The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Revelation 2:1-7, “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:
2 “I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;
3 and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary.
4 ‘But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
5 ‘Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place– unless you repent.
6 ‘Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’””

Having been founded by the Apostle Paul, while on his Third Missionary Journey, the church had been faithfully served throughout the years by Apollos, Aquilla, Priscilla, Tychicus, and Timothy, as well as by Paul. Not many churches can boast of having had such a cadre of eminent leadership

Say what you will, however, geography and culture often adversely affect the Church. Ephesus was, at the time, the most important city in Asia Minor; yet, it was significantly affected and altered by the overt presence of politics, economics, and evil religion.

Politically, Ephesus was important because the Roman Governor ruled from that city.
Economically, Ephesus was important because it was on the Via Ignatia from Rome.
Religiously, Ephesus was the home of the Temple of Diana, one of the seven wonders of the world. Diana’s temple so overflowed with opulent treasures that it served as the Bank of Asia. One can hardly fail to note this trilogy of Ephesus’ importance without also seeing the focus of the coming Antichrist on Politics, Religion, and Economics!

Churches today do not exist in a vacuum. Members often hold varying political and economic positions; and where they emerge and mingle within the church, the church’s spiritual position weakens within the community. Satan loves that! It takes the focus off of
the LORD Jesus and forces light on lesser matters.

Which is worse: a church that proclaims false doctrine, or a church that believes in the Christ of Scripture, but fails to adequately proclaim Him? –or a church that fails to emphasize missions? –or a church that is satisfied to be a mission?

The next major biblical event to occur is the Rapture, the snatching away of all true believers to meet the LORD Jesus! How many church members would be left behind?
How many of your family would be left behind? or your close friends? Do you think there
is plenty of time? There isn’t! Get ready now!

“Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with power
and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up
and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:27-28).

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