The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Samuel 2:12-14, “Now the sons of Eli (Hophni and Phinehas) were worthless men; they did not know the LORD
13 and the custom of the priests with the people. When any man was offering a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand.
14 Then he would thrust it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. Thus they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there.”

1 Samuel 2:23-25, “Now Eli was very old; and he heard all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who served at the doorway of the tent of meeting.
23 He said to them, ‘Why do you do such things, the evil things that I hear from all these people?
24 ‘No, my sons; for the report is not good which I hear the LORD’S people circulating.
25 If one man sins against another, God will mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?’ But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for the LORD desired to put them to death.”

The avalanche of news reports today demonstrates that there are a number of men in pulpits of churches today, who are following the likeness of Hophni and Phinehas. Situations like theirs occur from the lack of discipline at an early age. Even as an old man, Eli’s attempted correction of his sons was too mild and too late. What they were doing was so sinful, that “the LORD desired to put them to death.” That should cause us to see how seriously the LORD takes sin that exists in the church today.

Sinful activity of those in the LORD’s work requires more than a “public apology.” Withdrawal from biblical, public instruction of other people should be the first step. And the withdrawal should be of sufficient time as to assure the congregation that true repentance has occurred.

We are indeed in an historic battle today! Our world is submerged in evil and then calls evil good. If the LORD desired to put to death Hophni and Phinehas, what must He desire of us today? Search the Scriptures for enlightened instruction! Pray fervently, as if your life depended on it — because it does! There’s a Great Day coming! But we must be ready!

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