The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Matthew 24:3-14, “And as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’
4 And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘See to it that no one misleads you.
5 For many will come in My name, saying, “I am the Christ,” and will mislead many.’
6 “And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.
7 “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.
8 “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
9 “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of My name.
10 “And at that time many will fall away and will deliver up one another and hate one another.
11 “And many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many.
12 “And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.
13 “But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.
14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come.”

This is a long passage, and one that needs little explanation. The disciples of Jesus’ day were very much like His disciples today. They knew things were bad in their world and they asked the simple question of faith: “When will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming…?” Jesus’ reply subdivides into several clear thoughts that are and remain relevant until He comes.

1.False Claims – Men will actually claim that they themselves are the Christ (vs. 5).
2.Frightful Circumstances – vss. 6-8).
(1)There will be true wars and there will be rumours of other wars (vss. 6-7a).
(2)There will be famines and earthquakes (vss. 7b-8).
3.Fearful Conditions – Tribulations, killings, and hatred will occur toward those who believe in Christ Jesus. The world hates Jesus! And many will turn away from Him and against Christians, whom they previously condidered to be friends (vss. 9-10).
4.False Proclamations – False teachers will gain the upperhand and lead many astray. Lawlessness of all kinds will increase and the love that previously resided in many, will grow cold and completely disappear (vss. 11-12).
5.Faithful Endurance – Personal and corporate witness to the Truth of the Gospel will nevertheless abound throughout the entire world! Then the end will come! (vss. 13-14).

It might do us all well to remember Judas Iscariot. For three years, he received the clear witness from the Savior Himself. In many ways, he looked like a believer, but he forsook Jesus at the end –and for a measly thirty pieces of silver… What a price he paid!

Resist the devil! Hold fast to your faith in the LORD Jesus! Witness lovingly, but with faithful fury! The time grows shorter by the day. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus! God bless you abundantly!

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