The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Thessalonians 1:6-8, “For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,

7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,

8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.”

It’s a serious thing to be accused of doing wrong when you are wrong. It’s even worse when you’re accused of doing wrong when you’re not. It happens to all of us; but what are we to do? Paul says that “God will repay” those who have wrongly accused us. We’re just to keep on doing what He’s set forth in the Bible for us to do. He will then “run interference” for us as it is needed.

At the same time, He will afflict [????? (thlibo, press, distress)] others just as they have afflicted us. Remember those instances where you have been accused of things you’ve not done? What were you to do? Just leave it all in the LORD’s Hands. His affliction on your behalf is far greater than anything you could do? And when your accusers discover that you’ve not retaliated against them, they will draw the conclusion that the LORD has vindicated you.

“But when is He going to come to my rescue?” you ask. When He is “revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,” is the answer. At that time, He will deal with all who have not obeyed His Gospel. Paul also wrote,

“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God

For it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the LORD” (Rom. 12:19).

Part of our problem with wanting to avenge ourselves is the selfish satisfaction of “getting back” at others. But how are we to win them to faith in Christ if we behave in the same manner as they? Treating in love those who have treated us in hatred shames them and causes them to reflect on what they had done. Coming at them with vengeance simply increases and justifies in their sight the hatred they previously showed. In that case, the LORD simply says, “Okay, if you think you can do better than I can, just go for it!” When He is not there to avenge us, we’re left alone to suffer. Is that what we want? I truly don’t think so.

Prayerfully yours in Christ,

Nana & Dado III

(Rose Marie & Gene)

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.”

Dear Grands,

1 Thessalonians 1:2-5, “We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father; knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you, for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”

We have all experienced the denial of something only to later discover that what we were denied had been replaced by some?thing better. We did not understand it at the time, but later we were thankful. Sometimes the Lord denies us what we think we want. Ultimately, we find that His way was best.

It was this way with the Apostle Paul. Having been saved and put into the Lord’s ministry, Paul went everywhere telling people about Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:15-16)! Paul had worked his way up through the central part of Asia Minor, an area we know today as Turkey. There was a northern section of Asia Minor known as Bithynia that had not heard the Gospel. Paul wanted to preach the Gospel in Bithynia; but the Holy Spirit told him, “No!” (Acts 16:6-7).

Paul was obedient to the Lord’s will, and the Lord revealed to him in a vision that he was to go instead to Macedonia. The man in the vision said to Paul, “Come over into Macedonia and help us” (Acts 16:9). One of the Macedonian cities Paul visited was Thessalonica. He founded a Church there in A.D. 51.[1] Now, a year later, he writes the first of his two letters to the church and the first of his fourteen New Testament epistles.[2]

Paul identifies the relevant people in his letter: “Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians…” (1:1). One immediately identifiable characteristic of an ancient writer is that they commenced their letters with a signature. If you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Paul himself is, of course, the author; that is why he names himself first. Yet, he graciously shares identity with Silas and Timothy, his companions. Christian grace always acknowledges the presence of others and their contribution to the work.

The Thessalonian Church is the recipient of the letter. In all but one of Paul’s epistles, he commences with the expression, “Grace to you, and peace.” The Grace of God always precedes the peace of God. You must have received His grace before you can know His peace. God’s grace is the activity of His love through His Son, Jesus Christ. Use your computer and identify the context of the word “grace” throughout the New Testament.

Paul then expressed prayerful thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ experience: “We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers…” (v. 2). Prayer is one means by which we direct our thankfulness to God. Psalm 26:7 says, “That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and declare all Thy wonders” and Psalm 69:30 says, “I will praise the name of God with song, and shall magnify Him with thanksgiving.”

I’ve heard a lot of people say, “I’m really thankful”; but the actions and attitudes they convey through their lives say the opposite. Paul was truly thankful. He said to the Romans, “For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you” in prayer (Rom. 1:9).

Are you telling people about Jesus regardless of the cost? Are you following the leadership of the Holy Spirit? Are you openly thankful for others who are witnessing? Are you praying for both the lost and those who are sharing the Gospel? If not, what is the LORD’s purpose with you? Let’s get started witnessing! We may not have much time left.

We are praying for you most earnestly,

Nana & Dado III

(Rose Marie & Gene)

P. S. Rose Marie is home from the Jamestown Rehab! No one ever wants to be in hospital. But we can and do testify to

the love and professional competence of the personnel there. (And the food was good, too!) Thank You, LORD!

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.”

________________________________

[1]Coynebeare and Howson, The Journeys of the Apostle Paul….

[2]I have elected to follow Goodwin’s dating of the New Testament books

Dear Grands,

1 Thessalonians 2:13, “And for this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received from us the word of God’s message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the Word of God,”

Two of the most overlooked, underworked words in the English language are the words, “Thank you.” While Rose Marie has been for some weeks in the Jamestown Rehab, I have heard those two words quite often. And always the staff responded with “You’re welcome.”

When we witness and other people come to faith in Christ, we should always say “Thank You” to God. For the power of the witness we give comes from Him; it is not from us. Sometimes, however, we neglect to witness as we ought. How should we go about witnessing? First, our lives should be lived for Him. How we speak (the language we use); who we fellowship with at work and outside of work; where we go; what we do; how we behave –all of that is a silent witness.

Witnessing more directly need not be difficult. What I call it “the second step” in witnessing is doing something for someone simply out of love. It may be helping a friend without their asking. It may be sharing time or effort or even money with someone who has a pressing need. When they ask (as they surely will) why you’re doing it, you can say, “I just felt that the LORD wanted me to help you in this way.” Then, depending on how the person reacts, you might say, “That’s what the LORD Jesus teaches us to do for our neighbors.”

One of the greatest hindrances to witnessing is simply believing that you will be asked a question you cannot answer. More often than not, the one who would ask the question knows far less than you. Give them your personal testimony. Tell them how you became a believer in Jesus Christ. After sharing your story, simply ask them if they’ve ever had an experience with Jesus Christ. Don’t be surprised if they respond with “No, but I’d sure like to have! How do I do it?”

First, he must recognize that he is a sinner as he stands before God. The Bible says we must repent of our sin. Repentance is admitting to being what God’s Word says we are. Repentance is a change-of-mind and of authority. He acknowledges that he’s not what he ought to be, but wants to be. God can affect the change in his life. Pray with him; lead him to pray to God, asking forgiveness and committing his life to Jesus Christ.

Then pray again and each of you thank Christ for saving him. Then get him into the Bible (New Testament).

Get him into a good Bible-preaching church. “Faith comes by hearing; and hearing by the Word of God” (Rom. 10:17).

Oh, there’s more! But there’s unlimited joy in leading someone to faith in Jesus Christ! The only failure there is is the failure in witnessing. The LORD is in charge! He wants us to witness, but it’s His power that works in the heart and soul of the unbeliever. Don’t be afraid! He’s leading you and will be with you all the way!

We will be praying for you,

Nana & Dado III

(Rose Marie & Gene)

P. S. Rose Marie is scheduled to come home tomorrow! We are excited! There are some added steps to take,

but the LORD has led us this far, and He will continue to lead! Thanks for your continuing prayers.

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.”