Dear Katie and Josh,
I am at a retreat for Indiana and Ohio Grace Brethren Pastors. I have been given an assignment to write a letter to a “Timothy” just as Paul wrote a letter to his young disciple Timothy.
In a sense I am writing to my “Grand-Timothy’s.”
I want to remind you of three truths that are foundational to me and Grandma. By God’s grace we want to deposit these truths into you through our words and lifestyle.
The first truth is that we are called to a live-out a spiritual worldview. Two words define this worldview: Spiritual and supernatural. Even though you are “flesh and blood” and natural, you are called to think spiritually and to arrange your lives around the truth that the supernatural Holy Spirit indwells you as the Temple of God.
A second foundational truth revolves around the word “identity;” family identity in terms of your physical family and spiritual family. You carry the heritage of Godly grandparents on the Jones side and the Bell side who served God vocationally as pastors and missionaries. You did not choose your family. God made that decision for you. Remember your family identity and make it a practice to worship God with thanksgiving for the spiritual inheritance he has entrusted to you Papa & Grandma Jones and Grandpa & Grandma Bell.
In terms of your spiritual identity, once again you did not choose your spiritual Father. God made that decision for you. He called you to carry his name vested with his power and authority. Walk according to the truth of who you are as a Child of God co-seated with Jesus in the heavenly realm. Spiritually and supernaturally evaluate all the voices that will try to lure away from the truth of who you really are in terms of your physical and spiritual inheritance. Walk in the truth and you will walk free spiritually and emotionally.
Katie and Josh, never take your eyes off those who are spiritually dead. So many live in that condition because they have never had the opportunity to hear a clear and simple presentation of the gospel. And how can they hear unless someone tells them backed up with a spiritual and supernatural lifestyle?
We love you! We thank God for you! Remember these words! Live these words and then pass them on to your children.
Jay Bell
