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 off, know what a joy and a blessing it has been to even have known you. That joy is then multiplied because you have decided to commit your life to the serving and honoring of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Heed these words carefully as you continue your walk.
Know that every breath is a gift from the Creator of the universe. Every second you experience joy, growth, love, harmony, or even during a time of doubt, brokenness, pain, and turmoil; every aspect of life is solely a gracious experience blessed upon us by the Author and Perfecter of our faith.
Live in humility, as we deserve nothing but eternal damnation, but by the grace of God alone, we are clothed in righteousness. Remind yourself of this constantly, that without the Gospel, we are, and we have nothing. Praise the Lord!
We are children of wrath by nature, and in our foolishness we get distracted by the world. I encourage you brother to stand firm in the faith with the help of the Church! There will be times of heartache and despair, but take heart in knowing that at this very moment and forever more our pain-enduring, death-conquering, sin-defeating King is alive!
Be wary of this world, for it is full of deceit. On the authority of God-breathed Scripture-shamelessly question, challenge, correct, rebuke, and teach the world of the hope that we have in our Risen Savior. Fearlessly proclaim and apply the Gospel in every aspect of your life, that the world may know we are disciples of Jesus Christ by our lifestyle. Be not ashamed and be not afraid, for what can man do to me?
Beloved, one final parting word-pray. Oh what a blessing and privilege it is to converse with the Holy Lord of all. Pray for fellow believers in their daily walk. Pray for the lost that the Truth would be recognized and received. Pray for will of the Father that it would shine through to the hearts of man. Pray for me that as long as I have breath in my lungs that I would continue to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in clarity, gentleness, and respect.
I pray that the Spirit will work through you and further the Kingdom even more than I could ever do. We take comfort in knowing that no matter what happens, the Father will be most glorified than in any other situation.
The time, the culture, the people, the world all may change, but we take pride in knowing that Jesus Christ has never, nor will ever, change. Never stop praising the name of the One who has cleansed us from all unrighteousness, and did so that we may enter the presence of our heavenly Father. Never forget the price that was paid for us on the cross. Never forget about the hope that we have because our Savior is alive.
I pray that these words will be words of conviction and encouragement, and know they are written with love and respect. Let it be known that any words from this letter that are truth are written with the authority of the Holy Ghost, and any that fall short be recognized solely because of my own sinful shame.
May the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ comfort and hold you forever.
Nathan J. Dixon
Romans 5:8
