The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Jude 1:1-3, “Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:

2 May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.

3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”

What kind of connections do you have? How do you rate yourself with regard to your relatives? Who is first in your life?

As you know, in New Testament times, letters always commenced with the signature of the writer. That way, you didn’t have to read the whole letter before you knew who wrote it. Jude identifies himself in four ways: first, he is a bond-servant of Jesus Christ. Second, he is the human brother of James, a disciple of our LORD Jesus. Third, he is one who is loved in and by God, the Father. And fourth, he is guarded (kept, tereo) by and for Jesus Christ. That is Jude’s introduction of himself and whom he loves and who they are that love him. That’s quite a lot to wrap your head around, isn’t it?

He then proceedes to pray a blessing on his readers, blessings consisting of mercy, peace, and love. Mercy (eleos) is that which works to eliminate hurt. Peace (eirene) is the replacement for worry and frustration that comes with ordinary life. And love (agape) is doing for others without expecting anything in return. Are you merciful? Do you bring peace to others? Do you love others without demanding that they love you in return? These are qualities that exist in all true Christians.

Jude demonstrates the reality of mercy, peace, and love when he notes that the LORD moved upon him to leave what he intnded to write and to urge them instead to contend (epagonizomai) or strive for the faith that believers before them had exhibited in their lives. Did you ever start to do something and just “felt” within yourself that you needed to do something else? Have you considered that it just might be the Holy Spirit moving you to change your activity or direction? Better do it! Remember that you too are a bond-servant of Jesus Christ –that is, if you have in faith committed your life to Him.

There’s so much greater reward available from the LORD than from anyone or anywhere. Let Him order your life. That’s what brings peace and contentment. I pray for you daily! Pray for me, too. I need to follow Jude’s advice myself –all the 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.”

Dear Grands,

3 John 1:12, “Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we also bear witness, and you know that our witness is true.”

In our last letter, we mentioned John’s furor over Diotrephes’ actions toward those in the church who opposed him. Especially, was his vitriol aimed at John himself. You will recall that the name Diotrephes means “cherished by Zeus.” Coupled with his actions and evil words, it is, therefore, doubtful that Diotrephes himself was a truly born-again believer in Jesus Christ, although he was a self-appointed leader in the Church.

It was Shakespeare who said, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by another name would smell as sweet.” While this quotation comes from a secular writer many centuries later than the Apostle John, it’s proven value comes in the examination of the name Demetrius. His name, too, comes from the Greek goddess Demeter, goddess of agriculture. Thus, it clearly demonstrates that one may have a heritage of ungodliness, yet in time, come to faith in Christ as the true LORD and Savior.

The salient question is not the meaning of your ancestral name, but whether your life depicts the love and likeness of our LORD Jesus Christ. Remember the lyrics of Jason Upton’s song…

We will walk with each other
We will walk hand in hand
And together we will spread the news
That God is in our land

And they’ll know we are Christians
By our love, By our love
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians
By our love.

“Demetrius possessed a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself.” Go thou and do likewise.

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,

3 John 1:9-11, “I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.

10 For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, neither does he himself receive the brethren, and he forbids those who desire to do so, and puts them out of the church.

11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.”

I was going through some things today and ran across a small New Testament that I carried when in Australia. A friend there had it recovered for me in kangaroo leather. It’s very nice, but also very old. Hidden on a back leaf in that Testament were these words of the inimitable Vance Havner, “We are not only to comfort the affilcted, but to afflict the comforted.”

The Apostle John was a product of the First Century; Vance Havner just barely made it into the 20TH Centruy. But, somehow, John acquired the same perky, fearless attitude as Havner! John’s letter to the church was rubbished by a man called Diotrephes, whose very name means “cherished by Zeus.” But John wouldn’t let it all lie there. He says it is all but certain that he will arrive in person at the church, at which time he will publicly address the injustice perpetrated by this follower of Zeus!

Diotrephes had unjustly accused John of some things and used some seemy words in the process. He also controlled who would be received into the church and wielded some strong exits for those who opposed his position on almost anything.

“Afflict the comforted” is on its way!

Churches today often need Havner’s “affliction,” too. Satan still has his lieutenants inside the church. Groups often delve into activities and attitudes that evolve from the world. Of course, there are always excuses for doing certain things and engaging in certain worldly activities that, puportedly, will have a saving grace conclusion –except that they don’t! Church discipline was

on John’s mind, even as it ought to be on ours! I’m reminded of Chaucer’s words in his Prologue to the Canterbury Tales: “If gold rusts, what will iron do?” If the Church for which Christ died becomes worldly, what can we expect of our world?

We need to pray for our churches! We need to set the example for those who are surrendering their lives to Christ! And some-times, we need to verbally “afflict the comforted!” –but always, of course, in love as directed by the Holy Spirit.

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,

3 John 1:1-3, “The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.

2 Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

3 For I was very glad when brethren came and bore witness to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth.”

True spiritual love is always appropriate among believers. Here the elder expresses his true love for Gaius,

a leader in the local church. Love has been so maligned in today’s culture, that one has to be careful where and

with whom he uses the term. Love in this passage is ??????, true, Christian love. And it is this true, Christian

love that must exists before prayer becomes effective. It is this true, Christian love that softens the soul against

adversity and enables it to prosper. It is the prosperity of the soul that brings about good health.

When I was in college, one of my professors set us on a testing quest against a particular student. One by one,

we approached him, asking “How are you feeling today?” and “You don’t look too good. Have you considered

contacting the school nurse?” As the day moved onward, that student moved “downward.” He was bordering

on psychological sickness. After a time, other students reversed the process, and by the end of the day, he was

in “roaring good health!” Yes, the prosperity of the soul – the self – produces good health.

And it’s when Christian brothers and sisters are living in God’s truth and sharing witness to biblical truth, that

even those caught up in ungodly thoughts and activities are nudged effectively toward the true love of Jesus

Christ. All of this is to say you have no idea how effective a witness you could become! It all starts with daily

exposure to the Word of God, the Bible! Prayer leads to biblical understanding that itself produces spiritual

growth and spiritual health. Love then becomes the Sword you yield as you speak to others about Jesus.

You have no idea…!!! As the Aussies’ would say, “Give it a go, mate!” You’ll discover what it means to rejoice!

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,

2 John 1:10-11, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting;

11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.”

Long instructions are often unnecessary. Sometimes they actually get in the way of our understanding. John understands that and comes to the closing of this short letter with a solid thought that does not take many words (something from which I could undoubtedly profit). Interestingly, too, is the fact that this first century instruction is still valid for the 21ST Century in which we live.

I cannot guess how many have knocked on my door, pleasantly requesting that I accept their literature and listen to the words they have carefully prepared for me. Those who have walked so long with Christ Jesus know immediately that their message is not of Him. Oh, they say it is; but it is not. It spurns the truth of Holy Scripture and replaces it with words that teach their message, not His.

How are we to react to such persons? First, we must respect their willingness to walk hot streets and knock on doors where they know at many homes they will not be welcome. Do we do that with Christ’s Gospel? I’m afraid we don’t. Second, we must listen attentively, and not be rude. If our faith is immersed in love, we must let that love –HIS LOVE—show through to them whatever the cost in time. Third, we certainly are allowed to respond with Scripture that refutes their faulty doctrine. But that is not to argue, but to take the opportunity to share the LOVE of our LORD with those who are in dire need of the Truth.

Finally, John warns against inviting them “into your house.” One’s home is his last bastion of security. Remember when, as a child, you fell and skinned your knee? Where did you run, crying, except to your home –the place where you felt safe. No, those who peddle untruth (anything contrary to God’s Word), must be denied access to our own place of security. In fact, John instructs us not even to wish them well. Is that being ugly? Absolutely not! Why? Because “the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.” Pretty tough cookies, huh? Words like “Have a good day,” or “God bless you,” or “Thank you for coming” are all on the DO NOT SAY LIST! Even the word “Goodbye” has its origin in “God bless.” Words count with people (Try arguing with a cop!); moreover, they count mightily with God.

All of this can be accomplished with courtesy and respect, so long as you never leave them with the thought that their message has found the slightest lodging in your heart. Christ fills our hearts! There’s no room for anyone else!

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.”