I figured I would ease into this publication by making a couple of observations. This is to help me gain clarity around my thoughts as much as it is for you to understand the plans I have for this newsletter.

The first observation, which has to be clear to non-Christians too, is that the world is in a mess. However, if you've looked even peripherally at what the 1st century Christians endured, you know that we've seen nothing yet.

I say "yet", because if Christians continue to give ground to the Enemy, it will get even darker, for as long as God permits, in order to accomplish His will.

That said, I, for one, refuse to budge on relinquishing what our Christian heritage has delivered to us and cede ground to the Enemy. Nope. Not gonna compromise God's word. And I pray for His grace to remain steadfast, even amongst adversity.

I hope to continue to do His will, using the talents He's given me, by keeping my eyes on Jesus and following where He leads.

The second observation is that, at least in the tradition (Baptist) I grew up in, church history is not taught to the laity. It wasn't until I was homeschooling that I came across Foxe's Book of Martyrs, and profiles on great Christians like George Mueller or Mary Slessor. The stories of endurance, of selflessness and faith of the Christians before us are there for our encouragement and guidance.

Being conspiratorial minded, I have my theories on why this is the case, but suffice it to say, there's no good reason not to use the tools we have, to learn as much as we can about the history of the church, and the foundation of our beliefs.

So, I'm taking the talents God has given me and doing what I can for the Kingdom. I want to encourage and uplift my brothers and sisters in the work that God has called them to, and share what I'm learning as I dig deeper into our Christian heritage and learn why I believe what I believe.

But this newsletter isn't for Christians only.

If you're not a believer, I hope you stick around. I'm going to be digging into the history of the church, her blemishes, her impact on the world, and everything in between. I think you'll be surprised at what you learn...I know I will be.

Finally, I expect to cover other things, as the Lord leads, but church history is where this journey begins. And it's a journey, isn't it, walking with God, as He writes our life's story!

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

I figured I would ease into this publication by making a couple of observations. This is to help me gain clarity around my thoughts as much as it is for you to understand the plans I have for this newsletter.

The first observation, which has to be clear to non-Christians too, is that the world is in a mess. However, if you've looked even peripherally at what the 1st century Christians endured, you know that we've seen nothing yet.

I say "yet", because if Christians continue to give ground to the Enemy, it will get even darker, for as long as God permits, in order to accomplish His will.

That said, I, for one, refuse to budge on relinquishing what our Christian heritage has delivered to us and cede ground to the Enemy. Nope. Not gonna compromise God's word. And I pray for His grace to remain steadfast, even amongst adversity.

I hope to continue to do His will, using the talents He's given me, by keeping my eyes on Jesus and following where He leads.

The second observation is that, at least in the tradition (Baptist) I grew up in, church history is not taught to the laity. It wasn't until I was homeschooling that I came across Foxe's Book of Martyrs, and profiles on great Christians like George Mueller or Mary Slessor. The stories of endurance, of selflessness and faith of the Christians before us are there for our encouragement and guidance.

Being conspiratorial minded, I have my theories on why this is the case, but suffice it to say, there's no good reason not to use the tools we have, to learn as much as we can about the history of the church, and the foundation of our beliefs.

So, I'm taking the talents God has given me and doing what I can for the Kingdom. I want to encourage and uplift my brothers and sisters in the work that God has called them to, and share what I'm learning as I dig deeper into our Christian heritage and learn why I believe what I believe.

But this newsletter isn't for Christians only.

If you're not a believer, I hope you stick around. I'm going to be digging into the history of the church, her blemishes, her impact on the world, and everything in between. I think you'll be surprised at what you learn...I know I will be.

Finally, I expect to cover other things, as the Lord leads, but church history is where this journey begins. And it's a journey, isn't it, walking with God, as He writes our life's story!

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)