The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 16:36-38, “And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, ‘The chief magistrates have sent to release you. Therefore, come out now and go in peace.’ 37 But Paul said to them, ‘They have beaten us in public without trial, men who are Romans, and have thrown us into prison; and now are they sending us away secretly? No indeed! But let them come themselves and bring us out.’ 38 The policemen reported these words to the chief magistrates. They were afraid when they heard that they were Romans.”

Acts 16 is a marvelous chapter! One question it raises is, “Should Christians ever retaliate?”

Paul and his companions had entered Philippi with a Gospel of peace. They had been illegally

violated and imprisoned. But, when the authorities discovered they were Romans, they told

them just to quietly leave town. We’ll forget all about it. But Paul said, Not so fast! We have

rights under the law. You have violated our rights. Yet, his objections were not harsh. He did

everything in love, but took his time leaving the area. ~ We’re not to act like patsies; but

we’re always to respond in love. When your rights are violated, stand up for yourself, but

be loving in the process. God bless you!

Love and peace,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

Dear Grands,

Acts 15:39-40, “And there occurred such a sharp disagreement

that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark

with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40 But Paul chose Silas and

left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.”

Christians often disagree among themselves. That’s why, for

one thing, we have so many denominations within the Church.

Paul was keen on revisiting some churches he and Barnabas

had founded. Barnabas was willing to go, but wanted to take

Mark with them. Mark had previously left them and gone home.

Some years later, Paul spoke well of Mark (2 Tim. 4:11), but

on this instance, he stood his ground against taking him. Instead,

Paul chose Silas and they returned to strengthen the churches.

The only means by which we can assess who was right is that

Acts never mentions Barnabas again. Only once in 1 Cor. 9:6

and Col. 4:10 and three times in Galatians 2. ~ Differences

between believers are settled by the Holy Spirit in His own time.

Important, too, is the fact that Paul never spoke ill of either

Mark or Barnabas. What an example for us to follow!

Love you all immensely,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

Dear Grands,

Acts 13:50-52, “But the Jews incited the devout women of prominence

and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against

Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they

shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.

52 And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

You just can’t stop some people! Despite announcing Good News to

Jews and Gentiles, Paul and Barnabus were persecuted and driven

out of the Jewish district. But did they cry and give up? Absolutely Not!

The joy of the Truth of the Good News they preached and the joy of the

Holy Spirit filled them to overflowing! So, it is to be with us. Our witness

will sometimes (often?) be rejected. Are we to quit witnessing? NO!

Just keep remembering how good the Good News really is, and keep on

sharing! While we may not stop the unbelief of some, neither will they

stop the joy within us! So there!

Love you all and pray for you daily,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

Dear Grands,

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.”

Have you ever prayed for something that did not come

to pass? I have. And I suspect you have, too. Well, not

everything we want –even selflessly—is the LORD’s will.

His ways are not our always our ways. Thus, we must

trust, have unwavering confidence, in Him. Don’t depend

upon what you think you know, however solidly it may

appear. Just rely upon Him and He will “smooth out” the

paths that lie before us.

Love to you all with all our hearts,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

Dear Grands,

Haggai 1:5, “Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Consider your ways!’”

Acts 7 is a brief summary of Israel’s history up to Stephen’s time. You

should read it slowly and carefully, as should all Americans. What kept

coming to my mind were the words of the Prophet Haggai, “’Consider your ways!’”

The Jews of Stephen’s day murdered him for telling them the truth they did not

want to hear. Had Haggai been there, he might have said, “Look at what the

Jews are doing and saying”; instead, the echo of his words are the same,

“’Consider your ways!’” –our own ways. ~ Most of my life is behind me; most

of yours is ahead of you. Our world –even our nation—is relying upon its own

way. You and I must rely upon the way of the LORD! We must study

God’s Word more carefully. We must pray more often and more sincerely.

We must be ready to share with the lost the way of salvation in Christ. We

are living in desperate times. Only the way of the LORD can save us.

Every blessing of the LORD is yours (I Cor. 3:21),

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas