Does the world need another blog?

Does the world need another blog? Or better yet, do I have anything to say that has not already been said before? The answer to both of these questions is really quite simple: no! So why spend the time and energy to be an unoriginal drip in the ocean of information? This first post attempts to answer the question by stating the purpose of this blog and by giving you six reasons why I think starting my own blog is a worthwhile endeavor.

1. For the church. The world may not need another blog, but publishing another blog dedicated to the propagation of biblical truth certainly can’t hurt. Can there be too many websites that produce Christ-centered information in service of the church? I think not. Why not fill the ocean of information with as many gospel-believing, Christ-magnifying drips of truth as possible? Why not combat the spiritual forces of evil by contending for the truth on the world wide web—and no I don’t think that “prince of the power of the air” means Satan is the prince of TV airwaves, radio waves, or cyberspace, though he uses much of those realms to accomplish his agenda. The purpose of this blog is to publish material and resources on theology, biblical studies, and cultural engagement that will contend for the faith once delivered to the saints and strengthen the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Unfortunately much of the theologizing that takes place in the name of Christianity seems to be an attempt to undermine the authority and clarity of the Scriptures. You will not find that here (though I don’t presume that everything I write will be exceedingly clear!). What you will find here is blogging in service of the church.

2. For the people of Crossroads. I have the privilege of serving as the Lead Pastor of Crossroads Church in Sandy, Utah. I hope that the writing that takes place here will be an extension of my teaching ministry to the people I have been called to shepherd. In many ways, Crossroads Church, this is my gift to you.

3. For becoming a better writer and thinker. Perhaps my most selfish reason for starting this blog is to help discipline myself to write more often. Ask any good writer (I hope to become one someday) how to become a better writer and they will generally tell you two things: 1) read good writing, and 2) write frequently. I find a certain level of joy (and frustration all at the same time!) in trying to articulate my thoughts on “paper.” On more than one occasion I have found myself thinking that I had sufficiently understood a certain subject only to discover that I had no ability to articulate those thoughts on paper. Hence, I did not understand the subject as well as I thought! Clear writing is the fruit of clear thinking and clear thinking is the fruit of clear writing. You cannot separate the two.

4. For worship. As a pastor, I write out a 12 page single-spaced sermon manuscript every week. It is easy to think that the work involved in studying and writing a sermon will, by the end of the week, be used for the worship of God. Better yet to recognize, as did Jonathan Edwards, that the time spent in study (thinking and writing) is itself an act of worship. May the writing that takes place on this blog be an act of worship to God.

5. For the advancement of the gospel. I have heard numerous people testify to the fact that they were led out of false religions, cults, and outright unbelief through the gospel-centered information they discovered on the internet. May this blog be another means for spreading the truth of the gospel to a generation that desperately needs the saving power of God (Romans 1:16).

6. For the glory of God. For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36).