The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 16:14-18, “A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.
15 And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.’ And she prevailed upon us.
16 It happened that as we were going to the place of prayer, a slave-girl having a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her masters much profit by fortune-telling.
17 Following after Paul and us, she kept crying out, saying, ‘These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.’
18 She continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!’ And it came out at that very moment.”

Believe it or not, there are religious people, who attend church with absolute
regularity, but have never accepted Jesus into their hearts as LORD and
Savior. Lydia was like that! You can believe without question that she was
religious; yet, she had never committed her life to Christ and accepted Him as
her Savior and Lord. Is this the situation with your life?

How was she ultimately saved? She listened to the Word of the LORD, as
the Apostle Paul shared it, and “the LORD opened her heart to respond to
the things spoken by Paul.” It seems far too simple for some; yet, it’s the
LORD’s way of salvation. There is no other. Physical baptism signified the
change in Lydia’s devotion. She now belonged to Christ!

Furthermore, just as they were all going to prayer, a slave-girl who was
possessed by an evil spirit, cried out in unmistakable sarcasm, “These men
are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way
of salvation.” What she said was true; but her sarcasm was blasphemy! After
many days, Paul said to the evil spirit within the girl: “I command you in the
name of Jesus Christ to come out of her! And (the demonic spirit) came out at
that very moment.”

A lot of ungodliness surrounds us today. Yet, it is not irresistible! Satan was
defeated at the Cross of Calvary. He is to be likened to politicians, who,
despite their unelectiblity, come forth at every election seeking political office!

It’s time for everyone to follow the LORD! He IS LORD; and until we recognize
Him as such, we will continue to be pounded by those whose homes are
beneath His will. Please don’t side with them! Jesus died for your salvation!

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