Mark_18

I'm working on a letter to my church, please give opinions and suggestions before I send it off.

Thank you.



TAC,



Perhaps a good title for this letter is "Perhaps"


First - a tiny bit about my spiritual self. I'm 18 years old, but only about 4 or 5 months old in Christ. In that time I've made the death wish and asked the Lord to obliterate me and move on in. So far He hasn't hesitated much it seems. I'm loving this journey. One thing I will try to keep myself aware of is my perspective as a young one in Christ. Especially, when I bring my words to the elders. I know my childish perspective, but will speak from my heart because I believe that my speaking up can be compared to say, a little child giving his parents advice. The child does have a perspective that hasn't "been out there" much yet. Hasn't been to many places and taken too many lessons for wisdom and understanding. But the benefit is that the child's perspective may also lack some of the inevitable, blinding stains from complications, and that plain and simple answer the child has, may bring attention to some of those truths that need to be looked at without the details and chaos - seeing what good it may be able to do. Perhaps It's about going back to the simplicity that is in Christ, to jump-start areas where the body of Christ may need revival, and where we may have bogged down due to the thickness. The complexity of things.


Please forgive me for the ranting, lack of organization and direction, and preaching that is in this letter. The writing is messy, but the intent that is expressed is quite simple, straight forward, and not intended as judgment. hopefully it can be brought to light as intended - best it be read in the Spirit with a mind like that of Christ Jesus. I write about and desire change, but not change as I see it - for I hardly see it - but change as it is to be. Because it IS to be. That much I know.

This letter even promotes simplicity- all the while seeming to be a complicated mess of thoughts.....*Sigh*..... Oh well...

The flesh wants to give criticism, but the born again spirit just wants God's will to be done. All the same - the flesh wants to take words as criticism, but the born again spirit just wants God's will to be done. If all are in Spirit, let us see no strings attached and no criticism, judgment, or any other unproductive forces - just a burning passion for God's will to be done, for the Lord to be glorified. God-fire is God-fire and will be recognized and embraced by those who truly want to be consumed.

Revival.

There is no doubt that God always wants change. The changing is always our part. He will not change.

This is about the need for the power of the Holy Spirit in all churches, that the people of the church may be more set apart from the world and display something powerful. We along with every church need and will always need more and more Holy Spirit revival, no matter how well we may be doing. I simply want to encourage it and encourage prayer and planning for more teaching on the living Holy Spirit, that this person of the Trinity may be made known as who He is and all may realize how much He is needed, and that this is not for "more Christiany Christians", but rather we all need to be Spirit-filled as much as we can and in constant pursuit of the transforming experience. I believe in the prophesies I've heard of great changes in the churches in the end times and them becoming more exposed - both the good and the bad, and I believe for the church not to be burned and to prosper in hard times, the members need to be led by the Holy Spirit.

I acknowledge, respect, and appreciate the spiritual leadership responsibilities given to the leaders of the church, and the leaders themselves. I am not stepping over them in any way.

I recognize that the ideas expressed in this letter are simply my ideas. This letter could be seen as criticism, that perhaps I would be out of line to "dish out". Please consider that, beyond the details, beyond my ideas - the intent of it, my desire and goal - is simply that God's will be done - whatever it may be. And I am not against the church in any way, I'm simply learning and seeking to be a part of the body of Christ, hoping that I have something to offer. This letter also does a lot of preaching, so note that I'm not trying to preach to the preacher and I'm not assuming anything less than 100% is being given by the church. I'm just writing what is on my heart now as I put all effort into seeking God and ask Him what I'm to do next.

Lord, let us not fear change that may actually be you yourself, but rather let us wait on you, that you might say the word for us to come.

Lord, let us be quickened and on our feet so that when change comes we are aware of it to pick it up, and know that this cannot be done without completely relying on you alone - at every level, in every direction, regardless of circumstances.

I'm soon to become more involved with the church, but despite my lack of attendance in the church lately and my involvement in general, this letter is to a great measure - unconditional, and not judgment - but a passion for more of the Lord in our city to begin with - not putting a limit on what He may do.

As I am not as aware of the state and details of our church as much so as I would like to be - please note I'm not making any assumptions, this letter is simply stressing and reminding of things that I'm sure are already known to the leaders of the church. Let's have as a church, the faith of a child in this. Just as an individual who humbles himself and rids of any self-pride makes way for more wisdom and growth - so will a church that humbles itself and rids of any self-pride make way for more wisdom and growth. Our pride is in the Lord alone. We rely on Him alone - unashamed. Our church needs to ever - grow and change, no question about it. God's power is always there ready to burn forth when we make way for it. Why believe for anything less than a very powerful change by the hand of God?

By embracing the Holy Spirit as a church. Removing the church from a place of apathy to place of faith. This may not be our position as we see it, but we can't deny that apathy exists to some degree, and let's not ignore any degree of it that may be unacceptable in God's will. Let's pray that we see what is in the way of His life-giving flow - what may be clogging up some wells. There is always something - people kick dirt in our wells constantly. - The spirit of anti-Christ is in the children of disobedience. The Greek word for disobedience is "apatheia". (Apathy - an absence of emotion or enthusiasm. The trait of lacking enthusiasm for or interest in things generally. Decrease in motivation, INITIATION, interest in life; indifference.) Enthusiasm, motivation, initiation... This is zeal we're talking about. Let us not lack in zeal. Apathy breeds and feeds the spirit of anti-Christ.

By the Holy Spirit we move in faith, we need more teaching that encourages the Holy Spirit taking over in the individuals so that He may work us as one spirit as a church, yielding that much more for His power to work, for His kingdom to come, for His will, not ours. That we may move as one Spirit as a church, each individual in the Spirit guided to commune, serve, and prosper by the Spirit, that the church may commune, serve, and prosper by the Spirit along with other churches, yielding to being more so a part of the body with the other churches. Change is needed. A change by yielding to the Holy Spirit, starting on an individual level. Not by our understanding, but by our yielding. Our understanding supports OUR will. We need to rely on and submit to the living God - His Holy Spirit in every way, starting VERY small and using authority in the place of commanded blessing. Knowing our authority, not just as leaders, but making sure our young ones in Christ know their authority, and the practical ways to come to it and use it. We need prayer for this and to ask God for ways to bring this change about as He wills. Trusting Him for it - for He DOES indeed want change.

I believe the difference people need to see, that needs to be stressed, in addition to hearing about Jesus and hearing the important, life-giving truths, is the practical, tangible, and alive experience that is there and that separates the reality of God from religion. It is the difference, the tangible, supernatural experience that needs to be stressed, expressed, and encouraged. I will encourage our pastors to pray and seek, focusing on delivering inspired, anointed messages about the Holy Spirit. For this is the living POWER that the church always needs more of, that it may be released into the people of the church and the world around us. This supernatural power, this anointing that comes by yielding completely. The Holy Spirit is the manifest love of God in us, let us fill and overflow that this power may reach all around us and bring a living, supernatural experience to anyone who will be reached. Something beyond the messages, because people are getting caught up on words and intellectual understanding - that is religion without the life that is God.

I'm not assuming what is or isn't being done, and I appreciate seeker-sensitivity, I'm just encouraging the allowing of God to reveal Himself to us as He wills, not as we dictate to Him. It is up to God and Him alone how others encounter this wonderful power of God. If it is His will for the church, it will be done divinely and properly. I don't see how it could NOT be His will to SOME degree. If a certain amount of "seeker sensitivity" is in His perfect plan, then it will be done. I understand that we deal with religious spirits but they must be reminded that they must deal with an ALL POWERFUL GOD!

Change is certainly for the seekers as well, as to keep them from getting caught up in "dry religion" and bring them to the living experience. By God, it will be done the right way, for the growth of the church, despite any problems that arise. Let us bring these "problems" to the Lord, and not ignore or cower away from - the need of a powerful move of God.


__________________


Here is a brief and blunt message (lacking in shown scriptural support) that is on my heart for the church. It's not everything and is not necessarily written to be presented, but something I want the brethren to take in and chew on, that they may be under the active power of God - and not living the carnal Christian life that doesn't contribute to God's will and the bringing of His kingdom - that we may all grow into pleasing Him more. Let that be our passion. Our desire. Let us pursue it whole-heartedly. Again, it is not organized and written as complete to be presented, BUT if it is to come across as harsh or anything inappropriate for the church, let us pray and ask the Lord if that is such a bad thing and trust that it will be made known how He may will for His word to be delivered...



Are you aware of the reality of God's wrath? Are you aware of the reality of God's love? God cannot be avoided, there is a living God who we have to deal with one way or another. As children of God, He comes to dwell in us. His Holy Spirit is in us bearing witness to our spirit and being our comforter and guide. We all have to face God through a side of the Holy Spirit that nobody really likes. It's called conviction. Now, there is no condemnation whatsoever of anyone who is in Christ Jesus. If you are in Christ and He in you, you are not under the law, and need not fear condemnation by it, for you will never be righteous under it. Only by being in Christ, by faith - washed in Christ's blood - are you seen as righteous in the eyes of God. This is the new covenant, be sure that you are accepting it, for it is what your Saviour offers to you and is the only way for your salvation. Not judging yourself by the law does not mean you are free to sin. It means you will remain in Christ and remain seeking Him. It means you will not be living by the flesh, living after your inherited sinful nature, but rather be living in the Spirit, living after the things that the Holy Spirit wants. God's will - not your own. God's will is God's pleasure. It is best for Himself and for us, whether we agree or not. He pleasures in giving us His love, all He has. We then can find an amazing pleasure in giving it all back. He gives us more. We give more back. Its is a win/win way of life. It is the only real life. It is why you were created. It is His will for you. Your calling; in a general sense. A continual circle of God's perfect love imparted to us, because He chose us. Because He saved us. It is His perfect will. It is not by anything that you have done or anything that you are. It is not about you, it is only because of His amazing mercy and love, that He has saved you. Only because His amazing grace has come upon you to save you by the suffering of Jesus Christ. It's not because you are so wise and have willed to choose the Lord, it is because HE chose YOU. You can only love because He loved you first. It is nothing about you. All glory be to the Lord for your salvation. All glory be to the Lord Jesus for anything and everything that is good. He is the eternal son of God. He is your redeemer, and is all you really have. Let Him be your portion. Be satisfied having ONLY Him. Hunger and thirst for more of Him and more spiritual understanding and it will be given to you. "Son thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine." Everything that He's promised is yours, do not let the devil convince you otherwise. Press into the word and seek the living power of God, may it be yours. Ask Him to give the spiritual things of Him, and believe that you have (Past tense!) received them. For it is your sinful unbelief that keeps you from receiving these things. Lord we believe, but help us with our unbelief.

The gateway is narrow, my friends, but so is the path. We must get serious and offer ourselves as a living sacrifice, that we may be truly set free from bondage of the flesh and escape sin and death. As scary as God's will may seem, it is truly what we want and need, despite what our sinful minds may tell us. He will as He promised make our loads light. We must not think we know the process, but walk into His will for us by faith, led by biblical truth. A Christian must be actively transforming. God does love you in the ugly, sinful state that you ARE in. That we are all in from birth. SO MUCH, in fact, that He refuses to let you stay that way! We must yield to Him. To His Holy Spirit in us, that He may do His work in you, transforming you. Changing your thoughts, changing anything and everything about you that He wills to. From this comes following the law. From this comes healing, growth, and prosperity - both physically and spiritually. You will come to thirst more for Him. You will come to rely on and be satisfied by Him and Him alone. Then all things you need shall be added unto you, and not only that, but His blessings and gifts will shower you. He'll give you a supernatural joy, a supernatural love, a supernatural rest, a supernatural peace - excessively and abundantly. He will bring you into more and more spiritual understanding, revealing more and more of Himself and His kingdom, drawing you closer and closer to Him. You will find incredible, satisfying purpose in Him. You will be filled and satisfied in a way so powerful - that you never thought possible, that you cannot now comprehend, and that you cannot get anywhere else, but from the Lord our God.

__________________


Upon receiving this letter - if readers feel pressure, they will feel two types of pressure. The first being a flesh-felt pressure to change that will cause worry and be quite undesirable. The second being a spirit-felt pressure from God - to change. Concerning the first type - we must pray that it does not spiritually harm us, but flees in Jesus' name, as it is of the flesh. Concerning the second type - we must pray, first of all, that we feel it, and then of course rejoice and be hopeful and excited for a coming move of God. As long as we identify that the spirit-felt pressure is Holy Spirit-given pressure (Conviction), would dealing with these pressures differently not be disobeying God?

I hope I may be so bold as to encourage the studying of this letter in the light of God's word as to how it may be used to edify the church - as I am convinced that I am truly not stating my human will, but am inspired by the Lord our God.

Please, let us suffer in giving the Lord our energy, thought, and time for praise and prayer, that His will be done.

__________________


Some more thoughts on the topic of change - I figure why not share...



After prayer and belief in God to move - here are some thoughts that have come to me regarding the importance of the Holy Spirit and yielding to Him.

Perhaps we'll be amazed at the simplicity that is in Christ. Perhaps it's as easy as 1, 2, 3.


God's perfect will moves always, and by Holy Spirit guidance we align with it.


The Holy Spirit joins forces with our spirit and -

1) By yielding our mind, in faith - Thoughts of an individual by Holy Spirit guidance move in harmony with God's will for the individual - transforming an individual to be like Christ as one spirit with Him.

2) By yielding ourselves as individuals, in faith - Individuals of the church by Holy Spirit guidance move in harmony with God's will for the church - transforming the church to be like Christ as one spirit with Him.

3) By yielding our church, in faith - The church by Holy Spirit guidance moves in harmony with God's will for the body of Christ - transforming the body to be like Christ as one spirit with Him.



The individual is a spirit, the church is a bigger spirit, then the body of Christ a bigger spirit, and is Christ as He is physically on the earth - in His yielded vessels.


Divinely and perfectly this is done by God when we yield in the ways the word says to by Holy Spirit revelation. Let us take the word, Holy Spirit revelation, and faith to higher levels and bigger scales.



1) Revelation by thoughts for an individual. Checking for alignment with the word - That the thoughts are in Christ. To be Christlike and glorify the Lord on this scale. Taking heaven by force on this scale.

2) Revelation by individuals for a church. Checking for alignment with the word - That the individuals are in Christ. To be Christlike and glorify the Lord on this scale. Taking heaven by force on this scale.

3) Revelation by the churches for the body of Christ. Checking for alignment with the word - That the churches are in Christ. To be Christlike and glorify the Lord on this scale. Taking heaven by force on this scale.



1) The individual may not want to do God's will because of His many unGodly thoughts - including not wanting to connect spiritually with other individuals. The more yielded to the Holy Spirit that one's thoughts are, the more the individual is aligned with God's will and will prosper and bring forth the kingdom on this scale.

Just the same -

2) The church may not want to do God's will because of it's many unGodly individuals - including not wanting to connect spiritually with other churches. The more yielded to the Holy Spirit that a church's individuals are, the more the church is aligned with God's will and will prosper and bring forth the kingdom on this scale.

Just the same -

3) The body of Christ may not want to do God's will because of it's many unGodly churches - including not wanting to connect spiritually with Christ Himself. The more yielded to the Holy Spirit that the churches are, the more the body of Christ is aligned with God's will and will prosper and bring forth the kingdom on this scale.




1) When an individual is more inline with God's will, his thoughts are - willingly and joyfully in Christ, much more powerful, and this being the majority.

Perhaps -

2) When a Church is more inline with God's will, it's individuals are - willingly and joyfully in Christ, much more powerful, and this being the majority.

And perhaps -

3) When the body of Christ is more inline with God's will, His churches are - willingly and joyfully in Christ, much more powerful, and this being the majority.



1) If an individual inline with God's will is able to do works by the word such as cast out demons - on this scale.

2) Perhaps a church inline with God's will is able to do works by the word such as cast out demons - on this scale.

3) And perhaps the body of Christ inline with God's will is able to do works by the word such as cast out demons - on this scale.


1) If an individual quite inline with God's will is able to set an attractive Christlike example for other individuals, bringing them to change for the Lord's glory.

2) Perhaps a church quite inline with God's will is able to set an attractive Christlike example for other churches, bringing them to change for the Lord's glory.

3) And perhaps the body of Christ quite inline with God's will is able to set an attractive Christlike example for the world, bringing them to change for the Lord's glory.


1) If an individual quite inline with God's will is able to avoid enemy attacks and remain standing through troubles that an individual faces.

2) Perhaps a church quite inline with God's will is able to avoid enemy attacks and remain standing through troubles that a church faces.

3) And perhaps the body of Christ quite inline with God's will is able to avoid enemy attacks and remain standing through troubles that Christianity faces.




Satan is getting bigger and bigger - rising up in the world (Especially government). Christ must get bigger and bigger - rising up in His church. (Especially church leaders)

This is our call. We are the body.

_________________________________


Thank you. God bless,


Mark

__________________
Luke 15:31 - And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
Joel 2:28 - I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Matthew 7:7 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Psalms 126:5 - Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

JOKE POLICE

worshipper

Amen brother...this is really deep and very nicely written...I hear your heart and the God's desire for the church to be fully yielded and "filled with the Holy Spirit"...I STRONGLY AGREE and Praise God for your insight, your boldness and love and I have only one little comment that it not a criticism of you but of the church today. In red above, you suggested that the "Holy Spirit sneak in as to not scare any one", my dear brother. I hear what you are saying; I feel the compassion that you have for your church and the members of the body but really it is up to God and Him alone how others encounter this wonderful power of God. I am suggesting that the line be rephrased... reminding about making sure that we are MAKING WAY for the Holy Spirit coming in to the church in a more active way, allowing God to reveal Himself to us as He wills, not as we dictate to Him.....

The apostle Paul was blinded, knocked off his horse...Anaias who ministered to him was VERY scared I am sure to have to tell Saul (Paul) that he had been chosen to be a vessel of God...I can go on and on where in scripture that others have met the Lord in power of the Holy Spirit were scared and frightened with holy fear and rightly so! I understand that we deal with religious spirits but they must be reminded (as you have so wonderfully and clearly suggested) that they must deal with an ALL POWERFUL GOD!

What a very nice, loving letter stating truth and spiritual wisdom. I feel that you will have recourse with this; but you have done your job, you have been faithful on the front line and persecution will come. This will encourage you even more to reach out to the young followers in Christ, who are "more in touch" with the zeal of God and the power of the Holy Spirit in fullness. Do not let this discourage you. I see the Lord's hand upon you...strong and sure. Go bodly and with love. They rejected, hated and crucified our Lord; I am sure that you are prepared for the response to this letter and it pleases God that you love Him more to obey Him than to than man...

May the Lord continue to work through you, give you wisdom, guidance and peace in all things...Love and prayers to you my brother; thank you for sharing this with us...

***Let's rally around our brother as he has been called to present this to his church with fasting and prayer***

Mark_18

Thank you so much for input, the letter has been updated. As I change it the OP will be updated.

Fasting - Should I be fasting for a couple days while praying about this letter and working on it?

__________________
Luke 15:31 - And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
Joel 2:28 - I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Matthew 7:7 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Psalms 126:5 - Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

JOKE POLICE

Remnant

Mark, As a pastor I hate to get letters. I do believe out of respect for your pastor and church leaders I would go to him and let him know of your intend. Many times these letters can be a discouragement even if that was never the intend. Just a suggestion and why could you not go to them on a personal level any way?

__________________
www.christfirstforum.com

Mark_18

Oh, I certainly can. I may present it in person, on paper, for discussion. A leading man of God should be able to take criticism without being harmed by discouragement. If this letter as an attempt to benefit the church and please the Lord is taken badly, then I sincerely pray for the church that much more!

My intent is not all too specific, for all I want is what God wills.

__________________
Luke 15:31 - And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
Joel 2:28 - I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Matthew 7:7 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Psalms 126:5 - Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

JOKE POLICE

Boanerges

Your heart is good and right but many Pastors are emotional battered by constant complaining from members and dealing with problems it might be difficult to take that in the spirit it was intended.

__________________
“Neither skill nor knowledge is needed to go to God, all that is necessary is a heart dedicated entirely and solely to Him out of love for Him above all others.”
Brother Lawrence

Mark_18

I will pray for timing and conditioning of the spirits involved. I feel that my heart is in the right place indeed. Is that not all that is needed along with waiting on the command of God for me to move?

__________________
Luke 15:31 - And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
Joel 2:28 - I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Matthew 7:7 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Psalms 126:5 - Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

JOKE POLICE

Boanerges

Always obey His voice Mark.

__________________
“Neither skill nor knowledge is needed to go to God, all that is necessary is a heart dedicated entirely and solely to Him out of love for Him above all others.”
Brother Lawrence

Mark_18

Updated yet again. Note to self: Do not make changes while in the flesh, taking away Holy Spirit inspiration.

I'm gonna need lot's of prayer.

Maybe my calling has just smacked me in the face? Spiritual government. Maybe I'll be a pastor.

__________________
Luke 15:31 - And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
Joel 2:28 - I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
Matthew 7:7 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Psalms 126:5 - Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.

JOKE POLICE

Boanerges

That my friend will become clear with time!

__________________
“Neither skill nor knowledge is needed to go to God, all that is necessary is a heart dedicated entirely and solely to Him out of love for Him above all others.”
Brother Lawrence