The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Peter 4:1-8, “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.
4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you;
5 but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.
7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.
8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

Traveling in different countries of the world, it is virtually impossible not to observe various manners of the people. I remember clearly how utterly surprised I was when a Christian layman, treating me to lunch, was shocked that I did not drink alcoholic beverages. I was surprised that, as a Christian, he suggested it.

Only recently, I have witnessed verbal testimonies of some American Christian believers, who speak of the changes in their lives, but never clearly mention that it was Jesus Christ who saved them and affected the change.

Currently, America is aligning with Israel in war against Hamas, who is in league with
Iran. Iranian Christians are paying a heavy price for accepting Jesus Christ as their LORD
and Savior. I am personally ashamed of how lax I am when compared with believers in
Iran. They pay a heavy price for yielding to Jesus Christ and then sharing Him with others
in their culture.

Verse seven above says, “The end of all things is near.” I wonder if we’re aware how
near we are to the end. If we were aware how little time is left –or even how brief life itself
is, we would undoubtedly be more active for Him than we currently are! True love for those who are lost comes only from Jesus Christ. He lives within us, if our lives have been
yielded to Him. Is your life centered in Jesus Christ? It can be… even today!

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