The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Thessalonians 1:6-12, “For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,
8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed– for our testimony to you was believed.
11 To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power,
12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

“Retirement” (whatever that means) offers a great deal of time for study — time that seemed never there before. Recently, I’ve been reading Pentecost’s book, Things To Come –an indepth study of the Second Coming of Christ. It is clear that the Second Coming was in the mind of the Apostle Paul when he scripted the verses above.

“(1) He will appear on the scene in the “latter times” of Israel’s history (Dan. 8:23). (2) He will not appear until the Day of the Lord has begun (2 Thess. 2:2). (3) His manifestation is being hindered by the Restrainer (2 Thess. 2:6-7). (4) This appearance will be preceded by a departure (2 Thess. 2:3), which may be interpreted either as a departure from the faith or a departure of the saints to be with the Lord (2 Thess. 2:1). (5) He is a Gentile. Since he arises from the sea (Rev. 13:1) and since the sea depicts the Gentile nations (Rev. 17:15), he must be of Gentile origin. (6) He rises from the Roman empire, since he is a ruler of the people who destroyed Jerusalem (Dan. 9:26). (7) He is the head of the last form of Gentile world dominion, for he is like a leopard, a bear, and a lion (Rev. 13:1). (cf. Dan. 7:7-8, 20, 24; Rev. 17:9-11.) As such, he is a political leader. The seven heads and ten horns (Rev. 13:1; 17:12) are federated under his authority. (8) His influence is world wide, for he rules over all nations (Rev. 13:8). This influence comes through the alliance which he makes with other nations (Dan. 8:24; Rev. 17:12). (9) He has eliminated three rulers in his rise to power (Dan 7:8, 24). One of the kingdoms over which he has authority has been revived, for one of the heads, representing a kingdom or king (Rev. 17:10), has been healed (Rev. 13:3). (10) His rise comes through his peace program (Dan. 8:25). (11) He personally is marked by his intelligence and persuasiveness (Dan. 7:8, 20; 8:23) and also by his subtlety and craft (Ezek. 28:6), so that his position over the nations is by their own consent (Rev. 17:13). (12) He rules over the nations in his federation with absolute authority (Dan. 11:36), where he is depicted as doing his own will. This authority is manifested through the change in laws and customs (Dan. 7:25). (13) His chief interest is in might and power (Dan. 11:38). (14) As the head of the federated empire he makes a seven year covenant with Israel (Dan. 9:27), which is broken after three and one-half years (Dan. 9:27). (15) He introduces an idolatrous worship (Dan. 9:27) in which he sets himself up as god (Dan. 11: 36-37; 2 Thess. 2:4; Rev. 13:5). (16) He bears the characterization of a blasphemer because of the assumption of deity (Ezek. 28:2; Dan. 7:25; Rev. 13:1, 5-6). (17) This one is energized by Satan (Ezek. 28: 9-12; Rev. 13:4), receives his authority from him, and is controlled by the pride of the devil (Ezek. 28:2; Dan. 8:25). (18) He is the head of Satan’s lawless system (2 Thess. 2:3) and his claim to power and to deity is proved by signs wrought through satanic power (2 Thess. 2:9-19). (19) He is received as God and as ruler because of the blindness of the people (2 Thess. 2:11). (20) This ruler becomes the great adversary of Israel (Dan. 7:21, 25; 8:24; Rev. 13:7). (21) There will come an alliance against him (Ezek. 28:7; Dan. 11:40, 42) which will contest his authority. (22) In the ensuing conflict he will gain control over Palestine and adjacent territory (Dan. 11:42) and will make his headquarters in Jerusalem (Dan. 11:45). (23) This ruler, at the time of his rise to power, is elevated through the instrumentality of the harlot, the corrupt religious system, which consequently seeks to dominate him (Rev. 17:3). (24) This system is destroyed by the ruler so that he may rule unhindered (Rev. 17:16-17). (25) He becomes the special adversary of the Prince of Princes (Dan. 8:25), His program (2 Thess. 2:4; Rev. 17:14), and His people (Dan. 7:21, 25; 8:24; Rev. 13:7). (26) While he continues in power for seven years (Dan. 9:27), his satanic activity is confined to the last half of the tribulation period (Dan. 7:25; 9:27; 11:36; Rev. 13:5). (27) His rule will be terminated by a direct judgment from God (Ezek. 28:6; Dan. 7:22, 26; 8:25; 9:27; 11:45; Rev. 19:19-20). This judgment will take place as he is engaged in a military campaign in Palestine (Ezek. 28:8-9; Rev. 19:19), and he will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 19:20; Ezek. 28:10). (28) This judgment will take place at the second advent of Christ (2 Thess. 2:8; Dan. 7:22) and will constitute a manifestation of His Messianic authority (Rev. 11:15). (29) The kingdom over which he ruled will pass to the authority of the Messiah and will become the kingdom of the saints (Dan. 7:27).”

If this says to you what it says to me, we are both captured by the urgency of witnessing to lost friends while there is time. Even just a Gospel tract that says “Jesus loves you” is relevant for the time! God bless you!

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

Dear Grands,

Lamentations 3:22-40, “The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
24 “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore, I have hope in Him.”
25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.
26 It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the LORD.
27 It is good for a man that he should bear the yoke in his youth.
28 Let him sit alone and be silent since He has laid it on him.
29 Let him put his mouth in the dust, perhaps there is hope.
30 Let him give his cheek to the smiter, let him be filled with reproach.
31 For the Lord will not reject forever,
32 For if He causes grief, then He will have compassion according to His abundant lovingkindness.
33 For He does not afflict willingly or grieve the sons of men.
34 To crush under His feet all the prisoners of the land,
35 To deprive a man of justice in the presence of the Most High,
36 To defraud a man in his lawsuit– of these things the LORD does not approve.
37 Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it?
38 Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both good and ill go forth?
39 Why should any living mortal, or any man, offer complaint in view of his sins?
40 Let us examine and probe our ways, and let us return to the LORD.

Are you at all grieved when you hear people adamantly say that they do not believe in God? What is your internal reaction to such a statement? Do you simply toss them into a container marked “Ignorance”? Or do you possess a sense of sadness that apparently no one has reached them for the LORD?

Jeremiah viewed the LORD as his hope! Moreover, he viewed the LORD as everyone’s hope, if they will embrace Him as such. Verses 26-30 cite but some of the gracious powers the LORD grants to those who believe in Him. Then he encourages those who are smitten to “take it” without concern, even offering the other cheek to the smiter.

If the LORD causes grief to somone, He will have loving compassion –“abundant lovingkindness”– on them as well. It is not the LORD’s purpose ever to grieve those whom He has created. Moreover, He will never “deprive a man of justice” or “defraud a man,” who is bringing a cause into any court of law.

The LORD simply “speaks” and it comes to pass! Who else can do that? He verbally pronounces both good and bad on human beings, according to what they deserve. Thus, we had best examine ourselves quite thoroughly; for if we are living outside the LORD’s will, we ought to penitently get right and quickly return to Him. Where are you currently living? Think earnestly about it.

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

Dear Grands,

Lamentations 1:7-10, “In the days of her affliction and homelessness Jerusalem remembers all her precious things that were from the days of old, when her people fell into the hand of the adversary and no one helped her. The adversaries saw her, they mocked at her ruin.
8 Jerusalem sinned greatly, therefore she has become an unclean thing. All who honored her despise her because they have seen her nakedness; even she herself groans and turns away.
9 Her uncleanness was in her skirts; she did not consider her future. Therefore, she has fallen astonishingly; she has no comforter. ‘See, O LORD, my affliction, for the enemy has magnified himself!’”
10 The adversary has stretched out his hand over all her precious things, For she has seen the nations enter her sanctuary, the ones whom You commanded that they should not enter into Your congregation.”

The author of these verses was the prophet Jeremiah. He was known as the “weeping prophet.” After the fall of Jerusalem, Israel was taken captive and Jerusalem became desolate. Most of us have encountered situations that caused us to weep. True prophets weep sincerely when sin invades their domains.

Robert Lee in his analysis of the Book of Lamentations, says, “There are five poems as indicated by the chapters. In each poem, except the last, there are references to the sad, ruined condition of the city, followed by a justification of God in dealing so sternly and drastically with His people…”

All of us, when faced with situations we cannot explain, lean on the LORD for help. The LORD is not responsible for explaining His ways to us; instead, He challenges us to trust Him and know that His ways are always best. It is not wrong to weep over the LORD’s decisions. We simply must not challenge His decisions.

If things are going sadly for you, just trust the LORD! If things seem they will never reverse themselves, just trust in the LORD!

When we were small and our parents led the way, things often seemed to be going against us. Yet, in the finality, we learned that their ways were best. They followed the LORD. His ways are always the best.

It was Alfred Lord Tennyson who wrote:
“Ours in not to reason why;
Ours is but to do and die.”

And so it is, if it be the will of our LORD. Just don’t give up before the finish. Trust the LORD. He is in control, and He never fails.

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

Dear Grands,

Dear Grands,

Proverbs 16:16-20, “How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who watches his way preserves his life.
18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.
19 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He who gives attention to the Word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.”

It doesn’t take an enormous amount of time to find people who are feverishly searching for riches. Yet, it does take time to find those who are desperately laboring to find wisdom. Solomon possessed both –so, examine carefully what he treasured more.

The intent of the righteous is to stay far away from evil; and the one who wishes to preserve his life does exactly that!

Pride in one’s possessions or in one’s knowledge ultimately leads to destruction; but it’s the one who guards himself against both who actually preserves his life.

Solomon’s wealth and wisdom enabled him to mix and mingle with both the humble and the proud; yet he encourages us to fellowship with the humble.

So, if you’re looking for that which is good, focus incessantly on the Word of God because It leads us to trust in the LORD! And those who trust in Him, are those who are truly blessed. Are you one of the trusting?

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

Dear Grands,

Proverbs 3:5-15, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD from your wealth and from the first of all your produce;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD or loathe His reproof,
12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.
13 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding.
14 For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her.”

The implications of Solomon’s words are heavy. First, he tells us to have complete confidence in the LORD for all things. Then subsequently, he advises us against being “wise” in our own thinking. The two thoughts merge to our benefit.

“Fearing the LORD” may also be translated as “reverencing” (????? yare) Him. Parents want to be loved and trusted regarding the directions they give their children. Godly children want to “reverence” their parents by obeying them. Simultaneously, they “fear” the consequence of failing to obey. It is much the same with us in our relationship with the LORD.

Doubtlessly, you’ve heard the expression: “You cannot out-give the LORD.” How true that is! We are to “honor Him (with) our wealth.” The Hebrew word for “wealth” is ???? hon, a word that leaves its meaning largely to the one using it.

I read only recently that David Green, owner of Hobby-Lobby said that he did not view himself as “wealthy.” Whether he is “wealthy” depends upon those with whom he would compare his wealth. In any event, we cannot out-give the LORD.

As with parents, the LORD issues “discipline” to those who are His. We almost always think of discipline as meaning punishment. Yet, the Hebrew word ?????? musar is in Scripture some 20 times translated “instruction.” So, we do well and are blessed if we obey the “discipline” of the LORD. Who would ever guess he could do better? Certainly not anyone who has read Proverbs three!

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