(I haven’t put a lot of thought into the order – but here goes…)

I’m convinced that God is the creator of the universe and Jesus is his son and King.

I’m convinced that the creation needs to respond rightly.

I’m convinced that God will judge those who do not respond to his rule.

I’m convinced that God not only rules but that he is also in the business of rescuing us from that wrong relationship.

I’m convinced that the church is the correct expression of the gathered people who respond correctly to God’s rule and rescue.

I’m convinced that the church is to herald this great rescue and call for submission to God’s rule.

I’m convinced that God dearly loves his church – as a groom loves his bride on their wedding day.

Those are my convictions – here are my persuasions:

I’m persuaded that too many ‘churches’ today have neglected the above convictions.

I’m persuaded that too many ‘churches’ today have substituted the above convictions for other ideals and motivations.

I’m persuaded that too many ’spiritual’ people today despise the bride – wife beaters!

I’m persuaded that too many churches today lack authenticity.

I’m persuaded that fresher expressions of the church are needed to brighten up the landscape.

I’m persuaded that the urban centers of South Africa are significantly under-churched by churches which hold the above convictions.