~ "4+5=1..."

But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. (Jude 1:17-19)

Last night I had the privilege of hearing four young men preach a five minute sermon. These are men who have been called to preach. One man read Jude's letter, and he did so with such emotion that I heard things I had never read. He commented that as we can all find ourselves in the New Testament, this particular letter seems almost as if it were written for this day's Christians. But all four of these men's mini-sermons tie into one...

Never more so than now have I seen people boldly denouncing the Bible, it's teachings or its author. The "hypocrisy" of today's world, people who do what they please and still call themselves Christians, the backslidden or "hibernating" Christians who are not on fire for the Lord, the infinitely and moderately "rich" who have more money than they need and will not reach out to those who have nothing - these are the ones we are warned about in Jude's letter.

We have an obligation to one another not only to pray, but to care for and tend to one another. Being filled with the Spirit enables us to do the many things Christ asks us to do. Throughout the gospels and the epistles (letters) we are given a very detailed outline of what is expected of us. Sometimes proclaiming his word causes anger, dissension, bitterness and hate among those who read or hear God telling them that they are not walking in his will. Sometimes the price is the loss of friends or family who do not want to hear that they are "following their own ungodly desires" and that there is a price to pay for such actions. Sometimes the harsh words need to be spoken because someone's gift of salvation may depend upon it! Continuing to walk in the ways of the world cannot produce the words "well done". Making a conscious effort and turning our lives over to the Lord to use for his purpose, knowing that we are saved by the shed blood of Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell in us is what we are asked for. It's not an impossible request, for all things are possible through Jesus! Remember, God gave him three nails and two pieces of wood and said "build me a bridge" - and he did!