Ok. While my personal opinion is that the less I mention myself, the better, sometimes it's unavoidable. Just remember: no matter what it's all about, it's all about Jesus. Whatever I say or write is intended to glorify my Lord and point people toward Him, and hopefully away from me. But, since accountability, credibility and curiosity require that you know something about me, I have to give at least a brief bio. Why? So you can understand better what I believe, where I stand and why. I will share enough about myself so you can decide-hopefully-that I'm not a kook or glory hound. Maybe, if the Lord wills, some of what I have to say can bless you in some small way.

My name is Charles Black. I currently live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and attend River of Life Ministries. I do what I can there, and I'm blessed that what I can do actually ministers to others. Find out more about River of Life Ministries at our website.

I was born in 1958, and grew up in a nice middle class family where my innate selfishness was indulged despite my parents' best efforts. I was a "good kid" though, as far as that sort of thing is concerned. I gave my life to Jesus when I was 13 years old, and since then my life has been a textbook example of a "spiritual rollercoaster". What, did you expect me to either tell you that I've been in rock solid with God for 30 years and that you're reading the words of someone who defines the term Christlike? Would you prefer knowing that I lived a life of debauchery, addiction, violence or satanic worship before miraculously finding Jesus on my deathbed? (I didn't, just in case you were wondering.) The fact is, I became a Christian at such an early age (for my generation) that I didn't have a chance to muck up my life until after I believed. I've done a pretty good job of it too. Things such as divorce (two of them), financial hardship, depression and even heart attacks (two of those as well) are all the result of my own pride and foolishness. I've lost more good jobs than most people have even held in their lifetimes. I've alienated friends and family alike. I've wasted so many opportunities God has given me that the very fact I'm still alive and sane is proof Jesus is for real. The fact that He actually uses me to minister to others is pure, rich, gooey icing on the cake. Sadly, I'm one of those people who tend to drop the cake when God offers it to me. My life is a shining example of how easily pride can thwart, or at least delay, God's divine purpose.

Which is why I am an "expert" on Mercy.

Sort of in the same way that a habitual speeder is an expert on traffic court.

God has shown me so much mercy. It's a good thing His Mercy endures forever, because I manage to use it up quickly sometimes. Since I need so much mercy, I've decided to pay attention to what Jesus said in Mt. 5:7 about the merciful obtaining mercy. Hopefully, some of what I've learned and been through will provide some Godly wisdom for you to do the same.

Ok, now for the important details for all of you fundamentalist types out there.

I believe in the living God of the Bible, Father, Son and Holy Sprit, distinct yet equal members of the Godhead. God is eternal, immutable, omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent. He possesses infinite measures of holiness, love, mercy, righteousness and wisdom. I'm glad I'm on His side.

I believe that there is only One Name by which we are saved: Yeshua ha Mashiach-Jesus Christ. The man Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of Mary, a virgin, and lived a sinless life. Possessing the fullness of God, Jesus performed many signs and wonders before willingly laying down His life on the cross. But, the grave could not hold Him, and on the third day He arose, and after showing Himself to his followers for many days, He ascended into heaven, where He sits at the right hand of the Father until that day when He returns to establish His eternal kingdom.

I believe the Holy Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of God. The 66 books within the Bible contain the body of revelation God intends for us until the end of the age. While He still speaks to us through prophetic utterances, only the written, logos Word of God is the final authority in matters of dogma, doctrine and life application.

I believe in the "Universal" Church, the Body of Christ, made up of all who believe in their hearts and confess with their mouths that Jesus Christ died for their sins and is their Lord and Savior. Within the Body, there are many local churches and groups that may have differences in interpretation or practice, but are still unified by the Holy Spirit through their faith in Jesus.

I believe that man is born into a sinful nature. The only redemption from this nature is by the atoning work of Christ on the cross. Christ died once and for all, and there is no longer any need for sacrifice-either actual or by works-to obtain salvation. We are saved by faith through grace, a gift given by God to those who call upon the name of Jesus.

That's pretty much what matters, at least to me. If you want to know where I stand on certain other things, you'll just have to keep an eye on what I post on this site. You'll get a pretty good idea on where I stand on some issues just by reading what I have to say about other issues. There are some areas I simply will not get into. This is partly because I don't know enough about them to express an opinion as publicly as a website allows. But, it's also because some things simply cause unneeded division at times when unity of the Body of Christ is vitally important. So, if you don't like where I stand on certain issues, have mercy and just chalk it up to me still growing in Christ. Thanks.

Charles