Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof”
Ecclesiastes 7:8
Well, today is launch day for Nerd in the Word Ministries. I’ve been quietly working on this project for about 3 months and it all started at a lunch table at Pensacola Christian College.
Those who sit at my table know that I had been spending a great deal of time doing an in-depth study on the book of Hebrews (great book, by the way, tons of good stuff) and sharing it with my table. Well, on one of these days someone who occasionally sat at my table made a comment. He said, “Zach, I love how when I come to your table, there’s always a message prepared.” I laughed, thinking this was a funny statement to hear about anyone, let alone myself. He replied "No really, why don’t you ever speak publicly about these things? why just talk at the table?" "I don’t have a place to present it," I said, to which he responded, "Why not post it online?" At that moment Nerd in the Word was born, I just didn’t know it yet. I just couldn’t get the thought out of my mind.
I often feel burdened by the attitude of the postmodern church. It seems like the church isn’t consumed with the desire to remain pure and loves to live two separate lives: a "church life" and a "personal life" and scarcely do they ever cross over. Yes, maybe we pray at a meal or tell our kids not to do something because “the Bible says” this or that but we don’t live in a way where God controls and moves us. We forget about the Holy Spirit because, well, honestly we haven’t felt His moving in a long time. We don’t live in a way that the God desires, choosing to live a "moral" life rather than a "holy" life (more on that topic on a later date) and we focus so much on this present world, it’s impossible for us to say that we are “strangers and pilgrims on the earth” and for any unbeliever to perceive that we “desire a better country, that is, an heavenly” country. So I decided that I was going to start doing something and start Nerd in the Word.
But what about new Christians? I asked myself. Can I leave them behind? No, of course not! They need a series too. So I thought why not do a series on fundamental doctrine? It would help new believers get caught up on what Christianity is all about. But why make it just for new Christians? Why not both old and new? So I decided to use this as an opportunity to clarify basic doctrine to not only new believers but also to Christians who have been saved for a long time. You’d be surprised how many little doctrinal fallacies slip into our minds. (This series later became “The Gospel’s Five Words.”)
And lastly, there is "The Practice Sessions" a long overdue attempt to publish my songs in some way, shape, or form. I attempted to try recording an album in 2014, but I never could get it to the quality I wanted, so I had a nifty little idea. Call the series "The Practice Sessions" so people don’t expect the best audio quality ever! So simple, so elegant, I can’t believe it took me so long to think of it. (This project will be started at some point in the future)
So that’s a bit of the backstory to Nerd in the Word, It’s been a long journey getting to this point with long hours studying, designing, buying equipment, testing, writing, filming, praying, and more stuff that I won’t list for the sake of time. So how does the verse I posted at the top of this relate to anything at all? Well, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof” It feels GREAT to finally be launching this ministry after months of hard work and planning. The excitement at the end of the launch preparation is greater than when I started. And I can’t wait to get all of you guys more content to enjoy. But don’t worry, this is just the beginning, so it can only get better from here!
