The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Philippians 1:12-14, “Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,

13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,

14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”

Bad situations sometimes turn out to be beneficial. Here in his letter to the Philippians (a letter written from prison in Rome, yet often called a “Joyful Letter”), Paul writes that had it not been for his imprisonment, the Gospel might never have reached the lives of the Roman guards.

It had been Paul’s decision to make a legal appeal to Caesar. At the time he appealed, it seemed he had no alternative. Yes, he had been falsely charged; and although the legal authorities at the time believed he would have been released, Paul may not have been so sure. Thus, he appealed to Caesar. We’re not always sure of the outcomes of our decisions. We simply have to trust the LORD.

Paul was in chains, but the Gospel is not bound! Those who had been reticent to share the Gospel, saw and heard of Paul’s boldness, and began themselves to actively share the Word of God more and more. Some of us wish someone would share the Good News of Jesus Christ with our neighbors. Why don’t we do it ourselves? When we do what the LORD has instructed us to do, it gives courage to others who know Him, but have never shared His Good News with anyone.

I want to believe that my courage in sharing the Gospel, strengthens others to do the same. There are so many believers who are silent! Why are we afraid? Do we think we don’t know enough? Do we fear being asked questions we cannot answer? Listen to this:

So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, without

accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it (Isa. 55:11).

The LORD is saying that His Word goes forth and never comes back empty. His Word always accomplishes everything He desires it to accomplish. In other words, when we share His Word, we do it with the guarantee of positive results. Oh, we may never see the results ourselves, but the Word carries within it the power of its own accomplishment! It’s like lighting a stick of dynamite and hiding behind a rock before it explodes. But the work that it does is evident. That’s why Paul said that some even preach the Gospel with impure motives; but he rejoices that they were preaching the Word!

How about sharing the Gospel with someone real soon? Hand them a Gospel tract. Ask them if they read the Bible, or if they go to Church? That gets the conversation going. Share a verse of Scripture, and let the

Word do its work. You’ll be amazed at what He can accomplish! You’ll gain new friends in the process.

I’m praying for you! Start by praying for me. We may not have much time….

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(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.”