Sunday, April 4, 2010

CONTEND FOR THE FAITH

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Jude

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Read Jude

     Beloved... I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.   Jude 3b NKJV
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     Jude, the brother of James and of our Lord Jesus Christ writes a very serious letter to Jewish Christians of his day. He reminds them and us, “But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit." (Jude 17-19)
     Jude describes these Mockers in highly descriptive terms as "ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ." (Jude 4b) He warns that grave judgment is reserved for those who corrupt the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ for their own gain. “These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.” (Jude 16)
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     Lord I pray that You will protect our churches from the inevitable rise of apostate men and women. Give us discernment to recognize those who would cause divisions and confusion by their false teaching. Help us to become more familiar with the Truth of God's Word so that we can discern error in our midst.
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     “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God..."    Jude 20-21a NKJV

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