About

Who are you?
Mark Weston Harrell Jr.; husband, father, termite destroyer!

What is this blog here for?
I started it a couple of years ago just to practice writting and to ventilate some frustrations I have had over the years being a charismatic/pentecostal christian and seeing the futility that has arisen out of certain movements that I was immersed into when first saved. I’ve been in and through some stuff and as a result I believe I have a point of view about these things that you won’t hear from other folks who are critical of charismata in the church and those who hold to its continued existance for only theological reasons. I think an insiders view about this stuff is much different than going to “deception in the church dot com” or whatever else is out there of similar ilk. I was nailed by the Lord last summer by a question: “You’re an expert on all that is wrong; what are you doing that is right that will bring it about? Do you have the right to correct when you aren’t producing?” Uh, ouch.
Having said that, I do feel as though too many of us charismatics are too quick to dive headfirst into things without having made sure the dive was safe. We are too quick to accept what would possibly be revealed as unacceptable to our Holy God, if only we would investigate. We are so afraid of “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit” that we blaspheme Him by not being more careful as to what we pin on Him.

A little background?
Sure. I’m from NorCal, grew up in the East Bay Area and lived in Lake County, CA for about 6-7 years. Moved to Charlotte, NC upon God’s calling me here. I go to the most awesome church ever in the world. It’s called FIRE and it rules. I have a 12 year old daughter named Ashley, my boy named after me (3rd generation Mark Weston) and a boy named Luke Christopher on the way in early July.
I grew up in the A.O.G. church and went away from God for about 8 years, starting at the age of 15. I’ve yet to write out the testimony and need to. For a lot of folks it will be hard to swallow, but if it didn’t happen just as I claim it did, I wouldn’t be here. You’ll see why soon enough…

Are you a cessasionist or something?
No. Not even.

Then why do you criticize so many charismatic movements?
Well, admitedly, I was just a hot headed jerk when I first started this thing. I had years of irritation built up and years of watching shipwrecked lives and ministries as a result of horrible teaching and practice and just wanted to stand in front of the washed out bridge and scream and wave my arms to spare some. So I meant well, honestly, but was just way mixed up with anger and stuff. Things have drastically changed in the last year, in my spirit and the way I let it out in speech and what not. A man who’s not in control of his spirit is out of step with the Holy Spirit and a fool. I was a man of unclean lips, in that respect. That’s not to say I disagree with the conclusions I’ve reached; I haven’t my mind at all. But I now know how I can have a conversation with those I differ with without being a jerk and scaring people away.

So, what do you write about now?
Uh, stuff. I still take issue with things, but no longer feel the need to be a front line corrector. Now I prefer to just study, pray, read my bible and write what comes out of that time with the Lord. I think that as you read this blog from early days to nowadays, you’ll see the gradual change in my writtings and comments.

How old are you?
Dang you’re nosey! Wait, I’m the one making up your hypothetical questions…
…birthday is May 23, 1975 (GenX).

So then, sniff around and whatever, just be aware that you don’t need to concern yourself with telling me how my attitude and spirit stinks! It’s in the garage on jack stands!

Be blessed in the Lord Jesus,
mark jr.