Introduction

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read my newest series - “Before the Throne”! I’m thrilled to finally begin a project I’ve been prayerfully considering for a while now: teaching and writing about what I believe as a follower of Jesus Christ. My faith is something I hold dear, and I look forward to sharing it with you—through the Bible, through doctrine, and through honest reflections along the way.

Bio

For those of you that don’t know, my name is Matthew Bramer. I was born in Clarksville, Indiana, in 1996. I’m a husband to my amazing wife Sandy—2025 marks our seventh wedding anniversary!—and a father to two wonderful children: Everett (5) and Hazel (1). I am a son to Andy and Ann Bramer. And, I am a brother to Jon Bramer.

I serve as a pastor and worship leader at One Community Church in Clarksville, Indiana, where I’ve been pastoring since November 2024. Our congregation ranges from toddlers to 90-year-olds, and I have the privilege of teaching our adult classes on Sundays and Wednesdays. I also share the pulpit with two faithful brothers in Christ: my father and fellow pastor, Andy Bramer, and our fellow pastor, Daniel Tatum. We rotate weekly to preach and teach the Word of God—a joy and a high calling I don’t take lightly.

Matthew preaching on Acts 14:1-7, "Fully Rely on God"

Before the Throne

This series is aimed at anyone who wants to understand the Christian faith more deeply. Whether you’re a brand-new believer, a seasoned saint, or simply curious about what the Bible teaches—welcome. We’ll explore both the Bible and Christian doctrine in a way that is accessible, thoughtful, and rooted in Scripture.

And just so I’m clear—I don’t consider myself the most knowledgeable person in the room. I’m learning, growing, and walking with Jesus right alongside you. This will be for new believers to the faith, seasoned saints, or those who are interested in learning more about what the Bible teaches and who the Savior of the World is, that’s Jesus of Nazareth by the way.

I’m practically chomping at the bit to start writing—but before we dive in, it’s worth laying a few definitions down. With each article in this series, you’ll find a short glossary to help clarify key words and ideas as we go. Those definitions will be inside the article and at the end of the article.

Closing

As we begin, I’d like to offer you the most important truth of all: the gospel. The gospel is the good news that through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God has made a way to rescue sinners, reconcile us to Himself, and give us eternal life by grace through faith. This is the most precious gift the Creator of the universe could offer us. It is totally undeserved, and yet freely given to all who believe.

We are all in desperate need of saving—and Jesus is the Savior.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31

I will be including Scripture references throughout this series, because my authority is the Bible. I trust it. I live by it. And I encourage you to do the same. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I’m excited to see where God leads us as we explore His Word together. May He bless our time and draw us closer to Himself.

Glossary

The Bible – The Bible is the inspired, authoritative Word of God—66 books written by human authors under divine guidance—revealing God’s character, His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, and how we are to live in response.

Christian Doctrine – Christian doctrine is the body of essential truths taught in Scripture that form the foundation of what Christians believe about God, salvation, humanity, and the world.

Scripture References

‘They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”’ [Acts 16:31]