The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Galatians 4:4-12, “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,
5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.
8 However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods.
9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again?
10 You observe days and months and seasons and years.
11 I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.
12 I beg of you, brethren, become as I am, for I also have become as you are.”

One of the most difficult tasks known to all mankind is that of discipline. It’s difficult because it’s so unnatural. At the same time, it is invaluable to every task that is known. Olympian athletes have to be disciplined! Soldiers have to be disciplined! Students have to be disciplined. There is no known task that does not demand discipline.

When Paul speaks of “the fullness of the time,” he speaks with respect to the self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ. That sacrifice on the Cross occurred under God’s pre-determined timing. It meshed with the redemption that God had planned for mankind.

The moment one turns willfully away from sin and accepts Jesus’ sacrifice as for one’s self, God removes the sin and implants the Holy Spirit in the life of the redeemed person, who then becomes a son of God. But if and when he then turns back into sin, he dishonors God. He does not lose his salvation, but he may feel like it, until he repents and asks forgiveness.

The church today is overrun with sinful people. Even some pastors have made headlines for sins they have admitted committing. That’s why it’s necessary for us all to stay in the Word of God and pray often. We all need the daily guidance of the Holy Spirit. He works best within us when we pray and stay in the Word. God bless you is my prayer. Pray too for me if you 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