Let's talk about this name change.

Same mission, broader scope.

Hello fellow Bereans,

Thank you for coming along on this journey with me to speak truth into the lies that are so prominent on social media and the online Church. I was inspired to start this newsletter/publication primarily to combat all the misinformation that’s floating around about the pre-tribulation rapture and dispensationalism, as well as other Christian myths and urban legends, and false teachings that have cemented themselves as Church tradition. And also to warn people about the prophetic times we’re living in.

But from the beginning, my primary mission has been, and always will be, to get you to dig into the word and study scripture for yourself. Even if you do it just to prove me wrong. If I can get someone to crack open their Bible and start reading, I consider it a victory.

There is still a lot of ground I want to cover along those lines. I’ve barely begun to scratch the surface. But lately I’ve been feeling led to broaden the scope of this publication, perhaps to include more teaching, more encouragement, more speaking Biblical truth into the lies that the Enemy loves to whisper in our ears to make us feel fearful, defeated, and like giving up.

That’s why this publication is getting a name change. Let’s Talk About Truth is now Spirit, Sword and Truth. What I want most of all is for you to be equipped with the Sword of the Spirit so you can discern the truth, avoid deception and engage in the spiritual warfare that is only going to intensify as we draw nearer to the last of the last days

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And if I can be a little vulnerable and share my heart for a minute, I’ve been feeling a strong pull to step more fully into the role of theologian and Bible scholar. That’s scary to say, because I feel so unqualified, for a lot of reasons. Because I’m a woman, and a complementarian. Because I don’t have any formal training. Because I’m 50 and it feels too late to start something new. Because I suffer from imposter syndrome and never feel sufficiently qualified for anything.

Mostly because of that little voice that pipes up whenever I start to step out in faith on something like this that says, “Who do you think you are?”

I was battling that voice hard last week. Funnily enough, it was answered directly from the pulpit at my church on Sunday, where I was reminded that it’s not about who I am, it’s about who HE is, and how He wants to use me.

Even so, in case you’re still wondering, my qualifications are that I’ve been sitting under seminary-level Bible teaching for the last 20 years, and I’ve been intensely studying pretty much non-stop for the last four. I’ve lived a lot of life and gained a lot of wisdom by putting the word into practice. And as an older woman, I have a directive to teach the younger women, which is my primary audience: all the GenX and Millennial women who follow me on Instagram and who have also followed me here.

And I have a real heart for getting others to experience the joys and the transformation that comes through learning and applying God’s word with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Here’s the other scary part: I’m enabling paid subscriptions. I’m not going to ask you to pay to subscribe, and I’m going to keep the content here free for everyone. But if you feel led to financially support this publication and what I hope will grow into a full-fledged ministry, that option is available. Another is to buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation in an amount you choose.

And if you don’t, you can also support me by liking, sharing and commenting on my posts. And the absolute best way you can support me is through prayer.

I won’t lie -- I would love it if I could do this full time. But that’s ultimately up to the Lord to decide. I know He can still use me bigly in a part-time capacity.

That said, I will provide perks for paid subscribers. I’m still working that out and praying about it. Likely, it will be something like getting a first look at new articles a day or two before they’re unlocked for everybody. It’s also very likely that some of the material I post here will end up becoming a book (or books), and if that happens, paid subscribers will be given free e-books of anything I publish. Paid subscriber chats and Q&As might also be on the list, if y’all are interested in that.

As for what I hope the future will bring for SS&T, I’m trying not to think too far ahead and just follow where the Lord leads. But I want to do some teaching. Definitely some training on HOW to do Bible study. Possibly going through some passages or books of the Bible together. I’d love to get to a point where I can post at least once a week, maybe more, and possibly introduce a podcast element eventually. I want to utilize my Instagram more, too, and get both better and more consistent at creating content there. That’s all a ways down the road, though.

In the short term, there are still some myths and misinformation I want to tackle, and a book review I’m planning to post here shortly. I’ve also got a document full of partially-written essays about topics like grace and fear and why we go through hard times. And I’m researching to finally tackle the subject of John Nelson Darby and all of the claims and accusations that get thrown around about him.

All of that’s coming soon. Oh, and I also wanted to let you know, in case you don’t, that I’ve got another Substack where I post fiction, and that’s where I’ll also be writing on more “fringe” topics like what the Bible says about the supernatural, the Nephilim and how they fit into what all is going on, UFOs, the book of Enoch, etc. Currently, I’m posting a serial novella, a gritty urban fantasy about spiritual warfare that leans heavily on a Genesis 6/Deuteronomy 32 worldview.

If any of that sounds like your thing, you can check it out here.

Hopefully I’ll be back in your inbox soon with a review of the book I just finished, Earthquake Resurrection by David Lowe. And I’m thinking about introducing a Friday newsletter to share some of those shorter essays I mentioned along with whatever I’ve come across during the week that I would recommend. So watch for those soon.

Until then, may the Lord bless you and keep you and lead you into all the truth.

Love,
Jean