Epistle – Jude
Bible Passage: Jude
As I read Jude, I do feel a sense of fear that I would fall away from the Truth. In yesterday’s bible blog, biblereader talked about how in the last days, there will be false prophets who will sway people away from the Truth. (Matt 24:24, Mark 13:22)
The insidiousness of the false gospel (Jude 4) is very scary indeed. Even in our church, we know of unfortunate instances where even zealous brethrens were befuddled by false teachings.
The phrase “so near, yet so far” comes to mind. By God’s abundant grace and mercy, they are already in the true church, they possess the truth but yet, they fall away. How sad and pitiable is that!
During the recent Spiritual Meeting, we heard sermons which exhorts us to hold fast to the pattern of sound words. I must admit I do feel discouraged and heavy hearted to hear church brethren and ministers deviate from the truth, or even leave the true church.
We could be faithful today, but who knows what might happen a few years down the road? If even ministers could fall off the path, let alone a common believer like myself!
But thank God for Tuesday night’s hymnal service. As it was the final one of the year, the topic was “Reflect, Renew, Resolute”. Sister Si Zhen led the congregation to reflect upon 2009 which is coming to an end, and to think about resolutions for the approaching 2010.
It is very encouraging indeed to hear fellow brothers and sisters singing “Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!” with gusto, praising God and giving glory to Him!
Before the final prayer, Dn ChungLing spoke about how we should march along life’s journey as Christian soldiers, following the General’s commands, and not lag behind.
As I re-evaluated myself, I thought of my resolution for the new year – to contend earnestly for my faith.
“… 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 3)
When Jude stresses the importance of this need, then we should understand that this is God’s appraisal of this importance!
“Contending earnestly” for the faith, or the truth, simply means that we, as Christian soldiers must defend it and fight for it, to succeed in spiritual warfare… the battle to win hearts and minds for the Lord, doing it with love and concern.
Today we must be on guard for false doctrines which can so easily deceive us if we are not well versed in the Word. We need to KNOW the gospel. (1 Thess 5:6)
“The faith” has many enemies who will gladly speak against it. Failure to defend the faith is a denial of the Lord and betrays His love for us (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
Can the Lord count on us to do this necessary thing? To “contend for the faith”?
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PS
…beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 20-21)
This is our faith. Active and lively.
Imagine Jude sharing with us how he perserves his faith:
Step 1: Build yourself up on your most holy faith. Read the bible. Practise the teachings in our daily life
Step 2: Pray in the Holy Spirit. Yes, even when we don’t understand the utterance of the Holy Spirit. This is a chance to entrust that He is praying for our good bec He loves us. (Someone asks me will i still pray if we can all understand every word which the Holy Spirit prays? Will i be too afraid to pray? Will you?)
Step 3: Keep yourselves in the love of God. We are all members of the body of Christ. Be joint and knit together always (Eph 4:15-16) Let the blood and Spirit of Christ fuel the members of His body.
Step 4: Look to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Yes, our salvation is entirely by grace and mercy of God. Hold our heads high and look upon Him always. Nowhere else.
A sister prays for her holiness to ib=ncrease in the Student Theolo.
A simple and vital prayer. i trust Lord Jesus has helped her.