WORD From The Woods
Jude: 1-3
“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James,To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.”
I shared this short series on the book of Jude a couple of years ago, but I want to share it again. It’s an interesting little letter with some matter-of-fact language, that has some good teaching for us today.
Jude was one of Jesus’ brothers by Mary and Joseph. It’s interesting that he mentions that he is the brother of James but never mentions being the brother of Jesus. Instead, Jude says that he is a servant of the Lord Jesus. He could have claimed that he was related to Jesus by flesh and blood, but he doesn’t, he only claimed to be tied to Jesus in the spirit by means of salvation through the blood of Christ. This is really significant, and points us to the reality that nothing in our flesh can get us to God! It’s only by surrendering our heart to Christ and being covered by the blood of His sacrifice on the cross that we’re saved! The intro to this letter is short and sweet. This letter is written to the church, the true followers of Christ, the “called,” those who have been called and saved out of darkness, loved by God, and kept in Christ. Next week, we’ll look at the harsh words Jude has for false teachers and those who rebel against God. But for the believers in Christ, he says that mercy, peace, and love will be multiplied to you. He goes on to point out our common salvation. In whatever walk of life you’re in, whatever time, place, and culture you live in, we are all united in one common community of faith in Christ Jesus. Jude says he found it necessary to write to this community, the Church, to appeal to us to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to us, through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ! The word contend means to earnestly struggle and fight for something with everything that’s in you. Jude calls us to stand up and fight for our faith because it’s necessary. Why? Because there is an enemy of Christ, the devil, who is always at work trying to destroy the cause of Christ, and as Christians, we are called to represent Him in this world and fight for the faith! Next week, we’ll take a look at what Jude says concerning the judgment that comes on those who rebel against Christ. Until then, keep your eyes fixed on the King and stand for Him!
God bless and have great week! -Terry-
Jude: 1-3
“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James,To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.”
I shared this short series on the book of Jude a couple of years ago, but I want to share it again. It’s an interesting little letter with some matter-of-fact language, that has some good teaching for us today.
Jude was one of Jesus’ brothers by Mary and Joseph. It’s interesting that he mentions that he is the brother of James but never mentions being the brother of Jesus. Instead, Jude says that he is a servant of the Lord Jesus. He could have claimed that he was related to Jesus by flesh and blood, but he doesn’t, he only claimed to be tied to Jesus in the spirit by means of salvation through the blood of Christ. This is really significant, and points us to the reality that nothing in our flesh can get us to God! It’s only by surrendering our heart to Christ and being covered by the blood of His sacrifice on the cross that we’re saved! The intro to this letter is short and sweet. This letter is written to the church, the true followers of Christ, the “called,” those who have been called and saved out of darkness, loved by God, and kept in Christ. Next week, we’ll look at the harsh words Jude has for false teachers and those who rebel against God. But for the believers in Christ, he says that mercy, peace, and love will be multiplied to you. He goes on to point out our common salvation. In whatever walk of life you’re in, whatever time, place, and culture you live in, we are all united in one common community of faith in Christ Jesus. Jude says he found it necessary to write to this community, the Church, to appeal to us to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to us, through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ! The word contend means to earnestly struggle and fight for something with everything that’s in you. Jude calls us to stand up and fight for our faith because it’s necessary. Why? Because there is an enemy of Christ, the devil, who is always at work trying to destroy the cause of Christ, and as Christians, we are called to represent Him in this world and fight for the faith! Next week, we’ll take a look at what Jude says concerning the judgment that comes on those who rebel against Christ. Until then, keep your eyes fixed on the King and stand for Him!
God bless and have great week! -Terry-