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February 2009
Jude 1:1-4
“Words of Warning to the Church”
As we open our Bibles to the book of Jude I want you to take notice of how small this book is. Small as it may be, this book has a rather large scope. Jude addresses his audience by saying “To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ.” These words convey the breath and depth of what it means to be called a “Follower of the Way” in other words “Christian” The Christian is called by God. Isn't this such a comfort, to know that there is a God, and it is this God who knows my name and called me into his fold! But not only this he sanctified me and I no longer an enemy of the Creator but now being made Holy just as He is Holy through a journey by the eternal Father. The Father knows what is best for his children and God is our Father and he knows what is best. Jude concludes his statement by telling us that we are “preserved in Jesus Christ” This same God who called us out of our sin and into the divine dance in His eternal glory. Yes this is the same God who will keep us from falling who will never leave us alone. Keep these words in mind as we move to verses 3 and 4 because it is going to get ugly and dark.
“3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, 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. 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NKJV)
Jude as he sets himself down to write receives a message and this message drives him to change gears and write on a totally new subject. Jude tells us that the one true faith the faith that has been delivered first by Christ. And Christ sent out the 12 and the 12 established the early Church. The Church now must deal with forgery, people who claim to love God but by their deeds they deny Him.
Father God let us never forget your unwavering love for your children help us to do the good we know to do to serve your higher purpose not my will but yours o God maker of all things seen and unseen Holy Holy Holy is the LORD God. Let heaven and earth sing your praises forever and ever Amen.
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