The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

I Timothy 3:15, “…I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household

of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”

“Don’t run in church!” That was a firm directive I recall receiving from my mother. I have no idea what causes kids to run in church, but we all did –and they still do! What is worse is that adults often just get up and go out and return, sometimes to-and-from the middle of the third or fourth row from the front. I’ve witnessed such in large arenas, but in relatively smaller churches? Mark it well: there is a decorum that should be followed wherever and whenever the Gospel is being expounded from the pulpit.

Timothy had experienced good instruction from his mother and grandmother. Now he receives more from his mentor, Paul. The word “behave” is the Greek ?????????????. It always carries the sense of moral or religious coloring (Gingrich); therefore, our behavior as believers ought always to be moral, whether in the formal sense of being “in church” or elsewhere. We believers today have the tendency to divorce “being in church” from “elsewere.” Our conduct ought to be the same everywhere.

God Himself is both the pillar (??????) and the support (????????) of the church. By pillar, Paul means the LORD, who is ultimately in charge of the church’s doctrines and practices. Far too many churches today are “governed” by pastors and boards, who are themselves far too lenient in both doctrine and personal deportment. The Church needs prayerful, dedicated leadership that shows responsibility in both the teachings and practices of Scripture. The LORD Himself is the supreme and steadfast support (????????) of the Church. Man can do no better than to rely upon Him.

We all need to remember that wherever we are we are always “in Church.” Still, it’s more: we are the Church. Could that be the reason more people don’t attend? Paul told the Church at Corinth, “…we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2Cor. 8:21). Excellent advice! Let’s practice doing it this week. And don’t be

surprised if some people notice and start attending church with you!

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.”