The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 1:1-5, “The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach,
2 until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen.
3 To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.
4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, ‘Which,’ He said, ‘you heard of from Me;
5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’”

Luke, who is the author of the Gospel of Luke, is also the author of the Book of Acts. Theophilus, whose name means “lover of God,” is the one to whom the Book of Acts is addressed. Luke’s purpose in writing is to substantiate the proof of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection from the dead. Jesus’ resurrection is incontrovertible proof that we have no other means of salvation than that of faith in Him.

Subsequent to His crucifixion, He presented Himself alive to His apostles for more than forty days. Five times in the Scriptures (Deut. 19:15; Matt. 18:16; 2Cor. 13:1; 1Tim. 5:19; Heb. 10:28) it is stated that “two or three witnesses” are required to substantiate the truth of a matter. Thus, Christ’s followers numbered more than the number required to prove His Resurrection.

Faith alone is required for our salvation, as it was in New Testament times. Jesus Himself is the focal point of that faith. Yet, it’s not enough to just know that He lived and died and arose from the dead. He requires that we place trust in Him to forgive our sins. When we do, He immerses us with the Holy Spirit, making us His children and assuring us of a home with Him in Heaven.

Don’t let simple faith slip by you. “Believe in the LORD Jesus Christ” (Acts 11:17). He will make His presence known to you.

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 Chronicles 17:1-2, “And it came about, when David dwelt in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, ‘Behold, I am dwelling in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under curtains.’
2 Then Nathan said to David, ‘Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.’”

David looked at what he had and felt unworthy because he was living in a house that was finer than that of the LORD. He shared his thoughts with the prophet Nathan, who replied that he should do what he felt he must, and know with certainty that the LORD was with him.

2 Samuel 12:5-7a, “Then David’s anger burned greatly against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the LORD lives, surely the man who has done this deserves to die.
6 “He must make restitution for the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and had no compassion.”
7 Nathan then said to David, “You are the man!”

There are times when we assess our possessions and compare them with those of others. At such times, we either sympathize with those who have less than we have or we question whether we have too much in comparison. There are also times when we view others as standing in the way of our possessing what we want. When we endeavor to have our way without respecting others, we transgress the LORD’s will and invite His wrath to fall upon us.

A prophet’s responsibility varies according to his assessment of the LORD’s desire. We sometimes seek a Christian friend’s thoughts. The friend is not a prophet, although his experience may be beneficial. If, however, he believes and responds contrary to our desire, we must be prepared to alter our thinking or suffer the displeasure of God.

Nathan condoned David’s thinking about building the LORD’s house; but he condemned David for plotting the death of a man in order that he might have the man’s wife. Let us be careful of how we think. Let us be careful to live according to the LORD’s directives. Let us remember that we are accountable to Him for all that we 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 Chronicles 16:34-36, “O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is
everlasting.
35 Then say, ‘Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us and deliver us from the nations, to give
thanks to Your holy name, and glory in Your praise.’
36 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting. Then all the people
said, ‘Amen,’ and praised the LORD.”

There’s an old social grace that requires us to express thanksgiving to others prior to receiving any tangable gift. It is more than doubtful that the writer of our verses above was thinking of “social graces” when he penned that initial verse. Still, the giving thanks and acknowledment of God’s love should preceed any cry for help. Having said “thank You” to the LORD, we are free to approach Him for additional deliverence.

Subsequently, our praise to the LORD encourages others to praise Him as well. How do you think other nations would respond if our nation trusted the LORD God of Heaven and expressed it openly and genuinely for other nations to see and hear? We take leadership in many lesser things, why should we not take leadership in promoting the sovereignty of Almighty God?

Some miraculous things occurred in Israel in the “Six day war” –things that stunned and frightened the nations that fought against her. Israel is not a Christian nation; she is, however, the nation longest and most fervent to the LORD’s heart. Our beloved United States is blessed because of those who have accepted Christ Jesus and have put Him first and foremost in their hearts…”Then all the people said ‘Amen, and praised the LORD.”

Dear reader, our national strength does not lie in our military power, nor in our Congress, nor in the White House. Our national strength lies in our love and faith in the LORD Jesus Christ. And a nation’s love starts with one person’s love and commitment to Him. Will you be that one? Yieldedness to Him is indeed our Thanksgiving!

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 Chronicles 16:23-28, “Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
24 Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
27 Splendor and majesty are before Him, strength and joy are in His place.
28 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.”

Some of you have undoubtedly visited Plymouth Rock and gone onboard the replica of the Mayflower. Just viewing the cramped space that band of believers endured in crossing the Atlantic is enough to believe they had engaged in a serious undertaking.

Despite all they endured, they never neglected their worship of God. Daily Bible readings and prayers kept their faith strong. And while our verses above were not, so far as we know, utilized in worship, they proclaimed the “good tidings of His salvation” daily to all who would hear. Ultimately, His glory spread among the Indian tribes. The story of Squanto is among the most amazing!

Indian tribes were evangelized through the godly faith they saw enacted in the lives of the settlers. It’s much the same today. Those who hear the Gospel can see it affirmed in the lives of those who declare it. We who know and profess Him as our Savior and LORD have the great responsibility to declare to others what we profess to believe.

Use today – THANKSGIVING DAY! – to share Him with family and friends! Praise His Name!

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 Chronicles 16:7-12, “David first assigned Asaph and his relatives to give thanks to the LORD.
8 Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples.
9 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; speak of all His wonders.
10 Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
11 Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually.
12 Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His
mouth…”

One of the tragedies of our time is that we have forgotten how to say “Thank you”!

The dictionary cites the origin of the word “thank” as “First recorded before 900; Middle English (noun) “favorable thought, goodwill, gratitude,” (in singular and plural) expression of thanks; Old English thanc (in singular) expression of thanks, originally, “thought, thoughtfulness”; akin to think .”
But, who uses dictionaries anymore? or the Bible? To our shame, we have forgotten our spiritual heritage. We pride ourselves on multiple accomplishments, yet we have neglected the One who has given us life itself.
The LORD is the Author of Thanksgiving! He is the Author of everything for which the giving of thanks is worthy: life, family, health, friends –especially the gift of salvation in His Son Jesus Christ.
How can I say thanks
For the things You have done for me?
Things so undeserved,
Yet You gave to prove Your love to me;
The voices of a million angels
Could not express my gratitude;
All that I am and ever hope to be
I owe it all to Thee (Crouch).
The primary method of saying “Thanks” to the LORD is by surrendering your life fully and completely to Him. It’s what the Scriptures say that we should do; and it’s the Scriptures that show us how to do it.
Just offer to Him a simple prayer: ask His forgiveness for neglecting Him in your life. Tell Him you love Him and want Him to be first and foremost in all that you do. He will take it from there. God bless you!
Thank you, LORD.
Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

P. S. When you have prayed and said “Thank You” to the LORD, drop me a line, so I can rejoice with you!
Your name will not be mentioned in any forthcoming GRANDS LETTER!

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