Holy Communion & the Salvation Army

In been toying with the idea of this blog post for a while, and although I'm sure there are probably lots of different views on the issue of the Salvation Army and it's response to communion; I think it's worth exploring and discussing this issue, how it affects our Church, us as individuals; and how it has affected me personally in my walk and life as a Salvationist and the struggles and thought processes I have gone through to Justify the Army's position on this issue with my own faith and background.

An important disclaimer before we go any further: the views expressed in this blog post (and all others I write) are my own thoughts and reflections and do not necessarily represent the views of the Salvation Army.

- The Conflict

I don't come from a Salvation Army background, so Communion was always a natural part of Christianity, never any question in my mind that it was fundamental.

My Christian background was free Methodist... So not a million miles away from Salvation Army outlook and theology... Communion was there and received fairly regularly but not all the time and certainly not week in week out. So there wasn't a massive sudden shock when I began worshipping at the Army...just a developing realisation that it wasn't part of SA worship. If I'm honest this did make me a little uncomfortable and led me to spend quite a bit of time wrestling with this issue and soul searching to find justification and trying to decide whether this was an issue I could live with or whether it was a nonnegotiable issue for me. I'll admit to feeling quite uncomfortable whenever I heard or read the Gospel accounts of the Last Supper:

"And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Luke - 22:19

When I first started attending the Army I felt that here was a clear instruction that we were not following. And yes, that made me uncomfortable.

- The Army's position

This is probably the right time for a bit of clarification...the Army does not, has not and I pray never will have an official complaint or take an official stance against Holy Communion in and of itself. I have heard rumours of Officers or Corps taking a stand against it...rumours which I truly hope are not true.

The official stand point is that there is no issue with members or Soldiers (or Officers for that matter) receiving communion, simply that the SA does not consider outward sacraments necessary for Salvation and so doesn't offer it as part of worship. I think traditionally this boils down to an over reliance from some churches in William Booth's day of outward signs and ceremonies rather than inward holiness and sanctification. (There is an argument perhaps that we have replaced the traditional outward signs and sacraments with our own traditions and become over reliant on them instead... But that's a discussion for another day and another blog post perhaps)

- The resolution

I hope that by sharing my thought processes and how I resolved this issue someone else might find their own clarification, justification and peace with issue.

Once again though, here's the disclaimer: these are my thought processes, my justification and does not necessarily represent the views, opinions and expressions of the Salvation Army (and certainly not the views and opinions of every Salvationist)

Really the key from the start of my questioning of the this, was the Army's acceptance of the principle of Holy Communion, this gave me the space to consider it and work through it in my own time and in my own way. Had the Army taken a stance against the teaching and principle of Communion and told me that no one should receive it I would have found it much harder to justify and resolve the conflict.

I spent a lot of time thinking about the nature of communion, what form should it take, and how we keep the spirit of communion alive. By all that I mean remembering Christ's sacrifice, and binding ourselves together through one love, one mission and one Lord. It's vital, if and when we do receive Communion that we do it in the right spirit and with the right heart, not because it's what's expected or what helps us fit in...but truly in rememberance of Christ and His sacrifice.

I came to the conclusion that Holy Communion is about more than bread and wine, more than tradition,  more than ceremony, it is bigger and greater than ourselves...too big to be contained by anything on earth...it is a state of mind and state of being, represented by an outward sacrament. We honour it by being and remaining in communion with each other, by loving each other and serving each other.

Please don't misunderstand... I certainly don't think that their are no benefits to Holy communion, I think it is a brilliant expression of Faith, commitment and remembrance. It can deepen faith, connect us to each other and to Christ and I firmly and passionately believe it has a place in modern Christianity and modern Salvationism...I'm not going to suggest in what form or how often at this stage.

I've written this blog post, I hope sensitively, because I think for Salvationists it's important to question the Salvation Army's response and position to Holy Communion and how that fits into a key part of scripture and our own faith and theology, not for arguments sake, or to rock the boat but to truly understand why we as Salvationists do what we do and believe what we believe...Salvationists are a strange bunch I think you'll agree...but a lack of certain traditions and sacraments doesn't make us any less called, devoted and committed to Christ and to the mission of the Church.







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Faith and Music in the Salvation Army

There are lots of things I admire about the Salvation Army and it's musical groups. One biggie is the partnership and friendship that is formed between these various musical groups in different parts of the UK (and the rest of the world). I love the way music, friendship and mission go hand in hand.

My first big experience of this was shortly after joining Coventry City Songsters (Adult Choir) last year. When we travelled to Bolton Salvation Army for a weekend of music and worship.

(For more of my reflections on this please check out a recent blog post entitled 'Reflections of a part time Pete': http://inspiredbyfaith88.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/reflections-of-part-time-pete.html?m=1 )

Last weekend (24/06/17) Coventry City Salvation Army was blessed by the visit of Swindon Citadel's Songster brigade. The energy that comes from a visit like this is incredible. It's like a visit from family...which I guess they are. Brothers and sisters in Christ of course... But also brothers and sisters of the Salvation Army and fellow Songsters. Particularly enjoyable were the pieces we sang as a massed group...both brigades brought their own Flavour and style in our individual pieces but the joint pieces I think somehow bonded us... Knowing that both groups had individually been learning and preparing the same pieces then coming together to present them as a single united brigade. This weekend has really made me think about and reflect on the Salvation Army and it's relationship with music and service.

- The puritan heart

But where does this music fit into faith and practical help and service of the communities we live in? This has always been a concern of mine; that the Church (across all denominations) should focus it's primary resources on outward practical help and less on the impractical aesthetic things like stained glass windows, nice buildings, and even music, I think I'm probably a puritan at heart...well I'm man enough to admit that at least in part I'm wrong... I look to the famous Gospel account of Jesus being anointed.

"Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” - John 12:1-8

Jesus stands out from His peers, the feet washing image we usually have of Jesus is reversed... Because of course, as much as Jesus came to serve, He is still a servant KING. He is above and greater than those around Him because obviously He is God incarnate. And deserves to be raised higher than anyone else. Which is why Jesus is not a true socialist as some would suggest (a discussion for another day perhaps).

Worship is about touching the divine...allowing us to experience something more, bringing ourselves into God's presence and honouring Him. Where I am wrong somewhat in my puritanical stance is that I think we lose something when we try to be entirely practical. I will go as far as to say that I think some Salvation Army buildings can be a little overly 'practical' which I understand and accept... But do we risk putting Jesus in a box of being a place of grey practicality and miss the experience of trying to 'touch the divine'?

Strangely I think this is only true to a point...yes some of our buildings (especially newer buildings) may be a bit overly practical and not the glorious old churches with stained glass windows and huge columns but I think the difference is that as Salvationists and Christians once you invite Christ into your heart the divine rests WITHIN us, so to touch the divine we don't need outward signs but only the faith and discipline to bring it out of us and spread it 'inwards - out' rather than 'upwards - down'

But that being said I do sometimes feel we miss something by focusing so much on practicalities and less on art, poetry etc that truly helps us express the inexpressible

- A musical Army

And so, we come to the Army and it's relationship with music...music is a practical tool that helps give us identity and unity...it shows people who we are and I think can make a real impact. the obvious example is the Gowans and Larsson musical 'Hosea'

http://www.gowans-larsson.com/Hosea/index.html

And the Song 'Down the street' which tells the story of 'Light fingered Freddy' who keeps trying to break the law but is constantly interrupted by the band of the Salvation Army:

"Down the street comes the band of the Salvation Army, with trumpets tabrets and trombones.

They stay and they play and they beat out the message, in quite unmistakable tones,

And it kind of takes hold of a man,

In a kind of a way naught else can,

And you're glued to the spot, if you like it or not, and you just kind of alter your plan"

https://youtu.be/5IPn8miwDFE 

(Really worth a listen/watch if you haven't experienced this musical)

So practically it's a great tool, but spiritually as well, it helps us. both the lyrics and the tunes help us say and feel what perhaps is difficult to express. It inspires beauty and inspiration, makes us feel joyful, humble, inspired... etc. It talks to our souls and somehow lightens our hearts, and I think, allows to see and experience something of the divine...it is a true, valuable and key area of ministry and service... It brightens up a grey world, and yes it may not actually feed or clothe someone. But as a joint ministry the Salvation Army works to feeds the soul and clothes the heart as well as feeding and clothing the body, both are necessary for real Salvation.

It is a real calling and mission to lighten people's burdens both spiritually and practically and build God's kingdom on earth...I think that's the true purpose of Salvation Army music and why it works so well alongside faith and practical ministry.

 - Synergy of Salvation

To say I'm not musical would be an understatement, but even I can see how the synergy between Faith and music strengthens both the bond between our musical sections and the mission of the Salvation Army, I think it's a challenge to balance out practical musicality

 and faith...yes the music is to honour God, so of course we must work as hard as we can to be the best we can, but God is pleased first and foremost by our relationship with and service of Him.

"For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." Psalm 51:16,17

It is this synergy between all the areas of ministry and service that truly make the Salvation Army what it is and what it is called to be... Faithful, practical, servants, disciplined, worshipful, compassionate, authoritative, leaders, musical, friends, prayerful.

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Disclaimer: the opinions and comments expressed in this blog are personal and do not necessarily represent the views and policies of the Salvation Army

A Place to Call Home

There are some really special places in this world, places that mean a great deal for many different reasons... this post is about perhaps the most important of these places...my Spiritual home...my church...

A week or so ago I published a post entitled 'Where it all Began', talking a little about my first real Church, the encouragement and inspiration that helped sow the seeds of my spiritual growth and development; check it out by clicking here

Today's post is a bit of a sequel. Not where I started, but where I am now, the importance of finding a spiritual home, a place to belong, some of the problems that can happen, the fallouts the failures and why it's worth persevering with a faith community and fellowship...in the Salvation Army we call them 'Corps' but 'Church' is just as relevant & I think these issues are just as important regardless of which denomination you belong to and identify with.

My Church
Here's just a brief overview of myself, my church and where we are as a fellowship and family.

I started attending my home Corps (Coventry City, UK) about 13 years ago-ish. I've been a Senior Soldier for 12 years this July. (At the time of writing) I started attending during a strange time for the Corps. We were in between buildings, as we were waiting for the construction of a new building to replace the old one which had become unfit for purpose. So the whole Corps was in a bit of a limbo situation, sharing a building with another Church community.

Eventually our brand spanking new building opened in mid 2005, followed shortly by a change in Officers (ministers).

So a new home, new leaders. A new start and fresh beginning. Not just for the Corps but for me personally.

In this Corps I found welcome, love and a spiritual home. Of course I also found politics, fallouts and the occasional argument...because unfortunately for the Church, it's populated by us imperfect sometimes petty human beings, (and yes I am including myself at the forefront of that).

So what is a spiritual home?
A physical home should be a place of rest, a place where you feel comfortable where you can unwind from the pressures of the day. A spiritual home should have some of these qualities but it also needs to be a place of challenge and inspiration that will not always be comfortable but will bring you encouragement and fulfillment.

Dysfunctional family
Coventry City Corps is where I find these things but let me be clear, we are a long way off a perfect community. We can fall out, annoy each other, dismiss each other but I'd like to think when things are rough we would be there for each other. We are a family....but a dysfunctional family sometimes.

My Church has, over the last few years, become home to a different group of people... We have joined a group of other churches in the city to host a winter night shelter. We have become a temporary home on one night a week during the winter, providing warmth, comfort and food the very things a home should provide. On a personal note while I've been involved in the night shelter I have found time to sit in our main Worship hall devoid of light and people and I have found a real sense of peace and homeliness; reflecting on all the friendships and relationships that have been built in that room when it's full, relationships with God have been built and testified too, prayers have been said, commitments made (including my own wedding vows). It truly is the heart of our spiritual home, but I suppose when full this is hard to see.

Why you need your Church & why your Church needs you
Many people, perhaps someone reading this have, been hurt by the Church in some way or another. And I am truly sorry for that. But despite this I still feel that the Church is necessary, that belonging to a Church community is necessary, and not just because of the benefits we can receive, but also because of the journey we are on together; We can, even unknowingly support and encourage those around us in our faith communities just by being an example.

I know what a lot of people say "you don't need to go to Church to be a Christian..." And I understand this position and I can see the point, I would even agree, to a point. The old rebuttal to that position is of course "you don't need a parachute to jump out of a aeroplane...but it certainly helps." The point is, we need each other. We have to walk together to find encouragement and strength in each other, and we need to serve alongside each other... Think about a major incident like an earthquake or flood; yes, individuals can help and make a huge difference, but it takes an Army, committed, organised and mobilised to really turn the tide, with supply drops, airlifts etc, we can be that Army...but it means putting aside our squabbles and differences and work together.

So let's be a true family and community. But let's go into it with our eyes open; understanding that we will annoy each other, we will fall out and hurt each other but by the grace of God and mutual love and understanding we can get past all this and be a true family. Ultimately we are better and stronger together, even when we annoy each other and fallout over petty stuff.





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These Boots are made for walking: A Boundless Legacy

I took the picture above in July 2015 which for Salvationists should hopefully ring some bells as the date of the Salvation Army's most recent international Congress (big gathering of Salvation Army folk from around the world for anyone not familiar with Salvation Army terminology) held at the O2 Arena in London. The gathering, as I'm sure most of us know was 'Boundless 2015' I think really the Congress probably needs it's own post so I won't go into too much detail for now. But watch this space...

I had intended this post just to be a one off, but as I'm writing I'm wondering if I should do a semi regular series...let's give it a working title of 'A Boundless legacy' so in the same way as the most recent Star Wars film had the more open ended secondary title of 'A Star Wars story' so 'A Boundless Legacy' will be attached to posts about the 2015 Congress. (Unless I get a better idea or I get a deluge of comments begging me to stop) let me know what you think about this in the comments.

I suppose lots of people reading this who attended the gathering will have seen these boots displayed in the far end of the O2 arena's main concourse as part of an exhibition about the Army's history... (Hopefully you also located the free Crispy Creme doughnut stall...it was a particular personal favourite of mine)

I will start with a bit of a disclaimer... I make no promises that the following story is true, although I have no reason to doubt it, I couldn't find additional information on this, so feel free to take the story with a pinch of salt... Or better yet if you can provide more information, or context that would be appreciated... Either way the point I'm making still stands.

So the story of these boots according to tradition and the note with them is that back in early days of the Salvation Army an Officer called Alfred Wolfe who was Corps Officers (Church leader) at Barnet Corps was visiting the General, William Booth, during this visit Booth noticed that Wolfe's shoes had holes in them so Booth gave him a spare pair of his own boots. These have been treasured, preserved and passed on through the Wolfe family. And here we see them lovingly displayed.

This gift represents far more than a generous act, it's symbolic of an Army that must remember it's purpose and the reason it has been raised up by God...that reason is to go wherever it's needed to 'Serve Suffering Humanity' a phrase which I seem to be using a lot, but I make no apologies for that, it's something that we need to keep focusing on, there are so many people that are suffering and in need l, and it's our job, not just for Salvationists but for all Christians to meet this need as best we can and in the loving spirit of God. All this goes right back to the great commission from Matthew's Gospel:

'Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”' Matthew 28:18-20

These boots that Booth passed on were designed for walking, marching and serving. Let's remember that when we wear our uniforms or Church clothes that we are not stepping out in a fashion show but we are stepping out to serve others. We have work to do.

In my secular job I am required to wear steel toe-capped boots, they are not particularly nice to look at, they are certainly not what I would describe as comfortable. But they are functional and are there to protect my feet, I am not suggesting that we should deliberately make ourselves uncomfortable, but functionality must certainly come first in our Churches, and in our missions. After all Christ did not come to earth in comfort and peace but into poverty and violence...somewhere between the two lies that wonderful word 'balance'.

So today's challenge... Remember why we have the gifts we have and what we can do with them...while I think about it. Here's a link to an online Spiritual gifts questionnaire, while not necessarily binding and exhaustive it may help you discover what it is that God has equipped you and commissioned you to do

http://buildingchurch.net/g2s-i.htm

If you've never taken this test or one like it I would really recommend it. If you have it's always worth taking again... Spiritual gifts can be fluid and changeable as God equips us in different areas for different purposes.

But as I was saying. Always remember that you are built for a purpose not just to look pretty, you are a functional member of the body of Christ. This was I think, the legacy of 'Boundless' an Army and a Church marching and serving together.

And finally: You are Boots, and you are made for walking!








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An Army at War: Part 1 (1914 - 1918)

This is the first in a two part look at the work of the Salvation Army during the first and second World Wars, I hope you find it interesting. (EDIT: Part 2 - '1939-1945' is available here: http://inspiredbyfaith88.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/an-army-at-war-part-2-1939-1945.html?m=1 )



2 years after Bramwell Booth son of the founder of the Salvation Army William Booth became the 2nd General (international leader) The Secular and religious worlds collided in spectacular fashion...the year was 1914...

Still relatively young, the Salvation Army faced a challenge unlike any other. An entire world engaged in total war, nation fighting nation, good men on both sides forced to kill each other, brothers in Christ torn apart and a united, international Army suddenly and dramatically divided.

It's important to remember the atmosphere around the world in 1914 as the shadow of war fell. This was the first time civilians and the home front became an active part of the conflict, propaganda became an important weapon. Each nation had to prioritise morale to keep spirits up at home and inspire courage and heroism in the front line soldiers. To this end each nation did everything they could to villify it's enemies and play up its own strengths and reputation.

This became a real problem for the Salvation Army and the wider Church who believed (and still do) that everyone, from every nation, and every walk of life are important, loved and precious to God. This message of peace and understanding was not what the country wanted to hear, but nevertheless it's the purpose for which God raised up the Salvation Army, and as the General announced when he first took office:
"The Salvation Army belongs to the whole world. It knows no nationality as such, all men are the proper objects of its loving service." In this spirit the Salvation Army got to work:

- The General sent Dutch officer lieut-colonel Barbara Luppens to see how the Salvation Army in Germany was faring, showing care and concern even for those who were considered enemies.

- Ambulances were fitted out and the Army started working with the Red Cross, an 'Ambulance Band' was formed of Salvationist personnel to provide music and welcome to the troops.

- Australian and Canadian Salvationists sent Ambulances to both the Western and Eastern fronts.

- The United States sent Salvationists to serve in lots of practical ways, they sewed buttons, mended uniforms, listened to and supported the soldiers, sang, preached the gospel etc and of course the famous 'Doughnut girls' made doughnuts to give the U.S. soldiers a taste of home and help hold together the men's fragile morale.

-Australia, Canada and New Zealand led the way with the appointment of Salvation Army officers as chaplains, the UK and U.S. quickly followed suit. One such chaplain was Brigadier William McKenzie, he was attached to the first brigade of the A.I.F. (Australian Imperial Force); he trained with the men, organised recreation activities, visited the sick and injured and even helped digging trenches. When inevitable casualties occurred he would help identify the dead and write to their families and loved ones. He was a true believer in 'Belief in Action'.

This was a truly mobilised and international Army, separated by borders and conflict but forever linked by love, faith and membership in the family of Christ. A truly unbreakable bond of love, service and charity.

After the war the service continued, despite calls from a world hurting and scarred by war to punish Germany for it's offences, the Salvation Army continued to mobilise around the world providing food, clothes and money to support all that needed it including Germany and her allies.

For me, this is Christianity, this is service, both to man and God. This is the legacy of service that continues today.

I've said it before but the Salvation Army is far from perfect, but this example from history is an ideal to reach for and inspiration for anyone seeking to serve their fellow man, it is practical and efficient but still Christ centred, as it should be.

Service is not just about the big stuff, it's also about the small everyday acts of love and kindness. This is the challenge I want to leave you with, to look out for those everyday opportunities to serve and bless others and to do so not because you have to but out of genuine love, care and concern for each other.

I find almost paradoxical that the Salvation Army international could support both sides of this destructive conflict, I suppose there's even an argument that serving both sides, helping hold morale together could in a small way prolong the conflict and therefore the suffering...I don't really have an answer to that other than to say it was not, and still is not the Salvation Army or wider Church's job or calling to take sides in a conflict like this, but to serve, guard and above all, love all of humanity, regardless of which side of the conflict or warzone it happens to geographically find itself on... even in wars like WW2 where there was very much a political and moral obligation to defeat a tyrant and promote justice and peace....we must still not make the fight about harming our fellow man or causing suffering, the fight must always be about fighting the ideology, and the causes of injustice and hatred. It's the secular governments and the secular armed forces job to settle conflicts to hopefully choose to talk and compromise rather than resorting to open war except in the gravest of circumstances....it is our job to promote, lobby and argue for peace, to set a Christlike example through our lives and actions, to inspire goodness and mercy, and whether in times of popularity or persecution, of peace or conflict to serve suffering humanity.






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Your story, Our story, His story

I have what can only be described as a borderline obsession with books, something that drives my wife to distraction, I love the epic stories that transport us to new worlds of adventure and excitement, from Epic fantasies like Lord of the Rings, or historical swashbuckling tales like the Three Musketeers, they have the power to inspire and transform.

But what about our own stories? I wonder if sometimes we think our stories are unimportant or not worth telling or just boring. We read stories of early saints and trailblazers and ask ourselves where we fit in to such an epic history of faith, power and adventure.

The stories and experiences that make up our lives and walk with God are far more important than we realise, as the title of this post says: they are YOUR stories as individuals, they are OUR stories as Christians and fellow pilgrims on the journey, and most importantly they are HIS stories...Christ's story; this didn't end on the cross or the resurrection or even the ascension, we are the body of Christ; wherever we go we take Christ with us and His story continues.

You may feel that your story isn't worth telling, but it is not just yours it is a story of humanity and whether you believe you play a large part or a small part, your place in the story is yours, and yours alone, God has placed you where you are for His purposes, only you can fulfill the role that God chose you for.

So what do we do with our stories and experiences?
1Peter 3:15 says:
'But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,'

Our stories are there to be shared and told to those we meet, not just great stories and acts of faith we have heard, but our own personal sometimes humble stories because they are our experiences; no one can take them away from you or tell you they didn't happen because they are yours.

If anyone reading this thinks they don't have a story to tell, then let me tell you that if you are a Christian, beloved of God and forgiven for your pasts and sins, from anything you could have ever done and restored and reclaimed by God, sanctified, a sinner called by name and a child of the King of kings...believe me; that is a powerful and inspiring story worth telling over and over again.

Why are you a Christian? / Strength in sharing

A question for everybody on here; one that I'm sure we've all been asked from time to time... Why are you a Christian?

I've decided to post this question after being inspired by a Facebook post from the Archbishop of Canterbury; Justin Welby giving his answer to this question. Here's a link if you're interested in reading his full answer: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=923102587743888&id=164961400224681

But here's just a short excerpt:
"That's why I'm a Christian. And that's why, whatever happens, whatever stupid mistakes, I know that even at the end of it all, even if everything else fails, God doesn't - and He will not fail, even to end of my life."

I guess it's hard to be prepared to answer that question on the spur of the moment, sometimes we may even try and avoid the question altogether so we don't say something stupid... Believe me, I'm the expert at saying stupid things. Unfortunately, that doesn't let us off; as Peter writes in his first epistle:

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1Peter 3:15

The key in this verse for me is the last part 'gentleness and respect'. It's so easy to get carried away and start preaching at people when someone asks us why we're Christians. But that isn't the point of telling our stories and giving our answers; it's to be witnesses and explain who we are, and more importantly why we believe and why we're here.

I believe that we can be stronger and better together when we speak with one voice and share our stories and answers with each other. I hope that those that read this will think about the question of why they're Christians and answer it for yourselves personally and privately and maybe in the comment section on this blog or on the Facebook page (link at the end of the blog) or twitter (@inspiredfaith88).

Here's my answer:
I'm a Christian because I believe that God is personally involved with and interested in all of us and loves us, but more than that, that we are a part of God, as He is a part of us, and we are a part of each other. Through Him we are all connected as a global family and He will not allow us to face the trials of this life alone. The most important reason of course is that God through Christ has taken a weak, short tempered and sometimes broken individual and made me a beloved son.

So it's over to you, to think about your answer and as I said to maybe share something of your journey, but of course no pressure...



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