seekeroftruth
Well-Known Member
Jude 1:17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
This is from the commentary.There would be mockers in the last time: Perhaps Jude had in mind those who mock the idea of Jesus’ return. Or he may mean the kind of men who mock those who don’t go along the same path of destruction they travel on.
Mockers… who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts: Those who live according to their own ungodly lusts love to mock those who want to please God. Jude wants Christians to expect this kind of mocking, so they won’t be surprised by it.
These are sensual persons: Essentially, these men were not spiritual; they were carnal and insensitive to the Holy Spirit.
Sensual in this context has nothing to do with sexual attractiveness. It describes the person who lives only by and for what he can get through his physical senses, and he lives this way selfishly. His motto is, “If it feels good, do it” or, “How can it be wrong if it feels so right?”
Who cause divisions: These certain men had an instinct to separate themselves and make divisions. “The word, found only once in the Bible, denotes those superior people who keep themselves to themselves — Christian Pharisees.” (Green)
On some have compassion: Jude begins here to tell us what we must do with those who have been influenced by these certain men. We need to make a distinction, based on where they are coming from. Certainly, on some have compassion.
Others save with fear: This second group must be confronted more strongly — but in fear, not in a sanctimonious superiority. You may need to pull them out of the fire, but never do it in pride.
I've heard it said that my grandmother, Rebecca, could preach hellfire and damnation with the best of preachers. I've heard it said that my grandmother would take over the preacher's responsibilities when he couldn't make it to the church back in the holler. My mom told me my grandmother had preached to her, her whole life. My mom didn't seem very happy with that. My mom was a Christian though... even if she didn't like how she got there.My mom and dad raised me in church. When I got out on my own, I went to church, but not nearly as often as I had. When I had children, I took them to church regularly. I pray a lot. I always have. He hasn't always answered my prayers, if He did, I'd be a millionaire or billionaire by now... and I would be feeding the poor and building homes for the homeless.
I'm 73 years old. I've met a lot of people and I've told a lot of people about Jesus. I don't know if any of them actually accepted Jesus. Taking a census of those I have shared with would be big headed of me. When I tell someone about Jesus, it makes me feel better. That's how selfish I am.
I've talked to people about Jesus in bars and churches. I've shared the Two Commandments with people in malls and on the bus. I've shared with anyone who wanted to listen. I don't memorize verses... I just tell the story. If verses are necessary, there's always Google or Bing.
Preachers can change the sermon to fit the crowd. But they should never change the Gospel.
God loves us so much, He let His Son come to earth so we could know Him. He let His Son become human so He would understand what it's like to be human. Jesus will come to our defense while condemning those who shunned Him. Jesus will prosecute those preachers who hurt children.
Jesus said there are only two Commandments. We are to love God with all our heart, mind, and soul. We are to love one another as we wish others would love us.
If I just share those Two Commandments... preaching hellfire and damnation isn't necessary. Love and Faith will naturally happen.
Some people are going to laugh. Some people are going to shun. Some people will be moved. Some people won't even remember meeting me. If one person has come to Jesus, because God put me on their path.... then it has been a good life for me.
Tomorrow I will start Revelation. John had a vision of what it would look like when Jesus returns.
Until Jesus does return, we're just supposed to share. We'll share the Gospel, food, blankets, clothes, warmth, compassion, and love. Most of all we are to share the Gospel. That way, when He does return, people will say His Name.
Until then... we are called to "SHARE".
