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
Read my “Introduction to Jude” Here Jude’s Introduction (1a) The Author Jude introduces himself as the brother of James and the servant, or bondslave, of Christ. There are several Jude’s mentioned in the New Testament, but along with others, I believe this is none other than Jude, the earthly brother of Jesus Christ. Though Jesus’ … Read more
Over 140 years ago Pastor Charles Spurgeon, a renowned preacher and theologian, commented often on depression. He did so in surprisingly open ways, for his time, and with insight that still helps many today. Consider a few of his well-known statements: “Furthermore, remember that even after you are secure in Christ, and accepted before God, … Read more
When Jude set out to write his letter he at first intended on writing of their common salvation. But looking around he could see straws lying on the ground, evidence of problems that had to be resolved. So, as he writes, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, on the need to contend for the faith in order to keep themselves in the love of God and so remain useful in God’s service.
What About Conspiracies? Did aliens construct the pyramids? Did giants build stone henge with Merlin? Were the Nazca Lines alien runways? Was there a second shooter behind the grassy knoll? Did the moon landings really happen? History is filled with truth, lies, myths, and legends. For some reason, although the truth is usually stranger than … Read more
Like many, I went to bed last night aware of the powerful, life-threatening storms that were sweeping through GA and other southern States. This morning I awoke to news of the devastation. Many have described their towns as looking like a warzone. As supercells produced tornadoes school buildings collapsed, business fell, and homes seemingly disappeared. … Read more