The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Mark 13:3-13, “As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew were questioning Him privately,

4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?”

5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See to it that no one misleads you.

6 “Many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He!’ and will mislead many.

7 “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end.

8 “For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

9 “But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.

10 “The gospel must first be preached to all the nations.

11 “When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.

12 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.

13 “You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.”

There was a joyful little song we kids used to sing: “Be careful little ears what you hear; for the Father up above is coming down in love; be careful little ears what you hear.” Similar lines also applied to the eyes and the lips, as well as the other parts of the human body. Jesus warned of such things when He answered the query of His disciples. Thoughtful, studious preachers today echo similar warnings.

In London, there is an open-air pulpit where citizens can freely express secular and/or doctrinal beliefs without fear of legal reprisals from authorities. It’s what we call “freedom.” Not everything espoused there is true or even believable. Therefore, audiences are forewarned. Jesus forewarns us, just as He forewarned the disciples in His day. “Be on your guard,” not only with what you say, but with what you believe. You can trust the Bible! Saturate yourself with His Truth!

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