The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Corinthians 4:1-4, “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy,

we do not lose heart, 2 but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame,

not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of

truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,

4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that

they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

The word ministry may also be translated service. Not every believer is called to

preach the Gospel, as we generally think of preaching; every believer, however, is

called to live the Gospel! Living the Gospel requires renunciation of sinful things

because involvement in sin clouds the spiritual radiance of Christ in us. Our service

is to share Christ with others. Sometimes we have opportunity to talk to others about

Him; but even when that opportunity is not present, we are to so live out the Gospel

that the lost can “see” Christ in us. That’s what Paul means when he says “by the

manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience…” God

sees what we are and what we do. It’s also true that even seeing Christ in us, some

will not believe. Satan is powerful and blindfolds people to keep them from seeing

and believing in Christ. Yet, when we live out the Gospel, they are forced to see

the difference in our lives, even if they will not accept Him as their LORD. We are

not to be indifferent and not care whether they come to Him, being satisfied only

with “living out” the Gospel; but we must be realistic in knowing that not everyone

will be saved. We “sow” the Gospel through living and sharing it; others come

along and support what we’ve done by living it in their lives. The ultimate salvation

comes only from Christ Himself. The pressure of “success” is off of us, as we rest

everything with Him.

May the LORD bless and encourage all of us, is our prayer,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”