“…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 PEOPLE WHO DIVIDE YOU, WHO FOLLOW MERE NATURAL INSTINCTS AND DO NOT HAVE THE SPIRIT. 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.” (Jude 1:17-21) [Those people who are in the position to persuade us must make it obvious that they sincerely love us and are looking out for our best interest. Hostile and harsh words never did and never will convince, much less persuade anybody! There are those who try to divide us; so, we must 1- Build up ourselves and one another on our most holy faith. 2- We must practice and participate in praying in the Holy Spirit, for he will reveal necessary things to us. 3- We must keep ourselves in the love of God by applying that love from the word of God! 4- Wait for our Abba Father’s mercy (His active compassion)!] “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.” (Jude 1:22-23) [We would not want to see any of our loved ones (friends or family) cast into eternal fire, so we may have to snatch: harpazō, to seize, catch away, pluck, pull, and take by force; whatever it takes!] “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy– TO THE ONLY GOD OUR SAVIOR BE GLORY, MAJESTY, POWER AND AUTHORITY, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, BEFORE ALL AGES, NOW AND FOREVERMORE! Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25) [Only Jesus is able to keep us from falling back into sin, and He died for us to do that!] “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, CONTINUE TO LIVE YOUR LIVES IN HIM, ROOTED and BUILT UP in him, STRENGTHENED IN THE FAITH as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. SEE TO IT THAT NO ONE TAKES YOU CAPTIVE through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world RATHER THAN ON CHRIST.” (Col. 2:6-8) [We must seek the truth in love, for it is the love of God that keeps us through our troubles! We must be rooted (become stable) and built up in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!]
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that WE MAY CONTINUE TO LIVE OUR LIVES IN HIM, ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN HIM, AND STRENGTHENED IN THE FAITH!
-Bill Stockham