The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 26:24-29, “And while Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, ‘Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad.’
25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth.
26 “For the king knows about these matters, and I speak to him also with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a corner.
27 “King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do.”
28 And Agrippa Acts replied to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.”
29 And Paul said, “I would to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.”

Someone once asked, “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” It’s an amusing question, yet it requires a soberingly truthful response. What kind of a “Christian” are you?

The Apostle Paul was charged by the Jews with teaching things that were contrary to their beliefs. This is now his fifth occasion to give testimony. He first spoke to the Jews, as he stood under Roman guard (Acts 22). He then spoke before the Jewish Council (Acts 23); then before Felix (Acts 24); then before Festus (Acts 25); and finally before Agrippa (Acts 26). On each of these occasions, Paul boldly stood his ground and firmly avowed that Jesus Christ had arisen from the dead.

On his defense before King Agrippa, Paul daringly and pointedly asked, “King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do.” Would we be so bold to ask this of important governmental officials today? I should hope we would! According to a recent survey of those serving in our American Congress, over 80 percent claim to be Christians. Yet, their positions on legislative matters are often contrary to the biblical principles they profess to believe and uphold.

Sadly, the word “Christian” often today simply conveys that one is not without a “religious position.” The Scriptures, however, affirm that a true “Christian” is one who has repented of sin and has trusted the LORD Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Far too often those in “high places” (both in government and business) claim they are Christians, but live and behave as if they are not. That’s even true of some who claim to have been called of God to minister His Truth as pastors and leaders in the church.

May the LORD help us to be bold in our witness! At the same time, we are to be honest and loving; we are to be concerned for others, and not puffed up over the fact of our boldness. We are accountable to witness and we are accountable to be gentle and loving of those to whom we witness. There is no evidence that Agrippa ever truly trusted Jesus, but he was certainly on the threshold. We might be surprised to know how many truly want to know Jesus, even as they laugh and jest at our witness. Be bold! Be loving! Be consistent! Be humble! Be prayerful! Be prepared! Be thankful. God bless you as you live to do His will.

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