The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Galatians 1:3-5, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus

Christ,

4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of this present evil age,

according to the will of our God and Father,

5 to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen.

It’s always good to hear from far-away friends. We live in a world of instant communication. I have sent emails halfway around the world and received replies virtually within seconds. Of course, my respondents had to be alert. It was not that way in the first century. Nevertheless, those who lived in that era were doubtlessly happy when communication came their way.

Paul’s greeting to the Galatians should be our standard. Although his letter reveals some rather stern warnings later on, he comes to them in loving peace from the Father

and His Son, Jesus Christ. He reminds them, too, that it was the LORD Jesus, who

died for their sins. Being believers in Christ, the Galatians were already aware of Christ’s death and resurrection and that they would ultimately live with Him in Heaven. Yet, there is more –

In addition to the glories of an eternal Heaven, Christ Jesus’ death and resurrection were intended to “deliver us out of this present evil age.” Such is the will of our God and Father. And for this to occur, there is a requirement of participation. Think back to Israel’s wilderness wanderings. God gave the people mana to eat, but they had to gather it from the ground. God did His part; Israel had to do her part. So it is today.

What pleases a father more than the obedience of his children? What pleases our heavenly Father is our obedience to Him. That’s how we were saved. It was by faith! Now, that we are His by faith, it is His desire that we live our lives apart from sin. Have you not heard someone say, “That son of yours is a carbon copy of you”? We dads swell up with pride over words like that! How much more delighted is our Heavenly Father when others see Him reflected in our lives!

Christianity is under attack throughout the world today. That makes it all the more challenging to us to live for Him! It separates the “wheat from the tares.” If we are truly His children, He will guide and protect us. And after our ministries on Earth are completed, we will live forever in Heaven with Him. I earnestly trust to see you there where we will rejoice together in His blessed presence!

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.”