Who Is The Amen, And How Is Jesus The Beginning Of Creaton Of God?

And unto the angel of the church of the

 Laodiceans write; Theses things saith 

the Amen, the faithful and true witness,

 the beginning of creation of God; I know 

thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: 

I will spew thee out of my mouth. 

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and 

increased with goods, and have need 

of nothing; and knowest not that thou 

art wretched, and miserable, and poor, 

and blind, and naked,

Revelation 3:14-17

     Who is this "Amen?" Who deserves the acclamation of "

Amen?" Who is given this acclamation?" Who is the "faithful and true witness?" Jude tells us that God is our Savior and to Him be the glory and greatness, might and power and then the word "amen" is lastly given. What does "amen" mean? It means to be truthful, to be faithful in all promises, warnings, testimonies, and precepts. When we add the word "amen" at the end of our prayers it is not just a 'period' marking the end of the prayer but testifying that the One to whom we pray to is faithful, we believe it, and we say "verily" that God has heard and will answer our prayers. John, Matthew, Mark, all use "amen" when speaking about Jesus Christ, Luke does not use that word, but uses, "of a truth." Jesus Christ is the "Amen" for He is truthful, full of might and power, and has given to us His precepts, and warnings. Furthermore, God is called our Savior, and Jesus is called our Savior. Does this mean that Jesus is only representing, of manifesting that God is our Savior and He is only doing the will of God for only God can save? It is true, God is the only One who can save, so how is it that Jesus saves? Jude writes: "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man 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 Spirit; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:3-7). What is important here is that God is called our Savior, Jesus is called our Savior and the Holy Spirit is regenerating those who believe on Jesus Christ as Savior. The Trinity is not just assumed here, but is shown that the Godhead is made up of three persons. The "Amen" is Jesus and it is Jesus who is God that saves. 

     Jehovah Witnesses who are Arian in theology believe that Jesus is a created being and that God created Him to do His work of salvation. Jehovah Witnesses will quickly point out that here in verse 14 of Revelation Jesus is called "the beginning of Creation of God" so Jesus had to be a created being. Is that true? Here is where a word study is important. The Greek word used here is: ὰρχὴ: and can be translated as a beginning, or first place, headship, high estate, eminence, or authority, magistrate, a principality. Taking from those words describing ὰρχὴ, we can come to understand that Jesus did create: "In the beginning was the Word, and he Word was with God, and the Word was God. the same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made" (John 1:1-3). John clearly points out that Jesus is God. Jehovah Witnesses are the only ones who add the letter "a" before God in the third phrase of verse one. No other translation does this, at least I have not found one and I have sought out many, many versions to see if they added the letter "a" and cannot find that they have done so. John adds that "nothing was made that was made." "Nothing," if nothing means nothing then how is that Jesus was created, or made? If all things were created by Jesus, then how is that that He stands outside of "all things?" Once again we look at the Greek word translated "beginning of the creation" and we now can come to a correct understanding: Jesus before His incarnation has, then, and now, the authority to create for He is the First Cause. If Jesus is the First Cause and God is considered to be the First Cause then God and Jesus are the same Being, and as a "person" of the Godhead He has the essence of God as does the Holy Spirit. 

     Jesus came to earth and witnessed to us Who He is, and Who is God and how God will save those who put their faith in Jesus. Jesus is faithful in all He says and does and we are too, if we are Authentic Christians, do the same as He did as He walked on this earth. The Laodiceans represent all who call themselves "Christian" and do little, if anything, that faith calls them to do: i.e., bring the Gospel to the world, walk according to His precepts, commands, and grow in grace and sanctification. If not this, then you are lukewarm and Jesus will spew you out of His mouth. Not literally, but by saying "out of His mouth" this then means He will not call you one of His own. 

     We might be one who says: "I am rich," that is that that person has all they want when it comes to their belief in Jesus and do not will to do more than just live on whatever knowledge they have of Him. They wrongly say: "I have need of nothing." Until a person comes to the point in their life that they are sinners, wretched, poor, miserable, they will not in truth accept Jesus Christ. If you do not know that you need a Savior why then would you look for one? You will not! Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17) and the Gospel is what we are to preach, teach, and live, not some added experiential euphoric worship of God, no, just to put on your clothes, go about your daily life, and live for Jesus Christ in all you do and say. If you need more then you are exalting yourself that you want more than Jesus Christ: you want visions, dreams, euphoric experience, and Jesus Christ alone will not give that to you for that is all you need. 

     Jesus Christ who created all things, who is God, who is the One with all authority in heaven and earth, who is the "Amen, the faithful witness" came to pay your debt that you owe to God due to the sin that Adam passed down to all his progeny, a debt you cannot pay, so Jesus, God, paid that debt for you. Now, you must choose to receive that payment knowing that only by doing so your sins will be forgiving and the promise of eternal life is yours.

Is it such a fast that I have chosen?

     A day for a man to afflict his soul?

is it to bow down his head as a bulrush,

    and to spread sackcloth and ashes

under him? wilt thou call this a fast,

    and acceptable day to the LORD?

                   Isaiah 58:5

Live now Authentically for God

Richard L. Crumb

How To Be The New Jerusalem: The Compelling Will Of God

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar

 in the temple of My God, and he shall go 

no more out: and I will write upon him the

 name of My God, and the name of the

 city of My God, which is the new Jerusalem,

 which cometh down out our heaven from My God: 

and I will write upon him My new name.

Revelation 3:12 

     Before I move on in this study I once again desire to bring more light upon this New Jerusalem. In Paul Bunyan's book, The Holy War, a book I recommend reading, this allegory speaks of Mansoul, a city made up of people believing in God. You are that city! The last paragraph of this book is good to ponder: "Remember, therefore, O my Mansoul, that thou are beloved of me. As I have, therefore, taught thee to watch, to fight, to pray, and to make war against my foes; so no I command thee to believe that my love is constant to thee. O my Mansoul, how have I set my heart, my love upon thee! Watch. Behold I lay none other burden upon thee than what thou hast already. Hold fast, till I come." (Paul Bunyan: The Holy War: Moody Press, Chicago, p. 336: italics mine). 

     Jerusalem in the life of Jesus Christ is the place where He reached the climax of His Father's will. Jesus was born in Bethlehem and from that moment on in His incarnation all He was to do was the will of God. You too are Bethlehem for you where born into the family of God and from this you are to do as Jesus did: the will of God. Jesus moved from Bethlehem and went to Jerusalem to the the will of God for which He was sent. You have been adopted into the family of God and are Jerusalem by which the will of God will be manifested. Jesus steadfastly set His face towards Jerusalem and you too are to set your face towards Jerusalem the place where the purpose of your conversion is the purpose of God: to do His will. We go to Jerusalem to fulfill the purpose of God, not our own. As an Authentic Christian we have no ambition or aim of our own. We hear so much about decisions for this or that for our decisions for God, to be an Authentic Christian, is that God is compelling you to come to Jerusalem, to be part of His city, to Mansoul. God chose you: "Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain:...(John 15:16a). You have been chosen to do something and that something is to bring the Gospel to your world, wherever that place may be, work, home, job, missionary, whatever, you are to bring forth fruit. That is what true Jerusalem does, it manifests the will of God. Jesus did this in Jerusalem when He died upon the cross. 

     As chosen of God we are not to just have a conscious agreement with God's purpose, we are to become fully be in absorption and have conscious agreement with His purpose and not to have any consciousness at all. What does that mean? We do not know what God is aiming at, but what we do know is what is the work that God has for His children to do, it is not the work that is what we hold onto as the will of God for we do not know or vaguely know, what is His will. But we allow God to remain and to allow God to compel us for our faith is not in works, but in God. 

     God has not spoken in words that are unclear, but at times they seem so clouded but in time as we walk, study, pray, the clouds part and the purpose for why we are chosen becomes clearer, and clearer. This will not happen if you have not chosen to do the will of God. God will not pick you up off the couch and make you do His will, but when you choose to do it, then the power of God to lead you, then you will be doing the will of God even if it is somewhat unclear. The question is: Will you choose to be compelled by God and are you willing to be Jerusalem?

I am my beloved's, and his desire

    is toward me. Come, my beloved,

let us go into the field: let us lodge 

    in the villages.

                     Solomon's Song 7:10-11

Choose well: God is compelling you

Richard L. Crumb

 

What Is This New Name And This New Jerusalem?

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast 

which thou hast, that no man take 

they crown. Him that overcometh will I make 

a pillar in the temple of My God, which is 

new Jerusalem, which cometh down out 

of heaven from My God: and I will write 

upon Him My new name.

Revelation 3:12

     I apologize for not being able to write my blog the last two days. I had a doctor' appointment to check my recovery from my surgery and whether or not the cancer was growing again: it wasn't as far as they could tell and I will need to be seen again in six months, a better outcome from once every three months to six months. This is melanoma and must be taken seriously as it kills some 10,000 people each year and the survival rate is not good, but, as we have been studying the word of God our faith, my faith, has been strengthened as I come to understand that our God is coming and He will give to all who are converted to Him everlasting life. Until He comes: we must overcome what this world will throw at us because of our faith in Him.

     Our salvation is secure as the last blog attempted to point out that we need not fear that God will not accept us because of our failures. We are allowed to go through trials and temptations and God will not stop those trials just because we believe upon Him: "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Oh how we want to be delivered from trouble but that is not the case. You are not delivered from trouble, you are delivered in trouble. As a believer, a child of God, the bride of Christ, you will face troubles, but we can in those trouble be of "good cheer." One reason we have trouble facing trouble is our idea of what it means to be a saint. God sees us holy by seeing us through His Son Jesus Christ in whom we have placed our faith. If we keep our eyes on Jesus Christ then when troubles come, and they will, we will overcome them by following in the footsteps of Jesus. 

     Oh, how we want and overcoming life: but He does not give to us overcoming except as we overcome. God is our strength and Jesus is our strength and this strength is not immediately given to you but is given to you as you add to yourself a life that if following the commands of God. A problem exists when we attempt to overcome our problems by ourselves. Yes, we must act, but we must not just act on commonsense, rather we must spend ourselves spiritually and by this you can have the strength to be an overcomer. Our nourishment that gives us strength  is for you to overcome your timidity and take the step that you must take if you are to be an overcomer: take the step and immediately the strength of God is not only your nourishment but gives to you the ability to overcome. You have the help if you will only use it.

     Now as an overcomer you will have a new name, and your new name is written on you is the name of God. You are the New Jerusalem: But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all" (Galatians 4:26). The writer of Hebrews adds: But ye are come unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels" (Hebrews 12:22). I you believe on the name of Jesus Christ you will be saved and your new name is not "sinner," no, it is "justified: "And such were some of you: by ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God" (1Corinthians 6:11). Paul adds: "Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted  and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints which is the breadth, ad length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God" (Ephesians 3:13-19). 

      Ancient Jerusalem foreshadowed and pictured the city of God, the city that is heavenly and will when Jesus returns be brought down to earth for you, a place where you will dwell eternally. You have a new name and a new home and until then you must be an overcomer as God enables you to overcome. It is a partnership, you do your part and God will do yours and by this you can be an overcomer, a person with a new name written on your forehead. 

The LORD knoweth the days of the upright:

     and their inheritance shall be for ever.

They shall not be ashamed in the evil time:

     and in the days of famine they shall 

be satisfied.

                      Psalm 37:18-19

May your faith be strengthened by His words

Richard L. Crumb

Can You Lose Your Salvation: Does Revelation 3:11 Say You Can?

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which 

thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar 

in the temple of my God, and he shall go no 

more out: and I will write upon him the 

name of my God, which is new Jerusalem, 

which cometh down out of heaven from my God: 

and I will write upon him my new name. He that 

hath an ear, let him hear what the 

Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 3:11-13 

     What is this crown that can be taken away if a Christian does not hold fast to that which they have received? Does this mean that a person can lose their salvation. Some say yes, others say no; what are we to believe? All answers to our questions can be answered by Scripture: but we must do the work to find the answer, God will lead you if you take the time to do the study. 

     Removing the use for our physical crown of the head we then turn to the use for the word "crown." Blessing were placed upon Joseph and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren (Genesis 49:26). Who was separated from his brethren? Joseph! The crown was called holy and placed upon the miter and on the border of the cover of the tent tabernacle. When the miter was placed on high priest the "holy crown" was placed on him as the LORD commanded to Moses (Leviticus 8:9). The crown was called the crown of anointing oil God (Leviticus 21:9). When Job gave an answer to Bildad the Shuhite saying that the words of Biladid were vexing his soul shouting that God hath overthrown him and tha" his cries were not being heard and that God hath stripped from him his gory, and taken the crown from his head (Job 19:9). Isaiah expands for us what the crown is the symbol of the crown: "In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, into the residue of His people" (Isaiah 28:5). The sinners will see your righteousness and you will be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name: "Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God" (Isaiah 62:3: read vs. 2). God's people had become a reproach to God and: (The crown is fallen from our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned" (Lamentations 5:16). Speaking to the Israelites God that He had given to them: "And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head" (Exekiel 16:12). But as so often happens when a person or a Church, a denomination thinks so highly of being a crown of glory they fall away: "But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouedst out they fornications on every one that passed by; his it was" (Ezekiel 16:15). Paul now gives to us what it means to have a "crown" not just any crown but an incorruptible crown while sinners obtain a corruptible crown: "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible" (1Corinthians 9:25). An Authentic Christian is a joy to others and are a crown of joy to them: "Therefore, my Brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved" (Philippians 4:1). Our crown is to be a crown of rejoicing and our hope as you consider the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ: "For what is our hop, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming" (1Thessalonians 5:19)? Do you know that you have a crown just waiting for you? Paul in writing to Timothy gives us the answer: "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them that also that love His appearing" (2Timothy 4:8). Jesus in Revelation tells us to hold fast and if you do: "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him" (James 1:12). Jesus is coming and when He does He will give to you a crown of glory: "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away" (1Peter 5:4). Our study of Revelation in chapter two speaks to us that we will, if "faithful unto death, receive a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10). 

       If you remain faithful nothing, no one, can take away your righteousness in Jesus Christ. By faithfulness you will receive a crown of life, not lose your salvation but will eternally be righteous. Not faith in faith, not faith in anything other than Jesus Christ will you remain righteous. You can wear that crown of righteousness now even in the face of temptation and if you fall, you can receive repentance and if you do not return to that sin. God will judge us so we must overcome and we can, not by just our own power, which we must exercise, but by assistance of the Holy Spirit that indwells. Think on this: Your name will be written and the words are that you are a son of God, adopted, for sure, but nonetheless, a son, a daughter of God, a pillar in the temple of God. You will reside forever in the city of God, the New Jerusalem. 

     Fear not, you will not lose your salvation, but you could lose your witness for Jesus Christ and you will have to answer for your failure but God is merciful to those who have truly become Authentic Christians knowing as humans in this life we are susceptible to failure but He has come to be in you so you can run from temptations, and you have Him to guide you through trials. You are a child of God: live it!

The LORD shall judge the people:

     judge me, O LORD, according

to my righteousness, and according

     to mine integrity that is in me.

                         Psalm 6:8

You can now be a crown of righteousness

Richard L. Crumb

"What Is This Key Of David?

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; 

These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, 

He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, 

and no man shutteth;, and no may openeth; 

I know thy works: behold, I have set before 

thee an open door, and no man can shut it: 

for thou has a little strength, and hast kept

 my word, and hast not denied My name.

 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue 

of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, 

but do lie; behold, I will make them to come 

and worship before thy feet, and to know 

that I have loved thee. Because thou hast 

kept the word of my patience, I also will 

keep thee from the hour of temptation, 

which shall come upon all the world, to try 

them that dwell upon the earth.

Revelation 3:7-10 

      We all know the name "Philadelphia" which is the joining of two Greek words, one of the word is used for love of a friend, and the other for brother, so brotherly love. Unlike English where we use the word "love" for just about anything we like, the Greeks defined "Love" so that there is no confusion. What about the "key of David?" This phrase is used twice in the Bible: 1. "And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and not shall open" (Isaiah 22:22). 2. In Revelation 3:7, being discussed in this blog. To what does this key refer? This phrase refers to possessing legitimate authority, and in the case of David it referred to his authority to rule Israel. Israel was a holy nation set aside for His purpose. The Key of David does not refer to a physical throne or to a physical nation. Israel is the woman in Revelation chapter twelve who goes from being the nation that gave birth to Jesus Christ to a spiritual nation whose offspring keep the commandments of God and testifies about Jesus Christ as the Savior and this testimony is the spirit of prophesy (Revelation 19:10). Israel became the single nation promised to Abraham and then when Jesus comes to earth the world becomes the kingdom of God and of His Messiah (Revelation 11:15-18; Daniel 1:9-14). The Key of David means the right to rule Israel and now it means more than that for the physical nation of Israel is not a spiritual nation who are Christians, Authentic Christians. Now this Key of David given to Christians is the key that unlocks Scripture so that we can understand the writings of King David. God has opened the Scriptures to His children if they would only take the time to study His word. God will not implant that which is not first planted (Garbage in; garbage out) or (nothing in; nothing out). Some teach that God will give a vision or a word even if that vision is not supported by Scripture or to be recalled from memory. This is never taught in Scripture, and if this was true why then have a Bible for God would just put into the mind whatever He so desired. But God has not done this for He has revealed all that we need to know in His written word. 

     The word "worship" is not altogether a poor translation, but the word "προσκυήσωσιν" is the joining of two Greek words: 1.προσ: this can mean "towards," or "pertaining to," and 2.κυήσωσιν" meaning "dog," and metaphorically it means ungodly men exercising immoral ways. The use of "dog" is that a dog licks a hand and when those two words are conjoined, the meaning is that of bowing to do homage to another and homage means respect, so to give respect or even reverence a formal acknowledgement in giving acknowledgment of the worth of another. We will and should now give homage, reverence, worship towards Jesus Christ who holds the Key of David and give to you and me the right to use that key for our understanding and use and the world will have to acknowledge you an Authentic Christian and will know that you love the Savior Jesus Christ. It is Jesus Christ that will keep you from temptation. No, he will not shut the door to you if you are going to do that which is contrary to Jesus, but He will for He is God, He is the Holy Spirit, He is the Father, He is the Godhead to bring to you that which you have implanted into you mind so that you can withstand temptation. You must use your will. 

     Jesus commends the Church at Philadelphia for their endurance even though they were a "little power" yet they kept the word of Jesus. How can you keep that which you do not have, you cannot. Your power to succeed in your fight against temptation, the culture of this world, false doctrines, and other trials is found in only one place: Jesus Christ. I cannot now see Jesus, can you? NO! How can I see Him now? Through the word of God, through the Scriptures preserved throughout the ages so that you can see Jesus, you can live according to the commands of God. How great is our God? You cannot measure His greatness, but you can know His greatness. It is in His word and is in you by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. You have the power now: use it!

The LORD will perfect that which 

     concerneth me: thy mercy, 

O LORD, endureth for ever: 

    forsake not the works of 

Thine own hands.

      Psalm 138:8

You have the Key of David: Use it!

Richard L. Crumb

 

Learning What It Means To Be An Overcomer And The Blessing Of An Overcomer

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; 

These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits 

of God and the seven stars: I know thy works, 

that thou hast a name that thou livest, 

and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen

 the things which remain, that are ready to die: 

for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 

Revelation 3:1-2

     The city of Sardis lies close to the Aegean Sea, near Thyatira, and Ephesus, Philadelphia and others in what is now Turkey. This letter to that Church speaks of them having a form of Christianity but not the reality of Christianity and what they had was about to die. These people were living as thou they had true Christianity but their works belie their belief. While they believed that their works were of God, they were not and what they did have, what they did know of the truth, needed to be strengthened. The Church at Sardis needed to examine what they believed to ensure that they were not being misled. Jesus spoke to them that He was coming and those who did hold to the truth needed to wake up and teach repentance: "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shat not know what hour I will come upon thee" (Revelation 3:3). 

     Repentance is what is needed for anyone who desires to be an Authentic Christian, and have Authentic belief in God. Without repentance there can not be salvation. PERIOD! There are those, too many of them, that hold fast to a creed, or liturgy, or sacraments, or ordinances as thou by holding fast to them they are doing the work of God. Jesus Christ finds fault with false doctrines and ungodly inconsistent practices and rebukes those who are holding onto them as though this is what is required to be saved. The praise that a person receives from Jesus Christ is often when Jesus praises faith in Him. Jesus rewards patience, and even works when they are done truly with Him, not for Him, your labor of love, perseverance on these He bestows high commendation. 

    This must be noticed: Jesus in any epistle that He dwells upon Church government,or ceremonies, nor does He give doctrine, liturgies, forms, or baptism, or even the Lord's Supper, or apostolical succession. I wrote about this in an earlier blog but feel that this must be understood fully for there are many believers that think and preach that those things are of paramount importance. Was this happening in Sardis, was this their works leading to death? Those things have some importance but are not the highest important and they can have great blessing if taught as they should be and practiced as they should be. 

     Sardis had problems and yet there were some who were holding fast to the faith and that which was taught from the beginning: "Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy" (Revelation 3:4). Would that not be great if that would be said of you? Yes! This requires that you be an overcomer and if an overcomer this promise is yours: "He hath overcometh, he same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before His angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches" (Revelation 3:5-6). 

     An overcomer in Jesus Christ is assured that their name will never be blotted out of the Book of Life. An overcomer will be wearing a garment of white denoting that they are no longer under sin. Jesus makes intercession eternally for you. Are you hearing this? Not just with your ears, but with your mind, and are you confessing Him as He confesses to the Father for you?  

Incline your ear, and come unto me:

    hear, and your soul shall live;

and I will make an everlasting covenant

   with you, even the sure mercies of David.

                        Isaiah 33:3

 Overcomers receive praise and blessing 

Richard L. Crumb

Who Is This Morning Star?

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works 

unto the end, to  him will I give power over 

the nations: and he shall rule them with a 

rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall 

they be broken to shivers: even as I received 

of My Father. And I will give him the morning star. 

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the 

Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 2:26-29

 

     This portion of chapter two can be a bit confusing if the context is not considered to bring light and understanding. In verses above this portion it is Jesus Christ who tells Christians to hold fast till He comes (vs. 25) and in we are told that He, Jesus Christ will cause no other burden (vs. 24b). Now in verse 26 it is the one who overcometh and keeps the works of God, as Jesus exemplified during His time on earth. Now the narrative switches to Him, Jesus Christ the context admits no other explanation of the one that would receive power (actually the Greek word means authority, so power is ok but does not convey the meaning as well). Who keeps the law of God now in their lives to the end? Can you? Well, possibly but not probably as sin still resides in each and every person until they have come into the presence of God in heaven. Yes, you are saved and your sins washed away but not by anything you can do or will do except to believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ, convert to Him and then with the power of the Holy Spirit you have all you need to overcome. But in reality, we do not always use the power of the Holy Spirit and make many choices and decisions that are not God's will. We are not perfect, and we cannot be perfect in of ourselves in this life. God sees you as white as snow when He sees you through Jesus Christ who is making intercession for you. So there is a double meaning here, you can have power over the nations but you cannot rule over them with an Iron fist. Your power is not the same as the power of God who can rule over the nations and break them into little pieces and this is what God gave to His Son Jesus Christ to be able to do due to His vicarious work on the cross. The world is like a pile of potter mud and the potter can if he so chooses to destroy his work at any level of his work. Only God can do this and only God can give to His Son who did the will of God. It was the Wisdom of God that was sent and it is this Wisdom that now being incarnate can be given the morning star. So who is this morning star and the Bright Morning star? A little research will provide the answer. 

     In Job 1:6; 2:1 the sons of God are mentioned as they are summoned to be before Jehovah and this included Satan. We know they are angels as they are appear before God. God then asks a question about creation and then: "When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy" (Job 38:4-6). It is clear the the morning stars are a group and they are also called sons of God. A point of interest: the term sons of God in the Old Testament is used in a plural manner and refers to angels. Men were not called sons of God until the New Testament when the Holy Spirit dwells in them: "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:14,19). The Hebrew word boquer means dawn stars and it symbolizes the angels where together in unity as when Satan states: "I will exalt my throne above the stars of God" (Isaiah 14:13).

This symbolic usage can be found in the New Testament saying the same thing: "the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in heaven will be shaken" (Mark: 13:25), and "And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind" (Revelation 613), and "His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth" (Revelation 12:4). 

     We now have some background to come to an understanding and the usage of morning star: "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations" (Isaiah 14:12). The King James Bible uses the word that means morning star calling it Lucifer and this is incorrect and in this verse Satan is called star of the morning and to use a proper name is wrong. The name Lucifer is not drawn from the Bible even though it has become accepted. No where else in the Bible does the Hebrew noun heeyleel that means bright and shiny one, one who spreads light. The word son often describes possession of the quality or characteristic described. So then, son of the morning would present him as one who has light. It is interesting that the term "son of the dawn" for Satan is no longer applied to him after the fall of Adam and Eve. 

     Jesus is called THE "bright and morning star" this places Jesus above all other who are bright for it is Jesus who is the victor and we will have the victor, Jesus Christ. We who overcome will have Jesus as our reward. Only in Revelation 22:16 is the word "bright added to Morning Star distinguishing Jesus from any angel. When Jesus promises to give the "morning star" to His faithful ones, He promises that He will give to them Himself. 

     The prophetic word: "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts (2Peter 1:19). Jesus is our continual light that gives to you instruction until the real light comes: Jesus Christ. It is this light that will transform you and give to you immortality. 

     This should clear up any misunderstanding as to the words "morning light." THE morning light is Jesus, notice the word "THE" and the light that the Morning Light gives is life, life eternal. This section has a double entendre as it applies to you, and to Jesus Christ. What we must not lose here is the fact: you must be an overcomer, have an ear that hears what the Spirit says to the called out ones, the Church.

 

And the Redeemer shall come to Zion,

     and unto them that turn from

transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.

                        Isaiah 59:20

 

Study to show yourself an approved workman

 

Richard L. Crumb

How To Find Happiness In A World Full Of Trouble

Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them 

that commit adultery with her into great 

tribulation, except they repent of their

 of their deeds. And I will kill her children

 with death;  and all the churches shall know that

 I am He which searcheth the reins and hearts: 

and I will give unto every one of you 

according to your works. But unto you I say, 

and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as 

have not this doctrine, and which have 

not known the depths of Satan, as they speak;

 I will put upon you none other burden. But that 

which ye have already hold fast till I come.

Revelation 2:22-24 

     The Greek word for bed used here has an interesting meaning as it means to cause to slope or bend, to bow down, to decline.  Therefore a good translation is that to put a person, a sinner to be cast into a decline, to be have tribulation due to their adultery. Do not think of adultery to be just a sexual adultery as adultery can be done in several other ways outside of sex. To go after other things that God opposes is to commit adultery the One who has adopted you and has made you a bride of Christ. It is interesting that the children of Satan, Jezebel will be killed with death. How can a person be killed with death are we not all going to die? Yes! But there is a death that all who will not believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be their personal Savior will die in Gehenna (Revelation 20:11-15). Some will say that a person who is not going to heaven and is cast into Gehenna will suffer alive for eternity. What fear this may bring to a person but fear of this death will not save you. Gehenna, and I will address this thoroughly when we come to these verses in chapter 20, is a place called the Valley of Hinnon, a garbage dump where sulphur and brimstone burned day and night, where the edges of Gehenna had worms to eat decaying flesh and food particles. Even those considered to vile and evil to be buried where cast in this garbage dump and destroyed as their bodies burned to ashes. There is a death beyond the death that all men on this earth will have to pass through, then they too will rise to be judged and they will see how evil they are and will be killed with death. But those who repent, truly and honestly repent will be saved. God searches the heart and the "reins." The Greek word used here for "reins" means the kidneys, and reins is to be understood as a seat of desire and affection. What desire holds your affection and priority? What are your works that God will consider? You cannot work to be saved and has little to do with you being saved but is an outcrop of being saved. Faith, Authentic Christian Faith is demonstrated in your works and your works according to Scripture is to follow the law of God, the Ten Commandments and to spread the Gospel. Nothing added or taken away as some so-called Christian Churches have done. 

     The Church in Thyratira were following false doctrine. Do you belong to a "Church" that insists upon formality, and a self-righteousness shown by as in at least one Church I know to run through tunnels of fire, or to lay on tombstones and "suck up" the dead person' spirit. Or that some liturgical doctrine and will not allow others to have their liturgy without their condemnation. A person is always taking communion, even may be daily reading Scripture, you may have a deep hope of eternal life, never missing a Sunday Sermon, keeping the Sabbath holy, but where is the work of the Spirit? Where are the evidences of your regeneration? To do these things that hold a priority over the foundation of salvation is to make your Christianity a little religion. Beware, as we have learned to not be as the Church in Ephesus who left their first love, or to become lukewarm as we will see in the Church at Laodicea of tolerating false practices like Pergamos, of tampering with false doctrines like in Thyratira, of becoming half dead, ready to die. 

     Let all who desire to be Authentic Christians to be one who covets the best gifts and to aim at eminent holiness. Let us be known unmistakenable Christians. Be men and women of God and live that all may see that God is first, holds the priority in your life and follow Jesus Christ who is our Savior and will come to take you home to be with Him eternally.  

     God puts no other burden upon you and His burden is not that which you cannot bear for you have the Holy Spirit to guide you, to be with you, in all circumstances of life. You and I are commanded to hold fast that which God has revealed to us in Scripture until He comes. Repent, and return to your first love that love of Jesus Christ. Do you want to be happy? Well there is where the answer for happiness lies. God will not do this for you without you taking responsibility. 

Turn thou to us unto thee LORD,

     and we shall be turned;

renew our days as of old.

                      Lamentations 5:21

Be intentional to spread the Gospel

Richard L. Crumb

What is the "White Stone?" What Is The "Hidden Manna?" Who Is This Jezebel?"

And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; 

these things saith the Son of God, who hath 

His eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His feet 

are like fine brass; I know thy works; and 

the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding

 I have a few things against thee, because

 thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which 

calleth herself a prophetess, to teach 

and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, 

and to eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave 

her space to repent of her fornication; 

and she repented not.

Revelation 2:18-21 

     Before I move on I must address the words "white stone," and "hidden manna," spoken of to the Church at Pergamos. The word "stone" in Greek in the Bible uses lithos that has six derivatives and used 82 times in the New Testament. The other word, "petros," is used 161 times translated "Peter," and time as "stone." Those words are not used here in Revelation. The Greek word, Psephos, is used on 2 times in the New Testament and used once as stone and the other time used by Paul in Acts 26:10 and translated vote. Bible scholars have had a tough time with this word saying that it is a mystery and several interpretation have been proffered. Let the Bible interpret the Bible. This Greek word carries the meaning of a pebble, and this pebble was variously employed, especially in a ballot, a vote, that which was given as a token. For us today we have a problem with certain symbols, or words but this would not be true of those living in the time when those symbols were used, as here in Revelation. So we look to how that word was used by those other than Biblical writings. In ancient Greece a jury would cast a white stone to signify acquittal, a black stone proclaimed the defendant guilty. In ancient Roman a custom used was to award a white stone to the victor of an athletic game. To be an overcome, a victor as a Christian then the promise of Jesus Christ that an overcomer would have eternal victory and be admitted to the banquet prepared for all the bride of Christ. A new name given to an overcomer refers most likely to the work of the Holy Spirit of conforming believers to the holiness of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29; Colossians 3:10). The "hidden manna" is the revelation of God a revelation that was hidden from the world and is to be revealed in this last time. Manna fed the Hebrews in the desert after leaving Egypt and the manna today is our food found in Scripture. Again we look to history for answers and we find that the provision of manna was a special provision, so special that it was placed in a 'golden pot' within the Ark of the Covenant, hidden from he people but visible to God. So it is today, hidden from the people but present to God. God sees all, everything, your works or lack of works. 

     God sees your faith, your charity, your service and knows that whether or not you put yourself ahead of others. The Church at Thyatira did all the write things but still were not doing all that needed to be done to be a holy people in the sight of God. This Church was allowing that which God held against them, Jezebel. We once again return to history to get some clarification as what this means and why God was holding this against this Church. Who is Jezebel? You can find the account about Jezebel in 1Kings 16: 31, 18:4,13; 19:1,2; 21:5,7,11,14-15, 23,25; 2Kings 9:7,10,22,30,36,37. Ahab who now was the king of Israel took for himself a wife, Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians and went to serve Baal and worshipped him. Jezebel cut off the prophets of Jehovah and even killed the prophets of Jehovah. Jezebel even threatened the life of king Ahab. Due to her wickedness it was prophesied that she would be eaten by dogs. All this due tot the fact that she stirred up wickedness while attempting to be a prophetess. Jezebel was called a whore and one who practices witchcraft. Jezebel painted her face to make herself more attractive but in the end the real Jezebel stood up for what she was and this ended in her death. This woman, queen has been used for thousand of years to describe cunning, ruthless and reprehensible women. She typifies evil and is synonymous with idolatry, prostitutes and sorcerers. 

     Can you now see why God hates those who are similar to Jezebel. When you, the Church, allow doctrines that are not Scriptural you are adulterers, and if you allow images that are nothing more than idols and worshipped as to have some special ability God holds this against you. If a person who is using cunning, or is ruthless, are reprehensible to God. This Church was allowing this to occur in their Church and God wants that removed. Check your Church and remove all that is reprehensible to God and you have this example of Jezebel to aid you to ensure holiness. 

Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son:

    but he that is a companion of

riotous men shameth his father

        Proverbs 28:7

Test all things: hold fast to the good

Richard L. Crumb

 

Can A Person Reach Sinless Perfection In This Life?

Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, 

and will fight against them with the sword 

of My mouth. He that hath and ear let him 

hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches;

 to him that overcometh will I give him a

 white stone a new name written, which

 no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Revelation 2:16-17 

     "Repent" is an imperative, that it, it is a command, and it is in second Aorist, therefore if you have not repented do it now and begin living as an overcomer. I met a young woman who attends the Bethel Church here in Redding and she told me that I could reach perfection in this life. Is this true? As I have pointed out in this study in regards to the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans who were and are false doctrines many today have also become enslaved to false doctrines. Satan and his hordes of demons go about to not win over sinners, he already has them in his fold, but to Christians and to do this he uses men to deceive and one deception is the heresy of sinlessness in the flesh. We need to establish the truth. To do this it would be wise to use the Bible. 

     Anyone, any sane person, knows that life has its ups and downs, and life has its many tribulations and trials. Furthermore, if one is honest, even after converting to Jesus Christ, that is becoming an Authentic Christian life is still a war, a war in nature or in grace. Why else would Jesus speak of you and me commanding us to become an overcomer? In Ephesians 2:1 we have this: "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses ans sins." Notice the bold type (may addition, but in your Bible you will notice that those words are in italics) as they are not in the Bible. Here is the literal translation of that verse: "and you being dead in offences and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). I do this to clarify that to use this to teach sinless perfection in this life is to misuse this Scripture. Now John does give us this: "It is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profitethnothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they life" (John 6:63). Here the Greek word translated "quickeneth" is present. So what have learned so far, first, take time to read and study Scripture and understand that in some cases for proper translation into English a word must be added for clarification, but in this case a whole phrase was added that does not teach clearly that the Spirit does "Quickeneth" and this we find in John. What does it mean to "quickeneth?" To be "quickened" is to be made alive, to have vigor, to be stimulated, to have indications of life, and this rapidly, to be revived. What is being taught in the Bible is that a person who believes in Jesus Christ becomes spiritually alive. This is necessary for before this "quickening" a person is dead spiritually. The old flesh with all its desires and corruption of the soul still exists and the inner spiritual life that is in Jesus Christ has become alive, united to the life of Jesus Christ. John made this clear that the flesh "profited nothing" and you, until you die, are flesh, carnal, it is not spiritual. Paul reminds of this fact: "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would" (Galatians 5:17). The fleshly nature your received from Adam and the Spiritual nature you received from Jesus Christ. These two natures are at war with one another. In the book of Romans Paul teaches: "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin" (Romans 7:22-23). 

     Health is the balance between physical life and external nature, and it is maintained only sufficient vitality on the inside against things on the outside. Everything outside my body is attempting to put me to death. Those things that attempting me to put me to death are the things that will disintegrate me when I am dead. Now, if I, you, have enough fighting power, I produce the balance of health. What is true of the physical body is true of the mental life, we have to fight, and fighting mental balance of thought is produced. 

      Morally it is the same. everything that does not partake of the nature of virtue is the enemy of virtue in you and me, and this all depends on what is our moral calibre for it by that calibre whether or not you overcome and produce virtue. If you fight this attempt to keep you from being an overcomer you will be in and are moral in that particular. You are not virtuous because he cannot help it: virtue is acquired. 

     This is true of spiritually as well: Jesus said: "In the world ye shall have tribulation" (John 16:33). Think on this: every that is not spiritual makes for your undoing, but we are to be of good cheer: (John 16:33b). You have to fight this fight of Authentic Christian Faith but you do not have to do it all by yourself for you have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you and that the Holy Spirit is God, then you have the power of God in you to draw upon so that you will be able to produce a balance of holiness. Holiness is he balance between your disposition and the low of God as expressed in Jesus Christ. No, you will not be able to live in sinless perfection in this life, but you can live in sinless perfection spiritually. This is what you are in Jesus Christ, and if you fail in some way you have Jesus Christ who died for you to make intercesssion for you when you truly repent. You do not have to be a hypocrite if you will just take your Bible and study it, get a Strong's Concordance, read what men have written and are using the truth of the Bible for their thoughts to aid you. Everything you need to know and to fight and to be an overcomer is in the Bible. Sinless perfection in this life is of Satan, sinless perfection spiritually is in Jesus Christ. You must choose what side you will fight with, Satan, or Jesus Christ.

A prudent man forseeth the evil,

     and hideth himself; but the

simple pass on, and are punished.

           Proverbs 27:12

Choose the side you want to be on wisely

Richard L. Crumb

Why Does God Hate The Nicolaitans? Are They Present Today?

So hast thou also them that hold the 

doctrine of the Nicolatanes, which thing I hate.

 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, 

and will fight against them with the sword 

of my mouth. He that hath an ear, let him

 hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;

 to him that overcometh will I give to eat 

of the hidden manna, and will give him a 

white stone a new name written, which no 

man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Revelation 2:15-17

     Our study of the doctrine of Balaam answers the question about that doctrine and why God hates this doctrine and teaches us that we are not to be as Balaam. Balaam attempted to use God for his profit. Balaam would not take God's command and tried to get God to give him permission to curse Israel for if he did curse Israel Balaam would receive more than profit, he would receive acclamation giving him more power. We see men today who are profiting by using God to gain that profit. Men such as Joel Osteen, T.D. Jake, Benny Hinn, Bill Johnson, and many more are living a rich and bountiful life. This life of those who are using God are speaking out both sides of their mouth as did Balaam: We need to aid the poor, they say, and have incomes of millions and live in luxurious homes. It is not wrong to be paid or to live in nice homes, but millions of dollars, huge mansions, cars, planes, and to say that they have a heart for the needy? Really? When we hear a quack, quack, we generally will say that it is a duck, when it walks like a duck, we will say that it is a duck. Men and women are being deceived by those men and the true gospel is not being preached. 

     Now we come to another group of heretics: the Nicolatans. Who are they and why does God pronounce His hatred towards them? I have addressed this before but now to readdress this so that we can understand why John was given in this vision by Jesus Christ. John mentions them and shows God's hatred for them and a warning for us to heed.

     Nicolaitans is a Greek word that is a proper noun combined of three Greek words, Nikos, Laos, and Ton. This world cannot be translated into English but it can be transfered. Here is what is meant: Nikos defined means "a conquest, victory, triumph, the conquered and by implication, those who are dominate over the defeated. Laos means people, when Nikos is added to Laos then the meaning is the one who is victorious over people. Ton is a contracted word into a long "a," thus making the word Tan that is genitive, plural in all the genders of the definite article 'the.' This then is the legal Greek construction which becomes Nicholaitans in Revelation.  

     How does this apply to the Church? Who are the ones that are ruling over the Church, and are victorious over the Church and have gained a victory or conquest over the people of the Church? Who are holding dominion over the Church and are compelling the people to submit to arbitrary doctrines, those doctrines that God hates? Nicolaitans carries the meaning for the bishops, the prelates of the Church, those who are demanding that their doctrines are to be followed or they would lose their entry into the kingdom of God. Oh, they do not necessarily say those exact words, but they teach and preach a gospel that is another gospel teaching them to do things to prove that they are Christian, and to gain profit from those who will follow their teaching. There are so many arbitrary doctrines that the denominations hold fast to as the only truth. They force the people to adhere to them. Peter wrote: "The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:  Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; NOR AS BEING LORDS OVER THOSE ENTRUSTED TO YOU, but being examples to the flock" (1Peter 5:1 - 3).
     Let us observe that Jesus Christ, in all seven letters to the seven Churches speaks of nothing but matters of doctrine, practice, warning and promise. As we look at these seven letters to the seven Churches nothing is to be found from Jesus Christ whereby He dwells upon Church government, or ceremonies. Jesus says nothing about sacraments, or ordinances. Jesus does not mention liturgies or forms. Jesus does not instruct John to write one word about baptism, or the Lord's supper, or the apostolical succession of ministers. Those leading principles called the sacramental system are not forward to any one of the seven Churches, and are not to be found in those seven letters. 
     Unfortunately there are those who do forward those systems and would have us believe these things are of first, cardinal, or paramount importance. Yes, a Church needs to have and to see the importance in sacraments and a Church needs to be well administered, and this means to have an evangelical ministry for if it does then it is more complete and useful Church than in one where those things are not to be found. All are nothing compared to faith, repentance, and holiness. We are not to be content with outward appearances, some outward part of religion. 
    Those Nicolaitans mentioned in Revelation were men who attempted to be superior to the laity, to even other clergy, and wanted to have exclusive power over them, to confer orders. So then, the definition and transfer of the Greek tells us that there were men who were practicing carnal and fleshly iniquity by creating a superior class of leaders. This in opposition to the fact that all in the Church, no matter whether they be leaders or not are to constitute a holy brotherhood. They are not to make inferior the brethren. 
    It is no wonder that God hates the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans as they oppose God, misuse God, and misled people. Those who are misled have a gospel that is not a gospel and are under the delusion that they have the truth due to the fact that they are under the spell of a Nicolaitan, then, and now.

He that planted the ear, 
    shall He not hear? He that
formed the eye, shall He not see?
    He that chastiseth the heathen,
shall not He correct? He that teacheth
    man knowledge, shall not He know?
The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man,
    that they are vanity.
                   Psalm 94:9-11

Do not be fooled or misled: examine all things

Richard L. Crumb