The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Hebrews 11:37-40, “They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated

38 (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.

39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised,

40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect.”

It is more than pathetic what’s going on in the world today. Christians, especially, are marked for torture and death. Christianity is expanding most greatly in Africa; yet, it is in Africa that Christian churches are being burned, adult believers are being slain, and children are being subjected to unspeakable evils at the hands of demonicly infested people, who have been assigned to deal out fear and death to all who name His name.

Reading the verses above (written in New Testament times), you can learn that such inhumane treatment has always been the lot of true followers of the LORD; for that of which Paul writes occurred in Old Testament times, as well. Comparing the faithful and fearless servants of the LORD with those among whom they lived and ministered, it is easy to understand Paul’s meaning: “of whom the world was not worthy.” Do those who misbehave and engage in the purposeful suffering of man be considered “worthy” of the ministry of the true and faithful? That is why it is easy for us to say, “Away with them! They do not deserve to live!” True believers, however, are more apt to say, “God loves you and will forgive the wrong you have done against Him and against us.”

In an earlier letter, I told you that the faithful (you and I, if we are faithful) will receive the promises of God. Paul affirms that, but notes, too, that even those who lived faithfully in the past “did not receive what was promised.” Why should they not receive the promise? Did they not live faithfully as the LORD intended? Yes, but Paul’s meaning is that Old and New Testament saints had not yet received the promise. He has work for us to complete and without our completion of that work, the entirety of the promise will not be fulfilled.

With faithful Christians throughout the world being tortured, brutilized, raped, and murdered, does it not seem to you that we should take up the Cross and stand true in their place? What would they think if they knew that our time and effort was spent playing video games? We need to get into the battle! There are lost people all around us, and no one is threatening our lives if we tell them of Jesus! Let’s get cracking! Carry a Bible! Fill you pocket with Gospel tracts! Smile! Be loving! And above all, share Jesus with those who do not know Him!

Would you do it if the LORD gave you $1,000 per person? It’s worth more than that to reach a soul for Him!

Be one of those “of whom the world is not worthy.”

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

P. S. The cat is out of the bag! For months I had convinced you that I was perfect, that everything I said could only be true. Then, it

became necessary that I should correct an error and tell you that Gideon and his 300 men surrounded the Midianites, not

Jericho (in yesterday’s Letter). I should also say that it was Joshua, who battled Jericho. Both were errors on my part, but

only ONE PERSON wrote to me and said he noticed the mistake. I DO make mistakes, occasionally. When you notice my

mistakes, please write me. I’m here for you! So, let’s work together! I will write; you tell me when I’m wrong. Okay?

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.”