The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Corinthians 13:1-6. “This is the third time I am coming to you. EVERY FACT IS TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES.”

2 ‘I have previously said when present with you the second time, and though now absent, I say in advance to those who have sinned in the past and to all the rest as well, that if I come again I will not spare anyone,

3 since you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.

4 For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.

5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourself! Or do you not recognize this about yourself, that Jesus Christ is in you — unless you fail the test?”

6 But I trust that you will realize that we ourselves do not fail the test.”

Some people just revel in seeking to trick the preacher! If they can get him to say or do something in which they believe they themselves have the “upper hand,” they will thrust their idea into his mind as a physical opponent

might thrust a dagger into another’s heart.

Paul had visited the Corinthian Church on two previous occasions. Yet, like

some people even today, there were those who were challenging Paul’s teachings while he was absent.

There’s just a bit of fire in Paul, as he forcefully declares that when he gets

there, he will straighten out some of those people, even to the extent of openly calling them by name!

Further, Paul challenges the Corinthian Christians to “examine” themselves

to determine if they are truly genuine believers. If they are, why are they holding to beliefs that are not Scriptural? This is a current question for people in churches today. Far too many, I fear, believe they are Christians because they regularly attend (or belong to) a church.

I have been cautious –and we all need to be—of political advocates, who want to obtain Christian votes by using religious vocabulary; yet, (perhaps)

have no deep-seated faith-commitment to our LORD Jesus Christ. Politics often has advocates that “look” Christian; but how deeply or real is their commitment?

Please pray for your church. Pray for your pastors. If you have questions about the meaning of certain Scriptures, make an appointment and earnestly place your question before them. I’m confident they will treat you with the warmest respect.

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