Why this blog?

Just so folks know where I am coming from, a few thoughts on the basics which will inform this blog.

Jesus. I am a follower of Jesus and very much ok with the name Christian. Actually prefer Christian instead of the trendy Christ follower moniker taken up by so many recently. I believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, fully Man and fully God.

God. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The Bible. The Bible is the Word of God and I try my best to take it seriously as such. I know some folks would like to call me a biblicist or fundamentalist, but that is their problem not mine. Since the Bible is our primary document on the life of Jesus I find it authoritative and foundational for the Christian faith and the Church.

The Church. I don't expect the Church to be any thing other than what it is, a people gathered together through faith in Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit. I expect to find people in the Church who are at various levels of spiritual maturity, people who have stuff to work on. No utopian fantasies of the perfect church here. I am continually amazed at how God works through people as messed up as we are. Why God has decided to use such flawed people in the service of His purpose is beyond me. But God does and I am glad.

People. Created by God in his image, capable of nobility, goodness, creativity and love. Everyone has also sinned and is profoundly shaped by that rebellion. Both statements are true and must be taken into account when dealing with people and society. Because of sin, mankind needs the redemptive power of Jesus in their lives.

Family. The first priority in my life after my relationship with God. Wonderful wife who I don't deserve but receive as a gift from God. Four delightful children who brighten my life with energy, faith and love. I believe the family is the foundation of society and state, preceding the government in God's economy. Any government which does not protect and nourish the family is derelict of duty.

Marriage. The union of a man and a woman in life-long commitment. All familial relationships stem from this root. It may be a household but it is not a family without marriage in the root system or DNA. Sex is unsafe and outside the economy of God unless it is expressed in the love and commitment of marriage.

I think that's it for now. I reserve the right to edit this post in case I think of something else to put here.