The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Jude 1:1-8, “Jude, a bond servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: 2 May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you. 3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write to you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. 4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. 5 Now I desire to remind you, though you know all things once for all, that the Lord, after saving a people out of the land of Egypt, subsequently destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And angels, who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day, 7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.”

Reading the Scriptures has given me significant insight into the nature of godliness and ungodliness. Through these passages, I have gained a clearer perspective on the contrast between salvation and eternal fire. I recognize, however, that my understanding of these concepts is still incomplete. My experiences in factory work, surrounded by ungodly men, revealed to me the reality of ungodliness and how it can profoundly impact a person’s life. The act of laughing at a humorously obscene story often serves as a marker that separates believers from unbelievers.

In essence, the Scriptures serve to distinguish between those who are truly born again and those who have never known Christ. The opportunities the Lord has given us are remarkable, allowing us to demonstrate His love by consciously refraining from sin. Sadly, however, we often submit to what is of significantly lesser value. Thus, we forfeit what is eternal for that which is sensual.

In some instances, we may be attempting to sidestep and avoid ridicule. Yet, we might also be surprised how effective our spiritual stand is having with those who stand in the fore of the tease.

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