The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Romans 5:1-5, “Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the

glory of God.

3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;

4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;

5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who

was given to us.”

It’s an open secret that some preachers have favorite themes –even favorite sermons—that they preach over and over, as

if there were no other themes in the Bible. Yet, before you criticize them, take a look at the life of a another man of God.

Once Paul came into a true, spiritual relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ, his life was so full of love and gratitude that he just kept telling his story over and over again. “…justified by faith…peace with God…by faith into this grace…hope…glory…”

The old hymn, Tell Me The Old, Old, Story, has a verse that says,

Tell me the old, old story;

For those who know it best,

Seem hungering and thirsting

To hear it like the rest.

The Apostle Paul exulted (boasted) in the “hope of the glory of God” and in “tribulations.” Tribulation builds endurance, and

endurannce builds character –proven character. And that character produces hope –hope in which there is no disappointment, because everything in life hinges on the love of God that has given us the Holy Spirit.

Moments before I penned this Letter, I was on the phone, speaking to someone who is facing some dim, possibly dark, days

ahead. Yet, it was anything but a mournful conversation. My conversant was filled with hope! Hope is not uncertain. Hope is

future certainty! When you have the Holy Spirit living within you, even the prospect of pain and difficulty are dwarfed by the

absolute certainty of the LORD’s Hand of comfort.

The old Negro spirituals reflected the hope that anchored their lives. What’s more, their hope was contagious, and we

adopted their spirituals. Yes, “…justified by faith” produces “peace with God”; and that peace is the doorway to grace and hope and glory! Yet, it comes only to those who have turned from their sin (repentance) and trusted in the LORD Jesus

for salvation.

If you have yet to trust Christ as your Savior, do it right now. Just stop reading, bow before Him, turn away from your sins,

and ask Jesus’ forgiveness. If you have already trusted Him, share Him with someone who hasn’t. It is a joy you will both

cherish for a long time to come! God bless 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