The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Thessalonians 1:5-10, “This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.
6 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.”

There are always those who want to be “first” in everything! “I was the one who first told you that.” “I was the first to arrive.” “My car was first in the parade” –and on and on it goes: first in this, first in that; just always first! Preachers, too, are among those who always want to be first. One wonders if those who are hungry to always be first, would be as anxious if the line led to execution! And pastors, most of all, need to employ caution in what they declare, because their proclamations register more highly, due to their position in the community.

Well, someone in the Thessalonian Church wanted to be first –and he was! – first in spreading the error that they all were then and there living in the Tribulation era. He was wrong, but he stirred and swayed the church nevertheless. Just another mess left for the Apostle Paul to clean up!

Paul’s argument employed four basic truths: first, the Coming of the LORD would be a Comfort to those who would be persecuted (1:5-7). Second, His Coming would be a horrible terror to the unconverted (1:8-9). Third, there will be a falling away from the Truth of the Word. The Coming of the LORD for His Own true people will reveal the “Man of Sin,” the Antichrist, while, simultaneously, the LORD’s Coming with His people will destroy the “Man of Sin.”

All of this was intended to comfort those who had been misled about the Coming of the LORD. It also opened some unique opportunities for the church to engage in some services. They (and we, as well) should show loyalty to Him; evangelize the world; pray for His servants; exercise patience while waiting for His Return; continuing to live separated lives; and exercise tenderness toward those who are slipping away from the Truth of the Gospel.

It was A. J. Gordon who said, “The mystery of godliness is God humbling Himself to become man; the mystery of iniquity is man exalting himself to become God.” May the LORD teach all of us humility and patience.

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,

1 Thessalonians 1:5-10, “…our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit,
7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything.
9 For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God,
10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.”

There was nothing really shy about Saul of Tarsus. Even before his name was changed to Paul, he maintained his zeal. Yet, it was only after his conversion did he become the chief advocate for Jesus Christ. Thereafter, he formed the Church at Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. The pattern Paul used was simple. He found the Jewish synagogue, and spoke to the Jews of Jesus the Son of God. Some of the Jews believed and the Church was formed from Jewish believers. In time, Gentiles received the Gospel and became part of the Church as well.”

The Thessalonian Church grew quickly both in numbers and in faith. Paul gave them “strong meat,” speaking of such things as election (1:4), the Holy Spirit (1:6), the Trinity (1:3-6) and Holiness (4:1-3), Yet, as wise as this church was, they became quite sorrowful for those who had previously died. Having no one to guide them, they came to believe they would have no part in the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Others came to believe that since Jesus could come at any time, they stopped working and were just anticipating His return.

Incidentally, the Lord Jesus’ coming is mentioned 318 times in the 260 chapters
of the New Testament, or once in every 20 verses from Matthew to Revelation.

This short letter of only five chapters literally shouts of “hope” throughout. Chapter one emphasizes the Lord’s Coming as an Inspiring Hope; chapter 2, an Encouraging Hope; chapter 3, as a Purifying Hope, chapter 4, as a Comforting Hope, and chapter 5, as a Rousing Hope (for those who had become drousy or fallen asleep.) We could use all of those Hopes in our churches today! We need to be stirred to willing service, understanding the times in which we live. May the LORD rouse and bless more pastors to “feed the flock of God” in such a way as to arouse them, even out of a deep sleep!

“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness,
and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and
drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on
the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
(Rom. 13:12-14 KJV)

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,

Colossians 3:5-11, “Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.
6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience,
7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them.
8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices,
10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him–
11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.”

One of the most heart-breaking experiences for a pastor is to discover that a church he had pastored had strayed from the faith. We’re not sure who founded the church at Colosse. Possibly, it was Epaphras, who was later a fellow prisoner with Paul in Rome. In any event, any church that had been taught the Scriptures and was founded on faith in Jesus Christ and fallen away would have brought sorrow to Paul and his companions.

Paul commences this letter offering thanksgiving to the LORD for the Colossian Church (1:1-8). He then prayerfully interceds with the LORD on their behalf (1:9-14), followed by a citation of the supreme dignity, glory and preeminence of the LORD Jesus Himself (1:15-2:3). Then, in a frank and loving manner, Paul warns the Colossians against engaging in heresy (2:4-23). He extolls them to be in union with Christ (3:1-4:6).

The apostle then closes with a loving tribute to Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Luke and Demas –all of whom he loved and who labored faithfully as time permitted them. Christ is the only Redeemer! There is no other way for forgiveness from sin, than through Jesus Christ. He is the “all-in-all,” the only Redeemer and the only hope we have in this sin-shattered world. We must be faithful to His revealed Word, the Holy Scriptures, and trust Him to call us to Himself in His own appointed time. I do pray that you know Him and are ready and awaiting His Coming!

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,

Philippians 4:1-7, “Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.
3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The Philippian Church was the first church founded in Europe. Is it any wonder then why the Gentile believers valued it so highly? This Letter to the Philippians was virtually a love letter scripted from the heart of the Apostle Paul. The Philippian Church had always been a generous people, and had ministered to the needs of the apostle more than once.

But, generousity does not always mean unified. Paul was a prisoner in Rome. In his absence, sin had invaded the Philippian Church and stood in serious need of Paul’s intervention and instruction. Paul learned of the church’s division from his companion Epaphroditus. As a prisoner, Paul could not personally return to the church; thus, he penned this Letter and sent it to Philippi by way of Epaphroditus.

In the letter, Paul thanks them for their generous help, and urges the church to come together in unity. So often, when strong leaders are absent, those who would cause trouble, do so! Women are often among the most gracious to help in a new, young church. This was true in Philippi, but two of the leading women had come down on opposite sides of some unknown issue. It would appear that the church had divided, with one group following one woman, and the other following the other. Paul, however, refuses to side with either. He continues in his letter to use the word “all.” Interestingly, Paul did not lecture the women until the last chapter of his epistle.

He writes of the LORD’s greatness and kindness and love. Every sentence exudes love, and exhorts the two sides to unity. Paul prays for the church through the avenue of his letter. He continually lifts up Christ, emphasizing His humility. At the same time, Paul gives warnings against false teahers, against self-righteousness and against false professions of faith. The preservation of the Word of God is invaluable! May we remember the place the LORD has for that Word in our hearts and lives.

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,

Psalm 91:14: “I will deliver him; I will set him on high, beause he has known My name.”

Only recently, a friend gave me a book entitled, WHEN FAITH IS FORBIDDEN. It chronicles the ventures of Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs. This short chapter seemed most appropriate to our times and our lives.

“Azerbaijan, 2002

“Before Pasor Yalov bacame a fervent Christian and bold evangelist, he was a passionate Muslim –more fervent in following Muhammed than most men in his nation. He was well-educated and well-off financially, yet never seemed to find true peace.

“Being a devout Muslim, he read the Quran to find answers to the questions his heart kept asking. He also fulfilled one of his Islamic obligations by making the pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj. He was doing everything his religion taught him to do, yet still lacked peace in his heart. Despondent, he began preparing to take his own life.

“’I tried to live my life by the Shariah Law,’ he told me and a coworker during a visit to Azerbaijan’s capital city. ‘I felt something was not enough in my life. In the Quran, I found no answers for my questions. I thought I was stupid, that I didn’t have enough knowledge in my head. So I read more and more. But as I read, I had more questions.’

“A pastor invited Yalov to join in a Christian meeting where there were six Azeri believers. Yalov was the seventh man in the group, the only one already committed to following Christ. For six months, Yalov attended the group’s meetings and read the Bible. The pastor told him about Jesus and the opportunity to know for sure what would happen after he died. Yalov continued to read the Quran also, comparing the words of Muhammed to the words of Jesus.

“One day, as he opened his Bible, his eyes fell onto the words of Psalm 91:14: ‘I will deliver him; I will set him on high, beause he has wknown My name” (NKJV, emphasis added).

“’I need to call out to God,’ Yalov tought in a seeking prayer. ‘But I don’t know what His name is.’ God heard his prayer, and after six months of being the only non-believer in his Bible study group, the Bible verses he’d been reading and the things the pastor had told him finally clicked in his heart and mind. Yalov committed his life to Christ. Now the group was seven Christians reading the Bible together.

“The change in Yalov was immediate and dramatic; seeing the difference Jesus made in the life of her husband, Yalov’s wife soon also followed Jesus. But not everyone in the family was so pleased with Yalov’s choice. His own mother expelled him from the family home, saying that by leaving Islam he’d brought shame on himself and all his relatives.

“For more than two years after that, Yalov slept in his office. He would pull two desks together every night to form a makeshift bed. He sought further training in the gospel and in following Jesus; he wanted to lead not only his own family to Christ but also his countrymen. He was discipled and sent out for ministry.

“Such ministry is costly in a Muslim nation. Soon, Yalov was arrested, along with another believer who had joined him. They were held fifteen days, interrogated, and pressured to return to Islam and stop their evangelism work.

“The following year, he was arrested again, along with another pastor, right in the middle of leading a worship service. They were held eight days in underground solitary confinement cells. The cell was three feet wide and only five feet long; not even enough room to lay straight on the floor.

“There was a small window in the door of the cell for guards to watch the prisoners. Yalov, though, perhaps remembering Paul’s instruction to Timothy to ‘be ready in season and out of season,’ assumed the window had been left there so he and his coworker could preach to the guards. Yalov and the other pastor took turns.

“One of the guards was complaining of severe stomach pain. Yalov, through the small window in the door of his cell, prayed Jesus would heal the man’s stomach. Immediately, the guard began to feel better as Yalov’s prayers were being answered.

“’The guards knew that we were not crminals,’ Yalov told me. He and the other pastor asked the guards to bring them a copy of the JESUS film. The guards agreed not only to bring a copy of the movie, but also to allow the two pastors to show the film to other prisoners!

“’We showed the JESUS film right there in the prison,’ Yalov said. ‘Many of the guards accepted Jesus.’

“Their ‘cell church’ kept growing. Ten inmates chose to follow Christ and accept His offer of forgiveness. When I met Yalov, after his release from prison, three of those former inmates had been released. They were now members of his church.

“As our time together was coming to an end, I asked my new friend if he thought he would be arrested again. It seemed odd to me when he answered the question, smiling broadly.

“’I would be very willing to be arrested again,’ he said. ‘Anyone who arrests me will hear the Word of God. It will be another opportunity to preach the gospel. It is too late to stop it. No one will stop the gospel.’”
— — — — —
I am simultaneously thrilled and shamed by Yalov’s zeal for Christ Jesus. If we only had his zeal, our nation and the world-at-large would be a safer and more loving atmosphere for living. May God excite and use us all, as He has Yalov!

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