This is the last week of This Is the New Testament! Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book or two of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we will finish reading the General Epistles and move on to Apocalyptic Literature.
What Is Jude? Possibly written by the brother of Jesus and James, the book of Jude urges readers to steward their influence within the church by contending for the faith, remaining vigilant against heresy. They will maintain their unity by remembering their shared salvation in Christ.
How Jude Fits Into the Story: The letter of Jude has often been overlooked by New Testament scholars because of its short length. However, its message is relevant to believers of every era. Jude sought to protect Christian truth and strongly opposed heretics who threatened the faith, and he called his readers to be just as passionate in their defense of the gospel.
Reflection Questions:
1. Based on today’s reading in Jude, what are specific things we can do to remain faithful to Jesus and the gospel in the midst of persecution?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
Hi, sisters. Will you pray for us, please (regarding our son, Jon, and his herniated disk I’ve asked for prayer before)…
Just saw a doc at KU. He recommended a microdiscectomy. Jon is asking our opinion… His dad/my hubby says go for it. Jon is like me, though, and researches things to death. It seems like this is the way to go b/c you don’t get specialist appts. as quickly as we did, and surgery would happen quickly and is an hour, outpatient thing. This was a second opinion. The first opinion and recommended approach was not working. Seems like it is meant to be, you know? Been praying to God that this is His will, and we aren’t taking the quickest/easiest way out just because it’s there, you know? Please keep us in your prayers.
I tend to forget to give God credit in outcomes and circumstances. My pride always rears its ugly head and I become boastful rather than giving glory to Jesus. Even through difficulties, I pray for Jesus to teach me to praise God and give him all the glory, honor, and blessing. For it to be instinctive and automatic.
Amen Krysta !
What can we do to remain faithful in Jesus in the midst of persecution? Remain in HIM. Not give up because He is faithful even when we are not. He promises to never leave or forsake us and I believe this promise!
CeeGee thank you for posting this version of Jude: “to those loved by God the Father, called and kept safe by Jesus Christ. Relax, everything’s going to be all right; rest, everything’s coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!”The Message v. 1b-2. My heart is troubled and this helped my anxious heart.
I am making a stand that could cost me my job down the road. I’m scared because I am a people pleaser, I don’t like to make waves and I want to stay under the radar. But I know if I continue choosing comfort, I’ll be giving up the best that God has for me. Please pray for me that I continue to stand strong in the weeks ahead and trust that God will take care of everything.
Lexi B I feel as though I could have written your response today. I am praying for you!
Good Morning Lovely Sisters, don’t you love all the instruction in Jude. Even in how it speaks of the ungodly it gives us instruction in my mind to stay away from or avoid these things. And it points to the only way to do so through Jesus. I really love this 24 Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of his glory, without blemish and with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now and forever. Amen.” He is able to keep us from falling and to help us stand. So Good. Sky Hilton, thank you for your prayer and comment indeed He is good. Praying for you as you love your Mom and Sis, that His joy, mercy and strength be evident to them and they feel His saving grace over them and Jesus draws them into Truth He is able and does more than we ask. CeeGee, great suggestions on ways to stand in faith and help kids find and stand in theirs. Thank you! Victoria E, praying for your little miracle for the present and the future, may God be praised. Joining your prayers for Afghanistan and Haiti. Had a message sent to me yesterday that there were 229 Missionaries there they were planning to execute and have been praying Jesus over them. Our world has so much going on that is pointing to end times it is so important we remember Who is our God and keep our eyes on Him. Revelations tomorrow is timing well. Dear Dorothy praying for your precious Finley and surgery. Lord God cover Finley with your protection, touch her little body and bring healing through this surgery, give wisdom to the doctors and let everything be seen and taken care of. In Jesus name Amen. Praying for Jake and Carol too, His love pursuing and over them. Hugs to your heart Dorothy may you feel His peace as you lay it all at His feet.
Amen Maura! Thank you dear sister !
We are called to build each other up, pray in the Holy Spirit, and wait for the Lord’s mercy to come and give us eternal life. Jude emphasizes helping our fellow brothers and sisters because no one was made to do this alone.
“to those loved by God the Father, called and kept safe by Jesus Christ. Relax, everything’s going to be all right; rest, everything’s coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!”The Message v. 1b-2.
Jude wrote about the battle against the forces of evil in this world. They claimed to belong to God but they were ungodly in their thinking and living. We should earnestly contend for the faith, speaking the truth in love and armed with spiritual weapons. We must know the word of God and have the courage to defend it. We must watch and pray. We must daily spend devotional time in the word-studying it to better understand what it teaches. If we don’t know the word we can’t discern between good and evil.hugs and prayers for all of you sisters today. ❤️
How is your sister and your family. Had an incident here this week that reminded me of your family. Hope you are all healing and feel the prayers for peace.
GramsieSue you and your family were brought to kind during my prayers yesterday I hope you all are on the path to healing. Continues praises for your recovery from your SAH.