The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

James 1:1-4. James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad, greetings.

2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

4 And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

What does it really mean to be a “Christian”? Verse one tells us that those born as Jews can also become Christians. James himself was Jewish by birth, but look at what he says: “to the twelve tribes…” They are Jewish by birth, but they are also a part of the Church of our LORD Jesus Christ. Being a Christian is more than belonging to a church –any church. How can this be? It is true because Christianity is not a religion; it is a relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ. And when a Jew or a Moslem or a Buddhist –whatever religion—trusts Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior, he becomes a Christian!

If you think being a Christian is easy, read the troubles Christians have in Uganda, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Latin America (to name only a few). In many countries, being a Christian is truly a “life or death” matter. Yet, James says we are to “consider it all joy,” because such trials test our faith and produce endurance, enabling us to successfully withstand even greater tribulations.

“Let endurance have it’s perfect result,” James says. The LORD knows what’s going on. When we endure in one trial, we will be complete and lack nothing; thus, we are fully prepared to endure yet another trial. Note that James is not saying we will be smarter or wiser; it will simply be easier for us to endure the next trial we encounter. But why should we suffer? We

suffer because Jesus suffered. Are we to avoid or escape suffering when He suffered for us? Not at all!

Just learn to love others and be joyful! Let the Word of Christ settle down and make its home in your heart and mind. God bless you and make your faithful always “to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).

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.”