Archive for August, 2021


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Dear Grands,

Luke 1:1-4, “Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us,
2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word,
3 it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus;
4 so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.”

It was Sir William Ramsay, Professor of Humanities at Aberdeen in Scotland, who wrote: “I take the view that Luke’s history is unsurpassed in regard to its trustworthiness… You may press the words of Luke in a degree beyond any other historian’s and they stand the keenest scrutiny and the hardest treatment.”

Luke, a Greek physician, was in all likelihood trained to be of service to Theophilus (“friend of God”), a Roman of possibly considerable wealth and position. Yet, Luke, a Christian, gave time to research historical matters that would be of inestimable use to those who would follow after him.

Important to us is Luke’s stated purpose in writing: “…that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” That purpose has many values in the current time in which we live. So much misinformation abounds! Multiple apologies abound because there was a lack of meaningful dissemination of truth. Luke calls for “exact truth” regarding the Christian Gospel, precisely what we urgently need in our world today. Jesus said, “You will know the Truth, and the Truth will make you free” (John 8:32). Are you free? You are if you know the Truth, have received the LORD as your Savior, and treasure Him in your heart.

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

The Grands Letter (Ps/GLJ)

on August 25, 2021 6:54 am (CST)
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Dear Grands,

Psalm 55:12-16, “For it is not an enemy who reproaches me, then I could bear it; nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, then I could hide myself from him.
13 But it is you, a man my equal, my companion and my familiar friend;
14 We who had sweet fellowship together walked in the house of God in the throng.
15 Let death come deceitfully upon them; let them go down alive to Sheol, for evil is in their dwelling, in their midst.
16 As for me, I shall call upon God, and the LORD will save me.

Have you ever had a friend who turned against you? At first, you were so stunned that you simply would not believe it. Yet, the evidence was undeniably there. He had betrayed you! What he had done, what he had said, revealed clearly that he was not your friend. What should you do? What can you do?

It is believed that this Psalm depicts the treachery of Ahithophel, when he schemed against David (2 Sam. 15:31). Ahithophel had been David’s friend and confidential counselor. They shared everything. They “opened their minds and plans” to each other (Barnes). They worshipped God together. They were believable friends. Then David learned of the breech in their fellowship.

David could do nothing to reproach his enemy. Therefore, he commits him into the Hands of the LORD. And it is best that we follow this procedure when we are betrayed by those whom we have called “friends.” Seeking to denounce them as traitors only besmirches our own character and discourages those who previously believed us to be above such tactics. After all, those who betray true Christian friends are always best dealt with by the LORD. Maintain your fellowship with Him. He will handle those who rage against 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

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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

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Dear Grands,

Galatians 3:22-26, “But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed.
24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.
25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”

The Galatians came from Ancient Gaul in the north country. They were a “wild and wooley” people, believing something today, and disbelieving it tomorrow. For one thing, they were confused about the Law, thinking that the Law was God’s plan for their salvation.

Paul tells them that the Scriptures teach that everyone is a sinner in the eyes of God; and that His promise of salvation is not for those who just keep the Law, but for everyone who believes in Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness of their sin. The Law, he tells them, was their tutor, guarding and keeping them under spiritual control until Jesus came and died on the Cross for man’s sin.

But now, Paul says, faith has come and they are no longer under a tutor. Salvation is available to everyone who will turn from sin and believe on Jesus Christ. That’s how sinful man is saved –by turning from sin and believing on Jesus Christ. Have you trusted in Jesus? He loves you and wants to forgive your sin and save you. Ask Him to forgive you today. Today is the day of salvation. Some day, tomorrow will not come.

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

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Dear Grands,

Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

Have you ever seen someone hurt so severely that you felt the pain within yourself? If it were a loved one, you might even have wished to change places with him. That’s about what the Apostle Paul felt when he came to know Christ on the Damascus Road (Acts 9).

Prior to his salvation, Saul (his Jewish birth name) despised Christians. He had some imprisoned and some put to death, simply because they were Christians. He honestly believed he was doing God’s will. But his encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus changed all of that. He then became an ambassador for Christ.

You may never have actually killed anyone, but you’ve hated some people to the core! –and some without cause. Do you know that hating people in your heart is a sin against God? Even if you think you have just cause to hate them, the Bible says you’re not to do so. No one who has done you wrong comes even close to the wrong you and I have done to Christ. Yet, He died on the Cross so we could be forgiven.

What’s the cost? Surrender of your pride! Pretty small sum for the Eternal Life He promises, isn’t it? Physically and emotionally you’ll feel better, too. Following Christ is always advantageous. Turn your life over to Him. I promise you’ll be glad you did.

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

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