Thursday, August 6, 2026

             Jude is the next to last book of the Bible.  It is a single chapter long.  He identified himself in verse one as the brother of James—very likely meaning that he may also have been a brother of the Lord Jesus too.  He was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write this single-chapter book as a warning against false and immoral teachers and alarming heresies that were a danger and threat to the unity and witness of the early church.  Satan was working hard and working overtime to destroy the Church in its infancy.  Jude was so disturbed that he changed the tone and direction of his letter from what he had originally planned to write. Jude says, “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 for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 3).
            Jude’s letter is an encouragement to us today.  Several important lessons stand out for us to see in verse 3 and really the entirety of the letter.  First, our salvation in and through Jesus alone is precious and priceless.  It is worth contending for.  The enemy would love to convince us that salvation is not necessary—just do the best you can and let your good deeds outweigh your bad.  The enemy often tries to convince us that there are multiple ways to reach heaven and enjoy salvation.  Anything or any pathway will take us to God if we are just sincere and work hard.  But the gospel says otherwise.  It is by grace we are saved through faith, not by works, so that no one can or should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). The gospel that saves us this—Jesus died, Jesus was buried and Jesus rose again according to the Scriptures.  We add nothing.  We bring nothing.  We work for nothing. Jesus plus nothing leads to salvation!  We always want to speak with clarity and conviction when we speak about salvation.
            Second, we stand for and contend for the gospel daily.  It is not a battle once fought and then forgotten.  It is not even an annual struggle.  It is a daily contention for what is right, good and true.  Satan, our ruthless enemy, fights against the hope and power of the gospel relentlessly.  We want to put on the full armor of God each day and walk boldly by faith with Him.  Pray for one person every day to hear and to respond to the gospel message.  Extend one invitation each week to someone to come to our church or to participate in some of the ministries we offer.  Contending for the gospel is not just an Easter and Christmas engagement.  It is daily!
            Third, contending for the gospel keeps us on track.  It gives us a mission to set before us and to fulfill each day.  Near the end of his letter, Jude wrote, “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy” (Jude 24).  Christ keeps us from stumbling, flailing or floundering in life. He has set us free so we can serve Him and declare His greatness and glory to the ends of the earth and beyond.  Wake up to live for Him who died for you.  Faithfully declare His greatness by your life and witness.    
            Fourth, remember the gospel is good news!  It is the best news ever!  We are sinners but God loves us so much that He came to the earth to die for us and to win us back from the grave, sin and Satan forever.  When you get weighed down by the news of the world’s struggles, life’s battles or the normal aches and pains of the day, come back to the good news that changes everything.  God forgives and remakes us here and now and one day He’ll call us home to be with Him.  Take time today to memorize the way Jude ends his letter.  He began with a call to arms—to contend for the gospel and not to be led astray by false teachers or teachings.  But he ended in a crescendo of triumph, “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 25).  Have a great Monday!  God is good and still mighty to save!