The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Corinthians 4:1-5, “Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.
3 But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.
4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.
5 Therefore, do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.”

As sure as air pervades the earth, problems invade the Church. Paul labored many months in structuring this Corinthian Church. Yet, virtually as soon as he left, trouble invaded it. It’s not a lot of difference from what’s occurring in churches today. It’s only that some churches have been established on a business model instead of the spiritual model of the apostle.

It’s highly probable that none of this would have happened had Paul himself been present. That’s true even of well-founded churches today. A good pastor establishes a church “from scratch,” but view’s it crumbling under the leadership of another who is greatly concerned about being recognized as “superior” within the community-at-large. This was Paul’s discovery, and precisely why he wrote this epistle.

Did you notice from this Scripture that there were still some good people in this Corinthian church? It was they who reported the problems to the apostle. The church had fallen into disorder, and desperately needed correction! Immorality, too, had invaded the church –something that Paul resoundingly condemned! Immoralities such as divorces, eating meat offered to pagan idols, and consumption of alochol was evident among them.

Women were dressing immodestly; the LORD’s Supper was disorderly; confusion regarding spiritual gifts abounded –and the list goes on. Sound like some churches today? Is it any wonder why Paul so often cited the Coming of the LORD for His people? “Oh,” but you say, “years have gone by and He still hasn’t come.” That’s all the more reason we should be prepared. Are you prepared to meet Him? Isn’t it better to be prepared than not to be? Trust Him today! Confess your sins and believe Him when He say, “Come unto me…, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

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