I was born and raised in northern Illinois, and am living there now. But having lived in Texas, I’m definitely a Texan at heart. My favorite city is San Antonio, where we used to live. My favorite place is the Riverwalk, where my wife and I have very fond memories. We have 4 kids and 4 grandkids. I’ve been a lifelong fan of fitness and sports, especially college sports. However, I’m discovering that the older I get and the closer I get to meeting my Savior, the less important sports are to me, as well as Texas. I’m living more and more with eternity in view. You may read what I believe under “What I Believe.” To round it out, here’s some additional information about myself and the positions I hold:
—Not a theologian, BUT I’m wired that way.
—I have a passion for teaching the Trinity, while exposing heresies about God.
—In agreement with the Five Solas of the Reformation (foundational principles of the doctrine of salvation), which are: by Scripture Alone, by Grace Alone, by Faith Alone, in Christ Alone, to the Glory of God Alone.
—I’ve studied the doctrine of election for 14 or 15 years straight, and have been on both sides of the aisle. I’ve written extensively in support of each position. While I have a thorough understanding of the Calvinist position, along with all the reasons why, I’ve come to believe that they complicate it far more than we need to.
—Since I used to be Calvinist in my theology, I extend grace to my Calvinist brothers and sisters. I believe we should all extend grace to each other from both sides, because both sides have a good case for their position—but most importantly, it’s the way we reflect the love of Christ to our spiritual siblings.
—Essentially in agreement with Baptist Covenant Theology. However, there are components of New Covenant Theology I also agree with. I’m certainly Baptistic in my theology, but I’m not in a Baptist church.
—I believe God’s plan for Israel is fulfilled in Christ and His Church. Therefore, I’m NOT a dispensationalist.
—In regard to eschatology, I’m amillennial. That means I believe in the Kingdom of Christ, but NOT in a premillennial kingdom of this world. The Kingdom of Christ is spiritual (Col 1:13), and continues into the Eternal Kingdom of the new heaven and new earth of Revelation 21 and 22 upon His return.
—I believe in the return of Christ, but NOT to reign over this sinful world, but to escort us into the Eternal Kingdom of the new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells.
—Complementarian, but NOT strictly so. I believe the Bible teaches a sensible balance. I also REJECT the authoritarian model that so many follow. Further, I extend love and grace to my egalitarian brothers and sisters in Christ. I fully understand why they interpret the Scriptures the way they do; they make a good case.
—In regard to relationships, the Bible is clear: Male with female. Same sex relationships are not God’s design for humanity, and is a sin in His eyes.
—Fundamentally a cessationist regarding the miracle gifts of the Spirit where Christianity flourishes, BUT in places where Christianity and the Bible are outlawed, I believe God can and does use any gift as He sees fit—because in such situations it’s much like the early Church where the NT Scriptures were still being written. I believe God does whatever He needs to do to get the gospel to His elect. Thus, my position is more accurately defined as conditional continuationism.
—Patriotic (Navy vet), but I do NOT support Christian Nationalism! CN is NOT Christian. It’s antithetical to the primary mission given to us by our Lord in Matthew 28:19-20. We’ve become way too political. This is another group that gives Christianity a bad name.
—I seek to live a balanced life. I’m always thinking, “in all things, balance.” I avoid the extremes, because I don’t believe God’s will is normally found in the extremes.
If you care to read an expanded version of what I believe, you’ll find that under “Systems of Theology—My Position.”
A little more background about myself: I came to faith in Christ when I was 16 years old via the classic gospel tract titled “God’s Simple Plan of Salvation.” Since that time I’ve always understood the value of using gospel tracts to share the message about Christ, and have used them throughout my life. You’ll find a few on this website. When I was 18 or 19 my love for God’s Word began to develop, and so I’ve been a lifelong student of the Bible. I’ve written verse by verse commentaries on Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Revelation. However, they are not published. While I don’t have the credentials of a theologian, I study hard to try and make up for it. However, I want to finish my life with more of a focus on spreading the gospel, and not quite so much on theology. I’m seeking a better balance between the two. I want to make a difference in people’s lives for all eternity. Theological studies and discussions between Christians are interesting and necessary, but they don’t get anyone into Heaven.