Eternal Perspective

So what is this page about?

It is about my faith. I am a Christian.

Are you nuts putting this on a business site?

This is who I am. If I lose business because someone doesn't want to deal with me because I am a Christian I understand.

Are you going to send religious material to me, send my name/address to a religious organization or in any way attempt to convert me or speak to me about your faith?

Besides this page - nope. Privacy policy covers what I do with the information I collect and attempting to force beliefs on someone else never ends well.

Great, what is your point?

One of the teachings of Jesus was to spread the word and that is what this is for.

Well, I'm not interested....

Upper left side of your browser (most likely) there is a back button - or you can use the menu to navigate to the top right to go somewhere else. I do not wish to offend and, please, know this - regardless of how you think I may feel about things, that will not stop me from fulfilling any and all obligations I would have to you as a customer. Also, I believe in being at peace with all whom I can, peace be with you today and all of your days.

Wait, do you believe (or not believe) in {fill in the blank}?

Probably. Depends on what it is. Also, it probably isn't important much either. My opinion on things of whatever nature isn't really relevant. I believe the standards written in the bible are relevant, accurate (as historically understood) and are the major basis of my beliefs. If it isn't detailed in scripture, then its fair game for being where ever on the topic.

So, what is your "version" of Christianity?

The one in the bible. (yeah, kinda simple and all). Essentially, I believe the bible to be the inspired word of God. His complete revelation to man sufficient for understanding who He is and the purpose on why we're here. I'm not part of a denomination nor a "movement". I believe we're here to learn about God, mold our lives to mimic Jesus and spread the good news.

Well, I'm curious...

Christianity's concept is pretty simple to get - essentially, we're all unable to be perfect. By definition, that means we're sinning against God by not perfectly following His rules. This puts us in a position of being unable to be in God's presence for eternity. God, wanting to provide a way for man to be justified (having our sins removed so we can be in His presence) had Jesus come to Earth and pay the price for our sins (He died in our place). If we accept this sacrifice in our place, repent from our sins (which means to turn away from them) accept Jesus as our Lord and master, we have removed our punishment for our sins and will be able to be in God's presence for eternity. When we do this, all of our sin (past and future) is removed from our account. I believe that if we persevere with God, He will persevere with us. (meaning, you will be secure in salvation).

Oh so you believe in {some theological topic}?

Again, probably, depends on what it is. I believe in ones rooted deeply in scripture, supported across the entire bible, in context with adequate historical evidence of understanding on that issue. On things that have long time contentions, if it has no meaningful play on salvation or our relationship with Christ, I'm likely to not care, otherwise, I fall on the side that shows more grace (which is unmerited forgiveness) towards humanity.

Is perfection required as a Christian?

No. if perfection was possible, then there would be no need for Jesus' sacrifice for us. We're to work out the things in our lives that get between our relationship with God and us and things God puts on our hearts to remove from our lives.

What is faith?

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1). This is, perhaps, one of the hardest hurdles for me to overcome as I like to be able to see whatever it is I believe in (it is the programmer in me). Faith in Christ is the spiritual substance created by the heart of man's spirit agreeing with the Word of God, which *is* Christ, enabling that man to transform his life for the better by the power of his God's word.

You believe in something you can't see or touch?

Yes. Not all understanding comes from our various senses.

How can I find out more?

Go to the library or a bookstore and get a bible or try these online sources www.e-sword.net, Bible Gateway or Unbound Bible. Try to find one that has studying information in it. A lot of the bible is referenced to other sections and the full understanding of a passage may take reading a dozen others. Read the New Testament section starting with the books of the gospel John then Romans. Find a church that teaches from the whole bible and seek guidance, the best way to learn is being taught by one who has already been down the path you're about to embark on. I recommend Calvary Chapel if one is local to you. I am always open for email, phone or (if you're in Kansas) personal contact and I will do my best to answer questions or help in your faith.

Does it cost anything?

No. Jesus is free. Eventually, with spiritual maturity, you'll want to give to further the works of God. That is why finding the right church is so important. The proper investment of offerings and gifts to a church following the teachings of Jesus and the whole bible will only bring more blessings!

I'm a good person, I don't need this...

Good isn't "good" enough. Perfection is what is required. Some constant commands in scripture include things like "don't lie", "don't steal", "don't covet" and "honor your parent" - also - "follow all of the laws of the government". Now, to be perfect, you can't have violated one, even once. Lets suppose you've lied, once, in your life - that means you're a liar and not perfect. I don't know anyone who's not lied at least once in their life. So, we can all admit we're not perfect. If the price of imperfection is eternal separation from God, in hell, good people just don't cut it. Either you have to be perfect or you have to have your sins covered (paid for) by someone else. That is why even good people need Jesus (and, after all, since your good, it should be an easy transition to Christianity)

What is required of me?

To follow the commands of Jesus. I've found that several things, if you make them a habit, will assist you in growing closer to Jesus, growing in your faith and being more at peace in your life:

  1. Weekly attendance at a bible teaching church.
  2. Daily prayers to God
  3. Daily reading of God's word
  4. Seeking the wisdom of the Spirit
  5. Witnessing to others

Some notes on this - weekly attendance is not a life or death thing - go every week, but if your sick or traveling, don't worry about it. Prayers to God don't have to take up your morning/evening - and everyone has 5 minutes (see how to pray below), reading of scripture - again - everyone has 5 minutes they can dedicate to this, read a chapter from the book of Proverbs every day (there are 31 of them, just like several months a year!) - seeking the wisdom of the Spirit is, essentially, asking for the Spirit to fill you with godly wisdom, which will provide guidance for situations where you have to choose between right and wrong - and can be wrapped up in your prayers. Witnessing is as simple as telling other people you're a Christian when a conversation has an opening.

How do I pray?

Prayer is simple - it is the time when you communicate with God about things. I break prayer down to parts, first, confession, the sins I've committed the prior day I confess to God for forgiveness. It is important this come first as it makes us humble and reminds us why we need salvation. Next, adoration, God is awesome, so I praise Him. Then, thankfulness, I praise Him for the answered prayers and praises (successes) from the prior day. Finally, requests. I ask God about all of the problems in life, be they family, health, fiscal, job, relationships, decisions, etc. Since I'm more pragmatic, I do limit this to things that I deem really important - others take their time and detail everything. When I think of things to ask for God's help on, I append them with "so that" - for example, "Lord, please heal Pastor Dave from his stroke so that he may return to the pulpit and continue his work growing the kingdom". Asking for things without an eternal perspective are asking for comfort items, usually, and God's answer is no most of the time.

Ok, what about {some science/human 'morality'/hypocrisy issue}?

Fun questions - I believe science and faith aren't mutually exclusive. I don't believe I understand enough about science to adequately refute or affirm way too many things. I do, however, believe that science doesn't negate scripture nor the need for God. Science answers the questions about the physical word, not the spiritual one. Likewise, scripture isn't a scientific book, while it isn't errant in that regard, it wasn't ever the purpose of the book.

Human morality (what we believe is right or wrong) has no bearing on my beliefs. Morality comes from a higher being - God - and not man. Evidence of this is humanity currently and all through time has had exploitative slavery and has had this legal. Some countries, to this day, have exploitative labor laws where people are forced to work and barely paid and/or sex trafficking. All of this can change from man's perspective as it has in the USA. Morality shouldn't depend on the whim of the majority. When human morality doesn't conflict with God's morality, then I'm fine with it.

Hypocrites - yeah, Christianity is full of them - I've said things and done the opposite at times. Man's actions do not impact the validity of Christianity any more than a president's determines the worthiness of the country they rule or the legitimacy of the law of the land - even if the president violates the laws. Don't judge God by the actions of man. Humanity will let you down, of that, I'm certain. Charlatans exist in Christianity to milk people of their income, to abuse people, to abuse even children. All of which, is - of course - against scripture. There is no official approval board to mark who is permitted and who isn't permitted to call them self a Christian.

Triune Godhead

Deuteronomy 6:4
Matthew 28:18-20

Salvation through grace

Ephesians 2:8-9

Jesus was God incarnate

Luke 1:30-33

Biblical infallibility

2 Timothy 3:16
Matthew 24:25-30

All mankind sins

Romans 3:23

Eternal Destiny

1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
Revelation 20:11-15
Revelation 21:6-8