#1 Introduction to CRA


A foundational Preamble for Understanding

the Mission of Christian Restoration Associates


"Oh, what a web we weave when at first we are deceived." That is not the original quote, however, it is, for my purposes, similar and significant.

Being deceived is not necessarily an intentional thing; however, the consequences are the same. If we are deceived, we cannot believe what is important to be believed. If we cannot believe it, we are in unbelief. And unbelief, as frequently stated in the Bible, is a root of endless, ungodly consequences.

Consider the Biblical reference to the Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve were deceived into thinking it really made no difference from which of the two trees they ate. Their option was the Tree of Life or the tree of knowledge of good and evil. I sense that they and much of humanity ever since have partaken excessively of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. I will liken the tree of knowledge of good and evil to the wisdom of men. It may entail good intentions; however, it is lacking the Inspiration of the Spirit of God. It is depending on the truth of intellect and reason rather than the supplemental inspiration of the Truth of God. Consequently, throughout human history, we have perpetuated futile attempts to resolve problems by the wisdom of men. We need not be limited to that wisdom because we can know the Truth of God. And we can overcome if we can recognize and eliminate the subtle deceptions.

From the beginning of time, there have been numerous secular wars and religious wars. One primary example of the futility of the wisdom of men is the awareness that World War I was to be the war to end all wars. Obviously, it was not. We continue to suffer the consequences of the wisdom of men for lack of knowing the Wisdom of God.

Not only have we been remiss in knowing the Wisdom of God to perpetuate Life Abundant and Eternal, but we have also been remiss in how to be set free from that captivity, which is the consequence of wrongs of the past which created the webs that we have weaved. Jesus Christ of Nazareth came to set us free from that bondage. Somehow, we have not fully understood the depths and breadths of that profound provision.

It is essential to enhance our understanding. As we prayerfully seek God's Wisdom, we can be inspired to do the right thing at the right time and in the right way. As an initial step, we can reason together. We can recognize the need for restoration and Ask and Seek and Knock together in Godly ways.

We have Biblical examples of the profundity of God's Wisdom as demonstrated by those Old Testament saints, listed in the 11th chapter of the book of Hebrews. They were inspired by God's Will, did God's Will, and brought about results that were blessings to many. And there are countless Saints depicted in the New Testament who did the same.

We have a further Biblical example of what is essential to be set free from the webs of our misgivings. A significant precedent was initiated by Jesus Christ of Nazareth Himself. Although he was being crucified on the cross, he said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do". He had previously shared Godly Wisdom as he taught us the Lord's Prayer, which includes "forgive us our trespasses as we also have forgiven those who trespass against us". Following his instruction for the Lord's Prayer, Jesus further added, "If we do not forgive others, our Father will not forgive us."

Our reluctance to forgive has compounded many of the problems of the past. It has compounded the entrapment of the web and webs of the past. Jesus stated elsewhere that the Jewish culture, at that time, experienced divorce because of their hardness of heart. It is my opinion, after my experience of 30+ years as a Christian counselor, that hardness of heart is one of many consequences of a direct pathology, beginning with unforgiveness.

For example, there are pathologies that I have observed and those that I perceive to be, inclusive of but not limited to the following:

  • Unforgiveness

  • Resentment

  • Bitterness

  • Anger

  • Hardness of heart

  • Rage

  • Violence

  • Divorce

  • Denominational conflict

  • War

  • Political chaos

Jesus said, "They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me" (Matt 15:8). It is my belief that in our collective and collaborative efforts that we, as a Christian community, can discern the subtleties of where we have been deceived. We can believe with greater depth and breadth of understanding as God changes our hearts, not merely our minds. We can bear witness by our Fruit, not merely by our lips, to the Profundity of Christianity, as lights upon a hill.

This is the intent of Christian Restoration Associates.

Blessings,

Robert Benedict


  • Pray about it

  • Share with a family member, friend, or neighbor

  • Do your own research

  • Share your helpful insights by emailing them to us for our comments page

  • Encourage a local discussion group

  • Encourage special classes (Spiritual Gifts, etc.)



Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.



The intent of CRA is:
>NOT to demean other religious perspectives but to share the rationale for a better way;
>NOT to insist but to proclaim what is perceived to be a more excellent way;
>NOT to convince but to reveal the perceived Truth and allow the Spirit of God to convict the hearts and >minds of those who are receptive;
>NOT to force feed but to share
>NOT to intimidate but to encourage;
>NOT to coerce but to invite;
>NOT to argue but to dialogue;
>NOT to divide but to unite.