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In a previous post, I looked at the circumstances that led to Paul and Barnabas parting ways. You can read that here: Now, I want to consider how we can prevent sharp divisions from happening and how we can resolve them when they have occurred. From the wars that have shaped borders and birthed and … Read more
In Acts 15 the fledging church faced a severe doctrinal challenge that struck at the heart of what it meant to be a follower of Christ. Did a person have to convert to Judaism? Was Jesus’ salvation enough or were works needed in addition to the work of Christ? Leaders in the church met and … Read more
As the day dawned in Jerusalem the temple servants busied themselves in preparation for another day of sacrifices. Some sincerely. Some just going through the motions. They did what they had always done and what they believed they would always do. Across the city, in the palace and courts, before Pilate, Herod, and the Sanhedrin, … Read more
Last night we began a new series asking the question of how we ought to pray for different groups or types of need. We kicked it off by asking how we should pray for the wicked. “The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of … Read more
In verses 5 and 6 Jude has encouraged his readers to contend for the faith by remembering the judgment on Israel for deviating doctrinally and on the angels for deviating devotionally. He now offers a final example with Sodom and Gomorrah who deviated practically. Remember the Judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah (7) Obviously, if we … Read more
Remember the Judgment on the Angels (6) As Jude continues to demonstrate how to contend for the faith, once delivered to the saints, he encourages his readers to remember those who fell and were judged in the past. He has used the example of Israel deviating doctrinally and now he uses the example of the … Read more
Remember the Judgment on Israel (5) Jude, having established the urgent need to earnestly contend for the faith, uses the remainder of his letter to instruct on how we should contend. In verses 5-7 Jude encourages his readers to consider examples from history and see the end result of deviating from God’s purposes for His … Read more
Though not an entirely exact comparison with our times, the preacher in Ecclesiastes wrestles with what look like themes of social injustice. Like many today, he looks into the causes and potential solutions. Like those who do the same today, he finds no solutions outside of God. I don’t intend this to be a complete … Read more
Part 1 – An Introduction to Jude Part 2 – A Call to Contend (1/3) Part 3 – A Call to Contend (2/3) Jude’s Imperative Every preacher I know would happily preach only the Gospel every time he steps into the pulpit. Indeed, the more mature the preacher the more quickly he will go to … Read more
Part 1 – An Introduction to Jude Part 2 – A Call to Contend (1/3) Jude’s Intention We have seen the human author, we have considered his audience, and we have noted Jude’s aspiration for them. Now, we will take a further step in what is still a part of the introduction to his main … Read more