This effectual grace blog celebrates its 1st birthday today. That’s right, somewhere in cyber space, this little blog appeared for the first time on November 2, 2010.
I feel I have grown a great deal through the process of putting together the more than 750 posts on more than a 140 different categories. I must say that I have both valued and learned from the many comments I have received, even from those who have had strong disagreements with me. I hope you feel you have benefitted by your visits here and desire to continue the journey, learning and growing together in grace and knowledge of God.
Its hard to fathom this, but last month alone, people from all 50 states of the USA and 99 different countries stopped by for a visit here. Knowing this causes two definite reactions in me. Firstly, it humbles me profoundly to know that many look to this blog for sound biblical teaching, and secondly, it fills me with holy awe concerning the tremendous responsibility just such an audience places in my hands.
Though I try not to take myself too seriously, I must take His truth seriously. It would be the height of presumption to steer even one of God’s precious sheep in the wrong direction. As Jesus made clear, to whom much is given, much is required.
My prayer is that this blog will always be a place for God’s truth to shine forth like a beacon in this dark world, and a place where His gospel is clear in its declaration and wide in its reach. May our great tri-une God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit receive all the praise, honor and glory.
If you have something positive to share in the way of feedback, it would be great to hear from you. Please feel free to write a comment below. If you don’t feel you have anything positive to share, well thanks for stopping by anyway.
May God bless you richly!
John
I know I’ve told you all this before but I have really enjoyed and appreciated this blog. I know of others who feel the same way. Thanks for all the work you put into it!
Thanks very much Traever. You are a blessing!
Hi Pastor John,
I do remember when you decided to start a seperate blog additional to Reformed Theology, and I praise our Lord for the precious ministry He has given you.
I’ve told you this before, but I want everybody to know, that because of your sound teachings, and your friendly/patient replies to me, you have become my website Pastor.
May our Lord Jesus continue to bless you and protect you, as you shine His Light in this dark World.
Derek
Dear John, As you know, I follow what you write with gratitude and I found in it inspiration for similar posts in the Italian language. Indirectly, “your” audience is then much larger. Even if I live in Kent (England), my Italian audience in Italy is very large. I am writing you today, nevertheless, for a slightly different reason. The state of churches **in England** in appalling. Reformation history and Reformation theology is virtually unknown or completely ignored even among clergy/pastors. In Kent there are (small) Evangelical churches in every street corner, but the shallowness and mancentredness of their theology is depressing (or arid dullness in those who claim to be theologically Reformed). My wife and I had for years difficulty in finding a local church honouring the principles we believe in. We attend now a local Anglican parish church (Evangelical). They “still” have one service at 11 a.m. where, as they follow for a few people, the Book of Common Prayer, Reformation theology can still be heard only through that liturgy. Other services there are noisy modern platitudes oriented and people-pleasing services.
John, since you have British connections, would you pray and think about what you (and me) could do for England, or better what we could do in God-s hands for England (Kent)? Thanks!
Every blessing, Paolo