Grace, Faith & Life

This is the Original Why? The New Why is on the Home Page “Why Do It”?

I have always liked to read and study topically, mostly nonfiction, about theology, apologetics, Christian life, church issues, church history, counseling, science and cultural issues.

When I read, I think and therefore, I am using this venue to record my thoughts.

In his book, The True Believer, Eric Hoffer quotes Montaigne, “All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed.”. That would also apply to what I have written here.

I consider myself a person of simple and pragmatic faith as opposed to any traditional religious superstitions, cliche’s or systematic theology. I like to think that I am like the Bereans, when I hear or read something, I measure it against how it seems to work in my life and I search the scripture to see if I think it is true. Not just to question authority, but to always verify authority. I hope young people will learn to always look for or ask for the “basis” for what people say and why.

I like to teach and discuss the difference between law and grace. In my opinion most churches are quite legalistic and preach, teach and motivate the flesh; rather than teach how to have a proper spiritual connection with Christ. Many churches focus on the believer “being a sinner saved by grace” and seem to focus on a current sin nature, rather than on the joy of “being a child of God” and letting that new nature work out their faith and belief. When I hear preaching, I always consider whether it is “good news”, the gospel, which speaks to my spirit or “bad news”, the law, which speaks to my flesh. As a believer, why would I want to hear the “bad news” sermons, isn’t that walking in the flesh? I know, it takes a certain amount of study and spiritual  musing to begin to understand the difference between our spirit and our flesh. This is why knowing the attitude of your heart is so important.

As most will be able to discern, I have not been to a seminary or a Bible school. I have a small library of hardbooks, on many Biblical topics, which I have selected to read. My wife and I frequently discuss our faith and the meaning of various passages of scripture.

I study Scripture to maintain a personal statement of faith and practice which is defined by God’s written Word, by my life in Christ and by the promise of the Holy Spirit. This site is that statement.

Acts 17:10-11

10 ¶ And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 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.

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