The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Luke 8:11-15, “Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God.

12 ‘And those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they may not believe and be saved.

13 ‘And those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away.

14 ‘And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.

15 ‘And the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.’”

Jesus often spoke to people in parables (????????). The word is a combination of two Greek words: ???? meaning “beside,” and ???? meaning “to cast or throw.” It is simply an illustration. When things are hard to understand an illustration often helps us.

Have you ever been told something in mathematics or science or engineering that you did not understand?

The person teaching you will often say, “Well, think of it like this—” and he illustrates what is hard by giving you something that is simplier. Jesus’ disciples often needed the simplier; and this parable was no exception.

When the Word of God is shared with those who have never heard it, there are four reactions:

1.Some hear the truth, but the devil confuses it, so that they never believe and come to faith in Christ Jesus. Yeah, I heard it, but I’d have to give up a lot. Maybe later….
2.Some hear and actually get excited about it, but they lapse back into their old ways and never come to faith in Christ. Boy, that sounded exciting, but have you heard that new band?
3.Others hear the Word, but become focused on money and worldly pleasures that take precedent, causing them to forget. Yes, that’s something to really think about, but have you seen what I just bought?
4.Others hear the Word “in an honest and good heart.” These turn away from worldly things, and

change their lifestyles completely. The Word feeds and nourishes their lives in the Truth of Christ and the Scriptures. This is what everyone needs! It changed my life! Let me tell you about it.

Jesus’ parable is still in operation today. The illustration doesn’t change. The question is: has it changed your life? Have you truly yielded yourself to Him? Have you given up those temporary things in exchange for that which is eternal? Does the computer come on before you read the Bible? Do you think about spiritual things more than about worldly things? Being a true Christian doesn’t mean you have to be a preacher or a missionary; but it means your focus is on “bearing fruit” that glorifies the LORD. Think about it!

That’s not hard to understand, is it?

We pray daily that you and we will more and more come to be like Jesus,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”