The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Matthew 24:3-14, “As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’

4 And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you.

5 “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.

6 “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.

7 “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.

8 “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

9 “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.

10 “At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another.

11 “Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.

12 “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.

13 “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

14 “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

It was only natural that the disciples should ask about the time of Earth’s end. Doubtlessly, they already knew something of Earth’s origin. And if there’s something you want to know, you go to the One who knows for the information. Jesus knew; and His disciples knew that if anyone knew, it was Jesus. His knowledge and explanation, however, were so widespread that He surely gave them more information than they expected.

Isn’t that the way it is with us? We know things are timely for His Coming, but we probably know only of the “birth pangs.” Wars have always existed; however, things that are called “hidden,” seem to come to light every day! People killing their own children is certainly a sign. And false prophets? Turn on your television or radio and listen for a short while. Some “pastors” have even been arrested for the very crimes against which they fervently preached! Yes, lawlessness is on the increase. We must “endure!” We must keep clean, seek the lost, and proclaim the Gospel. Jesus is coming soon!

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

We will never know that Christ is all we need,

Until He becomes all that we have. – Corrie ten Boom

Dear Grands,

II Peter 3:3-9, “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts,

4 and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.’

5 For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the Word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water,

6 through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water.

7 But by His Word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.

9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Undoubtedly, you’ve heard the expression: “There’s nothing new under the sun.” Although not Scripture per se, that statement undoubtedly would fit snugly into the passage above; for that passage reminds us that “…all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation,” and mockery is but one of the elements that replicates itself throughout the ages: “Where is the promise of His coming?”

Stated clearly, the question expresses latent belief, and with unmistakable reassurance, that Jesus will return. Death, according to the stated Word above, is clearly not the will of the LORD for any man, woman, or child of an understandable age. Eternal destruction, however, is inevitable unless the person repents of sin and trusts in Jesus as Savior!

The LORD is quick to announce His plan of salvation; yet, He is patient in waiting for a human response. Just don’t delay too long. Time inevitably will close around us. Today is the day of salvation! Do not harden your heart!

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

We will never know that Christ is all we need, Until He becomes all that we have. – Corrie ten Boom

Dear Grands,

Mark 13:5-10, “And Jesus began to say to them, ‘See to it that no one misleads you.

6 Many will come in My name, saying, “I am He,” and will mislead many.’

7 “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end.

8 “For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

9 “But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.

10 “The gospel must first be preached to all the nations.”

If the verses above seem “rushed,” they are! They are, because they were rushed at the time they were first spoken. In fact, the word “suddenly,” not found in the verses above, is implied. The word is used, however, fifteen times in the books of Mark, Luke and Acts of the New Testament. When things happen, they often happen without warning, startling those who experience their sudden burst upon the scene! Even as I write this Letter, an emergent message appeared on my phone. Time is of the essence!

Schedules are rearranged! Communication with others is rapidly established! Everything is dropped in preference to an emergency! How vitally important it is that we have our priorities in order when such comes upon us! There is then no time to adjust! Now means NOW!

Hopefully, you are not facing a physically emergent situation today! Just be prepared! No one knows where or when the “call” will come. Just be “prayed-up,” and ready! It could be today!

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

We will never know that Christ is all we need,

Until He becomes all that we have. – Corrie ten Boom

Dear Grands,

Nehemiah 1:1-6, “The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in Susa the capitol,

2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, and some men from Judah came; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped and had survived the captivity, and about Jerusalem.

3 They said to me, ‘The remnant there in the province who survived the captivity are in great distress and reproach, and the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates are burned with fire.’

4 When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

5 I said, ‘I beseech You, O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments,

6 let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against You; I and my father’s house have sinned.’”

I well remember attending a basketball game, when the loud speaker announced that a man’s house in a neighboring city was on fire. I saw the man arise immediately and head for the door and for home!

Our passage above speaks of Nehemiah, a Jew, who was serving in Persia (Iran) when he learned of the trouble in Jerusalem. Immediately, he commenced to pray and seek the LORD concerning the matter. He then sought and gained permission from King Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem with men and resources for rebuilding the wall and parts of the city that had been destroyed.

When we learn of emergent difficulties –even life-threatening situations—our first incentive is to get help. Yet, seeking the LORD’s intervention, (however difficult or urgent the situation), ought always to be our primary activity. His resources are ever-present—closer than police, ambulance or whatever human help is available. Prayer is our first and most powerful line of offence! What’s more, the LORD has Divine insight and ability far exceeding all we might know or think!

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

We will never know that Christ is all we need,

Until He becomes all that we have. – Corrie ten Boom

Dear Grands,

Mark 5:25-34, “A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years,

26 and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse–

27 after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him and touched His cloak.

28 For she thought, ‘If I just touch His garments, I will get well.’

29 Immediately, the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.

30 Immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth, turned around in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched My garments?’

31 And His disciples said to Him, ‘You see the crowd pressing in on You, and You say, “Who touched Me?'”

32 And He looked around to see the woman who had done this.

33 But the woman fearing and trembling, aware of what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.

34 And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.’”

Biblical times and modern times have this much in common: disease is in both realms! Have you ever had a condition your physician either could not control or had never encountered?

This poor woman in the passage above had been plagued with a serious blood issue for 12 years! That’s a long time for such a condition, especially concerning blood. Furthermore, she had exhausted her money and still had no solution to her problem. Needless to say, she became worse, daily. Then, she heard about Jesus! And she reasoned that just touching His garment might affect her healing. She had nothing to lose. And when she touched his garment, the flow of her blood stopped immediately! She was instantaneously healed! We miss the experience of so many blessings from the LORD simply because we do not believe!

Jesus Himself said in another place, “…you have indeed seen Me, and yet you do not believe” (Jn 6:36). I recently re-read my personal biography, and I am still in shock at how many times over the years, the LORD provided for my family and me. He only wants us to trust Him.

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

We will never know that Christ is all we need,

Until He becomes all that we have. – Corrie ten Boom