The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Corinthians 16:13-18, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done in love.
15 Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints),
16 that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
17 I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part.
18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore, acknowledge such men.

In the previous Grands Letter, you will recall that Paul offered some clarity as to where he was headed and what he would do when he arrived at his destination. He also mentioned some indefinite aspects related to his journey. Over all, however, he encouraged the Corinthian Church as he asked for their prayers and help.

In this portion of his letter, Paul urges the Corinthians not to be “know-it-alls.” The house of Stephanas in Achaia had been the first to commit themselves to the LORD. They were also the primary devotees that led to the conversion of additional people in that area.

Paul then names three others in addition to the Corinthian Church, who
have provided funds for travel and other aspects that the church itself
could not afford. “Acknowledge such men,” Paul says. Surely, he meant
“privately.”

We need to be careful to balance such things. The public naming of such men could be detrimental to the fellowship. Private acknowledgements are excellent; public acknowledgements, however, can foster division.

Some Christian people have a great deal of money. It’s often best that we don’t know who they are or how much they contribute to the LORD’s work. Those who do know should never divulge that knowledge.

In most cases, those who are enabled to give much don’t want it to be known who they are or how much they have given. After all, everything everyone possesses belongs to the LORD, if they belong to Him, too. I pray that you belong to the LORD; so, let all that you do, be done in love and to the Glory of the LORD alone!

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,

I Corinthians 16:5-9, “I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia;
6 and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go.
7 For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost;
9 for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia;
6 and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go.
7 For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost;
9 for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”

When Saul of Tarsus came to know Jesus, his name was changed to Paul; and he was thereafter always on the go to tell others! That’s really how it ought to be with all of us who know Jesus. Interestingly, too, Paul had a clear focus on where he was headed, yet the particulars of the journey had not been fully worked out.

“Perhaps,” “even spend the winter,” “wherever I may go,” “I hope to remain,” and “if the LORD permits.” Each of these phrases signify the yet-to-be-determined particulars. Still, there were some solid concepts in Paul’s heart and mind.

I’ve always admired verses 8 and 9: “But I will remain in Ephesus…for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” These verses depict the clarity of Paul’s heart and mind.

First, there was that “wide door for effective service.” This was no dream; it was reality! Exactly what that service was, we are not told; but, we can be certain it was an open opportunity for sharing the Gospel.

Paul then stated, “and there are many adversaries.” If the word “but” were to have replaced the word “and” (as many misspeak when reading it), it would have given the idea that Paul was hesitant –perhaps, even fearful—of this undertaking. But, no! He says, “…and there are many adversaries!”

Granted, none of us are like Paul. We dodge the “buts” and shiver over mention of the “ands.” Yet, Paul’s LORD is our LORD! And He works for us as He did for Paul. Why are we so afraid? We should be thankful that He allows us to serve Him in spiritual battles. Verse 10 tells us that Timothy is not afraid. He is doing the LORD’s work, and so are we! So, why are we so often afraid? Let us trust Him fully! 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,

John 14:1-6, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.
2 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
3 “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.
4 “And you know the way where I am going.”
5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?”
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

We live in a day of unprecedented trouble! Virtually everywhere we turn, there is something occurring that was not there yesterday. How do we deal with trouble? Even more to the point, how do you deal with trouble?

Jesus said that we were not to allow our hearts to be troubled. That indicates that we have some control over our emotions. Still, He tells us how to completely avoid being troubled. It is simple: “…believe in Me.”

Belief that avoids trouble is belief that is active! It’s more than saying, “I’m not going to do that anymore.” How does one ignore something that is lodged in his mind? He “scrubs” his mind by diverting his thoughts to something more appealing. We mentally focus on something else. We focus on Jesus!

But how? We read the Bible instead of watching a movie! We listen to Christian music that clothes the mind against the freezing cold of worldly thoughts. Concentrate on the Words of Christ: “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places….I go to prepare a place for you.”

These verses remind us that Jesus is coming again! His coming, however, is reserved only for those who have trusted Him to have forgiven their sins, making them ready to live in a spiritually pure environment. Trust is commitment. Have you committed your life to Jesus Christ? Only then will you be ready to meet Him!

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