For the Love of West Virginia

I was born in The ‘Burgh (aka Pittsburgh), but moved here when I was very young. Being raised in the Mountain State brings one to appreciation of God’s beauty expressed in some of the most breath-taking scenery anywhere in the U.S. From stunning views of fall foliage at Dolly Sods to having a smallie bend your rod as it breaks water at Stonewall Jackson Lake, there is much to love about West Virginia.

As one grows in his or her faith, the love of God within continues to grow. As we seek to glorify Him in all ways (1 Corinthians 10:31) in all that we do and the blinders are peeled back from our sinful eyes, we naturally notice more and more of His creation. Likewise our love grows for the church and the body of Christ as we strive to love the Lord our God with all heart, soul, and mind (Luke 10:27).

It is because of that love for Christ and His bride that the charge for a Gospel-centered resource like the WV4G was formed. As my wife and I were seeking a church a few years ago, I realized the dark cloud that has formed over the Mountain State (and the U.S.) in the form of “word faith” theology and the much maligned “prosperity gospel”. The idea of such a coalition as the WV4G is not about a witch hunt or tearing someone down. Rather, it will be looking for some bold believers to take on these false doctrines and teachings by reaching out to with Gospel-centered teaching. To say it another way, the WV4G will attack such false doctrines with a Titus 1:9 mindset head-on, all the while doing so with an Ephesians 4:15 attitude. We will do this together across denominational lines by working under a common set of affirmations and denials.

By God’s grace we will see a reawakening of the Gospel of Christ which will lead to the lost saved and the body of Christ edified and glorified. We will see again the authority of Scripture take priority over pragmatic, programmatic approaches. We will see a restoration in churches so that they will influence the world rather than the world influencing the church.

Hold on, it’s about to get real!

Soli Deo Gloria!