What is ART?

(Associates for Restored Truth)

 The number one definition of art, according to Webster’s dictionary is:

“Skill acquired by experience or study.” 

We present the word ART as an acronym: Associates for Restored Truth. However, in our quest for truth the dictionary meaning of the word “art” also applies. The source of all truth is, in our opinion, the Holy Bible, God’s inspired word for mankind. Christ said in his final prayer to the Father, speaking specifically about US:

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

We are sanctified through “the word” of God. The skills we acquire in our quest for Biblical truth provide the platform for learning additional truth.  Thus we are actively engaged in the process described in II Peter 3: 18: 

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

The Associates for Restored Truth approaches this quest for truth from an entirely different perspective than many similar organizations that have at the core of their structure the quest for specific knowledge regarding the scriptures.

While we understand the need for participation at the highest scholarly levels we also invite an equal participation from every member of the body of Christ.  We recognize how important knowledge of history and archaeology is; especially biblical history and archaeology. We do not minimize the important contributions from lettered sources in these fields nor those of degreed experts in the languages of the Bible which are: Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. We certainly have sought and will continue to seek their valued contributions.

Today most people have more access to information than ever before.  Knowledge and truth provide an exhilarating, liberating experience. The fact is that all liberty and freedom is predicated upon principles found in the Holy Bible; the foundation of all knowledge.

Where we might differ from others in our quest for truth is in our emphasis of the fact, as we see it, that the Bible presents a case for “progressive revelation” or a sequential, modality - each degree of understanding leading progressively to new levels. What we see in this type of formation is that the Bible presents a dialogue and teaching that builds on its original foundation and progresses toward an ever higher level of understanding that continues to encompass, promote and expand on its own primary beginning.

So then, we can move through the phases of study before us with an ever increasing knowledge base and ever widening platform from which to build the developing work of art that is to follow.  Everyone from learned “men of letters” to the newly commissioned neophyte can all find a beginning point from which to gain understanding.  God is building a work in all of us and has promised to complete that work. He does the calling, he provides the motivation and he finishes the job. All are included by God and all are to be included in the pursuit of truth as envisioned by the Associates for Restored Truth.

Our methodology is simple: we will gather the most informed opinions on any given topic from far and wide and invite a cross section from all levels of understanding, education, and experience to contribute. We will publish, disseminate and distribute a variety of points of view from these sources and then you, the reader can both comment on what has been presented decide what to embrace. Our recommendation is “take what you like and leave the rest.” 

Today we have a wide diversity of opinion on a variety of Biblical subjects. This is no different than it was in the days of the apostle Paul as evidenced in his writings to the Romans in Chapter 14. Notice verse 5: 

“One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” 

Paul presents the most advanced, enlightened, spiritual level of teaching in the Bible, and yet, he invites all to participate. This is confirmed further as applied to the nobility of the Bereans as it is written:

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

(Acts 17:11) 

Note that the Bereans were studying to confirm the validity of teaching – not to disprove and argue.

We, too, invite all to participate. Let every one come, let everyone be fed, let everyone provide food, let everyone share the hope that lies within them; let all be recognized, let all be included: for the search for truth is a work of inclusion not exclusion.

While our emphasis is on the Holy Bible, first and foremost, we have and will continue to search far and wide for truth wherever we find it.   We want to know what the truth is regarding the amazing times we are living in and what the word of God has to say about prophetic events which are, even now, unfolding in a rapid and dramatic way.

We have examined and will continue to examine all pertinent doctrinal issues in a process of continual growth.  We want to know what the heart and core of the Gospel or “God’s Story” is!  We want to see a restoration of the fervor, inspiration and spirit of the New Testament Ekklesia as evidenced in the first century.   

We want to know what the apostles and Bible authors knew that has been lost and of equal importance we want to know what we can know beyond their understanding that will be revealed by what they wrote as the restoration process expands In short, we want to know it all; everything that there is to know that God chooses to reveal to us now at this strategic time.

We are truly living in the most exciting, amazing, awe inspiring times in the history of humanity.  

Daniel 12:4 says:  

“But you, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”

As you will read in our material, a few years ago scientists determined that the world’s whole body of knowledge had begun to double every 5-7 years. A few months ago they released their latest estimates and it is now reported that the entire body of knowledge that has accumulated on earth today will double in the next 18 months!

What an incredible age we live in!  So what is the good news? Why am I so happy?  Because God’s story, the Gospel, the true good news is going to be revealed, the Spirit of the New Testament Ekklesia is going to be restored ; and much more, as you will see from future writings! The Bible is going to come into relevance and the knowledge of God will cover the Earth! Then the Kingdom of God will be here. 

We, then, ought to be all the more diligent as we see that day approaching so that when he comes we might be found “so doing.”

Meanwhile while we live in this “present evil age” we shall pursue truth with all our might, and all strength and being; realizing all the while it is not our work, but God’s work. And we are comforted with these words from God our father as delivered by his son Jesus Christ:

“And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” 

(John 8:32) 

                                                   - - -  Tom Carrozzo—November 2, 2007