The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

3 John 1:9-12, “I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.
10 For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church.
11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.”

It’s a terrible situation when churches have self-appointed “bosses” that govern what can and what cannot be accepted. I’m not talking about pastors, because they are charged with preaching the Word and withholding, from time-to-time, certain matters from the congregation. Yet here, the Apostle John is not speaking of the pastor –just an egotistical member who views himself as “number 1” in the church! There’s undoubtedly someone like this in every church, thus, we need to pray for out pastors and the members who attend because they love the Word of God!

John then cites Demetrius as one who has “a good testimony from everyone” –as well as a good testimony of the truth. Thank the LORD that every true church has a true and faithful “Demetrius” in its membership. If your church doesn’t, accept the spiritual challenge and become a Demetrius!

If you’re keeping up with the times, you know the problems true churches have today.
Believe me, I could fill a number of pages with “the good, the bad, and the ugly” in almost every church I’ve known. Still, I thank the LORD for the good and sincere members! They always make it all worthwhile! I’m sure the LORD smiles upon them.

Churches today, however, need to recover the concept of “reverence.” God is not deaf; nor is He pleased, I am sure, with our “thunder.” I have yet to understand a
positive contribution of drums at the time of the pastor’s invitation. Pray for your pastor and your church.

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