The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Matthew 1:18-21, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.

19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly.

20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

21 “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Everything contained in these four verses is unique. It does not, however, appear to be so upon the first examination. Mary was a Jewish lass of a mere 12-13 years old. That was an acceptable age for marrying in those days, while Joseph, the young man to whom she was engaged, was likely 20 or more years of age. Both were pure, previously unmarried, and lived devotedly to the tenets of the Jewish religion.

All seemed well, and the couple looked forward to their marriage and to a life of devotion to the LORD and to each other, when an angel of the LORD appeared to Mary, informing her that she was carrying a male child, despite her having had no sexual experience with Joseph or any other man.

Upon learning of her situation, Joseph assumed the worst and simply determined to break off their engagement. Not doing so, under such conditions, would have brought disgrace upon Mary. Yet, while he weighed the thoughts concerning their anticipated relationship, another angel appeared—this one to Joseph, informing him that the Holy Spirit was responsible for Mary’s Son, that His name was to be Jesus, and that He was to save His people from their sins.

All of this was the Father’s plan for mankind’s redemption from sin. If you have been redeemed (saved) from sin by the LORD Jesus, the preparation for your salvation commenced with the birth of Jesus Christ. If you have not been saved, the opportunity for your salvation is currently before you. Yet, when Jesus Comes Again, it will then be too late. That’s why the Scriptures say, “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.” (Heb. 3:15)

I was saved when I was age 7. My parents led me to faith in Christ. My children were saved when they were young, too. Their mother led them all to Christ. Salvation relies upon a clear understanding and acceptance of God’s plan of salvation.

The Gospel Tract I wrote is attached above. It explains God’s Plan of Salvation. No one is saved by merely reading the tract. You have to BELIEVE that Christ Jesus died on the Cross for your sins, and TRUST Him to save you, just as He says in His Word. Pray the prayer and believe He will do what you ask. How will you know? You’ll know!! Then, start reading the Bible daily. The LORD will change your life!

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