The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Hebrews 12:7-8, “It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

8 But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.”

Discipline is a word often misunderstood. It comes from the word “disciple,” and a disciple is a pupil, a learner. As children, when we failed to learn (usually intentionally), our parents administered some form of punishment, punishment we called dicipline. Thus, the word itself has come to us carrying a distinction that was not originally intended.

This 12TH chapter of Hebrews employs the word “discipline” no less than nine times! The Word tells us that “it is for discipline that (we) endure.” Paul is not saying that the LORD wants us around so we can be punished. No, endure whatever comes our way that we may learn. Some things we learn to do, and some things we learn not to do. It’s all a learning process.

Fathers are responsible for the discipline – the learning – of their children. Children who do not learn what their fathers teach them, grow up without resembling their fathers. If we fail to learn what the LORD teaches us, we grow up without resembling Him. Sometimes we have to endure the other meaning of discipline (punishment) from Him in order to stay spiritually in line. That’s when we are made to endure His punishments.

Verse eight should shake us all to the core! For it is there that the Apostle reveals that if the LORD fails to discipline us, we simply do not belong to Him! Imagine going through life thinking that you are a Christian, but coming ultimately to realize that you have never had the LORD as your Father!

It’s not rituals or church attendances or even memberships that make us Christians. It’s loving Jesus Christ and being committed to Him with the whole of our heart. It’s not a religion; it’s a Relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ. If you’ve never trusted Him or are not sure about your relationship with Him, STOP right now and ask Him to forgive you of your sin and take charge of your life. It’s then that He will make you aware that you do indeed have a Heavenly Father!

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.”

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.”

Dear Grands,

Hebrews 11:31-34, “By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.

32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,

33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,

34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.”

Have you ever taken time to remember people who were instrumental in influencing your life? If you’re like I am, you started with two or three and suddenly numbered far more than you had thought possible. I think that’s what happened to the Apostle Paul as he thought back on the history of Israel. He started with Abel and before he knew it, he was naming a host of faithful believers.

Sarah (v. 11) was first; and now he mentions Rahab, a prostitute. There are some people in the current news who claim that their lives have been significantly changed by the LORD –people whom I would never have guessed ever even read the Bible. But the mention here of Rahab shows that people can be changed by the power of God.

Paul realizes he cannot name everyone when he says, “For time will fail me…” Yet, he mentions Gideon, who with 300 men surrounded Jericho and brought the walls down. I’ve stood on the ruins of Old Testament Jericho. Kathleen Kenyon, the noted archeologist, was the first to discover the ashes of the fires that engulfed that city, all from the LORD using the hand of Gideon.

Interestingly enough, Barak was mentioned, but not Deborah (Jud. 4). Samson, the Old Testament strongman, was noted. However, he was weakened by a clever, evil woman, and blinded by his enemy, the Philistines. Jephthah was a warrior and became a good and mighty man, despite the fact that his mother was a prostitute. David and Samuel well deserved to be in this Roll Call of the Faithful. And while Paul did not name everyone, he alluded to Daniel and possibly, Esther, who put to flight the enemies of her people, the Jews, and occasioned the suicide of the wicked Haman!

The Bible teaches that there will be another Roll Call. I’ts called “The Judgment Seat of Christ.” At that time, all believers will give account of their stewardship, or lack of it. Everything we have done and/or failed to do, will, of course already be known by the LORD. Yet, some of us will be embarrassed when it all becomes known to others at that judgment. Rewards will also be distributed, each of us receiving appropriate commendation for the service to the LORD that we have rendered while here on Earth.

Those mentioned above by the Apostle Paul, and all whose lives extend well beyond his knowledge, will stand before the LORD and give account of what they have done and what they have failed to do. Are you ready for that test if it were tonight? Start right now and repent before the LORD of all evil things that you have said and done. Ask Him to reveal to you things you’ve honestly forgotten. Then, admit those things to Him and ask His forgiveness. Get yourself ready for the BIG ROLL CALL before Jesus! You have time right now to get ready. Tomorrow may be too late.

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.”

Dear Grands,

Hebrews 11:27-29, “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.

28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the first-born might not touch them.

29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.”

Once you get used to living by faith, it’s difficult to live and trust in any other way. Moses’ parents exercised faith with him when Pharaoh of Egypt had ordered that all male Israelite children were to be put to death. (Sounds more than a bit like Planned Parenthood today, doesn’t it?) Still, when the time came, Moses left Egypt, knowing pharaoh would pursue him, but fearless of what he might do. Instead, Moses kept his eye on the LORD, who could not be seen. This required Moses to exercise full faith and confidence in the LORD.

Moses kept the Passover, as God had commanded, and sprinkled blood on the doorposts and on the crosspiece on top of the door. This kept the death angel from entering the houses of the Israelites and taking the lives of their eldest male child. When they left Egypt on the journey to the Promised Land, it is estimated that some 2 million or more people left Egypt under Moses’ leadership. The care (food, et al) of that many people took a great faith in the LORD for the necessary provisions.

When they all reached the Red Sea, Moses trusted the LORD, who held back the waters, enabling them to cross on dry land. Yet, when the Egyptians pursued them into the sea, the LORD withdrew His hold on the waters, and let them deal

their destruction on the Egyptians and their chariots. Simultaneously, He brought the children of Israel safely to land.

Great leadership, whether in the home or the school or the government of a nation, is always leadership that trusts in the Divine Control of Almighty God! That kind of trust is what you and I must embrace throughout life. Situations will occur that will test whether we can accomplish what the LORD has assigned us. That’s why is vital that we not “push ourselves” into situations, but study to know His will. We need to be persistently prayerful of all matters. The Holy Spirit will reveal what is and what is not the Father’s will. When that is determined, we can move ahead with full faith and trust.

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.”

Dear Grands,

Hebrews 11:23-26, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin;

26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.”

A child from birth to three years of age, has no concept of the meaning of “faith.” A child learns quickly, however, to trust his parents in a variety of things. It’s not uncommon in Australia for a child to learn to swim before he learns to walk. And any child at an early age, and beckoned by a parent to “jump in,” can be said to be “trusting.” In Moses’ situation, however, that first notation of faith falls to his parents. Their trust was sufficiently great in the LORD as to erase their fear in the Egyptian king’s edict (Exo. 1:22).

The Old Testament account of Moses is that he was placed in a wicker basket covered with tar and pitch. Moses was then put into the basket and it was set among the reeds at the bank of the Nile River. Miriam, Moses’ sister, watched to see what would happen.

And when the daughter of Pharaoh came to the Nile to bathe, she discovered the child and ultimately raised him as her own. Thus, Moses studied in Egypt and became proficient in all things Egyptian.

When Moses became of full age (40), he “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” He chose instead to suffer the treatment the Israelites suffered than to side with the Egyptians. Note that verse 26 above says that Moses “considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt.” What all Moses may have known about Christ, the Coming Messiah, we may never know this side of Heaven; but as Abraham looked for “a city, whose builder and maker is God,” so Moses saw in Christ greater and richer rewards than could be found in all of Egypt.

What is the object of your search? Are you looking for riches that are visible around you? Are you looking for the City that the LORD is building for His born-again sons and daughters? What is it that you really, deep down in your heart, want above all else? What you

choose to pursue may be far less than your Heavenly Father wants to give you.

I heard a story of a son who wanted an automobile for his high school graduation. His father surprised him by giving his a gorgeous, genuine leather-bound Bible. The son was so angry at not getting the car that he threw the Bible down and left for college in a huf!

While he was away at college, his father took ill and died. The son returned for the funeral feeling somewhat ashamed at the way he had acted years before. In a moment of sadness, he reached for the Bible his father had given him; and as he flipped aimlessly through the pages, he discovered an envelope that had never been opened. In deep melancoly, he opened the envelope and

discovered the title to the car he had so desperately wanted. It was his free and clear. In all the years he could have used it, it lay quietly there in the middle of his Bible. Our desires are always far less than our Heavenly Father’s desires for us. Take your eyes off of the treasures of Egypt and trust that the LORD has greater riches in store for you –greater than you could possibly imagine!

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.”