Preparing For the Battle

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not 

to wholesome words, even the words of our 

Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which 

is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing 

nothing, but doting about questions and 

strifes of words whereof cometh envy, strife, 

railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings

 of men of corrupt minds, and destitue 

of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: 

from such withdraw thyself.

1Timothy 6:3-5

      The previous blogs taught about what it means, A"Real Christianity" or "Authentic Christian Faith." Due to the problems today both from within the Church, and be those outside the Church it is important that I continue to write about the liberalism that has infected the Church and people in general. My attempt here is to present the issue as clearly and as accurate as I can in order that you the reader may be aided in your growth as an Authentic Christian, or if not at that point yet to lead you to Authentic Christianity. The opening words written to Timothy by the Apostle Paul not only have implications for Timothy but recorded and passed down through the Churches for all to read and apply. To be a tacit Christian, that is, one who is doing little, if not nothing, in working out their faith except for themselves to feel godly simply means that you by your silence agree with those who teach a liberal other gospel. The battles within the various denominations are about, for the most part, things that are of little consequence, that is, they are matters of indifference. What Paul was pointing out to Timothy was about those who are teaching a gospel that is not the Gospel, rather they are simply making noises, ranting, raving at times, striving over their personal doctrines, or things of indifference that they proudly make things of difference. Paul is not saying not to question things, this is important if one is to know what is true or not. We are human beings and have a brain and are curious so we ask questions but to question the clear teaching of Scripture and to banter over preconceived ideas that are simply forcing into Scripture what Scripture does not reveal is to be one that we are to avoid. But it is good to ask questions, to see whether a person is following the truth and this means that you and me must come to know the Truth, not man-made ideologies, and theologies. So we study and this is what these blogs are attempting to do, to aid you, to entice you to study. This might seem an indomitable task but if one does the study they will benefit in the end. The person who shrinks back or rejoices over the pious sounds of the traditional phrases their particular denominations purports, and this regardless whether they be true or not, whether their meanings are warranted by Scripture, and shrinks back for those controversial matters, these well not stand when they are confronted by life. When a person allows others to tell them what to think, rather than lead them to find out for themselves are ones who are apt to hold on to that which is not worth holding on to, and the really important things, those things that they should be fighting for, they will not fight.

     In this present age Christianity is under attack and the attacker is winning the battle for too many Christians are going about life as though God will take care of the problem so they do not need to be fighting. God will take care of the problem and this by you. The Gospel from its beginning was and is now, that is, now if it is down as it should be done, showing the world and teaching the world the great redemptive religion, or Authentic Christianity. Christianity has always had to fight battles or their religious beliefs, but a new type of "Christianity" has come upon the world and it is more destructive than all the battles fought by Christians in the past. This "New-Christian Religion" is nothing more than "modernism" or "liberalism," in fact, it is a "Socialism" attempting in every way to change the Gospel as taught from the beginning of the Church. Liberalism, or Modernism, has many sides or manifestations to it that it seems hard to combat, but you and I are only to combat what we know to be a Liberalism that is coming into the Church and turning people to another gospel. Liberalism denies the Cross, even denies the creative power of God, and only looks to what they call "naturalism." This new type of Christianity is not of the origin of Authentic Christianity and is only degrading our Saviour Jesus Christ, our God who came to pay our debt of sin that we cannot pay. As Paul said in the opening Scripture: turn from such men. 

 But this thing commanded I them, saying,

     Obey My voice, and I will be your God,

and ye shall be My people: and walk ye in

   all ways that I have commanded you,

that it may be well unto you.

                      Jeremiah 7:22

 Put on the armor of God

Richard L. Crumb

 

The Trial Of Faith

Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, 

that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest 

see the glory of God?

John 11:40 

     The last series of blogs being all about Authentic Christian Faith we need to examine what it means to have Authentic Christian Faith a little bit more. Have you noticed that every time you venture out in life that your faith meets all sorts of obstacles? Generally when this occurs we attempt to meet those obstacles with common sense, those contradictions to our faith. This is an important point: COMMON SENSE IS NOT FAITH, AND FAITH IS NOT COMMON SENSE: they stand in opposition with the natural and the spiritual. This is where the "rubber" meets the road: can you trust Jesus Christ when your common sense cannot trust Him? When things tell you that it is a lie, those statements made by Jesus and recorded for us by the inspired writers, will you trust Him? Will you be one that looks back to the times that your trust in Him was fulfilled and then in the present circumstance not trust Him. Is your life only living in the past? It is so good to remember those good times like the apostles on the Mount of Transfiguration and want to stay on that mount, but you cannot for you must  come down from the mount into the valley and face the facts that want to destroy your Mount-of-Transfiguration experience. What is your Mount-of-Transfiguration, the one you want to stay on? When you find that your life is doing well, your faith is doing well it is then that you begin to lose sight of Authentic Christian Faith and attempt to "fix" things by common sense. During those good times you will say that you believe that God will supply everything but then life takes a turn, a bad turn, and your living faith is tested because you do not see how this situation can be corrected. This is when your faith faces trial and whether or not you will sink back to the old way of life or will allow God to take you through this trial. 

     Faith is not faith unless it is tested! How is faith tested? By conflict; you can only be faithful if you have internalized your faith and it is not just some external expression either by word or by action. How is your confidence in Jesus Christ? You must have total confidence in Him if you are to face the continual conflicts that come against your faith. Faith is not dead unless it is not used, it must be fed for your faith is a living faith and all living things need nourishment. Faith, then, is unutterable trust in God, a trust that does not believe, at any time, that God will stand by you through all things in this life.    

     God loves His children so much that He gave His Only Begotten Son to die for you and then applies that death on the cross to you so that you can have salvation and have Him with you, in you, so that this world cannot destroy you, and your faith. Faith grows, and this growth is sanctification and only you can walk that path whereby your sanctification, and your faith grows deeper and deeper until God alone has complete control over you. This is the work that our loving God will do for you, that is, if you allow Him to do so. My prayer for you and me that we will grow into complete trust in Him and have faith that is completely faithful in all things. 

As for God, His way is perfect:

     the word of the LORD is tried:

He is a buckler to all those who 

    trust in Him.

For who is God save the LORD?

   of who is a rock save our God?

              Psalms 18:30-31

Your faith will have success

Richard L. Crumb 

The Fields Are Ripe: We Need Workers!

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any 

of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing 

from the living God. But exhort one another 

daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you 

be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 

For we are made partakers of Christ, 

if we hold the beginning our our confidence, 

steadfast unto the end; while it is said, Today 

if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, 

as in the provocation. For some, when they 

had heard, did provoke; howbeit not all that 

came out of Egypt by Moses. 

Hebrews 3:12-16

     Yesterday was spent getting ready and having another medical procedure...retirement has its benefits....ha!

     This series of blogs focused on what it means to be an Authentic Christian and to have Authentic Christian Faith compared with Cultural Christianity, or liberal Christianity. These blogs clearly and as plainly as I could show the great chasm between the two theologies. Furthermore, the practices and worship are wide apart and one to be more about a person, rather than The Person Jesus Christ. It has been shown that Cultural Christianity is an insult to God, to our Savior Jesus Christ and that Cultural Christians do not have the grounds or warrant for their departure from the truth. The writer of Hebrews wrote: "How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation" (Hebrews 2:3)? Half-believers are not believers at all, in fact they are only attempting to walk the fence, and in time both sides will be throwing rotten eggs at them: this is an untenable approach to Christianity. 

     In this day and age, this present time, there is no excuse for living in spiritual ignorance. We have at our disposal, for our reading, for our knowledge, more evidence in favor of Authentic Christianity than ever before: but we must make the most of it for it does nothing for a person to not take advantage of all that we have for spiritual growth into Authentic Christians. Do you need more information as to the claims about Jesus Christ? Well....there are many good scholars, many manuscripts written by Christian men throughout the history of the Church for you to read (ccel.org) for one, Strong's Dictionary, Strong's or Young's exhaustive concordances, and more, so there is no excuse for not knowing. 

     For those of you who have and do posses Authentic Christian Faith in Jesus Christ and are committed to the teachings of the Bible, much of these blogs already have application for you and your lives. This is the time that the world needs you, you, who are Authentic Christians, and it is imperative to act now, to become intentional to spread the Gospel, the truth of the Bible. This is not the time to sit back and wait out the coming of Jesus Christ. This is the time to improve on your Authentic Christian Faith by growing in your relationship to Jesus Christ. Do you want this country to change from its course into Socialism, its course to defame Jesus Christ? Well, if this is true then get up and get busy. There is no need to become socially acceptable, to be successful over the need to be successful in spreading the Good News, the Gospel. People need you and are looking for the truth and if you truly believe you have the truth: take it to someone(s). Restore the influence that Christianity once had over this nation ensuring that peace, and security would continue as written in our Constitution and by those Christian men who put their lives on the line to sign the Constitution. Only you can raise the level of morality to its rightful place. 

     WAKE UP! GET GOING! Deny yourself those things that would hinder your witness. Take a positive stance and track to be the messenger, the angel sent by God to bring the Good News to all who will receive this news. Who are they? Do not know, but I know this: we will only know if we are searching out those who are seeking the truth. Quit bickering over the non-essentials, allow them if they are not heresy. Show the world that you have the riches they really need. Pray faithfully that God will give you success and again bring the joy of living with vital Authentic Christian Faith. 

     We live in very difficult times, with hate groups causing havoc, fighting, burning building, blocking roadways, hating all that Christians beleive. You might think that you cannot really make a difference. You can! One person at a time. Taking time to be visible about your faith. To aid those in need, to aid those who are struggling with addiction, or with some disease or ailment. There is much to do and much for the servants of God to serve Him, to serve the world. God favors and blesses the land of the righteous (Proverbs 3:33). You are the right person for this task. Will you pick up your Bibles and go taking the truth as to what it means to be saved, and what it means to be an Authentic Christian, to have Authentic Christian Faith. Only you can answer that question.

O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God;

     for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.

Take with you words, and turn to the LORD:

    say unto Him, Take away all iniquity, 

and receive us graciously: so will we render

    the calves of our lips.

                         Hosea 14:1-2

Get Ready: set...Go.....!

Richard L. Crumb

     

      

Wolves In Sheep Clothing

Beware of false prophets, which come to you

 in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they

 are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them 

by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, 

or figs or thistles? Even so every good tree 

bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree 

bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot

bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt

 tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that 

bringeth not forth good fruit is sewn down, 

and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their 

fruits ye shall know them.

Matthew 7:15-20

      The best tools in investigating research our two look for the operative words and to scrutinize what is being said or written. A good investigator will test the primary beliefs of every new religion and exposed by the same scrutiny by which historic Authentic Christian Faith is scrutinized. when investigating all considerations should be carefully balanced so that a sound decision can be made.  Unfortunately this is not always the case whether it be a cultural Christianity or even of those within Authentic Christianity.  What could be said of the cults can also be said of some of those leaders whose approach within these new religions is to keep their adherence and potential proselytes from doing real investigative research.  I often speak with some Jehovah's Witnesses and I find that they are so soundly indoctrinated in the religious beliefs of the Jehovah's Witnesses that whatever you said is quickly covered over by their conceptions of what it means to be a true Christian.  When questioned they often do not know their history of Jehovah's Witnesses, and they really do not know the history of the Christian Church.  Members of Joe Gwen, can do have not looked into the medieval man of Christianity or even the early Church fathers but they will quickly point out that the golf with his organization has lots of books on most matters that they have not read it yet it is open to everyone and I gave last blog a way to do that: ccel.org.  Furthermore when doing an investigation it is each bring important that you examined the arguments and do not be afraid to challenge those arguments.  I do this for a same thing when I'm investigating politics and the politicians who make all sorts of claims to see whether or not they are true or not.  What's good for the politicians is good for Christianity.  I find that when I speak to not only Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, or those students at the Supernatural School of  The Supernatural of the Bethel church here in ReddingI find that they cannot hold their ground when their arguments and beliefs are questioned and often they will leave so that they do not have to answer for they do not have an answer.

      It must be understood that there are no shortcuts to growth in your spirituality.  Atheists, and even some cultural Christian, either reject outright, or reject parts of Christianity and do this on the basis that Authentic Christianity as a belief system is either unsound, or at least parts of it are unsound.  One of the ways to best to address those who have some opposition to Christianity is to push their preconceptions and beliefs to their logical conclusion and for some who are questioning Christianity they just might be led to understand that apart from Authentic Christian Faith atheism or cultural Christianity is not the logical conclusion that they wish to maintain.

      The opening scriptures point to a group of men and women who have not outrightly rejected Christianity and have done so in the ferns to another religious system, no they simply follow a Christianity that is diluted and yet will say that they've long been Orthodox Christianity and they do this by embracing much of the truth of Authentic Christianity.  Of course this is irrational!  What is actually happening is those who say that they are Christians and yet live and believe a diluted Christianity look for to find a Christianity that suits them, even to go and find a church that falls within the neutral zone.  I find it interesting when I speak to people that they believe in an afterlife, they do believe that I haven't come they believe in a God, and they even believe in Jesus Christ, but what they are looking for is to have those beliefs to be so easy, so entertaining, that they overlook that they are being led by a wolf dressed in sheep's clothing.  Cultural Christians of this nature do not view themselves or put themselves in the category of unbelievers, yet they have rejected the recruits that God has inspired to be revealed for that we can see the truth.  Of course this places them in surgical danger, especially so since Authentic Christianity doesn't really cross their minds.

     There is no middle way to be an Authentic Christian and we must point out that the Bible tells us Jesus Christ will rejectthose who simply cry out that they know Jesus but the Jesus they know is not the Jesus that died on the cross is the Only Begotten Son of God, being both God and man in one body, that He is God.  you cannot have your cake and eat it too!  You either believe the truth as outlined for us in the Bible, undiluted, unfiltered, hard and direct, or your forum a biblical truth that makes you feel good about your religiosity.  A person cannot simply say that the Bible is true and not follow it.  Taking the beliefs of cultural Christianity, those liberal Christians, and even the atheist to the logical conclusion of their premises and beliefs, well, if they will allow, to show them the error of their ways and to show them the way that will lead to eternal life and happiness even now in this present age.

     There is no excuse for living in spiritual ignorance no! The time for soft peddled spirituality through soft-pedaling by pastors of the truth just so that they believe they're maintained their income, their affluent living, and all the acclamations they might see, must come to an end.  I am not being simply stupid here for I know that most of these characters will not change their way of belief or actions, I am first and foremost speaking to individuals for Thursday changed to come it begins within each and every one of us.  Authentic Christianity requires commitment.  The time is gone for critics who will lead That there is no historic evidence for Authentic Christianity, it is the time for Authentic Christians to stand up for the truth and become a people of God who can defend their faith (1 Peter 3: 15). The day is coming, a sad day, for those who take such a position against the truth Authentic Christian Faith.  Eternal life is at stake!  Would they have discovered the error of their ways it will not only be a sad day, it will be there last day.

      May God in His mercy,  awakened the sleepy headed Authentic Christians, and awakened those of cultural Christianity before it is too late, and may there be true response to God with repentance and true faith.

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me,

     O God!  How great is the sum of them!

If I should count them, they are more in number

     then the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

Surely Thou wilt slay the wicked, O God:

      depart from me therefore,  you bloody thirsty men.

                                Psalms 139: 17 -- 19

 Hit for the Day: pray, study, and meditate

Richard L. Crumb

Cultural Christianity: Another gospel That Is Not The Gospel

I charge thee therefore before God, 

and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge 

the quick and the dead at His appearing 

and His kingdom: preach the word; be instant 

in season, out season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all 

longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come 

when they will not endure sound  doctrine; 

but after their own lusts shall they heap 

to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 

and they shall turn away their ears from the

 truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch 

thou in all things, endure afflictions, 

do the work of an evangelist, make full

 proof of thy ministry. 

2Timothy 4:1-5 

     Paul is writing to Timothy, therefore these words have first application to Timothy somebody does not shrink back from the Ministry, that which he has been assigned to do and to whom he has the responsibility to minister.  Some would believe these words at this point but they would be very wrong because what ever it was written, whether it be in the Old Testament with the many events and lineages are all written under inspiration and they as the word of God are recorded for each and every one of us to seek God and see His revelation to us. Therefore those words are for our administration and for our responsibility to bring the Gospel to our world. there are two words that I think I need to clarify and the first word is "quicken" for this means to be alive or the living and the other word is "doctrine" in the Greek as is telling us that it is teaching may use this for ages to understand that we put definition of words that may not be what was spoken or written by the apostles under inspiration.

     Authentic Christians are attacked, their faith is attacked, and not just by a reason and logical argument, or if this was true then there is little for us to fear.  Over the years the philosophers and critics have attempted to attack Christianity in this way it is interesting that most of those critics and philosophers have been forgotten.  We can only know something about them in the writings of other men and sometimes by their own writings we have the extant writings of them.

       The above may also be true of those who have abandoned Authentic Christianity and follow some watered down version of Authentic Christianity. I have attended several different churches and several different denominations and far too often I have found that the pastors at teaching some sort of allegory or innuendos as to this or that occurred but very little is being taught about the Gospel.  In fact some churches have become nothing more than halfway houses, and I'm not speaking of the homeless are those in need, I'm thinking about those who teach in leading liberal theology.  These cultural Christians, these liberal Christians, have embraced some new religion and they even have the gall to collect Christianity and yet this new religion denies all the foundational theology of The Authentic Christian Faith.  This is in an alternate Christian system, one that is and has created some sort of illusion of religiosity.  This alternate Christian system often speaks of the love of God and the need to practice morality, but they have left Authentic Christian Faith, they have gutted Authentic Christian Faith and it filled the void with a new gospel that Paul says that is not a gospel: "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and what for the gospel of Christ.  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that he had received let him be accursed" (Galatians 1: 6 -- 10). When Authentic Christianity has been gutted of the truth, a "truth" that not the truth then the actions that we see within the cultural Christians and liberal Christians are made possible. Why have they turned to such religious beliefs?  It is that they have found the truth and demands of Authentic Christian Faith to be in conflict with their own desires and lust and way of living that they desire to live. cultural Christians and liberal Christians are looking for a way to appear to be good without really changing their behavior in the least.

     Different religions often embrace a certain degree of thoughtfulness and is explained as it is a way to address what they would call the "obvious problems" with historic Authentic Christian belief.  Take time to examine this and you will find the these arguments often revealed that They are targeting Authentic Christian Faith by means of their preconceptions that are not in harmony with Authentic Christian Faith. are many arguments that we can delve into but that is not the point of this blog simply to point to you that we need to change from the inside/out in this by examining our Christian faith.  One of the things I found in talking with those who teach a letter form of gospel often speak much against orthodoxy and the basic tenets of the Christian faith.  Cultural Christian churches often call for their congregants to abandon orthodoxy and some of the tenets of the Authentic Christian Faith.  Authentic Christians are called to examine all things and this certainly is important because we are speaking of eternal life not just good living here and now on the earth.  It would do Christians to take time to compare the "problems" of historic Christianity with a problem of these newly invented religions.

     Let me give you a source that you can read and examine them by the use of the Internet.  This source is ccel.org: hit browse, hit author, and you will find the alphabet across the top and under each alphabet letter you will find names and dates of hundreds of men, you can pick out the ones that you may know about now, like John Calvin, or Luther, or Wesley, or Arminius, or you can even go to the very earliest date and read works by Polycarp, Irenaeus, Ambrose, and on and on.  Take time to critically read and you will benefit and not to take this kind of time means that you are tacitly approving of these newly invented other gospels being presented as the Gospel. it is important, and it is, shut off the TV, take the time, you can even do this on your eye that, therefore, there is no excuse and you may miss out on the work that God has given for you to do that work is to bring the Authentic Christian Faith to others.  Will you do it?

Know he the LORD He is God:

     it is He that hath made us,

and not we ourselves; we are His people,

     and the sheep of His pasture.

Do not be deceived by cultural Christianity

Richard L. Crumb

Remembering The Words Spoken Before Of The Apostles

But, beloved, remember ye the words which 

were spoken before of the apostles of our 

Lord Jesus Christ; how that they told you

 there should be mockers in the last time, 

who should walk after their own 

ungodly lusts. These be they who 

separate themselves, sensual, having not 

the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up 

yourselves on your most holy faith, 

praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves 

in the love of God, looking for the mercy 

of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Jude 17-21 

     Skepticism might seem to be unbelief but it is much more than that, it's a matter of prejudice against Authentic Christian Faith in more than just an intellectual rejection of what Authentic Christianity believes and teaches.  It is simple: it's a matter of morality!  It is not a matter of intellect!  What we see in individuals as truth is also truth of cultures.  A sane person would look at this world, the society and say that it is marked by unbelief, yet, we can also see that this unbelief is simply a lack to be careful, or even if they have done so, investigation that would lead a person to such a rejection.  This is a fact: believe declines with morality declines.  What we see in the masses of people is that which is reinforced in an individual.  One of the forces is material prosperity for it further enhances the process of decline.

     An unbiased examination of unbelief would lead a person to the conclusion that this unbelief is irrational and not based on fact.  Here is an irony: the opponents of Christianity, those who accuse those who believe in what they would call an irrational belief and those who believe this , one that is based on prejudice in favor of Authentic Christianity; find the opposite to be true.  The truth is it is an unbelief that is based on unexamined prejudice.

     The decline of Authentic Christian Faith is not the result of careful study of the writers, those which we have an abundant amount of writing and information to examine, and is certainly not of those who argue against Authentic Christian Faith, rather it is more the product of the progress of the luxury and the decline of morality. Those who write against Authentic Christianity generally do so from a point of view of sarcasm and negative wit.  All one has to do is listen to some of the comedians or those late-night talk host who not only denounce Christianity and love to denounce anything that the president might say or do, it is that they love to be sarcastic.  It is the prejudice of those who are against Authentic Christianity do find some fruit in their favor and this is found in those with weak minds and those who have faulty thinking as to what it means to be a cultural Christian.  Distortion is a hallmark of those who rely on sarcastic and negative wit to make their points: therefore it is accurate to conclude that unbelief is in general a disease of the heart more than of the understanding.

     The early days of Christianity and those inspired to write to the churches in early Christianity by means of the Holy Spirit have told us that mockers of this sort would be upon the earth and would attack Authentic Christians. We are for warned so we can take corrective measures so that we would not be overtaken and both measures are to remain faithful to the Gospel as it was originally taught before distortion became an infection within the Christian church.  You have the vaccine: use it!

Let us search and try our ways,

     and turn again to the LORD.

Let us lift up our hearts with our hands

     undo God in the heavens.

                      Lamentations 3: 40 -- 41

The Syringe Is the Bible: You Are the Applicator

Richard L. Crumb

 

 

Sowing To The Spirit

Let him that is taught in the word communicate 

unto Him who teacheth in all good things. 

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: 

for whatever a man soeth, that shall he also reap. 

For he that soweth to his flesh shall

 of the flesh reap corruption; but he 

that soweth to the Spirit shall of 

the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us 

not be weary in well doing: for in due season 

we shall reap, if we faint not. As we 

have therefore opportunity, let us do

 good unto all men, especially unto 

them who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:6-10

     Paul in writing to the Ephesians under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is writing words that are applicable to us.  The first thing in the above scriptures that we must noticed is the word "communicate" and get a real good understanding is what does it mean in the original Greek for it expands our thinking that it is not just speaking or thinking, it is to be sharing that is the Greek word so we are to share what we are being taught from the word for this word is from God who teaches us all good things.  It is interesting to note that if this is not what we are doing then there is a great probability factor here and that is that we are mocking God.  This is serious!  Therefore as Authentic Christian and as a parent's we have the responsibility to teach each other, that is our spouses, and especially our children who are going to grow up into a world that in every way attempts to turn them aside from Authentic Christian Faith.  I know from my own experience that what we reap is what these sow.   The consequences from most things that we did that were either immoral, or just simply not according to God's will, has not brought us benefits rather it's cost us great harm both mentally, and personally, especially among those of our children.  We all need to understand that that which we sow must be things of the Spirit for it is by this that we can reap eternal life.  Furthermore by living and Authentic Christian life we will be doing that which is considered to be well doing and furthermore by living by the Spirit we will not become weary, and integrate this means that we are not going to lose heart, and we will not think from the work that God has given us to do.  That work extends not only from our Christian brothers and sisters but also to others who are not of the faith .

    A problem that often it exists in our Christian family is that children grow up the benefits of a prosperous parents and unfortunate oftentimes those prosperous parents are simply cultural Christians.  A great concern in the Church today is that many of our young people are not coming to church or maintaining their faith in Jesus Christ.  The Christian message that they are receiving is either one of such a liberal and cultural Christianity, or is the influence of this world that the instruction that is being given to them is not an instruction from God who teaches us all good things.  Take your example a young person who has some idea of Christianity even has read the Bible, and maybe even has accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and then goes to other lands that do not hold to Christianity causing themselves to be further away from the faith.  It doesn't take long before that influence begins to "drive a whole" and to the heart in understanding of that person causing them to become a person who is negative towards Christianity.  It is not that they don't have some understanding of the Bible they have not yet learned to compare what the Holy Spirit has taught with that which the world teaches.  Here's another problem: those who have fallen prey to the cultural attitude of both some Christian churches and the world find themselves to have a faulty sense of intellectual that causes them to think of themselves as different and coming to knowledge making them more superior than Authentic Christians.

     To fall away from the church and Premier Christian upbringing begins very early and has a slow progression, a steady progression and end time down becomes more fixed in the mind but not a good type of doubt, rather a twisted doubt.  Ultimately, doubt overtakes all resistance and controls the mind in matters of faith. It doesn't always go this way but in general, this is the genesis of unbelief.  It's skepticism rather than critical thinking that is driving a person to drift away in unbelief and I am sure, as I have, as seen in this occur.

     Knowing the problem is to know the answer, or at least the answer is right at hand, and the answer to the above problems that were listed is to teach our children the truth of Scripture, not doctrine, not decrease, nondenominational beliefs and ideologies, but the Scripture only and buy in this they can come to a clear understanding of what it means to be a "real" person.  It is true the Bible teaches that if you teach a young person that when he grows old and he will not turn away from what you have taught it, in every case but it is a general rule and its probability factor rises as to how and what you teach your children.  Get a handle on their understanding by asking questions and listen to the answers before you answer, and take some time to do some extensive research as to the facts of Christianity for yourself so you can import it to your children. 

     The question is: is it more important to you that your children be successful in this world or successful in an Authentic Christian life? well Paul told us and no uncertain terms that eternal life is at the heart of the matter so it is better for them to learn to sow according to Spirit.  There is in a person can have a wonderful life no matter what the circumstances and it is good to grab a firm handle on life starting when you're young to let you will not be led away as you grow older.  This is our responsibility and we should do it to the best of our abilities.  Yes some will hear, and some will not hear, that does not matter we continued to teach so that God will not be mocked.

 For the day of the LORD is near

     upon all the heathen: as thou hast done,

it shall be done on to thee: thy reward

    shall return upon thine own head.

               Obadiah 15

 Study so to be able to aid others

Richard L. Crumb

 

The War Authentic Christians Face

This know also that in the last days perilous 

times shall come for men shall be lovers 

of their own selves, covetous, 

boasters, proud, blasphemers, 

disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 

without natural affection, trucebreakers, 

false accusers, incontinient, fierce, 

despisers of those that are good, traitors, 

heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures 

more than lovers of God, having a form 

of godliness, but denying the power thereof: 

from such turn away.

 2Timothy 3:1-5 

     The previous blogs have focused mainly on those who call themselves Christian but are living a form of Christianity that is more cultural than it is of Authentic Christianity.  We must not forget that there are people in this world that have grown to a large slice of people, probably even making up more than 60% of the people of the United States who are absolutely unbelievers and have no interest in Christianity and especially have no interest in the Bible.  These people do not believe Christianity is true, therefore, they will not even take a close look as to what the Bible actually says and this can be for several reasons, one such is that there is much to divisions amongst the denominations within Christianity.I understand the difference in some doctrinal positions and that there can be differences within those positions but no one goes to heaven because of correct doctrinal positions other than that Jesus Christ is God and that He is Savior and his death paid debt of sin so you can have salvation. People have no excuse to know about the Bible and about Christianity for there is not a lack of reading material and by men who are known to be scholars both of Biblical history and of the Hebrew and Greek language, even Latin and other languages and have taken great concern and strides in their examination of both Christianity and the Bible.  At least you would think that they would take opportunity but that is not the case.  Unfortunately this lack of reading that which was written about Christianity and of our Bible is not even being done by those who are the clergy or those who have chosen to be teachers and preachers of Christian profession.

     We live in a world where by people no longer care to think about the deep things of life for they would rather think about the easier things of life: i.e., social media, entertainment, and even becoming part of protesting when they have not actually determined what is true about that which they are protesting: they don't care!  I find this true in many churches even where people call themselves Authentic Christians, billing and take the time to read people like Jonathan Edwards, Calvin, Jacob Arminius, Luther, John Locke, John Owens, and a slew of many other good commentators and writers so that they are without excuse and they are without reason to know more about what they believe.

     Not all people are so inclined to read so much but that is not the problem for many don't even read anything other than that which sounds good but the title or the artistic display on the cover of a book.  Think about this!  Think happens to people who are raised with the benefits and who lead them to use the benefits afforded them and are taken to church on a regular basis and compare them with those who receive benefits from prosperous parents who are cultural Christians.  Now, I'm not a stupid person, I remember that I don't recall all that was taught to be, but I was taught me not, and I listened enough, and I was led to examine, but my parents and by others.  Today we've will find parents even at home for most of route attempting to make all the money in affluence that they can and the children are left to fend themselves. Authentic Christians please listen up: if you have children someday they will leave home and many of them will go into universities.  These children have also been subject to the public schools which in these days teach more about socialism, multiculturalism, inclusiveness, and even go so far as to speak against godly things, especially Christianity.  So they go off to college with is already embedded in them and they go into a system of teaching that is even far worse than what they had left for most universities and colleges today are so socialistic that you cannot call them democratic.  This is why their lives get out of control, with alcohol, sex, and they never develop a desire for anything spiritual.  They do not take that which is at their disposal so they formed their beliefs and convictions on things of this world rather than things I that which God gave us to live our lives by.

     Here is a Authentic Christian hint: take time with your children and teach them the Bible and how to read the Bible, and how to think clearly and critically for themselves, parents be at hand so that you can answer questions or to see that you need to step in and ask questions.  Do not allow the culture of this world to determine and define your children.  Start with yourself and don't let the world define you bite your cultural worldly ideology.  So the hint is getting into the Bible, not some doctrinal and denominational creed, as good as they may be they are not the inspired words a Bible.  They may be used as auxiliary reading but they are not the inspired words of the Bible.  The old saying "in respect of what to expect," really applies in our lives.  This will not be easy, some will think that you are just doing it for other reasons than for you to be  searching the word of God and how to make your life conformed to His will and desires.

     There is no time for delay of the time is now! 

My son, keep thy father's commandment,

     and forsake not the law of thy mother:

buying them continually upon thine heart,

     and about thou neck.  When thou goest,

it shall keep the; and then thou thickest, 

    it shall talk with thee.

                    Proverbs 6: 20 -- 22

Read and apply God's word

Richard L. Crumb

Living As The Elect Of God

What shall we then say to those things?

 If God be for us, who can be against us? He 

that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him 

up for us all, how shall He not with Him also 

freely give us all things? Who shall lay any 

thing to the charge of God's elect? it is 

God that justifieth.

Romans 8:31-33 

     The previous blogs on the subject as to what it means to be a Real Christian, that is an Authentic Christian, one who has Authentic Christian Faith has been to address various observations and general faulty thinking of the majority of those who profess Christianity.  The focus that I have attempted as one about the Miss understanding, or rejection, of the way that Jesus Christ has made possible for us to have a relationship with God and about the transformation of the inner person, that is to change/out from the inside that is of the inside of a person's heart that which must accompany such a relationship.

     There are two camps that I need to address at this moment due to the words of the opening Scripture for both sides seem to be throwing rotten eggs at each other both saying that they have the truth. One must be right and one must be wrong or both are wrong. this can be confusing to those who desire to have a relationship with Jesus Christ but are confronted with constant defanging of the other party.  For instance the word "he lacked" has several different understandings by different Christian groups.  The word here used means it could have been called out and the way the Greek is used here is simply means, as used in the New Testament, to have been called out, or to be elected to privilege by divine grace and in the word used here it is a genitive Poirot was speaking about all those who have heard the call of God and responded to that call.  It's confusing of the doctrines and making those doctrines made mostly by name to be the litmus test as to what another person is a Christian and more importantly if one is an Authentic Christian.

     The problem that occurs in Christianity and with the state of faith even in our country and is even a problem that does not necessarily a flick cultural Christians who do not possess Authentic Christian Faith.  What is the problem?  A lack of true understanding which is problematic for even those who have lived intimately received Jesus Christ and believe all that the Bible teaches.  It is not that there is a system is in fact, but their lives are not manifesting the evidence that they've had a real encounter with Jesus Christ.  Too many Christians regard their faith is something that has to be taken care of and then proceed to live as whether or not they actually have Jesus Christ in their life.  Far too many Authentic Christians have fallen into "cheap grace."  It's not that they have not affirmed that they've reprinted from sin and even have some level of desire for holiness, but they take the path of least resistance in their Christian living.  There is a neglect to be vigilant and zealous in their pursuit of God's will for their lives.  While they do maintain some measure of discipline in the flaws of their life that which God desires to have changed but their approach to their spirituality and their growth in their spirituality does not seem to have a measure of seriousness.

     Here is a major problem: an adequate preaching by pastors and in adequate teaching my teachers.  That problem has been exacerbated by Christian schools and seminaries that have become cultural and liberal.  it is hard for the average person to do when such liberal and cultural pastors and teachers are not teaching the truth because far too many Christians do not take time to just study the Bible.  Too often the pastors and teachers are teaching stories in and the cultural stories at best and teach more like some sort of psychological professor rather than one who is preaching the gospel of the Bible.  This does not allow for genuine progressive Authentic Christian living and growth.  Those who have fallen under such a weren't teaching and have actually pretend that their sins have become Christians without the slightest change in the way they use their time, talents, or resources.

     The temptations of this world are hard to resist even for the most faithful Christian.  Too often Authentic Christians have become like water and flow downhill through the easiest path that water can take.  Too often Authentic Christians put on a charade, that is they display pseudo-humility and what is worse they are proud of it! many people hold on to the hope that the Bible teaches that they both received the opposite of what they are responding to this wearing a false mask of sorrow for their sin. Authentic Christians do not display themselves in some sort of euphoric entertainment and excitement jumping all around at all post-things that we find in these very liberal and cultural churches but on the other hand the behavior that they do use is simply a secret self-complacency.

     Oh! You are speaking to harshly Richard, well I think I am, take a look yourself and see whether or not what I am speaking about and writing about as a placing your life whether it be manifesting true Authentic Christianity or another form of Christianity.  We all come that includes me from must take a harsh strong look at our heart and see whether or not we have really godly humility and pendants and that it is flowing in the correct manner and not just from our ego-- centered motives.  They'll be like a murderer who sometimes confesses to having a problem with some occasional anger.

      With all the love that I can have flow through me from God my desire is that we all reach to that place where Authentic Christian Faith rules our lives, and that all can see what it means to be an authentic Christian.

How excellent is Thy loving kindness,

     O, God!  Therefore the children of men

put their trust under the shadow of Thy wing.

                          Psalms 36: 7

God has selected you can have eternal life

Richard L. Crumb

Receiving The Joy Of The LORD

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen,

 nor ear heard, neither have entered into 

the heart of man, the things which God 

hath prepared for them that love Him. 

But God hath revealed them unto us by 

His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yes,

 the deep things of God. For what a man knoweth 

the things of a man, save the spirit of man 

which is in him? even so the things of God 

knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world,

 but the spirit which is of God; that we might

 know the things that are freely given to us of God.

1Corinthians 2:9-12 

     There  is an saying: "everybody wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to die!"  This is true for natural man wants to live and watched the live eternally.  Yet, it is without doubt the man dies.  Authentic Christians also want to go to heaven and as a natural person does not want to die by it Authentic Christians know that they will receive life, eternal life. Therefore, Authentic Christians can live a life of July while here on earth knowing and having an assured of the bed death was destroyed by the death of Jesus on the cross and by that and their repentance and belief on Jesus Christ, death is not eternal.  Authentic Christians go all the way in their faith and do everything they can to grow in their faith and to leave behind a shallow faith and have their faith based on truth and without this the journey of their life cannot have the joy and happiness that God is willing to give them.  You can make your life to me and one full of despair or live in the freedom of obedience and find the pleasure of this life and the joy of this life.  We must remember that faith is not something you try.  It is a reality you cast upon yourself with out reserve.

     People who do not believe in Jesus Christ or have a belief in a god at all can still see the happiness and joy and often do in those who have come to the truth of Authentic Christian Faith.  I'm sure that the nonreligious people cannot find an understanding as to how a person could have this joy of life and lack of fear of death for they do not know the source of their happiness.  How can they know for certain if God does not reside in them and they have no desire to be reconciled to God.  How can a process of thought that you are now a child of God and are in His favor and that He cares for you?

     There is a peace of mind that comes from having a close relationship with Jesus Christ and it is beyond the cultural Christians ability to comprehend that peace. A committed Christian one who has Authentic Christian Faith has confidence that what ever life brings they know ultimately God is good because all things to work together for the good (Romans 8:28).  God will never forsake you for you are held in His hand and you are His child and He will never leave you and He will give you aid in this life. when things go bad, when business fails, when those who you thought were your friends have left you and forsaken you, or when your help against a failed, you see that the benefits of this life are not really benefits and that the only true benefit is being a child of God and this can be yours if you are an Authentic Christian.  For the world and for those who are living a cultural Christianity whose faith is not upon the truth of the Gospel and our living according to the culture of this world life is bitter even though at times they have some happiness, all they can do is look in vain and long for a hope that it's just out of their reach. 

     Compare this with Authentic Christians for when their life fades and the end draws near they look upon the future with confidence that the best is yet to come.  Authentic Christians know that there is someone waiting for them and has prepared for them a home in just now is waiting for your coming. oh excavation work you will get there soon enough so you do not need to hurry for God has worked for you to do and it is your responsibility to do His work.  Here is the work that God has assigned for all of his children: fine men and women who have reached a point in their life where they know that they need more than what is life can offer and then offer them a life that God has offered to you and then see what occurs in their lies and what God is doing for them and how they too have become Authentic Christians with Authentic Christian Faith.  What joy it is to see this occur!

Praise ye the LORD. 

     Praise God in His sanctuary: 

praise Him in the firmament of His power.

     Praise Him for His mighty acts:

praise Him according to His excellent greatness.

                  Psalms 150: 1 -- 2

Great joy is a benefit of Authentic Christians 

 Richard L. Crumb

Resting In God: The Easy Yoke And The Light Burden

Stop And Smell The Roses

And ye now therefore have sorrow: 

but I will see you again, and your heart 

shall rejoice, and your joy no man 

taketh from you.

John 16:22 

     The world today is full of trouble and trials, wars, famines, floods, physical ailments, all are what occurs in our world. We have sorrow over a death, and we have sorrow over things that others have to endure, but this sorrow may at times take your joy away: but not forever.

A time is coming when your joy will have no end, and not man can take your joy from you for you will only experience the goodness of God forever, no end, no Satan, no cultural influence to the bad, nothing, only your life living in the world to come that God has prepared for His children. 

     The world condemns Christians: saying, "Christians have no fun!" The world condemns a person with a living vigorous faith saying: "This faith denies the pleasures of this world, and robs a person of a normal life, innocent amusements this faith denies." This is a myth: why? Authentic Christians live a life of joy, not just "fun," joy is theirs and this joy the world does not understand for they see "fun" as "joy" and worldly "joy," "fun," is has no commitment to anyone else but themselves, an autonomous life. Authentic Christian Faith doe not prohibit any type of amusement or entertainment that is really innocent. What do I mean? Who is to decide what is innocent? Cultural Christianity endorses entertainment or amusement that is not consistent with Scripture even though there is an attempt to align such entertainment or amusement with Scripture. Cultural Christians have to "twist" the meanings or translation of Scripture to give some warrant to their cultural theology. Cultural Christians may give a less demanding morality than what the Bible gives, such can be seen where abortion is allowed or homosexuality is allowed, an inclusiveness that allows for sinful people to be leaders, or that women can preach and teach men even though there is no Biblical warrant for such, so the invent excuses as though they are reasons allowing for cultural morality to enter into their churches. 

      Authentic Christians grow in their sanctification so that they do not even have to think about doing sinful things. Authentic Christians examine all things and hold only to that which is good and the only good is that which conforms to Scripture. Authentic Christian can use entertainment, amusements, as long as Biblical morality is not diminished, and this then would be a downfall destroying their relationship with God. Authentic Christians grow, not to perfect in this world for they are still fallen in their nature, but they have the Holy Spirit that will, if allowed, to lead them, and they have the Bible to read and study so that they come to a point where sin is so well known and understood that they shy away from that which is unScriptural. 

     So do Authentic Christians have "fun?" Yes! There are multiple ways for "fun", ways to provide good, proper recreation and amusement. Authentic Christians seek that which is designed to be good and moral. God has created man to enjoy this world, to enjoy this life, even uncertainties can bring joy knowing that God is control and we will "stay the course" and stay on the narrow road. Life is full of variety, there is something for everyone to enjoy, all a person has to do: enjoy! STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES! Get up each morning and thank God for another day, a day in which you can enjoy, a day you can be of service with Him. The sources that God has provided is hope, love, confidence, joy and many more other sources of joy. 

      Do not allow the world to tell you that as an Authentic Christian you cannot have "fun", "joy," for this is a lie. 

The LORD is nigh unto all them

    that call upon Him, to all

that call upon Him in truth.

               Psalms 145:18

Your joy is waiting for you

Richard L. Crumb