The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Timothy 4:1-5, “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires;
4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.
5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

I have to admit to being an emotional person. As such, I often wonder if Paul ever laughed. If he did, it was not in this final letter to his dear friend, Timothy. Ministry is, as he said, a “solemn charge.” Paul was anticipating his departure to be with Christ. We would all do well to keep that thought in mind; for we will all one day stand before Him. What an awesome thought –standing before the very Creator of the universe!

In the meantime, we have a ministry to carry out. We are to “preach the Word.” The word “preach” simply means to “proclaim.” It does not apply merely to a pastoral role; it encompasses witnessing, living, sharing in love the truth of the Good News. Jesus Christ died and arose from the dead to be our Savior and to ready us to someday stand before the Father. Currently, we are to expose sin and warn others of its deadly influence on human life, while patiently encouraging and instructing them in the Holy Scriptures.

Paul’s solemn warning of difficult times has truly arrived! Men and women alike are disregarding the truths of Scriptures. They are listening to and absorbing whatever teaching suits their own way of life. We are to keep sober and suffer whatever hardships come our way. We are to continue to witness of the LORD Jesus Christ and His love. That is what fulfills our responsibility. Are we truly doing that? Are we sharing God’s Truth with others? It’s not enough for us to know Him; we are responsible to live the Christian life as we share Him with others! May the LORD bless you abundantly, as you fulfill His calling on your life.

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