Jude (Bible in 90 Days)

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Jude was the brother of Jesus and James. He writes this letter to Jewish Christians to remind the church of the importance to keep strong in faith and to oppose false teachings. This was during a time of great opposition for Christians because many had begun to twist God's words and deceive those who were committed to follow God's Son Jesus Christ.

Jude's message was simple - opposition will come and false teachers will rise up, but Christians should "defend the faith."

Jude 1:3 -- "Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people."

Jude then goes on to give practical ways to accomplish this mission. First, is to reject all falsehood and immorality:

Jude 1:18-19 -- "They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them."

Second, is to build up your own faith through prayer:

Jude 1:20 -- "But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit."

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He also speaks of keeping Christ close, helping others and hating sin. But most importantly, to praise God, the I Am, and give Him all the glory, for even in persecution there is hope and there is life.

Jude 1:24-25 -- "Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen."

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This letter was written in 65 AD, but it has encouragement that we still need to hear today. There are still false teaching and ones who twist God's words in the world we know today. Standing firm against opposition and keeping your faith strong is a choice. You choose to learn the truth through God's word or to reject it. You choose to spend time in prayer to know your Creator personally or you turn your back on His grace and mercy. When you know God, you will know who stands against God, no matter how big their church smile is.

It is a choice to determine that God's truth is more valuable than anything else. What do you choose?