The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Colossians 1:24-29, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body (which is the church) in filling up that which is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.
25 Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God,
26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations; but has now been manifested to His saints,
27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
28 And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ.
29 And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.”

Where do you attend church? Do you consider yourself a member of that church? Are you a member of any other organizations? What do those organizations require of you as a member? Do you do for your church as much as you do for those secular organizations? The Apostle Paul suffered for the church. Do you suffer for your church? Our suffering ought always to be for the cause of Christ and His Church.

Note that Paul viewed the Church as the Body of Christ, and himself as a minister of the Word of God.
You and I may not be called as the pastor of the church we attend, but we are certainly called to be active witnesses of Jesus Christ. We are to proclaim Him and admonish, exhort, and instruct everyone through the wisdom He has allotted to us. Do you pray for the church of which you are a part? Do you pray for your pastor? The one who prays is clearly assisting the one who shares the message.

Notice too that Christ is our proclamation. We are to pray and support our church, but our witness is always to focus on Christ Jesus. “Where do you attend church?” is to be supplanted by “Do you know the LORD Jesus Christ as your Savior?” Gospel tracts that carry the message of Christ have their place; but,
people need to see and understand our love for Him and for them. Yes, it is often laborous; it sometimes even calls for suffering. But, we are not alone. We have Christ Jesus’ power within us –power that works
to the praise of His glory!

Start praying for the lost! Pray earnestly for the Church! Pray fervently for your pastor! Pray daily for your nation! Christ alone is victorious! He is the way, the truth, and the light. What’s more, He hears and answers prayer.

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