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.”

Most of us know what sequestered means. If you hadn’t been acquainted with it before, you certainly are now. It means quaratined, separation from others; it means lonliness, helplessness; and in some cases, even fear. The virus that has spread

to more than 180 countries of the world has imprisoned us from each other. How can we work in separation? How can we survive without the means of survival –food, clothing, warmth, cooling—and above all human fellowship?

I cannot affirm the idea that the LORD specifically intended us to experience this virus because of our sin; one thing, however, seems abundantly clear: we are suffering nothing comporable to the suffering of the Apostle Paul as he sat chained to a Roman

Guard for deeds he did not commit. Understanding his words of encouragement shames us in the light of our temporary inconvenience.

Paul had become well known to all the praetorian guard. Most believers knew him, too. That was good on both counts: the guards needed the Gospel of Salvation through Jesus Christ; and the “brethren,” Christians, needed to pray and bolster their courage in sharing the Good News about Jesus. It’s like having the late Billy Graham come to your city for a series of meetings.

It’s much easier then to share with others that you are a Christian and how they can become one, too. It’s all in one’s point of view.

The COVID-19 virus is serious! Many people have died because of it. The “inconvenience” of sequestration pales in comparison. Yet, it should sober the thinking of everyone! So, I ask two questions: 1) Are you a truly born-again believer in Jesus Christ? Have you confessed your sins to Him and asked His forgiveness? If you have repented and trusted Him, you are a truly born-again believer and His Holy Spirit indwells you right now!. 2) If you are a believer, how avid are you with witnessing? You were not saved just to go to Heaven; you were saved to bring glory to God through your life and to bring His message of salvation to others. Give that some serious thought! And when it all sinks in, you will understand Paul’s thinking while sitting there in Rome.

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.”