The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Corinthians 4:1-6, “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart,
2 but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the Word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

You don’t have to be a screaming football fanatic to enjoy the game. In addition to the game, I am always interested in the daily lives and personal beliefs of the players. Yesterday’s Christian Post noted several players, who confess the LORD Jesus Christ as their Savior. Not that I doubt the true faith of any player, who acknowledges Christ as His Savior, but it’s unfortunate if such a testimony becomes a mere “acquisition” for the moment.

The Apostle Paul faced something similar, only it was far more serious than the games people play. Paul had been an arch enemy of the Christian faith. Now, however, he has “renounced the things hidden because of shame.” He was at one time the arch enemy of Jesus Christ.

But now, times have changed. Saul of Tarsus had been enlightened with the truth when he personally encountered Christ Jesus on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9). From that time onward, to the day of his death, Paul ministered to the Jews on Christ’s behalf.

“For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord
and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.”

I have previously shared my testimony of faith in Christ; now it’s my responsibility to ask if you have trusted Him. I’m not talking about your church affiliation or whether you live an upright and honest life. The question is much bigger than that!

The real question is: Have you confessed and repented of your sins in earnest prayer before the LORD and asked His forgiveness? It’s not whether you are honest in your daily life and work. It’s not simply how you play the game of life; it’s whether you’re genuinely on God’s Team by faith and trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus!

If you are a true, biblical Christian, I rejoice with you! If you have yet to become a biblical Christian, I am praying for you. Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins. It is now for you and me to live for Him. That’s what Christianity is all about –our getting on God’s Team and sharing Him with those who aren’t. Find
your place and live it out!

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