The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Peter 4:12-18, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;
13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.
14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
15 By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;
16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?”

Who really knows what true suffering is like? Several years ago, a Hollywood actor directed and produced a film of the suffering of Jesus Christ, leading to the crucifixion. The entire production was in Latin, making it impossible to grasp the full meaning without hearing any discernable narration. Nevertheless, the scenes of Christ’s suffering needed no language. I can still remember how difficult it was to watch.

Today countless believers are suffering simply because they are committed believers in Jesus Christ as their LORD. It’s hard to realize the horrors of true suffering. Some are physical, some are mental, but all of them are real.

Peter himself suffered for Jesus. He suffered when the cock crowed, as Jesus said it would. Peter then remembered Jesus’ words; and they brought tears to his eyes and grief to his heart.

Living in the United States, as most of us do, we have perhaps escaped the rigors of real suffering. Some today, however, are being denied employment simply because they affirm Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives. While our national constitution allows freedom of speech, the very denial of free speech becomes suffering to many.

Peter concludes in the verses above that if judgment begins with the people of God, the Church, what can we expect to happen to those who do not believe and are without hope? It is indeed time to seek the LORD! Are you certain you are on His side? Is He truly your LORD and Savior? He can be. What’s more, He wants to be! Trust Him as LORD today! You will then know the hope and faith He came to give 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