Standing Firm in Faith

Hello!

I hope these letters are encouraging, inspiring, and even informative. I know that I am constantly learning. I once heard a pastor describe the Bible as a pool that is shallow enough to keep readers from drowning but so deep that you can never touch the bottom. It stuck with me.

In this edition, we will dive into the thought-provoking content found in the book of Jude and explore its relevance to the challenges we face today.

Contending for Our Faith: Lessons from Jude

In the book of Jude, we are reminded of the importance of contending for our faith amidst the presence of infiltrators in the church. These individuals distort God's grace and reject Jesus Christ, posing a present-day threat to our faith. To illustrate this, the author uses an analogy of churches with no impact on the community, reflecting the larger issue of empty, lifeless church buildings prevalent in the British Isles and Canada.

Reviving Our Confidence in Scripture and Christ

The urgency to revive our confidence in Scripture and Christ is compared to a medical emergency demanding immediate action. Just as a dying patient requires urgent care, our faith is challenged by false teachings and evil agendas infiltrating the church. We are called to uphold the unchanging Gospel entrusted to us and reject any attempts to water it down or accommodate it to modern culture.

Challenges in Today's Society

In today's society, standing firm in faith and defending Christianity's fundamental principles has become increasingly challenging. The exclusive claims of Jesus, the sufficiency of Scripture, and the necessity of sharing the Gospel are diminishing concerns, even within Christian circles. This decline is particularly evident in evangelistic ministry, especially in North America.

The Battle for the Bible

The battle for the Bible has shifted from scientific rationalism to issues of human sexuality and gender. Unfortunately, the Bible's stance on these matters opposes cultural norms, leading to compromise within institutions. For example, the inclusion of tradition alongside Scripture by the Roman Catholic Church is cited as tampering with the truth of the Gospel.

Protecting Foundational Beliefs

The erosion of conviction within historic Protestantism is a cause for concern, as compromise could undermine our foundational beliefs. In this regard, the teachings of Martin Luther and the Reformation's emphasis on Scripture as the sole authority serve as a guiding light. We are reminded to challenge anything that deviates from this foundation. Furthermore, we can draw inspiration from Calvin's wisdom, reminding us of the evil one's schemes to divert our faith.

Grounding Our Faith for the Future

The lack of theological grounding in evangelicalism affects our ability to contend for the faith. We must stand firm and defend the exclusivity of Jesus, the authority of Scripture and boldly share the Gospel. Just as objective standards are critical in activities like golf or air traffic control, respectful dialogue on personal beliefs should be fostered.

Passing Down the Faith

Lastly, we should not forget the importance of passing down our faith to future generations. We need to be intentional in equipping the next generation to stand firm in their beliefs and protect Christian values. Renewal and resolve are vital as we navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

Stay Strong!

As we conclude this edition, I urge you to stay strong in your faith and committed to defending the teachings of Scripture. Our shared journey is made richer by the support and encouragement we give one another. Together, we can protect Christian values and make an impact in our communities.

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Thank you for joining me on this journey. At the end of it, I pray that we all find ourselves closer to God. Until next time, keep contending for your faith!

In Christ,

Mike

The Radiant Witness