The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Philippians 1:27-28, “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

28 in no way alarmed by your opponents– which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.”

As I read the news today, one of the most disturbing events is the conduct of so-called “Christian” people. We must all be aware that our personal conduct is known to more individuals than we know. Especially are non-Christians watching us. Some who are watching, are wanting to find us living contrary to what we claim to be; others, however, are watching with hope that what we have is real. Thus, it’s not simply what we say in witness; it what we live day-by-day!

Paul wanted to hear that the Philippians were “standing firm…(and) striving together for the faith of the Gospel.” That’s what we want from our pastors and teachers. It’s precisely what the LORD Jesus wants from all of us! Football season is upon us. No one, however, wants a quarterback who is inconsistent in passing, or a team that is not “striving together.” In the same vein, the LORD wants all of us –pastors, teachers, all believers—to “stand firm” in what we believe and work together with others in spreading the Message of Jesus!

But what about those who oppose our teaching? Don’t be alarmed by them! Your steadfastness in Christ will serve to destroy their opposition to the LORD. Remember when David went to battle with Goliath? When Goliath was killed, the opposing army fled in surrender. It’s the same with us. When we stand up for Christ, it demoralizes the opposition. They no longer have the upper hand. And the “salvation,” of which Paul speaks, is expressly from God!

President Franklin D. Roosevelt was not intentionally speaking spiritually when he said, “The only thing we have to fear…is fear itself.” Yet, his words clearly apply to us as believers. Still, we have no reason to fear anything or anybody because the might and power of the LORD are protecting and empowering us at all times! Now is the time for us to BE SOMETHING and DO SOMETHING! We may not have much time.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”