Sunday Rewind (Jude 1:8-25)
Sunday Rewind (from Jude 1:1-25)
Greetings,
I hope this message finds you well. I'm blessed to share with you the latest teaching recap from our Sunday Bible Study (September 24, 2023), where we delve into the profound teachings of the book of Jude.
Here are some of the recaps from our study:
Remembering the Faith: We've reached verse eight of Jude, and I've been reflecting on the theme of “remembrance”. As it is written in Jude 1:3, "Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people." Let us remember the sacrifices made by previous generations to defend the faith and carry the torch.
The Garden Decision: Every day, we face choices that test our faith. Just like Adam and Eve faced a decision in the Garden of Eden, we too must make choices that align with God's will. As it is written in Genesis 2:16-17, "And the Lord God commanded the man, 'You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.'" Remember, love requires a choice.
Beware of False Teachers: We delve into the characteristics of those who twist the Word of God and reject authority. As it is written in Jude 1:4, "For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord." It's crucial to stay vigilant and discern the truth from the deceit.
Aliens or Fallen Angels?: A curious topic, but one worth discussing. We explore the idea that what others perceive as aliens are really fallen angels. As it is written in Jude 1:6, "And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day." Let us ponder the mysteries of God's creation, and the fall, both of man and the rebellious angels.
Lessons from Cain, Balaam and Korah: We discuss the stories of Cain and Balaam and Korah, highlighting the dangers of self-righteousness, greed, envy, and discontentment. As it is written in Jude 1:11, "Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam's error; they have been destroyed in Korah's rebellion." Let us learn from their mistakes and strive for righteousness.
Staying Strong in Faith: We emphasize the importance of staying strong in faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, and keeping oneself in the love of God. As it is written in Jude 1:20-21, "But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." Let us remain steadfast in our devotion.
Compassion and Firmness: We explore the delicate balance of showing compassion while standing firm against sinful influences. As it is written in Jude 1:22-23, "Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh." Let us extend grace to those in need while upholding the truth.
I pray this past study strengthens and encourages you for today. Remember, we're all in this together, learning, growing, and supporting each other.
Looking forward to sharing more insights and discussions with you in our next study, where we'll be starting our study through the Book of Revelation.
Stay blessed and keep the faith!
Pastor Ray
Greetings,
I hope this message finds you well. I'm blessed to share with you the latest teaching recap from our Sunday Bible Study (September 24, 2023), where we delve into the profound teachings of the book of Jude.
Here are some of the recaps from our study:
Remembering the Faith: We've reached verse eight of Jude, and I've been reflecting on the theme of “remembrance”. As it is written in Jude 1:3, "Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people." Let us remember the sacrifices made by previous generations to defend the faith and carry the torch.
The Garden Decision: Every day, we face choices that test our faith. Just like Adam and Eve faced a decision in the Garden of Eden, we too must make choices that align with God's will. As it is written in Genesis 2:16-17, "And the Lord God commanded the man, 'You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.'" Remember, love requires a choice.
Beware of False Teachers: We delve into the characteristics of those who twist the Word of God and reject authority. As it is written in Jude 1:4, "For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord." It's crucial to stay vigilant and discern the truth from the deceit.
Aliens or Fallen Angels?: A curious topic, but one worth discussing. We explore the idea that what others perceive as aliens are really fallen angels. As it is written in Jude 1:6, "And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day." Let us ponder the mysteries of God's creation, and the fall, both of man and the rebellious angels.
Lessons from Cain, Balaam and Korah: We discuss the stories of Cain and Balaam and Korah, highlighting the dangers of self-righteousness, greed, envy, and discontentment. As it is written in Jude 1:11, "Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam's error; they have been destroyed in Korah's rebellion." Let us learn from their mistakes and strive for righteousness.
Staying Strong in Faith: We emphasize the importance of staying strong in faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, and keeping oneself in the love of God. As it is written in Jude 1:20-21, "But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." Let us remain steadfast in our devotion.
Compassion and Firmness: We explore the delicate balance of showing compassion while standing firm against sinful influences. As it is written in Jude 1:22-23, "Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh." Let us extend grace to those in need while upholding the truth.
I pray this past study strengthens and encourages you for today. Remember, we're all in this together, learning, growing, and supporting each other.
Looking forward to sharing more insights and discussions with you in our next study, where we'll be starting our study through the Book of Revelation.
Stay blessed and keep the faith!
Pastor Ray