My Dear Son,
I realize you will be serving Christ in a world far different than the one where I was trained and first released into ministry. Your methods, your dress, your vocabulary, the technologies you use and even the problems you face may have little in common with the world I knew, or even the world in which we both minister today. You will be a faithful servant of Christ not because you mimic my words or imitate my ministry style, but because you live out the timeless values we share – values that come to us from the Word of God and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
So while I still have the opportunity , I want to take a few minutes to summarize in writing the values and life lessons I have attempted to live out before you and most want to pass on to you…
First of all, I am grateful for your faith in Jesus Christ. Your faith in Christ brings me great joy and I welcome hearing what God is doing in you. I want to encourage you to continue pursuing Him and never let fear stand in the way of His power, love and self-discipline at work in you. Don’t let loose of all that God has placed in you in Christ, protect it always.
Second, be strong in the grace of the Lord Jesus. I am still learning what this means daily. So continually focus your attention on Him and all that He has entrusted to you. Don’t be afraid to pass it on to those God puts in your path. Value the Word of God and your study of it. Be diligent in your pursuit of knowing the Word so that you will not be ashamed to speak it to others. I was young once and remember the desires that filled my mind. Focus your thoughts on the things of God that come from your pure heart.
Third, don’t be discouraged or think that God is not at work when you are persecuted. It is part of our calling. Rather, remember the origin of the Word, it is God-breathed. It will teach, rebuke, correct and train you in righteousness and make you equipped for all God has called you to do even to be strong in the midst of persecution.
Finally, I challenge you to preach the Word of God, to use it always to admonish and encourage others in their walk with God. Patiently instruct those around you, realizing that our world is constantly changing and most will not tolerate the message of God. Know this that God will rescue you and protect you from the evil one. God has been with me all these years and will take me one day to my home in heaven.
May God’s grace rest upon you both now and forever. Amen
Mark Saunders