Reasons for Writing

Knowing that I am a very small fish in a blogosphere of Pacific proportions, I feel compelled that I must write and get my thoughts and ideas out there. The need to write has been so overwhelming, I have needed an outlet of some description and it occurred to me that the blogosphere may just be the right place.

During a mission trip, I had the opportunity to be on a Christian radio show and offer counsel as well as insight to a Christian in a particular situation. After that experience, God put it in my heart to minister in such a way and the desire has not let me go. I had thought about looking into radio because the fit just seemed right yet seeing as how it is nearly impossible to get on unless you have just the right connections, which I do not have, I stumbled upon blogging. So, I will add my voice to the teeming masses, desperately seeking an audience.

I call this blog The Rambling Prophet. I will not ramble in the sense of chasing rabbits or failing to stick to the subject at hand. However, I desire to ramble through several issues and hopefully narrow those to how they apply in a small church setting and how to work those out. I have a heart for the small church and I will emphasize and celebrate the small church as the most effective means of ministry. She is still the Bride of Christ though there are so many new ideas about church and what the truest expression of what the called out body is supposed to be. I do not say that in a derogatory manner. Many are leaving traditional churches (or avoiding them altogether) to seek a better "connection" with God, failing to make that "connection" in a traditional church. I also hope to be prophetic, calling on the church to repent, reform, and renew her relationship with the One who died for her that she might live.

Note however, that I do not refer to myself as a prophet. I am like the prophet Amos in that he declared, "I am not a prophet nor the son of a prophet." I simply desire to be prophetic along the same lines as the Old Testament prophets. I bring no new revelation, but only seeking a faithful understanding of what God has given us in His Word. The prophets preached and taught the people what God expected of them and then with heart-wrenching fervor, pleaded with them to return to their first love. My heart's desire is that this blog will serve a great purpose, hopefully, to minister to people just like me, seeking answers to questions that need to be answered. And if we discuss some deeper issues, then that will be good, too. I actually hope so!

I would like to make it clear what I believe and the context from which I will write. These are convictions that I hold and I dare not let them go.

1. I believe every syllable of the Bible.
2. I believe God is one God, eternally existent in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
   
3. I believe that Jesus Christ is virgin born, the only begotten Son of God, lived a sinless life, and He died a penal, substitutionary, atoning death. He was buried yet He was gloriously resurrected on the third day, just as He said.
   
4. I believe regeneration by the Holy Spirit is necessary and the Holy Spirit resides in and enables every believer to live a godly life.
   
5. I believe man, created in the image of God, is hopeless and helpless apart from the saving grace of God. Man's relationship with God is broken because of sin but can be restored by salvation. Jesus Christ is man's only hope and He is the only way to God. Salvation is freely offered to all who accept Christ as Savior, repent of their sins, and commit their lives to His lordship.

With the exception of these essentials, we can discuss just about anything. I hope to touch on several theological topics, especially ecclesiology, and I just want to talk about God; His character, nature, ways, His will for my life and yours. What does He want? Not having all of that figured out yet, I do have a few things figured out and they are as follows.

I don't want to get in any shouting matches. That is not why I am here. I want to be edified, corrected, rebuked, and learn the Word of God and how it applies to my life. I want to learn to live more fully and completely by the Spirit. I am open to criticism as long as it is shared in love with respect for my walk with Christ. I will respond in a like manner. My watchword is Colossians 4:6, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." With that being said, I would love to hear your thoughts. Passionate discussion is welcome and encouraged.

I believe that iron sharpens iron and that I can truly learn something here. Most of all, my reasons for being here are purely selfish. I have felt compelled to write, and that is what I intend to do. My heart's desire is to see God glorified in my life and yours and if this blog serves that end, then I am certainly here for the right reason.

Sincerely,
Tony