How to Stand Firm in a Woke World? Jude 17-25
Less than 50% have no doubt God exists
34% never go to church
15% of children have no religious upbringing of any kind
Mainline Protestantism is down from 33% in the 1970’s to 10% and
Things will get worse around you
Jude 17-19 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They
said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who
cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.
5 Signs of the Last Days
1. Scoffers
2. Ungodly passions
3. Divisions
4. Worldly people
5. Devoid of the Spirit
You will get better in you
Jude 20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
-Jesus says = 3 kinds of people (church Laodicea Rev 3:14-22) 1). Hot 2. Cold 3. Lukewarm = spit out mouth
Past: Lots of American’s “lukewarm” Today: Not much lukewarm, hot & cold
gss.norc.org/
End times
“last time” – or “last days” or “endtimes” – period between 1st & 2nd coming “predictions of the apostles” – prophecy
Bible has roughly 2500 prophecies, roughly 500 remain fulfilled (1-2 Thess next)
– your faith will be mocked, made fun of, & lied about
– sinful pleasure will be much easier than holiness
– you will need to pick a side & pay a price for your faith – you will be an outcast and spiritual minority
– most people will be driven by the flesh or demonic (esp religious)
keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
You are here for a purpose
Jude 22-23 And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others
show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
You have a great God!
Jude 24-25 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the
presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory,
majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
UR “beloved” (18) – “Jn 15:9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” 4 Greek: 1. “eros”=sensual 2. “storge”=familial 3. “philia”=friendship 4.“agape”=Gods love WE NEED EACH OTHER MORE THAN EVER!
Hard times are not for giving up, but building up (HOW? Learn, grow, mature)
You can pray in the HS (by HS, thru JC, to Father). Includes singing
Abide in the love of God (don’t overlook Satan, demons, evildoers in world) Mercy is coming “wait” (faith + patience = maturity)
Eternal life started the day you met Jesus, but you aren’t Home yet
We are still here because there’s still ministry to do. God isn’t punishing you. God is sending you.
Doubters – “have mercy” – lots ????? pain/hurt, addiction, trauma, bad habits = limp Pyromaniacs (love fire) – be firefighter – (buy Bible, bring to church, keep pursuing) ????Hate “the garment stained by the flesh” – Zech 3 our filth =Jesus; His clean=us NT “take off”& “put on” = hate your old life. don’t wear it again (Laz grave clothes)
“doxology” = lift your soul to worship! (band up playing under)
Your God “keep[s[ you from stumbling” – carry over finish line if needed
Your God “present[s] you blameless” – no condemnation
Your God welcome you into “the presence of His glory”
Your God serves you with “great joy”
Your God is “the only God” (no one like Him, next to Him, over Him, alongside Him) Your “Savior” is “Jesus Christ our Lord”
Your Jesus has “glory” – jaw dropping awe!
Your Jesus has “majesty” – Glorious King seated in victory
Your Jesus has “dominion” – over everything & Coming to take it all back
Your Jesus has “authority” – over everyone
Your Jesus has never changed, is not changing and will never change
“before all time and now and forever”
1. AMEN! – I believe in God’s promises as the bedrock of my life
I’m more excited about Jesus than – politics…sports…blockbuster movies…social media…money…fame…power…
STAND – in unison “AMEN”
