“I’m baaack!” - Cue 1996 and Independence Day (Young people, just know it was a different time)

So. As best I can tell, it’s been 5 years since I posted a blog. Depending on your perspective, that’s either been too long, or not long enough. But. I spent some of my summer catching up and stockpiling some ideas for what might be helpful for you (New Anthem Church) to hear from me (your pastor). 

Now. Anytime you post something on the inner-webs it’s bound to be picked up by someone it was not intended for—so I guess that’s a risk we’ll have to take. But just know this is meant to be a tool to help you—the people I’ve been called to.

Which. If you were here for the cataclysm formerly known as COVID, you might recall our Wednesday Refresh segment. This is going to be a bit like that. However, for the first number of installments, it’s going to be a ‘Revelation Revisited’ series. Many of you commented that you felt like that collection of messages was helpful, but it was also (at times) too much to digest. So—the tentative plan here, is to post a recap each week (on Fridays) that you can use for personal growth and/or study.

Now. A couple quick tips: 1. If you haven’t picked up on this yet, my Chicago Writing Format is probably better described as a backcountry editor style. I mean. We’re doing good if there’s any punctuation at all—nevertheless the appropriate kind. Please keep in mind, I went to public school and public university and in neither case was I at the top of my class.

Secondly, this tool will be most effective in your life if it’s used in the context of a conversation. In other words, read and discuss it. In my experience, what creates the most lasting change is having people help push you. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

Finally. I like to make the disclaimer that I’m giving you the best information I have with my current understanding at the time. So. You don’t have to agree with me, I might not agree with me in the future. However, we need to be able to use Scripture to defend our position(s). This is (of course) because Jesus said He was the Truth. Ipso facto, truth can only be found in Jesus’ words which are only found in Scripture. Because all Scripture is God-breathed.

That said, starting next week, we’re going to “Kick the tires and light the fires, big daddy!”

God bless!

pLJ