When I consider that my last entry prior to this was April 26, when I was boasting I wasn't really dead and that I would have a lot to share, and then before that it was January 31, when I was still semi-regular in this forum... Well it's been a long time.

I have returned, or at least, I believe I have. But it's not like I wanted it to be. Not that it has to be of historic proportions, like the return of Christ, or even the return of Gen. Macarthur, or even the return of Jordan or Favre. Fat chance for any of that. 

But it still won't be like I wanted it to be. So much has happened since I was last here, and so much water has passed under the bridge that it seems pointless to even attempt to try and comment on any of it.

And part of the frustration in trying to get back here was just how to go about, now that so much water HAS passed under the bridge?

Recently, I've gotten back to posting regularly on a forum I used to post on all the time. And I was asked there what I believe. And what a man believes is a good place to start to get to know him.

So, in an effort to sort of start with a clean slate, I thought I would attempt this come back by presenting what I believe. It's a brief summary of my own personal "Statement of Faith." I don't claim originality, but I do claim to be proud of what I believe. 

And let's also bear in mind that what you do IS what you believe, and all the rest is just religious talk...

And then of course, in the days ahead, I hope to get back to getting to much more of what I used to be getting about. Once or twice a week.

Thanks again for dropping in, even if it's for the first time, and spending a few moments with me. As always, your comments are warmly welcomed. 

Until next time, my blessings to you,
Timotheous, a brother in Christ
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REV. TIMOTHY SHUMER, M.A. ~ BRIEF PERSONAL STATEMENT OF FAITH

PLEASE NOTE: The Scripture references given in this statement are intended
to be “representative” rather than “exhaustive” in supporting the various points given.

I do hereby affirm and agree with God that the following truths are taught in Scripture as absolute facts, and therefore I believe...

That the creation of the universe and man happened by direct fiat of God, in 6 literal, 24 hour days ~ Gen. 1, John 1:1-5, Col. 1:16-17

That there is a Triune Godhead ~ Father, Son, Holy Ghost ~ Who are eternally co-existent ~ Gen. 1:26, Matt. 3:16-17, Acts 5:1-10, 1 John 5:7 ~ And of the same essence ~ Rev. 15:4 with Acts 3:14 and Luke 1:15

In the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, and in the inerrancy and authority of Scripture as given by holy men of old who spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. I believe God has preserved His Word so that today we can say we have THE Word of God. And today, I believe God's Word has been kept intact for native speakers of the English tongue in the King James Version of the Bible ~ Deut. 29:29, Prov. 30:5-6, Rom. 15:4, 2 Tim. 3:16-17, 2 Pet. 1:19-21, 2 Pet. 3:15-16

In the incarnation and virgin birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, by the conception of the Holy Spirit ~ Matt. 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-37

That Christ was a vicarious sacrifice for the sins of the world by the shedding of His blood on the cross of Calvary ~ Matt. 27:46, John 3:14-18, John 19:30-34, Eph. 1:7, Col. 1:20, 1 John 1:7, 1 John 2:1-2

In the bodily resurrection of Christ from the tomb ~ John 20:26-29, 1 Cor. 15:4-8

That the gift of eternal life by the grace of God is bestowed upon all (everyone and anyone) who will truly believe the Gospel ~ John 3:16, Rom. 6:23, Eph. 2:8-9

In the permanent indwelling of the Holy Ghost Who empowers believers for holy living and Christian service ~ John 14:22-26, John 15:26-27, Acts 11:17-18, 1 Cor. 6:19-20, Eph. 1:13-14, Eph. 2:10-22 

One practical aspect of the gift of the Holy Ghost ~ Acts 2:38, Acts 10:45 ~ is that if a person is truly converted to Christ and “born again” then they are secure in Christ and can never lose their salvation, for salvation is not some “thing” but a Person – Jesus Christ – and a relationship with Him established by the new birth ~ John 1:10-13, John 10:25-30, 1 John 5:10-13, Rev. 3:14-20

In the institution of the local church for this dispensation, commonly known among us as the Church Age ~ BEGUN: Matt. 16:13-20 ~ WAITING to be empowered: Acts 1:8 ~ PERMANENTLY EMPOWERED (for the duration of this dispensation): Acts 2:1-5 

I believe the Biblical order is ~ Holy Spirit inspired conviction based upon the proclamation of God's Word, repentance, belief & salvation ~ Mark 1:14-15

I believe once a person is saved they can then be Scripturally baptized by immersion ~ Acts 2:38-41, Acts 8:35-39 ~ This is not an option, it is a command ~ Matt. 28:19

I believe baptism is the "key" to the church, that is, church membership, however, I also believe that it's primary function is an outward picture of an inward Spiritual reality ~ Acts 2:38-41, Rom. 6

Today the church has as it’s primary Christ-given mission three main points which should be reflected in all she does – preaching the Gospel; baptizing all who repent and believe; and then teaching these converts to all things whatsoever Jesus commanded [ie: helping the convert grow into a Spirit-filled disciple of the Lord Jesus] ~ Matt. 28:18-20, Gal. 2:20

I believe that the Lord's Supper was given to the Church, and therefore you must be a member of a local church and you should partake of the Memorial Meal ONLY in the Body to which God places you into, at His direction, discretion & pleasure ~ 1 Cor. 11-12

In preaching as God's method of reaching the world today, and the gift of preachers to the church ~ Rom. 10:14-15, 1 Cor. 1:17-31, Eph. 4:11-13

That EVERY believer is COMMANDED to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in their life ~ John 15:1-17, Gal. 5:22-25 ~ I also believe service to God is the right (and responsibility) only of those in Christ, and is best done within the context of their local church ~ Eph. 2:10, Heb. 10

That the Spirit gifts every believer as He sees fit, and that every believer ought to strive to know their Spiritual gift and utilize it within the church to the glory of God ~ Rom. 12:3-8, 1 Cor. 12-14, Eph. 4:1-7

I believe that God can choose any method He desires to reach people, and to confirm the preaching of His Word, however, when "that which is perfect is come" (ie: His Word in the native tongue of a people / language group), then the need for signs & wonders & miracles ceases to exist ~ 1 Cor. 13

Further, if God uses "tongues" or "miraculous signs" today, I believe He will do so exactly as His Word said He did when He first used them ~ Acts 2, 1 Cor. 12-14

I believe if someone has the gift of healing, they'd better use it to the glory of God, and not be a preacher who's getting "meats for the belly, and belly for the meats" ~ So frankly I do not believe in faith-healers (so-called), but I do believe God can heal by faith ~ James 5

That the Lord is most pleased when we cultivate the greatest fruit, charity, and employ it in all that we do, especially concerning the proclamation of God's Word and Truth to all ~ Matt. 10:16, Gal. 4:16, Eph. 4:15

In the pre-tribulational rapture of all true Christians by our Lord Jesus Christ at His imminent return ~ 1 Thes. 4:13-5:6, Titus 2:13, Rev. 1:19, Rev. 4:1 ~ And the pre-millenial return of Christ with His saints to rule and reign for a literal 1,000 years ~ Rev. 19 & 20

In the vital need for evangelization due to a literal heaven and a literal hell ~ Mark 9:43-48, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 12:5, Luke 16:19-31, John 3:14-18 ~ In the final eternal punishment of the devil and his angels, along with all the lost of all the ages, in the Lake of Fire, after the Great White Throne Judgment, and that this will be followed by the creation of a New Heaven and a New Earth, the eternal bliss and home of the saved, wherein dwelleth righteousness ~ Matt. 25:41, 2 Pet. 3:1-13, Rev. 20 - 22:5

I also believe there's too much "born against" preaching & not enough "born again" preaching. However, I also realize when you stand for the Lord and His Truth you stand against certain practices and beliefs. So, in case you aren't clear on this from the above... 
I DO NOT BELIEVE IN NEO-ORTHODOXY, NEO-EVANGELICALISM, THE ECUMENICAL MOVEMEMENT, OR THE "TONGUES & HEALING & SIGNS & WONDER" MOVEMENT OR CROWD (AS THOSE "MIRACLES" ARE COMMONLY PRACTICED BY TODAY).

If something in the above statement was not 100 % clear, or I did not cover something you 
would like to know about – especially where I stand on any doctrinal matter – please ask ~ Matt. 7:7-8

I believe these things represent the faith once delivered to the saints which we are exhorted to earnestly contend for in confirming and defending that faith to all, friend and foe, in as Christ-like a manner as we are able to think, speak and act ~ Jude 3, 1 Pet. 3:14-16, 2 Pet. 3:17-18, Phil. 1:7, Phil. 1:17, John 3:30

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. ~ Numbers 6:24-26

Welcome back Mr.Kotter-opps-I mean Brother Tim. :) It's nice to see you out there again. Yesterday I heard the pastor of the day was from a Grace Church. I forgot his name though. Is that your church? I also didn't remember where he said the area of the church where he is pastor. :-? Well, I'm still attending my old church but, not often. If you'd like to know why let me know and I'll send you an e-mail instead of saying it here. Thank you for opening your comments area so I can say hello. Love INC. Becky
ps. INC. stands for- In the Name of Christ.

Becky! Always an encourage to see you on here!

Brother Timothy, I'm not in the old church which is JW's(WTS)but my old church where I was baptized in my teens. I thought I out to write another message making that clear,thank you.

FROM BRO. TIM -- Amen! I'm really glad to hear that. But that is what I remember you telling me last about your church situation.