The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Corinthians 1:22-24, “For indeed Jews ask for signs, and Greeks search for wisdom;

23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness,

24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the

wisdom of God.”

In reading through some old documents, I learned (again) how different people are. We tend to

forget those differences and how much they mean to a select people. Paul had not forgotten. He

was Jewish, and prior to his conversion to Christianity, he was doubtlessly “seeking signs” with

respect to everything he did. A “sign” (???????, semeion) was something that authentically distinguished a one person from another, or thing from something else. The Jews wanted a sign

from Jesus, that He was authentically from God. He said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days

I will raise it up.”

Greeks, on the other hand, were in a constant search for wisdom. Wisdom (????? , sophia) was to

them the insight into the true nature of things, the ability to discern different kinds of actions with a

view to their different results. Such things get complicated.

Paul was a Jew who understood both Jews and Greeks quite well. Yet, his emphasis was upon

Christ. He knew the Christian faith was a stumbling block to the Jews and was foolishness to the Greeks. Yet, he had discovered something that was better than both. To Paul, Christ was “the

power of God and the wisdom of God.”

This is what we all need: faith and trust in Christ! No matter how severe a matter, Christ has the

power and wisdom to overule it. Why then, do we need medical help in times of severe crisis?

We need it because the LORD has ordained help for us despite our faithlessness in Him. Were

we as infinitely strong in our trust of Him, we would acknowledge and receive His unique power.

Inasmuch as we are weak in faith, He provides additional means for our physical deliverences.

Peter walked on the water until he took his eyes off of Jesus; but Jesus reached out and saved him.

Jesus’ reaching out to Peter was a physical salvation, albeit a secondary one! May we learn to

trust Christ Jesus implicitly! He will always be our Supreme Help.

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