PIC: What does the Gospel promise us? – from fitl
“…speaking the truth in love [in all things
—both our speech and our lives
expressing His truth]
– Ephesians 4:15
Jude 1
the obligation and mission we all have as Jesus’ followers
Our obligations and mission
Let’s look into what Jude says, with an emphasis on the obligation and mission we have as Jesus’ followers. I quote Jude here, again and again — where he speaks on this.
Jude 1:1-4: Warnings of History about the Ungodly
The one-chapter-book of Jude is written to all true believers. A large portion of the book is a warning to us about the many ways of the ungodly. Jude writes to:
“To those who are the called (God’s chosen ones, the elect), dearly loved by God the Father, and kept [secure and set apart] for Jesus Christ“.
Jude basically is saying, If you are saved, then I am writing this to you (v1-2). Don’t ignore me, he says!
“Contend for the faith” …speaking the truth in love – Ephesians 4:15
“I was compelled to write to you [urgently] appealing….” As believers, the Spirit will compel us to appeal to others that they follow Jesus. Jude urges us to “contend for the faith”, “fight strenuously for the faith”, defend the faith. That is our obligation and mission as followers.
Our faith is not just “whatever“! The faith that we follow must be:
“the faith which was once for all [d]handed down to the saints [the faith that is the sum of Christian belief that was given verbally to believers].” – Jude 3
Tainted teachings infiltrating
We are urged by Jude to be careful NOT to allow false doctrines (false teachings) to filtrate into our reservoir of beliefs. God is not adding new revelations to what He “once for all” delivered long ago. The Gospel is to be guarded, kept unadulterated, untainted – not changed by some supposed “new revelation”.
Our faith was “handed down” by the writers of the New Testament, Jude said. They gave us “[the faith that is the sum of Christian belief that was given verbally to believers]“. It is a very precise faith. And it is our mission to keep it pure, not watered-down, not deluded, not changed in any way. Scripture tells us: do not add to it, do not take away parts we don’t like, do not change it.
False teachers
Jude describes these deluders as “[just as if they were sneaking in by a side door]”. They are “ungodly persons” who “distort the grace of our God”. They make God’s wonderful, amazing grace “into decadence and immoral freedom”. Don’t buy-into their lies, deceptions, and false “new revelations”.
These false teachers view God’s loving grace “as an opportunity to do whatever they want”, Jude warns us. They are so evil and far away from the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that they actually “deny and disown our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ”. That’s from Jude, not me.
THAT is horrible – what they do! And so, Jude says, we are to warn people of their erroneous thinking. There are dangers that come with consorting with evil. Don’t just “let it slide”. Don’t just “let sleeping dogs lie”. Don’t “turn a blind eye” and “let them be”.
Jude urges us to
“contend for the faith”,
“fight strenuously
for the faith”,
defend the faith.
– See Jude 1:3 NASB
Specific “people have crept in unnoticed“. Don’t let them keep “sneaking in by a side door” (Jude 1:4), so to speak. They are ungodly sneaks who distort and deceive, and deny Jesus.
Jude 4 “For certain people have crept in unnoticed [just as if they were sneaking in by a side door]. They are ungodly persons whose condemnation was predicted long ago, for they distort the grace of our God into decadence and immoral freedom [viewing it as an opportunity to do whatever they want], and deny and disown our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”
“fight strenuously
for [the defense of] the faith
which was once for all
[d]handed down to the saints”
– Jude 1:3
BibleGateway Footnote [d] for Jude 1:3 points out: There is no “secret knowledge” or “better way” or alternative belief system which God has revealed to some unique group or teacher. The truth is available to everyone.
What false teachers do is exactly THAT. False teachers say that the really deep truth has never been available until now. Imagine that: God failed to give it to us. They say they have “secret knowledge”. They say they have a “better way”. They say they have an “alternative belief system”. Funny thing: only these specific Charismatics are getting it! God left the rest of us — out!
What a crock! Don’t believe them. As teachers of the faith – they are unqualified and worthless. Jesus’ followers are to warn against them. Don’t let them convince your friends and family and fellow church members of their falsehoods. Be a light on a hill shining the Truth on their darkness.
– Matthew 5:14
These apostate teachers sneak in. “Certain people have crept in unnoticed [just as if they were sneaking in by a side door].” Apparently most folks do not see the errors. The falseness goes unnoticed! Are we to stand aside and “stay silent”! Part of our role is to point-out those apostate people and their deceptive errors.
The lie that has nearly neutered the church for the last 150+ years is that it is wrong to contend earnestly for the faith. This lie says that it is wrong for Christians to tell the truth if it could possibly hurt someone’s feelings.
It says that if a person has bad doctrine and is leading people astray, but he is a great guy who is fun to be around and has shown himself to be a great friend that everyone seems to love then perhaps we should just let it go.
That is a lie my brethren and who is the father of all lies? Doesn’t Satan work night and day to neutralize as many Christians as possible with all sorts of schemes to ensnare them in sin or make them doubt and despair? These lies and schemes are intended to deceive as many professing Christians as possible into taking the broad, man-centered way instead of the narrow hard way through Christ as Lord.
– Source: Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints
In verse 19 of 1 John 2:18-19 John explains why a lot of people, even in churches, are so critical of true believers: “they were not really of us”. They are tares growing alonside the true wheat. False teachers were never saved in the first place!
“19They went out from us [seeming at first to be Christians], but they were not really of us [because they were not truly born again and spiritually transformed]”
Also see: 1 John 2:18-19, 1 Timothy 4:1, 1 Timothy 6:3-5, 1 Timothy 1:3-7.
“There are unrepentant “tares” all around us at church, and in churches all around the world. The lovely folk around you, your friends at church – some are tares. That is what Jesus Himself taught. They are the ones spoken of by Matthew, Luke, John, and Paul….”
– Source: How a tare thinks
There is no “secret knowledge” or “better way” or alternative belief system which God has revealed to some unique group or teacher.
– Source: BibleGateway Footnote [d] for Jude 1:3
It appears that a large percentage of churchgoers are like the reviewers of the Andy Stanley book: Not in It to Win It. See my review of the reviewers here: I’m in it to win it.
Most reveiwers of Andy Stanley’s book are like apostates. They want true followers of Jesus to stay silent. Don’t make waves. Don’t be so critical of Christian leaders!
“They (Andy Stanley and most commentators) want true followers of Jesus to stay seated, say nothing, do not disagree, and do not express to anyone what we feel the Bible says about this and that.”
Enlightened Folks
The “self-proclaimed righteous” folk, on an opposite spectrum from Jesus, only care about what they themselves think. Rarely do they listen to God’s Word deeply enough to actually align their thinking with God. They are those “who see no need to change”.
We are warned to not conform to them, “the world” — but to conform to Jesus in our thinking and actions. The writer of Romans 12:2 apparently thought we might need to be reminded! You think?
– Source: I’m in it to win it
The Berean response is to search the Scriptures to obey God rather than man.
See: OhMyGodJesus.com Site Search for: Berean
My response: Be fearless!
FOR MORE:
If we carefully read Scripture, we are sure to see horribly false teachings are rampant in many churches today. They form a NARcissistic gospel. It is incumbent upon us to warn others of the actual false teachers and their false teachings. Paul and John and Jude warned about this (2 Corinthians 11:4). Let’s examine where Jude urges us to “contend for the faith”, “fight strenuously for the faith”, defend the faith.
See: 1 John 2:18-19, 1 Timothy 4:1, 1 Timothy 6:3-5, 1 Timothy 1:3-7
___________
Why ChatGPT doesn’t speak in tongues | By Robin Schumacher, Exclusive Columnist |
Revelation 2:2
‘I know [a]your deeds and your toil, and your patient endurance, and that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and have tested and critically appraised those who call themselves apostles (special messengers, personally chosen representatives, of Christ), and [in fact] are not, and have found them to be liars and impostors”
Note: Come on folks! Get your 2:2 on! Don’t tolerate “liars and imposters”. Test them. Critically appraise them. They are imposters.
Quote from Calling out false teachers:
“…why are we generally so reticent
about confronting wrong?
Paul called it out.
We should stand up
for the good of others,
resist oppression by authorities,
and speak out against
what is not actually in the Bible.
Don’t be the dumb-ass lamb,
don’t blindly follow some attractive,
exciting politician, political party,
friend, or teacher
who teaches things that are
not clearly supported in the Bible.”
The Gift by His Precious, Undeserved Grace
God’s grace teaches us to reject sin
The Godman Jesus Said “Follow Me”
What clearly saves and what obviously does not save
Growing into our natural new life in Christ
Ever grasped that feeling of being wrong with Jesus?
Live your best life wherever, doing whatever you want
What happens when you do not know what the Bible says on a matter
How a tare thinks | Excerpt: “There are unrepentant “tares” all around us at church, and in churches all around the world. The lovely folk around you, your friends at church – some are tares. That is what Jesus Himself taught. They are the ones spoken of by Matthew, Luke, John, and Paul….”
I’m in it to win it – a review of the Andy Stanley book: Not in It to Win It, by . Excerpt: The main thrust of Stanley’s book… To me, after reading many comments, THIS is the main thrust of Stanley’s entire book and most of the commentators:
That stuns me. Christ NEVER said this, nor intimated THAT. Actually, thinking biblically — we are to stand for Jesus – share “our points” with everyone. Wow. They (Andy Stanley and most commentators) want true followers of Jesus to stay seated, say nothing, do not disagree, and do not express to anyone what we feel the Bible says about this and that. On the opposite spectrum – the love of God constrains us to share what God’s program is for the world.
Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints | Posted on The lie that has nearly neutered the church for the last 150+ years is that it is wrong to contend earnestly for the faith. This lie says that it is wrong for Christians to tell the truth if it could possibly hurt someone’s feelings. It says that if a person has bad doctrine and is leading people astray, but he is a great guy who is fun to be around and has shown himself to be a great friend that everyone seems to love then perhaps we should just let it go.
That is a lie my brethren and who is the father of all lies? Doesn’t Satan work night and day to neutralize as many Christians as possible with all sorts of schemes to ensnare them in sin or make them doubt and despair? These lies and schemes are intended to deceive as many professing Christians as possible into taking the broad, man-centered way instead of the narrow hard way through Christ as Lord.
The gullibility of the common person
About Being Apostate… following “another gospel”
Double-minded means both loving Jesus AND loving a different gospel
There is no other saving gospel
They were not really of us Excerpt: The reality for apostate “Christians” is stated in 1 John 2:19: “none of them are of us”.
18 Children, it is the last hour [the end of this age]; and just as you heard that the antichrist is coming [the one who will oppose Christ and attempt to replace Him],
even now many antichrists (false teachers) have appeared, which confirms our belief that it is the last hour.
19 They went out from us [seeming at first to be Christians],
but they were not really of us
[because they were not truly born again and spiritually transformed];
for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out [teaching false doctrine], so that it would be clearly shown that none of them are of us.
Show me actual false teachings
The Bethel Johnson’s unbiblical teachings
About False Teachings of Today
Search Results on the OMGjesus site for: NAR
The Great Water Down of Jesus’ Message to us all
NAR-types are changing God’s Way, denying the Old Testament
No New Revelations in these End Times
fitl Content: See much of the fitl content introduced here: https://fitl.co.za/
The strategies and tactics of false teachers | November 21, 2024 | Rick BeckerBlog |
Excerpt: It’s been some time… the reason for this is that I’ve been creating content for our YouTube channel. I’ve produced 16 videos, and the latest one focuses on the topic of this article…
What does the Gospel promise us? Excerpt: By Rick Becker 17 January 2024 In 2024, we find ourselves in the same position as Jude, who found it necessary to “contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3). And as in Jude’s day… |
A-nar-ther Gospel | Blog |By Rick Becker | 10 February 2021.
Excerpt: The apostle Paul described people during these last days as being lovers of self (2 Timothy 3:2) Sadly, this description does not merely apply to the world, but to millions in the visible church who reject sound teaching and follow false teachers to suit their own passions. Paul warned the church in Corinth about the self appointed apostles that sought to seduce them, and issued a warning – “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” (2 Corinthians 11:4)
“Another gospel” comes in many forms, in this article I’ll identify three man-centered teachings, that are components of “another gospel” – a NARcissistic gospel. I’ll provide quotes from false teachers such as Bill Johnson and John Bevere to prove that they are teaching these false doctrines, and conclude with quotes that will unequivocally reveal their narcissistic fruits.
The Old Testament is still Truth for today
Defining who is a false teacher – versus – just a dumbhead who got it wrong
Show me actual false teachings
Old Sarge comments on Charismatic practices
What is “sound doctrine” and what is “a different doctrine”?
Jesus warned us not to be dishonest with Him
So, God sent His Son into the world. Do you know why?
Do not attend apostate churches
The music hook of today’s apostates
Why your Church Shouldn’t Play Bethel and Hillsong Music | by Todd Friel (of Wretchednetwork) interviews Justin Peters 2,375,014 views | Feb 8, 2020.
What Does Scripture Teach About the Office of Prophet and Gift of Prophecy? | October 8, 2015 | Sam Storms | The Gospel Coalition.org.
Chrislam is ready for you – the One World Religion
Waiting may get you beheaded – sooner than you think Excerpt: “Chrislam” is officially established as THE Official One World Religion, as Catholic Pope Francis partners with forces of Darkness in the VII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, on September 15th, 2022 in the Kazakh capital, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. Photo credit: press center of the congress.
See section: More affirmation that this is real news.
One minute away from the Kingdom of God
Being saved means forever never again condemned
Promises God makes about your salvation
Psalm 51 type repentance and salvation
Hating is life changing – eternal life changing. Scary thought.
Consequences of supporting evil
The Dems of today are The New Left
About Being Apostate… following “another gospel”
Wandering Stars. The Paganism of Bethel, Hillsong, and the NAR pt 1
Jews and anyone who rejects Jesus
Living between two opinions – 1 Kings 18:21
Pleasure and bad behavior we love to fall for
The sins around us and the sins we do
Why you are wrong
Mark 12:24-27
24 Jesus said to them, “Is this not why you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures [that teach the resurrection] nor the power of God [who is able to raise the dead]?….
When you are wrong and just don’t get it
What you think and practice as compared with what Jesus thinks
Double-minded means both loving Jesus AND loving a different gospel
Could it be true that today only 6% of “Christians” are truly born again?
Letting It Reign Until Hell Is Home
Trying God’s Patience too long
“You are not of God”, Jesus said
Only God’s Way Leads to Himself
Delusion is absolutely irrational, stupid and foolish
It is what it is: The Bible Is God’s Word To Us
The Bible is the standard for Christian thought and practice. Not me. Not you.
Prophecies in the Bible: A Perfect Track Record
The nature of biblical speculation
False teachings of today …a series dealing with issues of False Teachers
About Being Apostate… following “another gospel”
As Teachers of the Faith – Unqualified and Worthless
Part IIIb – Bill Johnson’s Christology: A New Age Christ?, part IIIb | From Craig at CrossWise. | John 1:1-3,14
Part IV – Bill Johnson’s Christology: A New Age Christ?, part IV (Conclusion) will discuss how some other teachings of Johnson resemble those of occult | New Age | New Spirituality and will conclude this series. | From Craig at CrossWise.
Does God give new revelations or is the Bible enough?
No New Revelations in these End Times
Cessationism or Continuationism? | Craig at CrossWise | September 16, 2023 |
Comment by Craig to article: “From my perspective, false signs and wonders follow false doctrine, faulty Christology in particular. At root, modern hyper-charismaticism is neognostic, with a separationist Christology. That is, Jesus is only “Christ” by virtue of “the anointing”, aka “Christ anointing”. This fits the definition of antichrist per John’s first epistle (1 John 2:22, 4:1-3).”
– Source: 6 Responses to Cessationism or Continuationism? Comment where Craig says: September 17, 2023 at 6:07 am (Bruce,Thanks so much for your thoughtful and heartfelt comment….)
NAR-types are changing God’s Way, denying the Old Testament
Pretending their word is God’s word
How Postmodern Pseudo-Prophecy Dishonors God
| December 20, 2020 | Joe Carter | The Gospel Coalition.org
Are there prophets in the church today? – from GotQuestions.org
What Does Scripture Teach About the Office of Prophet and Gift of Prophecy?
| October 8, 2015 | Sam Storms | The Gospel Coalition.org
The NAR – “A New ‘Reformation’ That Many Don’t Realize They’ve Joined | Source: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/biola-magazine/2015/a-new-reformation
See more “Apostasy” at Harbingers Daily: Home | Deceptions | Apostasy
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