A Special Message and Thank You to

Friends of Christian Research Service

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Christian Research Service has been online since 2004, and is made possible by the generous contributions of Christians who choose to remain anonymous. While Christian Research Service does not request financial donations, we do, however, recommend numerous Christian ministries that have demonstrated good stewardship with their finances.

Having operated "behind the lines" for years, at first I was quite hesitant to take on the responsibility of a website. But after prayer and wise counsel from trusted Christian friends, I said, "Let's do it," and Christian Research Service  was up and running.

I am thankful for my webmaster, Steve Muse, and have been blessed many times over by his unwavering friendship, patience, and tireless dedication to the Lord.

Operating and maintaining a Christian website is, indeed, a tremendous responsibility. When words are posted online, whether in an article or simple comment, over a period of time they have the capacity to speak to untold numbers of people worldwide. As representatives of Jesus Christ, the words we say and write are to reflect a Christ-like attitude, and demonstrate honesty, character, and integrity.  

Words are important. Words can encourage or discourage, build-up or destroy. When misused, words will return to haunt the writer. I trust in God's holy word first and foremost, and rely on it above-and-beyond the words of man. God says what He means and means what He says. It is by His word that mankind will either be blessed or judged.

Over the years I have surrounded myself with solid, Bible-based Christians, of whom have established a track-record of dedicated fellowship, loyalty, and trust. They love the Lord and believe in and practice accountability, and they hold me accountable for what I say and write.

I am not afraid to ask questions and seek assistance. During the process of writing articles, many times I gather ideas, suggestions, and feedback from my brothers and sisters in Christ. Prior to publishing an article, in  many cases I provide them with the "final draft," along with a request for their unbiased, constructive criticism. Their assistance has proven to be a valuable asset to my ministry, and has helped me grow as a Christian.

Once an article is approved and placed online, it is up to you, the reader, to carefully and prayerfully read what has been written, heed the Scriptural command to "Test all things," and use God's holy word as your ultimate and final authority. Please remember that guarding the body of Christ, exposing deception, defending the faith, and naming names is Biblical.

Indeed, both the saved and unsaved visit Christian websites and read our articles. And because precious souls for whom Jesus Christ died for hang in the balance, the proper application and interpretation of Scripture is not only important, it is serious business.

Then, there is the documentation. Although links to articles and sources have a tendency to disappear in a short period of time (especially when the light bulb of truth is turned on), solid, irrefutable documentation stands on its own. With the amount of information available both online and elsewhere, there is no excuse for faulty, sloppy documentation.

Mere words without something solid to back them up become heresy at best and lies at worst. We, as Christians, must be accountable, first to God, then to our fellow Christians within the body of Christ.

And because Christians aren't immune to sin or scrutiny, it is imperative that we test and examine ourselves on a daily basis (2 Corinthians 13:5). We are representatives of the Creator of the universe, the coming King, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and we are to conduct ourselves accordingly.

The task before us is not a popularity contest. Our goal is not to seek a pat-on-the-back or 15 minutes of fame. It is not about us, but is about the One Who suffered and died for us and arose victoriously from the grave--Jesus Christ. Sharing His truth in love, exposing error, and defending the faith He established go hand-in-hand. And God commands every Christian--young or old, man or woman--to do just that (Jude 3).

We live in a world that demands diversity, tolerance, and the acceptance of non-Christian religions and beliefs. The world despises the words "cult" and "heretic" and "false prophet," and wants them  completely erased from the Christian chalkboard.

The world wants Christian pastors to compromise and preach warm-and-fuzzy messages filled with Kum-Ba-Yah, and I'm Okay-You're Okay. The world laughs when professing Christians attempt to bridge-the-gap and find common ground with non-Christian religions, dialogue with wolves, fellowship with enemies of the cross, and endorse books written by cultists. (Romans 16:17-18; 1 John 1:10).

The world wants Christian families to shrug their shoulders and allow their children and grandchildren to watch, listen to, and mimic the false teachers of our day. What better way to ensure the future of heretical, cultic, and occult teachings than to condition, manipulate, and prey on the minds of innocent children?

The world works overtime to convince us of an enchanted, euphoric "Jesus," who strolls blissfully through a field of religious tulips while chanting a mantra  of Universalism--in that everyone, regardless of their beliefs, will make it into heaven. At the same time, the world wants us to ignore the incarnate love and righteous judgment the real Jesus Christ demonstrated in Matthew chapter 23, and will further demonstrate after His return (Revelation chapter 20).

Yet, the Earth is filled with people who love the Lord with all their heart. They refuse to sacrifice the truth of God's word on an alter of unity. They refuse to waiver in their defense of the faith. They are concerned with what Jesus says over-and-above good 'ol boy alliances, pats on the back, academic and lofty positions, and pressure from peers. And they refuse to befriend and fellowship with enemies of the cross (Philippians chapter 3).

Jesus Christ founded Christianity. Christianity is not a religion, but a loving, trusting relationship with the risen Savior. Biblical Christianity is exclusive to all of the world religions, beliefs, and practices. There is but One God, Who exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Everything else is a man-made counterfeit. No one will spend eternity with God in heaven unless they have been born again.  

And in the midst of the incredible apostasy and deception, what a wonderful time it is to reach out to the lost and share the gospel of Jesus Christ (John chapter 3; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; 1 Timothy 4:1-5).

2008 will mark Christian Research Service's fourth year online. Although conducting a discernment ministry has its difficulties, the blessings and rewards greatly outweigh the persecutions that accompany standing strong for Jesus Christ.

No Christian can be an island unto himself and survive. I have tried it and it doesn't work. Communication is vital. While maintaining fellowship with the Lord is first and foremost, Christians need each other to talk to and fellowship with. 

I am thankful for those of you who have taken the time to contact me and offer words of encouragement, fellowship, and support through prayer. I am blessed by your love for the Lord and concern for the spiritual welfare of the body of Christ .

Finally, over the years I have had the privilege of developing a close fellowship and bond with brothers and sisters, all of whom have endured hardships for the cause of Christ. We have laughed together, wept together, and prayed together, sometimes into the wee-hours of the morning. I praise the Lord for their God-given courage, patience, compassion, and tireless dedication to present the truth of God's word in the midst of mounting compromise and  deception.

God knows who you are, and I won't forget you. Thank you all for always being there.

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings

(Psalm 36:7).

God bless you all,

Bud Press, Director

Christian Research Service

Jude 3