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

Proverbs 3:1-10, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. 9 Honor the LORD from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.”

It is never right nor wise to utilize the words of Holy Scripture to favor one’s intellect or attitude. Still, it is both right and wise to utilize the same words and attitudes in building a life that will honor and bless the LORD!

Kindness and truth toward others will always indicate favor from the LORD and result in your good reputation. Each acknowledgment of the LORD indicates a righteous life. Stay as far away from evil as possible, and your life and health will prosper.

Always honor the LORD, for your health and all your benefits have come from Him. Never allow the discipline of the LORD to be anything except aid in the correction of your life; for the ones He loves, He disciplines. Remember this verse: “How blessed is the man who finds wisdom…” And “Who is wise? Let him give heed to these things, and consider the lovingkindnesses of the LORD” (Psa. 107:43).

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

Dear Grands,

John 14:1-6, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.

2 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.

3 “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.

4 “And you know the way where I am going.”

5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going; how do we know the way?”

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

If you’re of sufficient age to remember World War II, you may remember hearing the Andrews Sisters sing, “Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag, and Smile, Smile, Smile.” The song was obviously sung to heighten the spirits of the military, as well as those who remained home and prayed for their sons’ and daughters’ safe return.

There were (and are) songs that speak to us of Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins. My bias may show through, but there are numerous songs that are seldom sung that speak of both His death and His resurrection—songs that heighten our spirits as we remember His words, “I will come again.” (v. 3).

It is quite certain that there were those in John’s day who were sorrowful concerning His death. The men on the Road to Emmaus number among them. It was understandably difficult for them to hear Jesus say, “I will come again.” Oh, they believed Him, but just the thought of losing Him for a brief time was sorrowful. We experience the same “emptiness” when we lose someone.

The most exciting words that bring us out of the doldrums come from Jesus: “I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also (v. 3). We have every reason to be excited! Every reason, if we have repented of our sins and committed our lives to Jesus Christ. While we are here, it is our obligation to encourage others to put their faith in Him as well!

We don’t have all the answers, but He does! And, as we are with our little ones, He will unpack the answers for us as we need to know and understand them!

Keep a good thought! And keep looking up!

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

Dear Grands,

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.

15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who have fallen asleep.

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.

18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

Many New Jersey residents are currently concerned about the drones that are flying in the sky at night above their homes. Officials in government have been contacted, but to date have feigned ignorance of the whereabouts of the drones’ origin. Were such occurrences sighted in the air above your house or mine, we would be concerned, too!

What is of much greater concern, however, is the above Scripture that alerts us to the LORD’s Coming in the sky to receive His people into Heaven itself.

Sadly enough, there are those on earth today who have absolutely no knowledge of who Jesus is, much less of why He will be coming in the sky.

The Apostle Paul declared the truth of Christ’s coming in the passage above. Quite specifically, Paul notes that 1) Jesus died and arose again; 2) that He will be coming to gather together His own (i.e., those who have been spiritually born again by trusting Him as their LORD and Savior). Believers will then be taken to Heaven where they will ever and always be with the LORD.

Let me encourage you to read again the verses at the beginning of this letter.

Jesus will soon be coming for those who have trusted Him. Being “saved” is not a matter of baptism or membership in a particular church. It is totally a matter of faith, a matter of trust in the LORD Jesus Christ.

“But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Lk. 21:28). Are you trusting Him? Are you sharing Him with others? Time is quickly running out.

Heartily in Christ,

(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

Dear Grands,

I Chronicles 16:30-35, “Tremble before Him, all the earth; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.

31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; and let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”

32 Let the sea roar, and all it contains; let the field exult, and all that is in it.

33 Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD; for He is coming to judge the earth.

34 O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.

35 Then say, “Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us and deliver us from the nations, to give thanks to Your holy name, and glory in Your praise.”

It is exceedingly doubtful that by the time this letter goes to press, our government will have learned who is flying those drones over the State of New Jersey. Whoever is responsible and for whatever reason, there are numerous people who are trembling over the situation.

While it is not our purpose to tease or revile anyone for what may be a far more serious situation than anyone knows, there is a far greater reason for trembling. Our world’s population should and will one day tremble exceedingly before the LORD! He is coming to judge the world!

While judgment is generally greeted with fear and trembling, those who are “born again” and are ready to meet Him will “sing for joy before the LORD.” They will sing, “O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting!”

The Question of the Hour is: “Are You Ready for His Coming?” Have you confessed your sins and humbly asked for His forgiveness? This is the most vital aspect of life. It is precisely why He came to Bethlehem and ultimately went to the Cross. He is worshipped because He alone is able to save us. The words above say, “Save us, O God of our salvation.”

He is the ultimate One against whom we have sinned; thus, He is the only One who can forgive sin and receive us into His heavenly home.

Let me know if I can help you. I came to know Him when I was just a lad. Age is not a factor; knowing Him is what truly counts!

Heartily in Christ,

(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