The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Colossians 1:1-5, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
3 We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints;
5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel…”

I cannot number the preachers I have met over the years, who have told me, “I never
Intended to be a preacher. I had trained to be something altogether different.” The same was evidently true of Paul. He was trained to eradicate Christians. Still, he is noted above in our passage as “an apostle of Jesus Christ,” and “by the will of God…”

The word “apostle” designates “one who has been sent on a mission with full authority.” Apostle was not a new word to Christians, but it contained new meaning when applied to the faith. In one sense, the word gave rank superior to the local leaders in the early churches. As an “apostle,” Paul had no need to refer problems to a “board of leaders” somewhere. His word was sufficient.

We may occasionally discover things within our churches with which we do not agree. Such should be brought prayerfully to the attention of the leadership (pastors, deacons, etc.) as have been designated by the church. It should always be one’s concern that unity and love be expressed for each other. And that will prevail, if differences are considered and resolved in the spirit of love.

While the Apostle Paul does not suggest this remedy for other situations, the Scriptural reference above works the same for the Christian home, and all other situations that exist among true believers in Jesus Christ. When things of true Importance exist, but are not resolved quickly, they tend to fester and ultimately come to disaster.

Simon Peter speaks in agreement with Paul when he says,

“Above all, keep fervet in your love for one another,
Because love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8).

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