Disclaimer: About This Blog

THIS BLOG IS: my personal journey of how I am rethinking some of my spiritual beliefs.
THIS BLOG IS NOT: intended to point fingers at people who I think are wrong.
I do not believe the final judgement will be based on how many correct answers we get on a theology exam. I believe many people throughout history have had genuine relationships with God, despite holding questionable beliefs and practices. I make no claim to having it all figured out or being your judge. If we end up disagreeing over these topics I pray we can find a way to demonstrate grace.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

About Jon

Hello, I should probably introduce myself to those who are reading my thoughts here and have never met me face to face. It may be helpful to know who I am, and where I'm coming from.

I am in my mid 30's. Blessed with a great wife, and two wonderful children.

I don't want to boast at all here. God has been good to me. But I feel there may be some value to let readers know a bit of who I am and where I'm coming from.

I want to assure you I am not someone who wants a more liberal view of Christianity so I can live at peace with my sins. I don't want to water down the gospel message in any way. I just seek to clarify what the main gospel message is.

In a similar way as Paul wrote:

Phil 3:4-11 (NIV)
"though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless."

So here's my list of things a religious person could be proud of:

  • My father was a pastor of small rural inter denomination churches.
  • Instead of seeking money as a youth I spent 7 summers working at Bible camps
  • I attended Bible College for 2 years for personal growth
  • I've been involved in regular weekly 'church' activities all my life
  • I've faithfully given financial support to God's work locally and around the world
  • Our family is planning our second 'short term missions' trip to some orphans in Mexico
  • I don't smoke, drink, dance, swear
  • I only listen to Christian music
  • I don't hate anyone

I do have sin issues in my life.... I'll omit listing those here though. I don't compare with the likes of Paul and many other giants of the Christian faith... but that's not the point here.

Paul Continues:
"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."

None of the stuff in that list of mine means anything compared to knowing Christ.

Thank You God for all the good things you've blessed me with, they are all gifts from you!

I want to know Christ, and seek His will, and learn to follow Him better.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Neat blog! I'll have to read more here....

Anonymous said...

Why would you be proud of not dancing? I don't think there is anything wrong with it.

Jonathan said...

Hi. Thanks for the question.

No I don't think dancing is wrong... but I grew up thinking that not smoking, drinking, or dancing was the sign of a true Christian. There were others who called themselves Christians, but they did all those things, so I thought they probably were not true Christians. It was a legalistic way of thinking, and quite judgmental.

Unknown said...

Just a visitor stumbled upon your blog. Praise God for your faith and for proclaiming the good news on your blog. Your hunger and thirst for the truth and for the word will be rewarded greatly. It's inspiring.
Here's a few links that you might find helpful for research.
God bless you and your family.

http://www.salvationhistory.com/library/category/apologetics

http://www.scotthahn.com/about-dr-hahn.html

Anonymous said...

"I'm a high school teacher supporting a lunch hour student Christian fellowship group"

oh really? because my sources would say otherwise.. hmmm.

Jonathan said...

Thanks Anonymous, I need to update that. I did for a number of years, but now I'm in my room over noon supporting some courses outside the timetable. I'll change that. Thanks. :)

Jonathan said...

Hi again Anonymous,

I want to add that I hope that list didn't distract you from the point of this post.

I'm not sure if you know me personally, but I'm guessing you at least know who I am.

This post was for those reading from a distance. When I stumble across a blog by someone questioning things I value, I sometimes wonder what kind of person could do such a thing. So I decided to give an introduction similar to how Paul did in Philippians.

But my point here is that none of the legalistic points of my past count for anything. I certainly am not bragging about that list. Paul wasn't either. I just want to know Christ.

debarnevelder said...

http://www.doorbrekers.nl
http://in-geest-en-waarheid.nl
http://hetkoninkrijkderhemelen.info
Bless You
wieger Kooistra

The Netherlands