The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Ephesians 1:7-12, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,
8 which He lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight
9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him
10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things upon the earth. In Him
11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,
12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.”

I have on occasion been called “a man of many words.” It’s not an offense, but it simply pales in every way when laid beside the words of the Apostle Paul. In fact, my words do not deserve to be on the same page. Moreover, Paul’s words are so connected that it’s difficult to know where to begin and end in a Letter like this.

Paul’s major emphasis is always Jesus! Our release from the penalty of sin is through the blood of the LORD Jesus Christ. His blood sacrifice alone affects that release. But, why would God even seek to save us from our sin? He did so because He loves us. Children often displease their parents. Yet, the parents do not disown their children simply out of their displeasure. They ultimately forgive them because they love them. So it is with God, except that with Him forgiveness is much more.

Parents are the ultimate object of praise when their children are socially behaved. God is praised when His children emulate His life. When we trust Him as our LORD and Savior, He puts His Holy Spirit with us to be our spiritual guide and teacher. The Spirit allows us to love well beyond what we would love were without His indwelling presence and guidance.
Is He guiding your life? Is He guiding mine? We are known as Christians by our love.

There’s an old hymn that perfectly pictures the true Christian’s behavior. See how you measure up in the light of its message.
While passing through this world of sin,
And others your life shall view,
Be clean and pure without, within,
Let others see Jesus in you.
Let others see Jesus in you,
Let others see Jesus in you;
Keep telling the story, be faithful and true,
Let others see Jesus in 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