The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Luke 2:15-20, “And it came about when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds began saying to one another, ‘Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.’

16 And they came in haste and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.

17 And when they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.

18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.”

They were poor kids, the poorest of the poor. Still, they probably didn’t notice their poverty much because the kids they ran with were poor, too. Interesting, isn’t it, how we notice the lack in other people’s lives, and often fail to notice what is missing in our own lives?

Shepherds in biblical times were looked upon as the poorest of the poor. They were off the charts on the poverty scale; yet, these poor lads were honorees of the LORD in that they were permitted to witness the LORD at the birth of the Christ child, Jesus.

Undoubtedly, these shepherds were told the background of the story: Mary and Joseph were tentatively engaged, yet there had been no intimate relations when Mary was notified by the Angel of the LORD that she was to have a baby – a baby boy, to be quite specific!

Just how much she shared with the shepherds, we are not told. Still, it was enough for them to believe and share freely with others, something they did indeed!

When we believe, we become excited! And when we’re excited, we tell others! Sometimes, it’s just a short few words; sometimes, it just bubbles out like water in a broken pipeline! Sometimes people are excited; sometimes, sadly, they are not – or pretend not to be! Yet, tell it we must — and will! “It’s for those who know to tell those who don’t know!”

Forget the gifts and all. One does not have to possess great wealth; he just has to understand the meaning – the true meaning of CHRISTmas!

The shepherds knew the true meaning; and they told others! When we know the true meaning, we will tell others, too. Do you know? Have you told someone? Use the Gospel Tract that is attached! Pray for that “someone” to believe in Jesus!

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,

Matthew 3:13-17, “Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him.

14 But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”

15 But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him.

16 After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him,

17 and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”

It was a fitting climax to see a number of people baptized at the end of the church service. It was their testimony of having trusted Jesus as their Savior, as well as an act of obedience to the directive of our LORD Jesus Christ.

The first meaningful acts of baptism occurred during the ministry of John the Baptist. The word “Baptist” was appended to John’s name, due to his emphasis on personal, physical immersion in water, subsequent to one’s acceptance of the LORD Jesus Christ as his or her trust in Him.

Nowhere in Scripture is it taught that full, physical immersion in water adds anything to the spiritual activity of salvation. It is simply an overt submission on the part of the person that he or she has truly renounced their position in sin and has been transformed spiritually through the action of the Holy Spirit of God.

From the moment of one’s repentance of sin, the life is spiritually changed. The subsequent act of baptism is the personal acknowledgment of having turned from sin and trusting the salvation offered by Jesus Christ. If you are a true believer in Jesus Christ, you understand this procedure. If you are not, I would urge you to seriously trust Him. The day of accountability is coming! Please be ready!

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,

Deuteronomy 7:17-23, “If you should say in your heart, ‘These nations are greater than I; how can I dispossess them?’

18 you shall not be afraid of them; you shall well remember what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt:

19 the great trials which your eyes saw and the signs and the wonders and the mighty hand and the outstretched arm by which the LORD your God brought you out. So shall the LORD your God do to all the peoples of whom you are afraid.

20 “Moreover, the LORD your God will send the hornet against them, until those who are left and hide themselves from you perish.

21 “You shall not dread them, for the LORD your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God.

22 “The LORD your God will clear away these nations before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them quickly, for the wild beasts would grow too numerous for you.

23 “But the LORD your God will deliver them before you, and will throw them into great confusion until they are destroyed.”

It was as far back as the th Century when Michel de Montaigne said, “The thing of which I have most fear is fear itself.” Francis Bacon later borrowed that sentiment when he said, “Nothing is terrible, except fear itself.” President Franklin D. Roosevelt appropriated the phrase in his declaration of war speech saying, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Numerous persons have since joined the “fear parade,” leaving us to believe that fear has conquered mankind, and that there is no hope whatsoever of overcoming it! And there is no overcoming of fear, so long as we believe there isn’t!

Thus, the LORD challenged His people, who were saying, “These nations are greater than we; how can we dispossess them?” As long as one’s faith lies with the opposition, he cannot but fail.

I once witnessed a basketball game where one team considerably out-sized the other. The crowd shouted about the variation in height, but there was nothing the smaller team could do but play. They were never successful in throwing the ball over the heads of their opponents! However, seeing the opponents’ legs spread openly, the smaller players skillfully bounced the ball between their opponents’ legs. The crowd howled with laughter, leaving the bigger team embarrassedly confused; and the smaller team won the game!

Victory is always on the side of the one who believes it is! Confidence in the LORD always bespeaks victory! Aspects of the battle may not always appear to be on the side of the righteous. Yet, when the LORD “plays in the game of life,” He always wins. Stay close to the LORD! He will always stay close to you!

Heartily in Christ,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom

Dear Grands,

Matthew 1:18-21, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.

19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly.

20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

21 “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Everything contained in these four verses is unique. It does not, however, appear to be so upon the first examination. Mary was a Jewish lass of a mere 12-13 years old. That was an acceptable age for marrying in those days, while Joseph, the young man to whom she was engaged, was likely 20 or more years of age. Both were pure, previously unmarried, and lived devotedly to the tenets of the Jewish religion.

All seemed well, and the couple looked forward to their marriage and to a life of devotion to the LORD and to each other, when an angel of the LORD appeared to Mary, informing her that she was carrying a male child, despite her having had no sexual experience with Joseph or any other man.

Upon learning of her situation, Joseph assumed the worst and simply determined to break off their engagement. Not doing so, under such conditions, would have brought disgrace upon Mary. Yet, while he weighed the thoughts concerning their anticipated relationship, another angel appeared—this one to Joseph, informing him that the Holy Spirit was responsible for Mary’s Son, that His name was to be Jesus, and that He was to save His people from their sins.

All of this was the Father’s plan for mankind’s redemption from sin. If you have been redeemed (saved) from sin by the LORD Jesus, the preparation for your salvation commenced with the birth of Jesus Christ. If you have not been saved, the opportunity for your salvation is currently before you. Yet, when Jesus Comes Again, it will then be too late. That’s why the Scriptures say, “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.” (Heb. 3:15)

I was saved when I was age 7. My parents led me to faith in Christ. My children were saved when they were young, too. Their mother led them all to Christ. Salvation relies upon a clear understanding and acceptance of God’s plan of salvation.

The Gospel Tract I wrote is attached above. It explains God’s Plan of Salvation. No one is saved by merely reading the tract. You have to BELIEVE that Christ Jesus died on the Cross for your sins, and TRUST Him to save you, just as He says in His Word. Pray the prayer and believe He will do what you ask. How will you know? You’ll know!! Then, start reading the Bible daily. The LORD will change your life!

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

Proverbs 3:1-10, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. 9 Honor the LORD from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.”

It is never right nor wise to utilize the words of Holy Scripture to favor one’s intellect or attitude. Still, it is both right and wise to utilize the same words and attitudes in building a life that will honor and bless the LORD!

Kindness and truth toward others will always indicate favor from the LORD and result in your good reputation. Each acknowledgment of the LORD indicates a righteous life. Stay as far away from evil as possible, and your life and health will prosper.

Always honor the LORD, for your health and all your benefits have come from Him. Never allow the discipline of the LORD to be anything except aid in the correction of your life; for the ones He loves, He disciplines. Remember this verse: “How blessed is the man who finds wisdom…” And “Who is wise? Let him give heed to these things, and consider the lovingkindnesses of the LORD” (Psa. 107:43).

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