The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 8:1-4, “And Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a

great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered

throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

2 And some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him.

3 But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house; and dragging off men and

women, he would put them in prison.

4 Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.”

Some days ago, I saw a house for sale in a southern state. What was unusual? It was free!

When you read something like that, you’re probably at the top of the skeptical scale. But this was true –uh, to a point. The house had to be moved. What’s more, it was a two-story house. You just want to turn the page, don’t you? But suppose it were truly free! Suppose the owner agrees to move it at no cost to you? –and only “catch” is that you have to live in the house. That changes everything!

Saul was well aware of the freedom that early Christians claimed to possessed. But he was devoted to Judaism! Christians must be destroyed!! So, he did everything he could to destroy this new belief-system that claimed to supersede Judaism. He authorized the death of one Stephen and “ravaged the church!” What could the Church possibly do?

The last of our four verses above tells the story: “Therefore, those who had been scattered (due to Saul’s raiding homes and slaying believers) went about (everywhere) preaching the Word.” We’d be likely to say, “Well, you have to do what you have to do.” That’s what these early Christians said and they did it!

It would hardly be acceptable to say that the LORD put it into Saul’s heart and mind to persecute His own believers. Yet, He utilized the wrong to produce the right. Illness takes us to hospitals, but there we find doctors and nurses, some of whom don’t know Jesus. Debt drives us to banks to borrow money; but there are bankers who don’t know the LORD. Worry causes a wreck of the car; but the tow-truck driver and the automotive repair men and the insurance adjustors all need the LORD, too. Tragedies open opportunities! Look for the opportunity!

Let what appears to be an obstacle work for you in sharing the Bible’s Good News with others! Even when your message is rejected, it will be remembered. What’s more, in yet another tragedy, it will be resurrected and redound to the Glory of Almighty God! This is the LORD’s business. We’re just His messengers, “scattered about, preaching the Word.” As my Aussie Christian friends would say, “Give it a go, mate!” The “success” is up to the LORD.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,a

(Dado III)

NOTE: Attached is a paper on the logical arrangement of the first five books of the New Testament.

The LORD supervises the arrangement and placement of His Books. Take a look.

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom

Dear Grands,

Acts 1:1, 8, “The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach…. 8but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the Earth.”

Jesus had just introduced that small band of early believers to the Holy Spirit. In a very brief time, they experienced the presence of Holy Spirit in their lives. I can only imagine their emotional high! Yet, it was not for the Spirit’s presence or power alone; it was that they were to follow the Spirit as they had followed Jesus over those past few years.

Interestingly, too, is the fact that the Holy Spirit never calls attention to Himself! He always

emphasizes the Son, Jesus Christ. Both the Father and the Spirit always directed men to the Son, for it was He who was the Father’s Sacrifice for the salvation of all mankind. Christ Jesus’ ministry has never changed; it is only that since His Ascension early in the Book of Acts, the Spirit now urges believers to share the Gospel with the lost.

I had no idea when I accepted Christ that it was then my responsibility to share Him with others. As I view all of that in retrospect, what I now see is that my call to preach was to be a full-time, life vocation. (Some of you readers understand that because that was your call, too.)

But for those of you who are believers, but not called to full-time ministry, your calling is to be a witness, too. We are all to be witnesses of Christ’s saving grace.

There is an old Christian film entitled, “Missionary to Walker’s Garage.” Mr. Walker was not called to be a pastor or an evangelist or an overseas missionary, but he witnessed quietly to all who brought their cars to him for repairs. There are scores of men and women who bear

witness to the saving grace of God, who, themselves, have never even traveled outside the continental United States or Australia or wherever they live. You can do that, too!

For one thing, you have no idea how many people on Earth want to know what Christ is all about. They may go to church and read the Bible some, but never catch hold of exactly how to come in contact with Jesus! You and I can help them! What’s more, we stimulate our own Christian experiences when we witness –even when those to whom we witness don’t receive Him.

Believe me, it’s a thrilling experience to see folks come to know Christ! Just be available to

the Holy Spirit usage of you. And if you’re reading this and have never come to faith in Christ yourself, just be available to me via email or text. I’ll be more than happy to share my best Friend with you!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom

Dear Grands,

John 21:24-25, “This is the disciple who bears witness of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his witness is true. 25And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books which were written.”

One of the chief characteristics of any disciple is humility. One of the chief aspects of humility is anonymity. John virtually smothers over his name in every writing. Only in the Revelation (1:9 & 22:8) does he reveal his name. Thus, the authenticity and accuracy of John’s account of the Gospel rests largely upon his own character. Such is true of all of us today.

John authenticates his writings by noting that he was there when it occurred. This is a first and true account. Yet, it is not the only account; but this one is substantiated by a multiple of other accounts, perhaps more than could be counted.

But what is the primary focus of John’s account? It is that Jesus is the Son of God. Examine the outline of John’s documentation. He cites Jesus as the Son of God in

Eternity past, and the Son of God on Earth. He notes Jesus’ ministry both public and private. He specifies Jesus’ multiple tribulations, including arrests, trials, and death by crucifixion. Yet, He arose from the dead and openly revealed Himself to others.

Let’s pause for a moment and reflect upon this. If Jesus is what John claims Him to be,

we had best not fool around with what skeptics say. We had best yield ourselves to Jesus and trust Him as the Savior of our lives. Let the skeptics deny His deity. Whom do they offer in His place? Jesus is the only One in recorded human history, who ever raised Himself from the dead! It just makes sense to follow the One who knows His origin and destiny. Have you trusted Him as your LORD and Savior?

It’s good to be honest, but that’s not enough. It’s good to belong and attend church, but that’s not enough. It’s good to read the Bible and pray, but only Jesus can forgive your sins and grant you Eternal Life. Time marches on… we all get older… some day we will come face-to-face with Jesus, and He either welcome us into Heaven or say, “I never

knew you…” Today is the day of salvation. Confess your sins to Him! Ask His forgiveness! Believe on Him and you will be saved! May God bless you!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

NOTE: The Outline of the Gospel of John is attached. You might want to use it as you read the Bible.

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom

Dear Grands,

Luke 23:46-47, “And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit.’ And having said this, He breathed His last. Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, ‘Certainly this man was innocent.’”

Were you ever at a sporting event where the player, who was touted as the best man on the team, made nothing but blunder after blunder? And you yelled against him as loudly as possible, until you learned that the man seated nearby you was that “blundering player’s” father. Ouch!

It must have been something like that with the centurion, although this situation was much more serious than a sports event. It was an execution!

A Centurion, as the title implies, was commander of 100 Roman soldiers. Do to the relentless outcry of the Jewish leaders, Pilate, the Roman governor, ordered the execution of Jesus. The Jews screamed at Pilate, claiming that if he released Jesus, he was no friend of Caesar. Pilate, therefore, submitted to the Jews. And this resulted in both Jews and Gentiles sharing sinful blame for Jesus’ crucifixion and death.

If you have ever read a death certificate, in contains both the attending physician’s notations as to the cause of death and his signature. Luke was a physician, and he notes the dying, verbal cry of the LORD Jesus, “Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit.”

Standing nearby, and hearing Jesus cry to His Heavenly Father, the centurion was moved to praise the LORD. He realized that Jesus was truly innocent of the wrongs the Jews had brought against Him. Further, the centurion saw himself as wrong, despite the fact that he was obeying orders in carrying out this crucifixion.

We are not specifically told whether the centurion’s praise of God constituted a personal commitment to Christ Jesus. Still, he was moving in the right direction. He did, however, clearly declare Jesus’ innocence, when he openly said, “Certainly, this man was innocent.” Still, “praising God” and openly declaring Jesus’ innocence, does not specifically constitute a salvation experience. There are multitudes of church-going people today, who avow Jesus’ purity and innocence, and purport to sing His praises, yet they have never committed themselves to Him, making Him Lord of their lives.

I guess the big question is: Have you? Have you committed your life to Christ? Have you believed upon His death and resurrection? Have you believed His power can forgive your sins? It’s not “rocket science!” The Bible is very clear: “Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ and you shall be saved” (Acts 16:31). “Saved” means “sins forgiven.”

With every commitment there is a promise. Your commitment is to believe! His promise is to forgive your sin. Believe He can do it, and He does it! “Too simple,” you say? Well, it has to be to include all age-groups. Just be certain that you don’t stumble over the simplicity. Trust Him today –then let me hear from you that you did!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

P. S. Please find attached the basic outline of Luke’s Gospel.

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,

Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

When was the last time you observed others in a restaurant? Well, probably it was some time ago, allowing the current COVID situation. My memory is of nice people, waiting for a waitress and without complaint. There are always some, however, who behave as if they were the only ones there, and that it is the waitress’ privilege to have them as patrons.

Jesus was not “pushy” in His contact with people. As Mark notes, He did not come to be

served, but to serve. The Savior’s fellowship with people was cordial. He was there for them. There were times when His disciples were hungry; He provided their food. There

were times when they took issue with one another; Jesus renewed their fellowship. He

ministered wherever there was need. The blind were made to see; the lame were made to walk; the speechless had their speech restored. Primarily, His miracles were for them.

The ultimate proof of His focus comes from His suffering and death on the Cross!

My oldest son is a pilot. He’s flown with and for some notable people. Many years ago I had a dream that our family was flying together, when one of my children fell out of the

airplane and was speedily falling toward death on the ground. Immediately, I jumped from the plane, hoping to fall faster and rescue the child before both of us hit the ground. Oh, it was a dream, but it seemed so very real! When I awoke, I remembered it all and wondered if such a tragedy were to occur, would I indeed give my life to rescue my child? I want to think I would. More importantly, Jesus gave His life for others!

Since we are Jesus’ disciples, we need to be interested in the salvation of people, too!

As born-again Christians, we need to be sharing the Good News with others. If you have yet to yield you life to Him, there is no better time than the present! It’s simply a matter of faith and trust. Just tell Him in prayer that you’re sorry for your sins and ask Him to come into your life, save you, and take charge! Then believe that He has saved you. He wants you even more than you could want Him. God bless you as you pray!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

P.S. An abbreviated outline of the Gospel according to Mark is attached. I trust it will be helpful to you.

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom