict the Ancient Cretan gods, gods that weakly resemble familiar gods depicted in Greek mythology. Cretans were a polytheistic religious people. Cretan society was a flourishing society, exporting timbe, food, cypress wood, wine, currants, olive oil, wool, cloth, herbs, and purple dye. Precious stones, copper, ivory, silver, gold, and other raw material were exported and the also imported much goods. The Cretans had a navy, naval power, and their travels around the Mediterranean influenced their culture. The Romans eventually took control of the island and this is the state of the island when Titus was sent there to bring the Christian Church how the Church was to operated. While there Tutus was faced with the Judaizers who came to Crete because of the opportunity to make money. Cretans were known for their fierceness and their hardhearted ways, ways that included being liars, fun seekers, and were derogatorily looked down upon. This is the land where Titus was sent. We must not think of this island as just an island and the letter sent to Titus just a letter. God uses people to bring the truth about Him, and how they are to manifest Him. 

     Paul sharply admonishes Titus: "This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply that they may be sound in the faith; not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn men from the truth" (Titus 1:13-14). We have today men who are just like those Judaizers who are turning people from the truth saying things that tickle the ears but is far from the truth of God. Unfortunately, too many people are apathetic, oh, they say things against this, but do little or nothing to rebuke such men, such false doctrine. Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, other cults, seem to have a pass to do and say whatever with little rebuke, maybe from some theologians or other writers, but the average Christian is not taught how to defend their faith (1Peter 3:15). Paul told Titus to rebuke them, and that is true for us today that we are to rebuke such a false and heretical teachings. We need to become intentional in our efforts to bring the Gospel, Authentic Christian Faith to the world. We, not just missionaries, not just pastors, not just other Church leaders, us, we, must become active in our faith: "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?...Yes, a man may say, Thou hast faith,and I have works: show me thy faith without works, and I will show thee  my faith by my works" (James 2:14; 18). 

     Why sit back and let others do your work? This letter to Titus is a letter to you and me. Paul did not just write these things to Titus, you can find this in all his letters, letters that were read in other congregations. You see brothers and sisters, we are not Christians in name only, we are Christians in fact and we live according to God's word, Authentic Christians, not allowing anything to stop us from our work as Authentic Christians.

Arise, O God, plead thine own cause;

    remember how the foolish man 

reproacheth thee daily. Forget not

    the voice of thine enemies; the 

the tumult of those that rise up 

   against thee increaseth continually.

                    Psalm 74:22-23

Put on God's suit of armor: it is war

Richard L. Crumb 

God's Rubric To Keep His People Clean

For this cause left I thee in Crete,

that thou shouldest set in order

the things that are wanting, 

and ordain elders in every city, 

as I had appointed thee; if any

be blameless, the husband of one

wife, having faithful children not

accused of riot or unruly. For a

bishop must be blameless, as

the steward of God; not selfwilled,

not soon angry, not given to wine, 

no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

but a lover of good men, sober,

just, holy, temperate; holding fast

the faithful word as he hath been

taught, that he may be able by

sound doctrine both to exhort

and to convince the gainsayers.

2Timothy 1:5-9

     Paul sets forth the rubric to choose men who would lead the congregations. Titus having been sent to Crete came there with the orders of Paul to set the Churches there in order and in qualifications for leaders. It is worthy to note that Paul does not discriminate between elders and bishops as both are called by either name. The character and qualifications for an elder(bishop) as outlined in Titus correspond to what the apostle Paul had written to Timothy. The person to be chosen as an elder(bishop) must not be of ill character, rather he must have a good report; not to be grossly or scandalously guilty, this would bring reproach upon the holy function of the Church. This portion of Paul's words to Titus is so misused by the Church today and that is the pastor is to be the husband of one wife. The dissension in the Church today over this command has caused much strife and unnecessary pain and suffering. How? If a person does not know history and apply that knowledge then all sorts of doctrines and rules are set forth that are not Scriptural. In the world of Paul divorce was common for almost anything, trivial things, as was being done in the Jewish communities, then the person divorcing their spouse run off and marry another which just may be the reason for the divorce in the first place. This command can be taken that the person who is to be a Church leader must be the husband of one wife and this not according to the sinful practices of the day. 

     Children, how the world has gone out to empower children, to put children on a pedestal and give to them power and the right to be "children" as though this is an acceptable excuse for whatever they do. Because of this many children ore disrespectful, thinking the have rights that they have not even earned. Parents give them money and whatever they want just to be seen as "good" parents. In fact, many parents are working, both, just to have things, to be seen as successful and by this do not take time to be with their children, Oh, they do take them to various functions, even attend those functions, but little is done to rear them in the nurture of the Lord. Paul is clear that to be a Church leader their children must be faithful and pious, brought up in Authentic Christian Faith. Children are to be living Authentic Christian Faith. This is honorable for a Church leader, but it is honorable for all who call themselves Christian. Children who are faithful are bring honor to their parents and will be a good sign of the faithfulness and diligence of the parent, who has educated and instructed them. 

     Not given to wine, that is not to be a drunkard, to drink heavily so as to desire the feeling of being under the influence of alcohol. It is not the drinking of wine that is the problem, it is to be drinking wine, alcohol beverages just to be come drunk. How could this be an honor, and to be a good steward of God's children? It can't! Today when one travels the motels and hotels have pornography available and in the seclusion of a motel room a person may be watching in private this lucre and sinfulness. Just remember that in this day all that is done by watching TV is recorded so that if a person is to be examined this will come out as being done. No secrets, no living outside the will of God and this means that to be truly ethical a person must do the right thing even when no one is watching. God's children must be holy.

     Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church: "But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty" (2Corinthians 4:3). Have you "renounced the hidden things of dishonesty", those things that your honor will not allow to come to light? Are you walking in craftiness, that is, resorting to things that are hidden but are a great snare, and may even be things that you have taught against. Many people have fallen back into sin because they are afraid to look at things from God's standpoint. There is a a crisis we all must face and that crisis comes spiritually when a person has to emerge a bit farther on than the creed he has accepted. Creeds are necessary and will help a person to remember what God has done, but a person must not just know creeds, he or she must apply God's word in their lives. There is no middle ground, either you are serving God or serving Satan. The choice is yours!

And moreover, because the preacher was wise,

     he still taught the people knowledge; yes,

he gave good heed, and sought out and set 

     in order many proverbs. The preacher

sought to find out acceptable words: and 

    that which was written was upright,

even words of truth.

                    Ecclesiastes 12:9-10

Choose wisely: Your soul is at stake

Richard L. Crumb

The Promise of God Who Cannot Lie

Paul, a servant of God, an an apostle

of Jesus Christ, according to the faith

of God's elect, and the acknowledging

of the truth which is after godliness;

in hope of eternal life, which God,

that cannot lie, promised before the 

world began: but hath in due times

manifested His word through 

preaching, which is committed 

unto me according to the

commandment of God our Savior;

to Titus, mine own son after the 

common faith; Grace, mercy,

and peace, from God the Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

Titus 1:1-4

     Paul opens up his letter to Titus with some outstanding statements: first, he is a servant of God and an apostle according to the  commandment of God; secondly, God has an elect, a hope of eternal life promised before the world began; Third, God cannot lie, lastly, God's word is manifested through preaching and Paul was commanded to preach the word by God. The authority of Paul is established and the hope of eternal life is establish as that which God had promised before the world began, there is no need to wonder when or how the promise was established by God it was in His plan before creation, you who are of the elect have that promise. It is this promise, the word of God that Jesus Christ ensured to be fulfilled to all of God's elect that we can have assurance that eternal life is yours. 

     Who is Titus? Titus was born of Gentile parents, and was a convert from heathenism. It is possible that Titus was led to Christ by Paul (Galatians 2:3; Titus 1:4). Paul seemed to have a special bond with Titus and love him and appreciated his trusted companionship (2Corinthians 7:6, 13). In 2Corinthans Paul mentions Titus nine times. Paul sent Titus to Corinth as his delegate and Paul eagerly awaited the return of Titus to have his spirit refreshed and this Titus did by the good news he brought back from Corinth (2Corinthians 2:12,14).  Titus was with Paul during Paul's second imprisonment in Rome (2Timothy 4:10). 

     This letter to Titus contains instructions concerning the elders of the Church, and the manner as to how he should impart instructions, how to be obedient to magistrates, to enforce good works, avoid foolish questions, and shun heresies. We are helped to understand that Christianity was not founded to answer ambitious or interested views, but that it is the wisdom of God, and the power of God. We cannot forget that the Judaizers were propagating their erroneous views and doctrines to be conformed to the Mosaic law for salvation. These Judaizers were teaching that for salvation doing and following the practices would bring pardon for sins and the hope of being saved. That thinking is found in many Churches and taught by many preachers albeit they do not think of it as being heresy, a following after the Judaiszers. 

     In contradiction to all this Paul sets forth free grace of God in man's salvation by Jesus Christ. Furthermore, Paul shows that those who believe in God, the hope for eternal life from God is where salvation is found and that by this hope, this promise of God good works is manifested, not for salvation but because of salvation. 

     You have this promise of God, you have salvation through Jesus Christ, therefore you manifest this by your good works a badge showing that you are an Authentic Christian and that your Christian Faith is Authentic.

Blessed be the Lord, who daily

     loaded us with benefits, even

the God of our salvation. He that

    is our God is the God of salvation;

and unto God the Lord belong the

    issues from death.

                   Psalm 68:19-20

Manifest your salvation

Richard L. Crumb