Bible Pathways 12/22/2000
December 22
II John 1 -- Jude 1
In his brief but very important letter to all believers, Jude wrote: Beloved, I gave all diligence to write to you . . . that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares . . . turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness (an excuse for immorality), and denying (in their daily conduct) our Lord Jesus Christ. . . . They have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core (Korah) (Jude 1:3-4,11). To earnestly contend implies not only the necessity of knowing all Scripture (II Timothy 3:16), since it alone is the final Word on all doctrine, but that we must speak out against every form of religious deception, since it is misdirecting multitudes down the broad way that leads to destruction and eternal hell fire (Matthew 7:13). Some have compassion . . . others save with fear (Jude 1:22-23). But only One is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen (1:24-25).
There is a superficial unity being promoted today by many who have joined hands with religions that reject Christ as the Only God and Savior. Such religions also deny either the total deity or the total humanity of Jesus. Many assume there is but one god who is called in various names such as Allah or Buddha. They conclude that all religions are equally acceptable. But Jesus said: I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man comes to the Father, but by Me (John 14:6). And, like the religious leaders of Jesus' day, they loudly denounce Christians who say neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). They separate themselves (Jude 1:19) from the faithful few who know that Jesus Christ alone can save to the uttermost them that come unto God by Him (Hebrews 7:25).
Jude warns that deceivers will suffer the vengeance of eternal fire (Jude 1:7). Moses would not compromise with the rebellion of Core (Korah) (1:11; Numbers 16:1-3,31-35). Gideon would not use soldiers whose hearts were not truly dedicated to God (Judges 7:4,7-8). Nehemiah would not cooperate with Sanballat and his false worshipers, who volunteered to help build the wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 4:7-8,16-18).
Our society is also permeated with wolves in sheep's clothing, Christians who have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam . . . who loved the wages (profits and popularity) of unrighteousness (II Peter 2:15). Such false prophets are popular and acceptable to the world, but are eternally lost. God is calling each of us to come out from among them, and be separate. . . . And to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them (II Corinthians 6:17; Ephesians 5:11).
Government Official: Rep. William Lipinski (IL) · BPM Staff: Ken Sharp · Pray for Dr. D. James Kennedy, Coral Ridge Ministries · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer Group · Country: Nicaragua (4 million) in Central America · Major languages: Spanish and English · Limited religious freedom · 95% Roman Catholic; 5% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you discernment and an understanding heart (I Kings 3:9).
Memory Verse for the Week:
I Peter 2:2
