Yes. I am starting a blog. I have a domain name. I have made the proper connections to all the appropriate social media sites. My picture is right there on the right side along with other curious widgets (internet lingo for cool stuff on the side). Yes. I am joining the millions of fine men and women on the blogosphere and contributing my voice to the internets. Here I am cyber world. Hear me type.

Some of you may be thinking, why start a blog when (a) there are so many already out there, (b) you are already pretty busy as it is, (c) you’re not that smart or insightful. Those are good questions I have asked myself, but, nonetheless, here I am pounding out my first post. Why?

Four Simple Reasons This Blog Exists

Allow me to share with you four simple reasons that prompted me to get this puppy going.

1) I want to help my brothers and sisters in their trek toward Heaven. The (genuine) Christian life is terribly difficult and filled with hardships from within (Galatians 5:16-17) and without (Matthew 10:22; 2 Corinthians 5:4; 2 Timothy 3:12). Given this, I think every Christian should do whatever he/she can to utilize what God has given them for the common good of other Christians (1 Corinthians 12:7). God has given me a solid Christian education and a pastor’s heart, so here I blog for the common good of His people.

2) I want to give yet one more place where people can hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. This world is in glad rebellion of God and sits squarely under His praiseworthy, righteous wrath (John 3:36) and the only hope is found in the good news of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). This news needs to be shared in personal conversation (Acts 8:26-40), preached to crowds (Acts 2:14-41), shouted from rooftops (Matthew 10:26-27), and, by God’s grace, it needs to be blogged about too!

3) I want to create a place where those I pastor can find things that will be helpful in their walk with Christ. All week long I think about the people God has entrusted to my care. I long for their joy in Christ and am continuously wanting to put good things into their hands. This platform enables me to do that. At least, on their screens. (Note: the book lists are not yet complete).

4) I want to hone my skills for communicating & writing. I hope to spend my life teaching and preaching God’s Word to God’s world. With that in mind, I find it prudent to do whatever I can to grow in my ability to communicate. This will be helpful to that end.

My Hopes for This Blog

I do not want or expect this blog to blow up and gain thousands of followers. I’m not looking to make any money. I have no goals of becoming a celebrity pastor or to get on TV (the thought terrifies me, actually). My hope for this blog is that (1) the saints are encouraged, edified, and equipped, (2) non-believers hear the good news of Jesus Christ offered to them, (3) and that, by these things, the Lord is pleased. If I succeed in these things, I am blessed.

So here is to the future of A Pilgrim’s Friend! I pray it becomes a blessing to you in your homeward march.

Stay tuned for an explanation of the blog’s name…