The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Peter 5:1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,
2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;
3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.
4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

There may never have been a more necessary time for us to spiritually grasp the sufferings of our LORD Jesus Christ than today. Believers throughout the world are being called to stand against the rigorous opposition of Satan. Temptations abound as wars increase! Yet, we are assurred that our Chief Shepherd, the LORD Jesus Christ, is with us all as our Protector and our Guide in every situation.

He notes for us His sufferings, as He sets forth His ministers’ responsibility to watch over His congregations. We who have served in that capacity, understand the need of His guidance and protection. Those of us, who are no longer in that specific capacity, recognize the need our pastors and leaders have of our earnest, consistent prayers.

Jesus is coming back and will summond His own to meet Him in the air! At that time, that those who have been faithful will receive from Him that “unfading crown of glory.” (Remember those five crowns?) We ought not to worry about things. Christ is in full control. What ought to concern us is whether we are obeying His directives, as set forth in Holy Scripture.

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

Dear Grands,

1 Peter 4:15-19, “Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;
16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?
19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”

When was the last time you sat in judgment over someone else? Easy, isn’t it? We can pick out their faults with no trouble at all. We can even be correct in what we say about them; but when was the last time we looked in the mirror? That’s exactly what Peter is insisting that we do.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall;
Is there more or is that all?

“I’ve never murdered anyone,” you say. Yet the Scriptures tell us that when we wish others dead, or hate them passionately, we have in effect murdered them in our hearts. Judgment, Peter says, starts with us as Christians. Furthermore, if it is difficult for us to surrender our evil intentions in order to be saved, how much more difficult it is for the “godless man and the sinner?”

Never be ashamed to suffer as a Christian. Such suffering actually glorifies the LORD. Trust Him with everything, including your eternal soul. For as you do things correctly, your faithfulness reflects His faithfulness; and that challenges others to do what is right. As a clean house speaks well of those living there, so a clean life reflects the presence of the LORD.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

P. S. Please continue to pray for the Ukrainians. And in keeping with the teaching
above, pray for the salvation of Mr. Putin, too. There are many true believers in both countries; pray that they all will trust the LORD in this time of tragedy.

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

Dear Grands,

1 Peter 4:12-14, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;
13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”

We live in world that is full of surprises. Not all surprises, however, are to our liking or to our benefit. Simon Peter had experienced both. You and I have doubtlessly experienced both, also. “Fiery ordeal” may be something internal –something that requires medical examination. Yet, it may also mean external circumstances –something originating with or caused by the attitude or activity of another person.

What exactly are we to do in either situation? Peter’s instruction is to “keep on rejoicing.” Rejoicing, strange as it may sound, unveils “the revelation of His glory.” In other words, don’t allow negative experiences to drown out the excitement of the LORD’s presence. Just keep your eyes and thoughts on the LORD Jesus Christ!

I read recently an author’s self-assessment of Paul’s execution in Rome. Paul was not dragged “kicking and screaming” against his antagonists. Rather, he was praising the LORD for the privilege of giving his life for the One who gave His life for him.

That’s what Peter meant when he argued that we should rejoice when we are reproached, denounced, insulted, because we follow Christ. Is that your response to your critics, when they make fun of you for following Jesus? It should be, and it can be; but it comes from a day-by-day closeness with Him. Stay focused on His Word. Stay dependent on Him through prayer. He will then be your Guard and your Strength.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

P. S. Please Pray for Ukraine. There are many believers there, many of whom are
risking their lives and those of their children in the effort to save their nation!

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

Dear Grands,

1 Peter 4:8-11, “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

It’s normal for us to think of “love” (agape) more in connection with the John’s Gospel than with that of any other writer of the New Testament. Still, Simon Peter emphasized love and its maintenance in his writings, too. The word “fervent” (??????? ektenes) literally means “stretched, zealous, or earnest.” No “put-on” or disguise here. When the Scripture says “love,” it means love.”

Hospitality (????????? philoxenos) is an active form of love. It literally means
“loving strangers.” How could the Church ever hope to reach those outside of Christ, if the ones who possessed this gift, neglected expressing to others the love that Christ had displayed in them? So it is with us!

Whatever “gift” (special ability) the LORD has given to you, be sure to manifest it in the presence of others –not “showing off,” but that the LORD might be blessed and His people encouraged beyond measure.

Speaking (????? laleo) is the external expression of the Gospel. This is the core, the central aspect of the Good News of Jesus Christ. People who have not committed themselves to Jesus Christ need to be told how to do it.

Doubtlessly, those who commit themselves to Jesus for salvation, will, in time, be given spiritual gifts themselves. The gifts must never be abused. They must always glorify God the Father through His Son, the LORD Jesus Christ. What is your spiritual gift? Is it bringing others closer to Him? It will, if it is truly a gift of His Holy Spirit, and if it glorifies Christ as He intends it to do.

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

Dear Grands,

1 Peter 4:1-7, “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.
4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you;
5 but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.
7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.”

The suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross is beyond human comprehension! He was interrogated thoroughly, whipped mercilessly, stripped naked, nailed to a cross, and left to die amid the blood-thirsty cries of those whom He loved and for whom He was dying!

His people, the Jews, had succumbed to the excessively sinful ways of the Gentiles. Both groups grossly misjudged Jesus’ purpose and will suffer divine judgment for their sin against Him. He was and is their only hope of salvation.

Peter states that Christ Jesus’ sufferings were for the salvation of all mankind. And their deafening cries agreed with His death on the cross. Yet, His suffering and death encompasses all mankind –if only the lost will receive it.

That’s what the Gospel is all about. It proclaims hope to those whose lives are in sin…those who have not received Him as LORD and Savior. If you are one of those who has yet to receive Him, do it now and without delay! The Scripture says, “The end of all things is near…”

One final thought: What do you have to lose by turning away from sin and trusting Jesus for eternal salvation? If He cannot save you, you lose nothing. But, if He does save you, you’ve gained the best for this life and for eternal life to come! Think about it.

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