The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 14:1-7, “In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks.
2 But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren.
3 Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands.
4 But the people of the city were divided; and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles.
5 And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them,
6 they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region;
7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.”

Do you run when someone challenges you? These servants didn’t! When they first spoke, “a large number of people believed…” That was a clear insentive to keep on sharing the Gospel. If you were digging for gold and found a good-sized nugget, you surely wouldn’t move to dig in another place. Besides, what these servants of the LORD were doing was far more important that gold nuggets.

But, there were some men who rejected the message of Christ. Besides not believing, they stirred up others to reject the Good News message as well. Did that scare off the LORD’s disciples? Not at all! They dug in and stayed longer, sharing the same Gospel they had shared from the beginning of their visit. We should never allow dissent to drive us away from our mission! It should become an incentive for sharing all the more.

In this instance, however, some Jews and Gentines joined in an attempt to stone the Christian ministers. Now, there is no profit in being stoned, so they left.

There are stories in the news almost daily of some who violently opposed the Gospel – until they came to faith in Christ. So, they switched sides and are now standing for Jesus.

Where are you in all of this? Are you one who has believed on Christ and is standing firm in the faith? Or are you one who opposes the LORD Jesus and seeks to turn others away from Him? Please don’t oppose Jesus. He gave His Life for you on the cross. Love Him and become one who shares Him with others. Everyone needs to hear and believe in His saving grace.

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