The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

James 1:12-17, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he
has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has
promised to those who love Him.
13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for
God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.
14But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his
own lust.
15Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is
accomplished, it brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming
down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or
shifting shadow.”

Only one dispossessed of the understanding of true love would challenge
the LORD’s love for His created beings. But, how does a true believer prove that he loves Christ?

What does “loving Christ” truly mean? Is there a test that believers must
pass in order to be approved by the LORD?

1.The believer must persevere (patiently endure) under trial.
2.The believer must refute temptation. It has not come from God.
3.The believer must refrain from tempting anyone.

Faithful, believing Christians are promised various “Crowns”:

1. The crown of life is apparently the crown of eternal life with the LORD,
awarded in Heaven.
2. The crown of righteousness is awarded for a godly life (II Tim. 4:8).
3. The crown of glory is awarded to faithful servants (I Pet 5:4).
4. The crown of gold symbolizes our redemption (Rev. 4:4).
5. The crown of rejoicing is for faithful, redeemed believers (I Thes. 2:19).
6. The incorruptible crown is awarded for self-control in life (I Cor 9:25).

Check these biblical references. See if your life conforms to the Scripture.
If it does, give thanks to the LORD, for it is He who has conformed you.
If it does not, commit yourself to the LORD: that He may conform you and
present you the appropriate awards at their appropriate times.

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