The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Peter 4:3-8, “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.
4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you;
5 but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.
7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.
8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

“All right, you guys, stop what you’re doing and play the way I’ve taught you,” said the coach. “The Nationals is at stake! But, we’ll never get there until you guys get serious about winning today’s game!”

The LORD is our coach! He knows the sensual bent in our lives, and warns us of additional excesses that are coming our way. Peter knows this, too; and he warns us that we will “give account” to the LORD, who will sit in judgment over us in the day we stand before Him.

Knowing that this “judgment day” is coming is why He has preachers to warn us. This life is not all there is to it! There is an eternity that stretches well and truly beyond us; and that we might live with Him in eternity is why the Gospel has been given to us.

“The end of all things is near” is an ominous declaration that touches us all.
Yes, there are those that deny a coming judgment. “Who worries about something that’ll never happen?” they say. Yet, denial itself is a form of affirmation. Inside each of us is the sure awareness of a coming judgment!

Believers in Christ are also instructed to “keep fervent in (their) love for one another.” If you have difficulty in loving someone, the problem may be within you and not them. Yield your life to Jesus Christ! Trust Him to infiltrate you with His Love — love that accompanied His blood shed for you on the Cross. You know what to do. Bow before Him and thank Him for dying for you. He will forgive your sins. He promises so!

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