Wow Jude - does not mince words! What begins with a blessing, quickly becomes an Epistle most churches these days would not read, much less preach!
Sadly, his words are fulfilled today!
“But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.” Jude 1:17-19 KJV
He describes those "mockers":
“These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.” Jude 1:16 KJV
“These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.” Jude 1:12-13 KJV
We are warned repeatedly throughout the New Testament of those that are not only lured off the narrow path, but who also try and pull others with them!
How do we know?
We are given clues, but are we looking? Their teachings sound so true and convincing!
Some even announce they "earnestly contend for the faith!" (Jude 1:3)
How do we know?
It's always about fruit! That is key!
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance” Galatians 5:22-23a KJV
Fruit can't be faked (for long) for whatever is in their heart will come out! They have to live it!
If you are not being exhorted to put to death the deeds of the flesh; die to self; be a servant; repent of your sins; AND you do not see the leaders doing the same then you need to find another fellowship!
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:4 KJV
You will not be able to discern the error if you are not following closely the teachings of Jesus, because the lies they preach are 98% truth! What to watch for though is repentance of sin, and I'm not talking just the "biggies!" The church at large scoffs at the teaching of holiness but we are called to be holy!
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 KJV
Holy is not bestowed! Holy is a choice, and that choice is repentance; you deal with the sin that you have held onto so dearly! The unforgiveness, the judgments, the bitterness that is hiding in your heart, has got to go! Worry, fear, anger, grumbling and complaining; acceptable sins in the church; unacceptable in the eyes The LORD!
“I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” Jude 1:5-7 KJV
God does not "wink" at sin!
He sent His Son to pay for our crimes, so that we could be pardoned and then we act like its no big deal, "cause Jesus did it all", we can go ahead and live for the pleasures of this world and satisfy the lusts of our flesh!
God watched His Son suffer and die in our place!
Would you sacrifice your child for a murderer! Rapist? Adulterer? A homosexual? Drug addict? An alcoholic?
When will we get it?
IT'S NOT ABOUT US!
IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM!
Yes, God LOVED us! But Jesus LOVED The Father! He was obedient unto death and we are supposed to be like Jesus!
If we are fully surrendered; if Jesus is our principal purpose then we will be like "the woman!" We will willingly fall at His feet, yet many of us won't even bend our knees.
“Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.” Luke 7:45-47 KJV
Of course, if you have it altogether; if you are not seeking forgiveness for your sins; then they are not being forgiven, so you would not love much!
I am, however, that woman for I was forgiven much sin! I have confessed and repented of every one! Because of being taught obedience I have peace! Because of being forgiven, I willingly live to serve Him! And praise God I am not alone!
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Jude 1:21-23 KJV
Repent while there is still time! We are not promised tomorrow!
Even so - MARANATHA!
From 8/26/15
No comments:
Post a Comment