The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14 It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, 17 comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.”

My original intention was to “breeze through” the New Testament books, giving you something of an overview of the teaching of each book. The Scriptures then say that we are responsible to yield to the Holy Spirit’s leadership, receiving and learning what He wants us to learn from the Scriptures.

The Apostle Paul informs us in this second letter to the Thessalonians that “God has chosen” from the beginning to save those who believe and trust in Him. By listening to His Word, we receive notice of the LORD’s intention for our lives. We then are responsible “to stand firm” and retain what we are taught in the Scriptures. The Bible is then our textbook. When true Christian pastors and teachers instruct us, they do so from the Bible. If any teacher moves away from Scripture in his instruction, he is a false teacher, and we are to avoid listening to and/or absorbing his teachings.

Laying claim to the LORD Jesus as our Savior and LORD, however, is clearly the teaching of the Scripture. Church membership and baptism are not saving qualities. They are valid, however, but subsequent to salvation. Following the teachings of the Scripture gives us the comfort and hope that strengthens us daily.

Spending time daily in prayer energizes our spiritual lives. The LORD hears and answers the prayers of His people. Whatever He tells you to do, do it in the confidence you have in Him.

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need

Until He becomes all that we have.” –Corrie ten Boom