“The FOOL says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” (Psalms 14:1) The meaning of the text is “sinful people do not believe in God.” In other words, it is a wicked thing to deny God, and a denial of God is often accompanied by a wicked lifestyle. The verse goes on to list some other characteristics of the irreligious: “They are corrupt; their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” Psalm 14 is a study on the universal depravity of mankind.
George Barna says, “Even though our culture does not want the Bible, God, or the church, it is important for followers of Jesus to REMAIN FAITHFUL. As fewer people share our theological and worldview commitments, Christians will NEED COURAGE that was not required of recent generations of believers. Of course, STANDING FOR GOD’S TRUTH IN A WORLD THAT IS INCREASINGLY DARK SPIRITUALLY CAN BE DIFFICULT, and it’s not easy to stand alone. Thankfully, we can REST IN GOD’S PROMISE for those who stay rooted in Him and His Word…”
“Dear friends, although I was VERY EAGER to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and URGE YOU TO CONTEND (epagōnizomai: strongly affirm, assert yourself, urgently proclaim) FOR THE FAITH that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have SECRETLY slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who PERVERT the grace of our God into a license for immorality and DENY Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” (Jude 1:3-4)
“BUT YOU, BELOVED, BUILDING YOURSELVES UP ON YOUR MOST HOLY FAITH, PRAYING IN THE HOLY SPIRIT…KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD, LOOKING FOR THE MERCY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST UNTO ETERNAL LIFE.” (Jude 1:20-21)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham