Defending the Faith | David Guzik | Jude 1

Thank you, Pastor Doug. And good Thank you, Pastor Doug. And good evening, everybody. evening, everybody. evening, everybody. >> It is such a pleasure for me, and I'm so >> It is such a pleasure for me, and I'm so >> It is such a pleasure for me, and I'm so happy that this time my wife, Ingga, was happy that this time my wife, Ingga, was happy that this time my wife, Ingga, was able to accompany me. And so, it's able to accompany me. And so, it's able to accompany me. And so, it's wonderful for us to be here. We thank wonderful for us to be here. We thank wonderful for us to be here. We thank you for your hospitality. And I want to you for your hospitality. And I want to you for your hospitality. And I want to thank Pastor Doug for his warm words thank Pastor Doug for his warm words thank Pastor Doug for his warm words about the Enduring Word Study Bible. about the Enduring Word Study Bible. about the Enduring Word Study Bible. I think it's great and I think it'll I think it's great and I think it'll I think it's great and I think it'll help you. I think it'll help somebody, help you. I think it'll help somebody, help you. I think it'll help somebody, you know, just to every day read the you know, just to every day read the you know, just to every day read the Bible or look up things. Listen friends, Bible or look up things. Listen friends, Bible or look up things. Listen friends, I think it's a great tool for you to I think it's a great tool for you to I think it's a great tool for you to understand and apply the scriptures. understand and apply the scriptures. understand and apply the scriptures. That's what it's all about. So I just That's what it's all about. So I just That's what it's all about. So I just without reservation, I say this is without reservation, I say this is without reservation, I say this is something that would be helpful for you something that would be helpful for you something that would be helpful for you or for somebody you know. Check it out or for somebody you know. Check it out or for somebody you know. Check it out how to buy, you know, the normal places how to buy, you know, the normal places how to buy, you know, the normal places where you buy books. Just go ahead and where you buy books. Just go ahead and where you buy books. Just go ahead and get one. All right. Now, Pastor Doug get one. All right. Now, Pastor Doug get one. All right. Now, Pastor Doug mentioned that today we're going to get mentioned that today we're going to get mentioned that today we're going to get into the book of Jude. So I hope you've into the book of Jude. So I hope you've into the book of Jude. So I hope you've already turned there in your Bibles or already turned there in your Bibles or already turned there in your Bibles or flipped there on your phones or whatever flipped there on your phones or whatever flipped there on your phones or whatever it is. But we're going to take a look at it is. But we're going to take a look at it is. But we're going to take a look at this postcard in the New Testament. It's this postcard in the New Testament. It's this postcard in the New Testament. It's a onechapter book. And friends, this is a onechapter book. And friends, this is a onechapter book. And friends, this is going to be something that's going to going to be something that's going to going to be something that's going to impact your life, I think, in an impact your life, I think, in an impact your life, I think, in an important way today. So, Father, in important way today. So, Father, in important way today. So, Father, in heaven, heaven, heaven, we give attention now to your word. We we give attention now to your word. We we give attention now to your word. We pray that by the the enabling of your pray that by the the enabling of your pray that by the the enabling of your spirit, you'd help us to put away trans spirit, you'd help us to put away trans spirit, you'd help us to put away trans uh distractions and put away things that uh distractions and put away things that uh distractions and put away things that would keep us away from the focus that would keep us away from the focus that would keep us away from the focus that we should have right now on your word we should have right now on your word we should have right now on your word and on this way your spirit can speak to and on this way your spirit can speak to and on this way your spirit can speak to us here today. We pray this Lord in us here today. We pray this Lord in us here today. We pray this Lord in Jesus name. Amen.

Jesus name. Amen. Jesus name. Amen. Jude verses one and two. Jude verses one and two. Jude verses one and two. Jude, a bond servant of Jesus Christ and Jude, a bond servant of Jesus Christ and Jude, a bond servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James. To those who are brother of James. To those who are brother of James. To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, called, sanctified by God the Father, called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, mercy, and preserved in Jesus Christ, mercy, and preserved in Jesus Christ, mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. peace, and love be multiplied to you. peace, and love be multiplied to you. So, this is the opening words of Jude's So, this is the opening words of Jude's So, this is the opening words of Jude's important letter. And just when we get important letter. And just when we get important letter. And just when we get into verse three, we're going to talk a into verse three, we're going to talk a into verse three, we're going to talk a little bit more about why he wrote the little bit more about why he wrote the little bit more about why he wrote the letter and what's so special about this letter and what's so special about this letter and what's so special about this letter. But I think it's fascinating the letter. But I think it's fascinating the letter. But I think it's fascinating the way this man introduces himself because way this man introduces himself because way this man introduces himself because as Pastor Doug mentioned in his brief as Pastor Doug mentioned in his brief as Pastor Doug mentioned in his brief words about this letter of Jude, Jude words about this letter of Jude, Jude words about this letter of Jude, Jude was the half brother of Jesus. was the half brother of Jesus. was the half brother of Jesus. Jude was a man who had Mary for his Jude was a man who had Mary for his Jude was a man who had Mary for his mother as Jesus did, but his father was mother as Jesus did, but his father was mother as Jesus did, but his father was Joseph. As the Bible tells us, Jesus had Joseph. As the Bible tells us, Jesus had Joseph. As the Bible tells us, Jesus had several brothers and sisters. Jude was several brothers and sisters. Jude was several brothers and sisters. Jude was one of them. Now friends, I I just want one of them. Now friends, I I just want one of them. Now friends, I I just want you to think about something. If you or you to think about something. If you or you to think about something. If you or maybe I make it about me. If I was the maybe I make it about me. If I was the maybe I make it about me. If I was the halfb brotherther of Jesus, you would halfb brotherther of Jesus, you would halfb brotherther of Jesus, you would never hear the end of it.

never hear the end of it. never hear the end of it. Every time I would introduce myself to Every time I would introduce myself to Every time I would introduce myself to anybody, I'd say, "Hi, I'm David, the anybody, I'd say, "Hi, I'm David, the anybody, I'd say, "Hi, I'm David, the halfb brotherther of Jesus." But you halfb brotherther of Jesus." But you halfb brotherther of Jesus." But you know, Jude didn't have that heart, did know, Jude didn't have that heart, did know, Jude didn't have that heart, did he? Do you see how Jude introduces he? Do you see how Jude introduces he? Do you see how Jude introduces himself? Notice he says he's a himself? Notice he says he's a himself? Notice he says he's a bondervant of Jesus Christ. I'm just a bondervant of Jesus Christ. I'm just a bondervant of Jesus Christ. I'm just a servant of Jesus. We sang it in a song servant of Jesus. We sang it in a song servant of Jesus. We sang it in a song in that beautiful set of worship before in that beautiful set of worship before in that beautiful set of worship before we got started here in our time in the we got started here in our time in the we got started here in our time in the word. We sang these words. Jesus be the word. We sang these words. Jesus be the word. We sang these words. Jesus be the name that gets all the glory. Isn't that name that gets all the glory. Isn't that name that gets all the glory. Isn't that the heart of Jude right here? He wants the heart of Jude right here? He wants the heart of Jude right here? He wants to put the focus on Jesus and not on to put the focus on Jesus and not on to put the focus on Jesus and not on himself. And so he introduces himself himself. And so he introduces himself himself. And so he introduces himself and he gives a blessing of mercy, peace, and he gives a blessing of mercy, peace, and he gives a blessing of mercy, peace, and love to those who read the letter. I and love to those who read the letter. I and love to those who read the letter. I know he had in mind those who would know he had in mind those who would know he had in mind those who would first receive the letter. But don't you first receive the letter. But don't you first receive the letter. But don't you think that God wants those things for us think that God wants those things for us think that God wants those things for us as well? Mercy, peace, and love. And if as well? Mercy, peace, and love. And if as well? Mercy, peace, and love. And if you notice, I love the phrasing there you notice, I love the phrasing there you notice, I love the phrasing there that they would be multiplied to you. that they would be multiplied to you. that they would be multiplied to you. Not just added. It's not enough to add Not just added. It's not enough to add Not just added. It's not enough to add those things. We need them multiplied in those things. We need them multiplied in those things. We need them multiplied in our life. Now, we come to verse three.

our life. Now, we come to verse three. our life. Now, we come to verse three. Beloved, Beloved, Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to while I was very diligent to write to while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I you concerning our common salvation, I you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you found it necessary to write to you found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for exhorting you to contend earnestly for exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all the faith which was once for all the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. delivered to the saints. delivered to the saints. Jude reveals something very interesting Jude reveals something very interesting Jude reveals something very interesting in verse three that what we have in in verse three that what we have in in verse three that what we have in front of us was not the letter that he front of us was not the letter that he front of us was not the letter that he originally intended to write. He originally intended to write. He originally intended to write. He originally intended to write a letter originally intended to write a letter originally intended to write a letter about our common salvation. But he said, about our common salvation. But he said, about our common salvation. But he said, "No, I GOT TO STOP AND WRITE A DIFFERENT "No, I GOT TO STOP AND WRITE A DIFFERENT "No, I GOT TO STOP AND WRITE A DIFFERENT KIND OF LETTER." KIND OF LETTER." KIND OF LETTER." He needed to write a letter that would He needed to write a letter that would He needed to write a letter that would exhort us to contend earnestly for the exhort us to contend earnestly for the exhort us to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered faith which was once for all delivered faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude wanted to write a to the saints. Jude wanted to write a to the saints. Jude wanted to write a letter that was just full of letter that was just full of letter that was just full of encouragement and building people up. A encouragement and building people up. A encouragement and building people up. A very positive letter. But there was very positive letter. But there was very positive letter. But there was something that he saw among believers something that he saw among believers something that he saw among believers that alarmed him. There was something that alarmed him. There was something that alarmed him. There was something alarming enough to him to make him say, alarming enough to him to make him say, alarming enough to him to make him say, "I've got to write a letter that will "I've got to write a letter that will "I've got to write a letter that will call Christians to action. that will call Christians to action. that will call Christians to action. that will call them to do something. Do you see call them to do something. Do you see call them to do something. Do you see what he calls Christians to do right what he calls Christians to do right what he calls Christians to do right here in verse three? He says to contend here in verse three? He says to contend here in verse three? He says to contend earnestly for the faith. Friends, you earnestly for the faith. Friends, you earnestly for the faith. Friends, you know what the idea there is? To contend.

know what the idea there is? To contend. know what the idea there is? To contend. It means to struggle. IT MEANS TO It means to struggle. IT MEANS TO It means to struggle. IT MEANS TO BATTLE. THAT'S a word that comes from BATTLE. THAT'S a word that comes from BATTLE. THAT'S a word that comes from the athletic world of ancient times. I the athletic world of ancient times. I the athletic world of ancient times. I It's a word from the wrestling mat where It's a word from the wrestling mat where It's a word from the wrestling mat where people would extend themselves with all people would extend themselves with all people would extend themselves with all their strength to win the victory. their strength to win the victory. their strength to win the victory. Contend Contend Contend speaks of hard, diligent work. You got speaks of hard, diligent work. You got speaks of hard, diligent work. You got to call your attention and put your to call your attention and put your to call your attention and put your focus on accomplishing something. And focus on accomplishing something. And focus on accomplishing something. And what do we need to do? Notice here, to what do we need to do? Notice here, to what do we need to do? Notice here, to contend earnestly for what? Look at this contend earnestly for what? Look at this contend earnestly for what? Look at this phrase at the end of verse three. For phrase at the end of verse three. For phrase at the end of verse three. For the faith once for all delivered to the the faith once for all delivered to the the faith once for all delivered to the saints. saints. saints. Now friends, it's a very interesting Now friends, it's a very interesting Now friends, it's a very interesting thing in the New Testament. That phrase, thing in the New Testament. That phrase, thing in the New Testament. That phrase, the faith that was once for all the faith that was once for all the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints, that's not delivered to the saints, that's not delivered to the saints, that's not speaking primarily about your personal speaking primarily about your personal speaking primarily about your personal faith. Now, I hope that everybody in faith. Now, I hope that everybody in faith. Now, I hope that everybody in this room has a personal faith in Jesus this room has a personal faith in Jesus this room has a personal faith in Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. But that's not really what it's talking But that's not really what it's talking But that's not really what it's talking about. When the New Testament uses that about. When the New Testament uses that about. When the New Testament uses that terminology of the faith once for all terminology of the faith once for all terminology of the faith once for all delivered to the saints, it's talking delivered to the saints, it's talking delivered to the saints, it's talking about a body of belief. It's talking about a body of belief. It's talking about a body of belief. It's talking about a collection of truth. the faith.

about a collection of truth. the faith. about a collection of truth. the faith. I I could show you examples from I I could show you examples from I I could show you examples from throughout the New Testament. I could throughout the New Testament. I could throughout the New Testament. I could show the examples from the book of show the examples from the book of show the examples from the book of Romans, uh from the book of Colossians, Romans, uh from the book of Colossians, Romans, uh from the book of Colossians, from the book of First Timothy, from the from the book of First Timothy, from the from the book of First Timothy, from the book of Acts, where it speaks about this book of Acts, where it speaks about this book of Acts, where it speaks about this idea of the faith that this is what we idea of the faith that this is what we idea of the faith that this is what we believe as Christians. And what do we believe as Christians. And what do we believe as Christians. And what do we need to do? We need to know what it is need to do? We need to know what it is need to do? We need to know what it is we believe as Christians. And we need to we believe as Christians. And we need to we believe as Christians. And we need to be willing to contend earnestly for it, be willing to contend earnestly for it, be willing to contend earnestly for it, to struggle for it when we need to. What is it that we believe in common as What is it that we believe in common as Christians? Christians? Christians? Well friends, there is an enormous Well friends, there is an enormous Well friends, there is an enormous amount of truth given to us in the amount of truth given to us in the amount of truth given to us in the Bible. Truth about who God is, about Bible. Truth about who God is, about Bible. Truth about who God is, about what God has done in the world, about what God has done in the world, about what God has done in the world, about the condition of man, about man's need the condition of man, about man's need the condition of man, about man's need and God's supply. But I want to focus on and God's supply. But I want to focus on and God's supply. But I want to focus on a core aspect of God's truth. I want to a core aspect of God's truth. I want to a core aspect of God's truth. I want to focus on a core aspect of the faith once focus on a core aspect of the faith once focus on a core aspect of the faith once for all delivered to the saints and it for all delivered to the saints and it for all delivered to the saints and it is just simply this what we would call is just simply this what we would call is just simply this what we would call the gospel. Do you know what the good the gospel. Do you know what the good the gospel. Do you know what the good news is here? Let me summarize it. The news is here? Let me summarize it. The news is here? Let me summarize it. The good news is this. It's God's great good news is this. It's God's great good news is this. It's God's great message announcing something that in the message announcing something that in the message announcing something that in the person and in the work of Jesus. When I person and in the work of Jesus. When I person and in the work of Jesus. When I say person work, I mean who he is. Who say person work, I mean who he is. Who say person work, I mean who he is. Who is Jesus? Well, he's the spotless son of is Jesus? Well, he's the spotless son of is Jesus? Well, he's the spotless son of God. He is truly man. He's truly God.

God. He is truly man. He's truly God. God. He is truly man. He's truly God. When we talk about the person of Jesus, When we talk about the person of Jesus, When we talk about the person of Jesus, who he is, but not only who Jesus is, who he is, but not only who Jesus is, who he is, but not only who Jesus is, it's what he has done. it's what he has done. it's what he has done. What he did in his sinless life. You What he did in his sinless life. You What he did in his sinless life. You ever known anybody who's lived a sinless ever known anybody who's lived a sinless ever known anybody who's lived a sinless life? Nope. Nobody except Jesus. It's life? Nope. Nobody except Jesus. It's life? Nope. Nobody except Jesus. It's what he did in his sinless life. It's what he did in his sinless life. It's what he did in his sinless life. It's what he did in his amazing teaching. what he did in his amazing teaching. what he did in his amazing teaching. It's what he did in his spectacular It's what he did in his spectacular It's what he did in his spectacular miracles. It's what he did especially miracles. It's what he did especially miracles. It's what he did especially in his sacrificial death. Do you in his sacrificial death. Do you in his sacrificial death. Do you understand that Jesus died on the cross, understand that Jesus died on the cross, understand that Jesus died on the cross, crucified, dying a cruel death, not crucified, dying a cruel death, not crucified, dying a cruel death, not because in a sense he had to, but because in a sense he had to, but because in a sense he had to, but because he chose to to lay down his life because he chose to to lay down his life because he chose to to lay down his life for all those who would put their trust for all those who would put their trust for all those who would put their trust in him. That's the message of the in him. That's the message of the in him. That's the message of the gospel. gospel. gospel. We're talking about who Jesus is and We're talking about who Jesus is and We're talking about who Jesus is and what he did to rescue us, especially what he did to rescue us, especially what he did to rescue us, especially what he did in his sacrificial death and what he did in his sacrificial death and what he did in his sacrificial death and in his glorious resurrection. Those two in his glorious resurrection. Those two in his glorious resurrection. Those two things give us a a wonderful things give us a a wonderful things give us a a wonderful encompassing of the saving work of Jesus encompassing of the saving work of Jesus encompassing of the saving work of Jesus Christ. And so, here's our good news.

Christ. And so, here's our good news. Christ. And so, here's our good news. There is a way that you can come into There is a way that you can come into There is a way that you can come into right relationship with God. And it's right relationship with God. And it's right relationship with God. And it's not about what you can do or what you not about what you can do or what you not about what you can do or what you can earn or how much you can get your can earn or how much you can get your can earn or how much you can get your act together with. No, you're coming act together with. No, you're coming act together with. No, you're coming into a right relationship with God. It's into a right relationship with God. It's into a right relationship with God. It's based on who Jesus is and what Jesus did based on who Jesus is and what Jesus did based on who Jesus is and what Jesus did to bring you into right relationship to bring you into right relationship to bring you into right relationship with God. Especially what he did. Amen. with God. Especially what he did. Amen. with God. Especially what he did. Amen. In his sacrificial death and in his In his sacrificial death and in his In his sacrificial death and in his glorious resurrection. Friends, that is glorious resurrection. Friends, that is glorious resurrection. Friends, that is an essential aspect of the faith once an essential aspect of the faith once an essential aspect of the faith once for all delivered to the saints. Over a couple thousand years, that Over a couple thousand years, that message has been faithfully transmitted message has been faithfully transmitted message has been faithfully transmitted generation to generation until it's come generation to generation until it's come generation to generation until it's come to us today here in the year 2026. to us today here in the year 2026. to us today here in the year 2026. But friends, if we fail first of all to But friends, if we fail first of all to But friends, if we fail first of all to hold on to that and if we fail to pass hold on to that and if we fail to pass hold on to that and if we fail to pass it on, then at least in theory it could it on, then at least in theory it could it on, then at least in theory it could pass away. Now, I don't think it will pass away. Now, I don't think it will pass away. Now, I don't think it will pass away. Jesus said that the gates of pass away. Jesus said that the gates of pass away. Jesus said that the gates of hell will never prevail against his hell will never prevail against his hell will never prevail against his church. But it's up to us in every church. But it's up to us in every church. But it's up to us in every generation to be those people through generation to be those people through generation to be those people through whom he works to make sure that happens.

whom he works to make sure that happens. whom he works to make sure that happens. So friends, we begin just with this one So friends, we begin just with this one So friends, we begin just with this one essential point, this very important essential point, this very important essential point, this very important idea. You could say this this big idea. You could say this this big idea. You could say this this big takeaway. It's simply this that the takeaway. It's simply this that the takeaway. It's simply this that the faith is worth fighting for. It's worth faith is worth fighting for. It's worth faith is worth fighting for. It's worth preserving. It's worth holding on to. I preserving. It's worth holding on to. I preserving. It's worth holding on to. I I know that we live in a culture that I know that we live in a culture that I know that we live in a culture that for many people today, what you believe for many people today, what you believe for many people today, what you believe about God, what you believe about Jesus, about God, what you believe about Jesus, about God, what you believe about Jesus, many people think that's the least many people think that's the least many people think that's the least important thing about you. IT DOESN'T important thing about you. IT DOESN'T important thing about you. IT DOESN'T MATTER. Who cares? I'm here to say that MATTER. Who cares? I'm here to say that MATTER. Who cares? I'm here to say that it's essential and that God wants us to it's essential and that God wants us to it's essential and that God wants us to hold on to to contend for the faith once hold on to to contend for the faith once hold on to to contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints. for all delivered to the saints. for all delivered to the saints. But can I tell you, you can never hold But can I tell you, you can never hold But can I tell you, you can never hold on to it if you haven't grabbed hold of on to it if you haven't grabbed hold of on to it if you haven't grabbed hold of it to begin with. Before I'm done this it to begin with. Before I'm done this it to begin with. Before I'm done this evening, I'm going to give an invitation evening, I'm going to give an invitation evening, I'm going to give an invitation to anybody here who has not yet put to anybody here who has not yet put to anybody here who has not yet put their faith in Jesus Christ, who has not their faith in Jesus Christ, who has not their faith in Jesus Christ, who has not yet appropriated to their life who he is yet appropriated to their life who he is yet appropriated to their life who he is and what he did to rescue them, and what he did to rescue them, and what he did to rescue them, especially what he did in his especially what he did in his especially what he did in his sacrificial death at the cross and in sacrificial death at the cross and in sacrificial death at the cross and in his glorious resurrection. Because his glorious resurrection. Because his glorious resurrection. Because friends, you need to make a start in the friends, you need to make a start in the friends, you need to make a start in the faith. And then once having started, you faith. And then once having started, you faith. And then once having started, you need to hold on to the faith. We contend need to hold on to the faith. We contend need to hold on to the faith. We contend earnestly for the faith. And you know earnestly for the faith. And you know earnestly for the faith. And you know why we do that? We do it because it's why we do that? We do it because it's why we do that? We do it because it's valuable. Friends, VALUABLE THINGS ARE valuable. Friends, VALUABLE THINGS ARE valuable. Friends, VALUABLE THINGS ARE GUARDED. WE PROTECT the things that are GUARDED. WE PROTECT the things that are GUARDED. WE PROTECT the things that are important to us. We see it all the way important to us. We see it all the way important to us. We see it all the way all the time in life. You know, if you all the time in life. You know, if you all the time in life. You know, if you were to walk into an art museum and

were to walk into an art museum and were to walk into an art museum and there was zero security in there, I there was zero security in there, I there was zero security in there, I MEAN, JUST NOTHING, YOU WOULD HAVE EVERY MEAN, JUST NOTHING, YOU WOULD HAVE EVERY MEAN, JUST NOTHING, YOU WOULD HAVE EVERY reason to believe that the paintings or reason to believe that the paintings or reason to believe that the paintings or the sculptures in that art museum the sculptures in that art museum the sculptures in that art museum weren't worth very much. Why? Because weren't worth very much. Why? Because weren't worth very much. Why? Because there's no security. There's no there's no security. There's no there's no security. There's no protection. We hang on to, we contend protection. We hang on to, we contend protection. We hang on to, we contend for, we guard the things that are for, we guard the things that are for, we guard the things that are valuable to us. And there's nothing more valuable to us. And there's nothing more valuable to us. And there's nothing more valuable than the person and work of valuable than the person and work of valuable than the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. And so we do. We hold on. We contend. And so we do. We hold on. We contend. And so we do. We hold on. We contend. But let me say, we fight as followers of But let me say, we fight as followers of But let me say, we fight as followers of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. We fight as those people who do what the We fight as those people who do what the We fight as those people who do what the Bible tells us to do. We speak the truth Bible tells us to do. We speak the truth Bible tells us to do. We speak the truth in love, full of grace. in love, full of grace. in love, full of grace. We're not looking for fights, but we'll We're not looking for fights, but we'll We're not looking for fights, but we'll hold on to the truth and we'll refuse to hold on to the truth and we'll refuse to hold on to the truth and we'll refuse to give it up. We're going to contend give it up. We're going to contend give it up. We're going to contend earnestly for that faith that was once earnestly for that faith that was once earnestly for that faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. Okay. for all delivered to the saints. Okay. for all delivered to the saints. Okay. Now, let's go on here to verse four. Now, let's go on here to verse four. Now, let's go on here to verse four. For now, he's going to tell us the For now, he's going to tell us the For now, he's going to tell us the reason why this is important. For reason why this is important. For reason why this is important. For certain men have crept in unnoticed certain men have crept in unnoticed certain men have crept in unnoticed who long ago were marked out for this who long ago were marked out for this who long ago were marked out for this condemnation. Ungodly men who turn the condemnation. Ungodly men who turn the condemnation. Ungodly men who turn the grace of our God into lwdness and deny grace of our God into lwdness and deny grace of our God into lwdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Well, here in verse four, Jude Christ. Well, here in verse four, Jude Christ. Well, here in verse four, Jude explains to us the danger. Why was it explains to us the danger. Why was it explains to us the danger. Why was it important for him to say, "I WANTED TO important for him to say, "I WANTED TO important for him to say, "I WANTED TO WRITE ONE KIND OF LETTER, but now I'm WRITE ONE KIND OF LETTER, but now I'm WRITE ONE KIND OF LETTER, but now I'm going to write a different kind of going to write a different kind of going to write a different kind of letter." Why? Because notice those words letter." Why? Because notice those words letter." Why? Because notice those words in verse four. For certain men crept in

in verse four. For certain men crept in in verse four. For certain men crept in unnoticed. Remember that phrase, certain unnoticed. Remember that phrase, certain unnoticed. Remember that phrase, certain men. We don't have names, but God knew men. We don't have names, but God knew men. We don't have names, but God knew who they were. And they crept in who they were. And they crept in who they were. And they crept in unnoticed among God's people. unnoticed among God's people. unnoticed among God's people. And they tried to corrupt the truth. And they tried to corrupt the truth. And they tried to corrupt the truth. They tried to get people to move away They tried to get people to move away They tried to get people to move away from the truth of God. from the truth of God. from the truth of God. And friends, this is something sobering And friends, this is something sobering And friends, this is something sobering for us for us for us because because because these men were dangerous because they these men were dangerous because they these men were dangerous because they were unnoticed. Nobody noticed that they were unnoticed. Nobody noticed that they were unnoticed. Nobody noticed that they were dangerous. They didn't wear a name were dangerous. They didn't wear a name were dangerous. They didn't wear a name tag that said danger. I'm a false tag that said danger. I'm a false tag that said danger. I'm a false teacher. By the way, false teachers teacher. By the way, false teachers teacher. By the way, false teachers never do, do they? Matter of fact, false never do, do they? Matter of fact, false never do, do they? Matter of fact, false teachers are usually more convinced than teachers are usually more convinced than teachers are usually more convinced than anybody that they're right. anybody that they're right. anybody that they're right. False teachers are often selfdeceived False teachers are often selfdeceived False teachers are often selfdeceived and they may believe their false things and they may believe their false things and they may believe their false things with all earnestness with a lot of with all earnestness with a lot of with all earnestness with a lot of passion but it doesn't make it the truth passion but it doesn't make it the truth passion but it doesn't make it the truth if it goes against what God says here in if it goes against what God says here in if it goes against what God says here in his word then it doesn't belong to that his word then it doesn't belong to that his word then it doesn't belong to that faith which was once for all delivered faith which was once for all delivered faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. And so friends we need to to the saints. And so friends we need to to the saints. And so friends we need to be very serious and sober about this. We be very serious and sober about this. We be very serious and sober about this. We don't want to become cynical. We don't don't want to become cynical. We don't don't want to become cynical. We don't want to become overly suspicious, but we want to become overly suspicious, but we want to become overly suspicious, but we just need to be aware THAT THERE'S just need to be aware THAT THERE'S just need to be aware THAT THERE'S DECEPTION out there in the world. And if DECEPTION out there in the world. And if DECEPTION out there in the world. And if we don't cling to the truth, we're going we don't cling to the truth, we're going we don't cling to the truth, we're going to get swept away by the currents of the

to get swept away by the currents of the to get swept away by the currents of the times. And these kind of certain men who times. And these kind of certain men who times. And these kind of certain men who were a danger in Jude's day, they can be were a danger in Jude's day, they can be were a danger in Jude's day, they can be a danger to us today. They're not going a danger to us today. They're not going a danger to us today. They're not going to announce themselves. They may not be to announce themselves. They may not be to announce themselves. They may not be obvious. They may be earnest. They may obvious. They may be earnest. They may obvious. They may be earnest. They may sincerely believe what they're sincerely believe what they're sincerely believe what they're pedalling, but if it goes against the pedalling, but if it goes against the pedalling, but if it goes against the faith that was once for all delivered to faith that was once for all delivered to faith that was once for all delivered to the saints, then we should say, "No, the saints, then we should say, "No, the saints, then we should say, "No, we're not going to go after it." I don't we're not going to go after it." I don't we're not going to go after it." I don't know if you ever remember what Paul know if you ever remember what Paul know if you ever remember what Paul wrote to the Galatian believers. Paul wrote to the Galatian believers. Paul wrote to the Galatian believers. Paul wrote to the Galatians and he said, "I wrote to the Galatians and he said, "I wrote to the Galatians and he said, "I don't," and I'm paraphrasing this don't," and I'm paraphrasing this don't," and I'm paraphrasing this thought here. He said, 'I don't care if thought here. He said, 'I don't care if thought here. He said, 'I don't care if an angel came down from heaven and an angel came down from heaven and an angel came down from heaven and started telling you things. If he tells started telling you things. If he tells started telling you things. If he tells you things that are different than what you things that are different than what you things that are different than what God tells us in his word, then you're to God tells us in his word, then you're to God tells us in his word, then you're to reject them. And that's really the reject them. And that's really the reject them. And that's really the attitude we need to have. Certain men attitude we need to have. Certain men attitude we need to have. Certain men have crept in unnoticed. But here's what have crept in unnoticed. But here's what have crept in unnoticed. But here's what James wants us to know. Look at it here James wants us to know. Look at it here James wants us to know. Look at it here in verse four. He says, "They were long in verse four. He says, "They were long in verse four. He says, "They were long ago marked out for this condemnation."

ago marked out for this condemnation." ago marked out for this condemnation." In other words, they may have been In other words, they may have been In other words, they may have been unnoticed among man, but they were not unnoticed among man, but they were not unnoticed among man, but they were not unnoticed among God. God saw them. God unnoticed among God. God saw them. God unnoticed among God. God saw them. God knew. And God long ago marked them out knew. And God long ago marked them out knew. And God long ago marked them out for condemnation. You know what that for condemnation. You know what that for condemnation. You know what that tells me? That tells me that ultimately tells me? That tells me that ultimately tells me? That tells me that ultimately the truth is going to win. Ultimately, the truth is going to win. Ultimately, the truth is going to win. Ultimately, God's word is going to prevail. God's word is going to prevail. God's word is going to prevail. Ultimately, the faith that was once for Ultimately, the faith that was once for Ultimately, the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints is going to all delivered to the saints is going to all delivered to the saints is going to be seen and honored and glorified among be seen and honored and glorified among be seen and honored and glorified among all. And this is the precious heritage all. And this is the precious heritage all. And this is the precious heritage that we have to pass on to others. that we have to pass on to others. that we have to pass on to others. Now, there was another problem with Now, there was another problem with Now, there was another problem with these certain men. It's in the last line these certain men. It's in the last line these certain men. It's in the last line there of verse four. It says that they there of verse four. It says that they there of verse four. It says that they turn the grace of our God into lewdness turn the grace of our God into lewdness turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and the Lord and deny the only Lord God and the Lord and deny the only Lord God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. The idea behind that ancient word that The idea behind that ancient word that The idea behind that ancient word that we translate lwdness is basically sin we translate lwdness is basically sin we translate lwdness is basically sin that is practiced without shame.

that is practiced without shame. that is practiced without shame. Now when we use that word lwd or lwdness Now when we use that word lwd or lwdness Now when we use that word lwd or lwdness we're usually giving it some kind of we're usually giving it some kind of we're usually giving it some kind of sexual connotation and it certainly can sexual connotation and it certainly can sexual connotation and it certainly can have that. People can be shameless about have that. People can be shameless about have that. People can be shameless about those kind of sins for sure. But that's those kind of sins for sure. But that's those kind of sins for sure. But that's not the only kind of sin that people not the only kind of sin that people not the only kind of sin that people practice without shame. practice without shame. practice without shame. And friends, he says, "Be careful of And friends, he says, "Be careful of And friends, he says, "Be careful of those people. Let your antenna go up in those people. Let your antenna go up in those people. Let your antenna go up in the midst of those folks." the midst of those folks." the midst of those folks." Friends, here's the big takeaway for us Friends, here's the big takeaway for us Friends, here's the big takeaway for us to focus on here. to focus on here. to focus on here. There are dangers to guard against. There are dangers to guard against. There are dangers to guard against. You need to be aware of that. that You need to be aware of that. that You need to be aware of that. that wolves come in sheep's clothing wolves come in sheep's clothing wolves come in sheep's clothing and false teachers never announce and false teachers never announce and false teachers never announce themselves that way. And so we need to themselves that way. And so we need to themselves that way. And so we need to be aware without becoming paranoid, be aware without becoming paranoid, be aware without becoming paranoid, without becoming overly suspicious, without becoming overly suspicious, without becoming overly suspicious, they can't install heresy detectors at they can't install heresy detectors at they can't install heresy detectors at the entrance doors of the sanctuary. the entrance doors of the sanctuary. the entrance doors of the sanctuary. No. Because you know what? If you're No. Because you know what? If you're No. Because you know what? If you're messed up in your beliefs, I'm glad messed up in your beliefs, I'm glad messed up in your beliefs, I'm glad you're here.

you're here. you're here. I I don't want you to spread your I I don't want you to spread your I I don't want you to spread your misunderstandings to anybody else, but misunderstandings to anybody else, but misunderstandings to anybody else, but I'm glad you're here to hear the truth I'm glad you're here to hear the truth I'm glad you're here to hear the truth from God's word. I pray that your time from God's word. I pray that your time from God's word. I pray that your time here will be a work of God in you to here will be a work of God in you to here will be a work of God in you to CORRECT YOU, TO GUIDE YOU, TO make you a CORRECT YOU, TO GUIDE YOU, TO make you a CORRECT YOU, TO GUIDE YOU, TO make you a person that stands in the faith once for person that stands in the faith once for person that stands in the faith once for all delivered to the saints instead of all delivered to the saints instead of all delivered to the saints instead of someone who would fight against it in someone who would fight against it in someone who would fight against it in some way. No, friends, there are dangers some way. No, friends, there are dangers some way. No, friends, there are dangers to guard against and false teaching is a to guard against and false teaching is a to guard against and false teaching is a problem because the truth matters. the problem because the truth matters. the problem because the truth matters. the truth of God. All right. Now, starting truth of God. All right. Now, starting truth of God. All right. Now, starting at verse five, we have a section that's at verse five, we have a section that's at verse five, we have a section that's going to go pretty much to the end of going to go pretty much to the end of going to go pretty much to the end of the verses I'm going to examine with you the verses I'm going to examine with you the verses I'm going to examine with you here this evening. Starting at verse 5, here this evening. Starting at verse 5, here this evening. Starting at verse 5, check this out. Jude is going to start check this out. Jude is going to start check this out. Jude is going to start laying out the examples. laying out the examples. laying out the examples. To my count, and I suppose you could To my count, and I suppose you could To my count, and I suppose you could count these a little bit different if count these a little bit different if count these a little bit different if you please, but to my count, Jude gives you please, but to my count, Jude gives you please, but to my count, Jude gives 12 examples over nine verses. How about 12 examples over nine verses. How about 12 examples over nine verses. How about that? Example after example of how God that? Example after example of how God that? Example after example of how God knows how to deal with false teachers or knows how to deal with false teachers or knows how to deal with false teachers or with people who oppose the truth, with with people who oppose the truth, with with people who oppose the truth, with people who are off track. And so, we're people who are off track. And so, we're people who are off track. And so, we're just going to take a quick look at each just going to take a quick look at each just going to take a quick look at each one of these 12 examples starting out one of these 12 examples starting out one of these 12 examples starting out verse 5 where we have the example of verse 5 where we have the example of verse 5 where we have the example of Israel coming out of Egypt. Here we go.

Israel coming out of Egypt. Here we go. Israel coming out of Egypt. Here we go. Verse 5. But I want to remind you though Verse 5. But I want to remind you though Verse 5. But I want to remind you though you once knew this that the Lord having you once knew this that the Lord having you once knew this that the Lord having saved the people out of the land of saved the people out of the land of saved the people out of the land of Egypt afterward destroyed those who did Egypt afterward destroyed those who did Egypt afterward destroyed those who did not believe. not believe. not believe. You know [snorts] there were many You know [snorts] there were many You know [snorts] there were many Israelites who came out of Egypt and Israelites who came out of Egypt and Israelites who came out of Egypt and they made a good start man. They came they made a good start man. They came they made a good start man. They came out of Egypt. They were singing the out of Egypt. They were singing the out of Egypt. They were singing the songs. They crossed the Red Sea. They songs. They crossed the Red Sea. They songs. They crossed the Red Sea. They ate the mana. But they would not believe ate the mana. But they would not believe ate the mana. But they would not believe God. They would not trust him in the God. They would not trust him in the God. They would not trust him in the wilderness. wilderness. wilderness. And they never made it to Canaan. And they never made it to Canaan. And they never made it to Canaan. Friends, you see what the lesson is from Friends, you see what the lesson is from Friends, you see what the lesson is from this example? A good start is not this example? A good start is not this example? A good start is not enough. enough. enough. And one of the things I love about And one of the things I love about And one of the things I love about coming to Calvary Fort Lauderdale is not coming to Calvary Fort Lauderdale is not coming to Calvary Fort Lauderdale is not only the evangelistic passion that is only the evangelistic passion that is only the evangelistic passion that is here at this church, but also a genuine here at this church, but also a genuine here at this church, but also a genuine passion for disciplehip. I see in this passion for disciplehip. I see in this passion for disciplehip. I see in this church a church that's doing everything church a church that's doing everything church a church that's doing everything they can to make sure that people who they can to make sure that people who they can to make sure that people who begin their Christian life get off to a begin their Christian life get off to a begin their Christian life get off to a great start. And that's important. great start. And that's important. great start. And that's important. But friends, a great start is just a But friends, a great start is just a But friends, a great start is just a start start start and it doesn't guarantee it. And you got and it doesn't guarantee it. And you got and it doesn't guarantee it. And you got to keep walking forward step by step, to keep walking forward step by step, to keep walking forward step by step, day by day, faithful unto the Lord. And day by day, faithful unto the Lord. And day by day, faithful unto the Lord. And that's what we learn from the example of that's what we learn from the example of that's what we learn from the example of Israel coming out of Egypt. Now take a Israel coming out of Egypt. Now take a Israel coming out of Egypt. Now take a look at verse six.

look at verse six. look at verse six. And the angels who do not keep their And the angels who do not keep their And the angels who do not keep their proper domain but left their own abode, proper domain but left their own abode, proper domain but left their own abode, he is reserved in everlasting chains he is reserved in everlasting chains he is reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the under darkness for the judgment of the under darkness for the judgment of the great day. Friends, talk about having a great day. Friends, talk about having a great day. Friends, talk about having a good beginning. You're an angel. YOU'RE good beginning. You're an angel. YOU'RE good beginning. You're an angel. YOU'RE IN SOME SENSE IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD, IN SOME SENSE IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD, IN SOME SENSE IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD, CONNECTED to his glory. You can see CONNECTED to his glory. You can see CONNECTED to his glory. You can see things. But we know that even angels things. But we know that even angels things. But we know that even angels have gone astray and their connection have gone astray and their connection have gone astray and their connection that their nearness to the glory of God that their nearness to the glory of God that their nearness to the glory of God wasn't enough. Friends, you can have an wasn't enough. Friends, you can have an wasn't enough. Friends, you can have an experience of glory, but you got to keep experience of glory, but you got to keep experience of glory, but you got to keep walking with the Lord. You got to hold walking with the Lord. You got to hold walking with the Lord. You got to hold on to the truth. on to the truth. on to the truth. You know, it's been said rightly so that You know, it's been said rightly so that You know, it's been said rightly so that it's not how high you bounce, it's how it's not how high you bounce, it's how it's not how high you bounce, it's how straight you walk. And if you have straight you walk. And if you have straight you walk. And if you have wonderful, glorious, transcendent wonderful, glorious, transcendent wonderful, glorious, transcendent experiences that fill your soul, praise experiences that fill your soul, praise experiences that fill your soul, praise the Lord. I'm not going to speak against the Lord. I'm not going to speak against the Lord. I'm not going to speak against it, but I will want to know how you it, but I will want to know how you it, but I will want to know how you walking forward. Dear brother or sister, walking forward. Dear brother or sister, walking forward. Dear brother or sister, it's important not just to have those it's important not just to have those it's important not just to have those experiences, but to keep walking experiences, but to keep walking experiences, but to keep walking forward. And if angels who have had forward. And if angels who have had forward. And if angels who have had undoubtedly great experiences with God, undoubtedly great experiences with God, undoubtedly great experiences with God, if they eventually ended up under if they eventually ended up under if they eventually ended up under judgment, that's a warning to all of us.

judgment, that's a warning to all of us. judgment, that's a warning to all of us. That's example number two. Here's That's example number two. Here's That's example number two. Here's example number three. The example of example number three. The example of example number three. The example of Sodom and Gomorrah. It says here, "As Sodom and Gomorrah. It says here, "As Sodom and Gomorrah. It says here, "As Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, them in a similar manner to these, them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual having given themselves over to sexual having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, immorality and gone after strange flesh, immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering are set forth as an example, suffering are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." Our the vengeance of eternal fire." Our the vengeance of eternal fire." Our third example is the cities of Sodom and third example is the cities of Sodom and third example is the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. And what do we learn from Gomorrah. And what do we learn from Gomorrah. And what do we learn from them? Well, listen. One of the things them? Well, listen. One of the things them? Well, listen. One of the things that people often forget about Sodom and that people often forget about Sodom and that people often forget about Sodom and Gomorrah as they're presented to us in Gomorrah as they're presented to us in Gomorrah as they're presented to us in the book of Genesis is that these were the book of Genesis is that these were the book of Genesis is that these were areas, these were cities, these were areas, these were cities, these were areas, these were cities, these were locations that were extremely blessed. locations that were extremely blessed. locations that were extremely blessed. Let me tell you what it says in Genesis Let me tell you what it says in Genesis Let me tell you what it says in Genesis 13:10. It says that this area where 13:10. It says that this area where 13:10. It says that this area where Sodom and Gomorrah was was well watered Sodom and Gomorrah was was well watered Sodom and Gomorrah was was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord. everywhere like the garden of the Lord. everywhere like the garden of the Lord. It was fruitful. It was prosperous. It It was fruitful. It was prosperous. It It was fruitful. It was prosperous. It was a great place to live, but friends, was a great place to live, but friends, was a great place to live, but friends, blessings like that don't ensure that blessings like that don't ensure that blessings like that don't ensure that you're going to continue on and keep you're going to continue on and keep you're going to continue on and keep walking with the Lord.

walking with the Lord. walking with the Lord. Now, uh I'm not a native of Florida. I'm Now, uh I'm not a native of Florida. I'm Now, uh I'm not a native of Florida. I'm a visitor to your fair state. I come a visitor to your fair state. I come a visitor to your fair state. I come from the state of California. from the state of California. from the state of California. A lot of craziness out in California. A lot of craziness out in California. A lot of craziness out in California. But let me tell you the particular city But let me tell you the particular city But let me tell you the particular city where I live in California. It's Santa where I live in California. It's Santa where I live in California. It's Santa Barbara, California. And people love Barbara, California. And people love Barbara, California. And people love Santa Barbara. People come as tourists. Santa Barbara. People come as tourists. Santa Barbara. People come as tourists. Just like you get a lot of tourists in Just like you get a lot of tourists in Just like you get a lot of tourists in Florida, you get a lot of tourists come Florida, you get a lot of tourists come Florida, you get a lot of tourists come to Santa Barbara. People love Santa to Santa Barbara. People love Santa to Santa Barbara. People love Santa Barbara. But here's a problem with Barbara. But here's a problem with Barbara. But here's a problem with people who live in Santa Barbara. Let's people who live in Santa Barbara. Let's people who live in Santa Barbara. Let's call them Santa Barbarians. It's possible for them to have a real It's possible for them to have a real pride connected to where they live. They pride connected to where they live. They pride connected to where they live. They think like this. I live in an awesome think like this. I live in an awesome think like this. I live in an awesome place. I must be an awesome person. And place. I must be an awesome person. And place. I must be an awesome person. And friends, do you know it doesn't work friends, do you know it doesn't work friends, do you know it doesn't work like that at all? like that at all? like that at all? >> Not one bit. >> Not one bit. >> Not one bit. In the sense of material prosperity and In the sense of material prosperity and In the sense of material prosperity and fruitfulness, the cities of Sodom and fruitfulness, the cities of Sodom and fruitfulness, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were wonderfully blessed, Gomorrah were wonderfully blessed, Gomorrah were wonderfully blessed, materially blessed, but that wasn't materially blessed, but that wasn't materially blessed, but that wasn't enough to keep them on track or right enough to keep them on track or right enough to keep them on track or right with God. Not at all. We need to learn with God. Not at all. We need to learn with God. Not at all. We need to learn from that example. All right. Example from that example. All right. Example from that example. All right. Example number four, 8, 9, and 10. The angel number four, 8, 9, and 10. The angel number four, 8, 9, and 10. The angel Michael is an example to us. Now, here's Michael is an example to us. Now, here's Michael is an example to us. Now, here's what I love sharing. The first three what I love sharing. The first three what I love sharing. The first three examples, and most of Jude's examples examples, and most of Jude's examples examples, and most of Jude's examples are bad examples.

are bad examples. are bad examples. Here is a good example. Starting out Here is a good example. Starting out Here is a good example. Starting out verse 8, I'm going to read verses 8, 9, verse 8, I'm going to read verses 8, 9, verse 8, I'm going to read verses 8, 9, and 10. and 10. and 10. Likewise, also these dreamers defile the Likewise, also these dreamers defile the Likewise, also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil flesh, reject authority, and speak evil flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. Yet Michael the of dignitaries. Yet Michael the of dignitaries. Yet Michael the Archangel, in contending with the devil, Archangel, in contending with the devil, Archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of when he disputed about the body of when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a Moses, dared not bring against him a Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke you." But these speak evil of rebuke you." But these speak evil of rebuke you." But these speak evil of whatever they do not know, and whatever whatever they do not know, and whatever whatever they do not know, and whatever they know naturally, like brute bees, in they know naturally, like brute bees, in they know naturally, like brute bees, in these things they corrupt themselves. these things they corrupt themselves. these things they corrupt themselves. Well, here Michael is a good example. Well, here Michael is a good example. Well, here Michael is a good example. And what was he a good example of? that And what was he a good example of? that And what was he a good example of? that he dared not bring a reviling accusation he dared not bring a reviling accusation he dared not bring a reviling accusation against the devil. Michael did not mock against the devil. Michael did not mock against the devil. Michael did not mock the devil. He didn't accuse the devil. the devil. He didn't accuse the devil. the devil. He didn't accuse the devil. He wasn't called to judge the devil or He wasn't called to judge the devil or He wasn't called to judge the devil or condemn the devil, but rather what he condemn the devil, but rather what he condemn the devil, but rather what he did was he battled against him. Note, in did was he battled against him. Note, in did was he battled against him. Note, in the name of the Lord, Michael didn't the name of the Lord, Michael didn't the name of the Lord, Michael didn't battle in his own authority, but battle in his own authority, but battle in his own authority, but trusting in the authority of the Lord trusting in the authority of the Lord trusting in the authority of the Lord God. And that's going to be how we hold God. And that's going to be how we hold God. And that's going to be how we hold on to the faith once for all delivered on to the faith once for all delivered on to the faith once for all delivered to the saints.

to the saints. to the saints. Now, I just read over some verses there. Now, I just read over some verses there. Now, I just read over some verses there. And if you noticing the words as I read And if you noticing the words as I read And if you noticing the words as I read them, I wouldn't be surprised if some of them, I wouldn't be surprised if some of them, I wouldn't be surprised if some of you had some big questions. Questions you had some big questions. Questions you had some big questions. Questions that I will not answer on a Saturday that I will not answer on a Saturday that I will not answer on a Saturday evening at Calvary Fort Lauderdale. evening at Calvary Fort Lauderdale. evening at Calvary Fort Lauderdale. You might be asking, "What is this You might be asking, "What is this You might be asking, "What is this business about disputing over the body business about disputing over the body business about disputing over the body of Moses? What is that about?" of Moses? What is that about?" of Moses? What is that about?" May I recommend to you a Bible resource May I recommend to you a Bible resource May I recommend to you a Bible resource known as the Enduring Word Bible known as the Enduring Word Bible known as the Enduring Word Bible Commentary? Commentary? Commentary? Now, in addition to our study Bible, Now, in addition to our study Bible, Now, in addition to our study Bible, there's an online commentary and an app there's an online commentary and an app there's an online commentary and an app that'll answer these kind of questions that'll answer these kind of questions that'll answer these kind of questions and many more for you in greater depth. and many more for you in greater depth. and many more for you in greater depth. Right now, we're looking at all of these Right now, we're looking at all of these Right now, we're looking at all of these things as examples. And Michael the things as examples. And Michael the things as examples. And Michael the Archangel shows us the very great Archangel shows us the very great Archangel shows us the very great importance of trusting in God's importance of trusting in God's importance of trusting in God's authority because your authority isn't authority because your authority isn't authority because your authority isn't enough. If you trust in yourself, enough. If you trust in yourself, enough. If you trust in yourself, you're sure to fall and stumble along you're sure to fall and stumble along you're sure to fall and stumble along the way. But friends, trusting in the the way. But friends, trusting in the the way. But friends, trusting in the Lord and his authority like Michael did, Lord and his authority like Michael did, Lord and his authority like Michael did, that's where you're going to see real that's where you're going to see real that's where you're going to see real victory.

victory. victory. All right. Now, we're going to have in All right. Now, we're going to have in All right. Now, we're going to have in verse 11, three examples in one verse. verse 11, three examples in one verse. verse 11, three examples in one verse. Are you ready for this? We're going to Are you ready for this? We're going to Are you ready for this? We're going to rattle them off fast here. Verse 11. rattle them off fast here. Verse 11. rattle them off fast here. Verse 11. Number five, woe to them for they've Number five, woe to them for they've Number five, woe to them for they've gone in the way of Cain. That's number gone in the way of Cain. That's number gone in the way of Cain. That's number five. They've run greedily in the error five. They've run greedily in the error five. They've run greedily in the error of Balum for profit. That's number six. of Balum for profit. That's number six. of Balum for profit. That's number six. And number seven, they've perished in And number seven, they've perished in And number seven, they've perished in the rebellion of Kora. the rebellion of Kora. the rebellion of Kora. What Jude does here is he's alluding to What Jude does here is he's alluding to What Jude does here is he's alluding to three events in the Old Testament. Each three events in the Old Testament. Each three events in the Old Testament. Each of which show us something about the of which show us something about the of which show us something about the danger of falling away. There's the way danger of falling away. There's the way danger of falling away. There's the way of Cain. You know, the way of Cain was of Cain. You know, the way of Cain was of Cain. You know, the way of Cain was the way of empty religion. He offered the way of empty religion. He offered the way of empty religion. He offered sacrifice before the Lord, but his heart sacrifice before the Lord, but his heart sacrifice before the Lord, but his heart WASN'T IN IT. HIS faith wasn't in it. It WASN'T IN IT. HIS faith wasn't in it. It WASN'T IN IT. HIS faith wasn't in it. It was just an outward show. And friends, was just an outward show. And friends, was just an outward show. And friends, it can be the same way with us. Empty it can be the same way with us. Empty it can be the same way with us. Empty religion is not strong enough to keep religion is not strong enough to keep religion is not strong enough to keep you walking with the Lord. You need a you walking with the Lord. You need a you walking with the Lord. You need a real relationship with Jesus Christ. real relationship with Jesus Christ. real relationship with Jesus Christ. You're going to let go of the faith. You're going to let go of the faith. You're going to let go of the faith. That's what we learn from the way of That's what we learn from the way of That's what we learn from the way of Cain. Then there's the error of Balum Cain. Then there's the error of Balum Cain. Then there's the error of Balum for profit.

for profit. for profit. Balam is an example of destructive Balam is an example of destructive Balam is an example of destructive greed. The greedy error of Balam was he greed. The greedy error of Balam was he greed. The greedy error of Balam was he was willing to compromise everything for was willing to compromise everything for was willing to compromise everything for money. And the certain men that Jude money. And the certain men that Jude money. And the certain men that Jude warned us about, they had the same warned us about, they had the same warned us about, they had the same heart. Don't let greed corrupt your heart. Don't let greed corrupt your heart. Don't let greed corrupt your heart. And then third, the rebellion of heart. And then third, the rebellion of heart. And then third, the rebellion of Kora. Well, that's just flat out an Kora. Well, that's just flat out an Kora. Well, that's just flat out an example of rebellion. Kora's story is example of rebellion. Kora's story is example of rebellion. Kora's story is found in Numbers chapter 16. He was a found in Numbers chapter 16. He was a found in Numbers chapter 16. He was a prominent man in Israel, and Kora and prominent man in Israel, and Kora and prominent man in Israel, and Kora and his followers resented the authority his followers resented the authority his followers resented the authority that God gave to Moses and Aaron. And that God gave to Moses and Aaron. And that God gave to Moses and Aaron. And they stand out of his examples of this they stand out of his examples of this they stand out of his examples of this arrogant rejection of the Lord and his arrogant rejection of the Lord and his arrogant rejection of the Lord and his ways. ways. ways. Now, that brings us to the next examples Now, that brings us to the next examples Now, that brings us to the next examples in verses 12 and 13. If you thought it in verses 12 and 13. If you thought it in verses 12 and 13. If you thought it was impressive to have three examples in was impressive to have three examples in was impressive to have three examples in one verse, now we're going to have five one verse, now we're going to have five one verse, now we're going to have five examples in two verses. And these examples in two verses. And these examples in two verses. And these examples are all drawn from the realm of examples are all drawn from the realm of examples are all drawn from the realm of nature. He's given us examples from the nature. He's given us examples from the nature. He's given us examples from the realm of persons, including angelic realm of persons, including angelic realm of persons, including angelic beings. But now, we're going to have beings. But now, we're going to have beings. But now, we're going to have examples from the realm of nature. Look examples from the realm of nature. Look examples from the realm of nature. Look at verses 12 and 13.

at verses 12 and 13. at verses 12 and 13. These are spots in your love feasts, These are spots in your love feasts, These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, while they feast with you without fear, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds serving only themselves. They are clouds serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the without water, carried about by the without water, carried about by the winds, late autumn trees without fruit, winds, late autumn trees without fruit, winds, late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots, twice dead, pulled up by the roots, twice dead, pulled up by the roots, raging waves of the sea, foaming up to raging waves of the sea, foaming up to raging waves of the sea, foaming up to their own shame, wandering stars for their own shame, wandering stars for their own shame, wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of whom is reserved the blackness of whom is reserved the blackness of darkness darkness darkness forever. forever. forever. They're like spots or stains. Verse 12 They're like spots or stains. Verse 12 They're like spots or stains. Verse 12 says they're like clouds without waters. says they're like clouds without waters. says they're like clouds without waters. Clouds that don't have any good found Clouds that don't have any good found Clouds that don't have any good found within them. They're like late autumn within them. They're like late autumn within them. They're like late autumn trees without fruit. By late autumn, the trees without fruit. By late autumn, the trees without fruit. By late autumn, the trees should have fruit, but they're trees should have fruit, but they're trees should have fruit, but they're like fruitless, unproductive trees. like fruitless, unproductive trees. like fruitless, unproductive trees. They're like the raging waves of the They're like the raging waves of the They're like the raging waves of the sea. sea. sea. You know, for modern man, we look at the You know, for modern man, we look at the You know, for modern man, we look at the sea and we love it. We're out at the sea and we love it. We're out at the sea and we love it. We're out at the beach as much as we can be. The sea, beach as much as we can be. The sea, beach as much as we can be. The sea, isn't it wonderful? Isn't beautiful? isn't it wonderful? Isn't beautiful? isn't it wonderful? Isn't beautiful? Isn't it refreshing? I want you to know Isn't it refreshing? I want you to know Isn't it refreshing? I want you to know that in the world of the ancient near that in the world of the ancient near that in the world of the ancient near east, that's another way of saying the east, that's another way of saying the east, that's another way of saying the biblical world, they didn't look at the biblical world, they didn't look at the biblical world, they didn't look at the beach as a place for relaxation and beach as a place for relaxation and beach as a place for relaxation and holiday. They looked at the beach, they holiday. They looked at the beach, they holiday. They looked at the beach, they looked at the sea as a place of looked at the sea as a place of looked at the sea as a place of constantly churning tumult, a place of constantly churning tumult, a place of constantly churning tumult, a place of uncertainty and unsettledness, a place uncertainty and unsettledness, a place uncertainty and unsettledness, a place of continual activity. but nothing gets of continual activity. but nothing gets of continual activity. but nothing gets accomplished.

accomplished. accomplished. And friends, that's a powerful picture And friends, that's a powerful picture And friends, that's a powerful picture to us. to us. to us. You can be busy but going nowhere. You can be busy but going nowhere. You can be busy but going nowhere. You can be like the waves of the sea You can be like the waves of the sea You can be like the waves of the sea continually plowing, continually continually plowing, continually continually plowing, continually pounding the sand. It goes back and pounding the sand. It goes back and pounding the sand. It goes back and forth again and again, but what does it forth again and again, but what does it forth again and again, but what does it really accomplish? Not much. Friends, really accomplish? Not much. Friends, really accomplish? Not much. Friends, don't be like that in your life, in your don't be like that in your life, in your don't be like that in your life, in your pursuit of Jesus Christ. Being busy but pursuit of Jesus Christ. Being busy but pursuit of Jesus Christ. Being busy but unproductive for the Lord. And then unproductive for the Lord. And then unproductive for the Lord. And then finally, he says, "They're like finally, he says, "They're like finally, he says, "They're like wandering stars. They're like comets wandering stars. They're like comets wandering stars. They're like comets streaking through the sky. These certain streaking through the sky. These certain streaking through the sky. These certain men, they astonish the world for a time, men, they astonish the world for a time, men, they astonish the world for a time, but then they vanish into the darkness." but then they vanish into the darkness." but then they vanish into the darkness." Even so, these deceivers were Even so, these deceivers were Even so, these deceivers were untrustworthy untrustworthy untrustworthy and useless. and useless. and useless. Now, friends, about as fast as I Now, friends, about as fast as I Now, friends, about as fast as I possibly could, I've ran through 12 possibly could, I've ran through 12 possibly could, I've ran through 12 different examples that Jude gives to different examples that Jude gives to different examples that Jude gives to us. But can I give you the big takeaway us. But can I give you the big takeaway us. But can I give you the big takeaway from this? from this? from this? It is important and wise for us to learn It is important and wise for us to learn It is important and wise for us to learn from the examples of other people.

I I don't know how to put it any more I I don't know how to put it any more directly than this. directly than this. directly than this. And when I say this, I want you to know And when I say this, I want you to know And when I say this, I want you to know I'm speaking to myself, not just to you, I'm speaking to myself, not just to you, I'm speaking to myself, not just to you, but I want to earnestly tell you, don't but I want to earnestly tell you, don't but I want to earnestly tell you, don't be a fool. be a fool. be a fool. You know what a foolish attitude is? A You know what a foolish attitude is? A You know what a foolish attitude is? A foolish attitude says THAT IF I DON'T foolish attitude says THAT IF I DON'T foolish attitude says THAT IF I DON'T EXPERIENCE it myself, I can't believe EXPERIENCE it myself, I can't believe EXPERIENCE it myself, I can't believe it. it. it. If if I don't know what it's like to If if I don't know what it's like to If if I don't know what it's like to come to a certain kind of ruin all by come to a certain kind of ruin all by come to a certain kind of ruin all by myself, I'll never believe it's bad. No. myself, I'll never believe it's bad. No. myself, I'll never believe it's bad. No. Wisdom looks at the bad examples and the Wisdom looks at the bad examples and the Wisdom looks at the bad examples and the good examples of other people and learns good examples of other people and learns good examples of other people and learns from them. That's wisdom in life. And from them. That's wisdom in life. And from them. That's wisdom in life. And friends, that's what God wants for you. friends, that's what God wants for you. friends, that's what God wants for you. If you'll take a look at the lives If you'll take a look at the lives If you'll take a look at the lives around you that have ended in ruin, that around you that have ended in ruin, that around you that have ended in ruin, that have ended in despair, that have ended have ended in despair, that have ended have ended in despair, that have ended in just unproductive, in just unproductive, in just unproductive, un unholy lives. You'll see, no, I don't un unholy lives. You'll see, no, I don't un unholy lives. You'll see, no, I don't want to go in that direction. I want to want to go in that direction. I want to want to go in that direction. I want to learn from their mistakes. learn from their mistakes. learn from their mistakes. This can be a lifechanging This can be a lifechanging This can be a lifechanging uh window of wisdom for you. In the 12 uh window of wisdom for you. In the 12 uh window of wisdom for you. In the 12 examples that Jude uses in these nine examples that Jude uses in these nine examples that Jude uses in these nine verses all tell us that if you'll only verses all tell us that if you'll only verses all tell us that if you'll only learn from your own experiences, there's learn from your own experiences, there's learn from your own experiences, there's going to be a lot of pain and a lot of going to be a lot of pain and a lot of going to be a lot of pain and a lot of trouble. We need to have the wisdom to trouble. We need to have the wisdom to trouble. We need to have the wisdom to learn from the failures, from the pain, learn from the failures, from the pain, learn from the failures, from the pain, and from the blessings of other people.

and from the blessings of other people. and from the blessings of other people. So friends, let's gain it. So friends, let's gain it. So friends, let's gain it. Let's learn it. Let's learn it. Let's learn it. Now, in the last few verses that we're Now, in the last few verses that we're Now, in the last few verses that we're going to look at here, after Jude gives going to look at here, after Jude gives going to look at here, after Jude gives his introduction, after he gives all the his introduction, after he gives all the his introduction, after he gives all the examples, I want you to notice what he examples, I want you to notice what he examples, I want you to notice what he says here in verses 14 and 15. This is a says here in verses 14 and 15. This is a says here in verses 14 and 15. This is a real beacon of hope for us. Look at real beacon of hope for us. Look at real beacon of hope for us. Look at this. He says, 'now Enoch, the seventh this. He says, 'now Enoch, the seventh this. He says, 'now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men from Adam, prophesied about these men from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, Behold, the Lord comes also, saying, Behold, the Lord comes also, saying, Behold, the Lord comes with 10 thousands of his saints to with 10 thousands of his saints to with 10 thousands of his saints to execute judgment on all to convict all execute judgment on all to convict all execute judgment on all to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their who are ungodly among them of all their who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which he which they have ungodly deeds which he which they have ungodly deeds which he which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all committed in an ungodly way, and of all committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners the harsh things which ungodly sinners the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. Here, Jude have spoken against him. Here, Jude have spoken against him. Here, Jude quoted from Enoch, a man who's described quoted from Enoch, a man who's described quoted from Enoch, a man who's described in Genesis 5 and mentioned later on in in Genesis 5 and mentioned later on in in Genesis 5 and mentioned later on in Hebrews chapter 11. The ancient book of Hebrews chapter 11. The ancient book of Hebrews chapter 11. The ancient book of Enoch was not received as scripture Enoch was not received as scripture Enoch was not received as scripture among early Christians and even the among early Christians and even the among early Christians and even the ancient Jews, but it was respected among ancient Jews, but it was respected among ancient Jews, but it was respected among the Jews and among Christians.

the Jews and among Christians. the Jews and among Christians. And Jude didn't quote Enoch to tell us And Jude didn't quote Enoch to tell us And Jude didn't quote Enoch to tell us anything new, but to give us a vivid anything new, but to give us a vivid anything new, but to give us a vivid description of something that the Bible description of something that the Bible description of something that the Bible already teaches. And here's what he's already teaches. And here's what he's already teaches. And here's what he's teaching. The certainty of God's teaching. The certainty of God's teaching. The certainty of God's judgment against those who oppose the judgment against those who oppose the judgment against those who oppose the truth and let go of the truth. And it is truth and let go of the truth. And it is truth and let go of the truth. And it is going to be certain. That's why he going to be certain. That's why he going to be certain. That's why he emphasizes the words to convict all who emphasizes the words to convict all who emphasizes the words to convict all who are ungodly. are ungodly. are ungodly. those who have abandoned the truth or those who have abandoned the truth or those who have abandoned the truth or try to persuade others too. Friends, try to persuade others too. Friends, try to persuade others too. Friends, there will be certain judgment upon there will be certain judgment upon there will be certain judgment upon those people. those people. those people. This is sobering, is it not? Now, let me This is sobering, is it not? Now, let me This is sobering, is it not? Now, let me just say quickly about the book of Enoch just say quickly about the book of Enoch just say quickly about the book of Enoch because for some reason I'm hearing more because for some reason I'm hearing more because for some reason I'm hearing more people talk about it wondering, does the people talk about it wondering, does the people talk about it wondering, does the book of Enoch belong in the Bible? I book of Enoch belong in the Bible? I book of Enoch belong in the Bible? I mean, after all, Jude quoted it. Maybe mean, after all, Jude quoted it. Maybe mean, after all, Jude quoted it. Maybe the book of Enoch should be in our the book of Enoch should be in our the book of Enoch should be in our Bibles. Well, no. Bibles. Well, no. Bibles. Well, no. Not everything that a biblical writer Not everything that a biblical writer Not everything that a biblical writer quotes belongs in the scriptures. Paul quotes belongs in the scriptures. Paul quotes belongs in the scriptures. Paul on at least two occasions quoted pagan on at least two occasions quoted pagan on at least two occasions quoted pagan prophets himself. That doesn't mean that prophets himself. That doesn't mean that prophets himself. That doesn't mean that those pagan prophets and their writings those pagan prophets and their writings those pagan prophets and their writings belong in the Bible. So Enoch was a belong in the Bible. So Enoch was a belong in the Bible. So Enoch was a godly man. And whatever book, and we're godly man. And whatever book, and we're godly man. And whatever book, and we're not certain the exact connection that not certain the exact connection that not certain the exact connection that the book of Enoch has with the actual the book of Enoch has with the actual the book of Enoch has with the actual Enoch, it was respected among early Enoch, it was respected among early Enoch, it was respected among early Christians and Jews, but they never Christians and Jews, but they never Christians and Jews, but they never regarded it as scripture on par with the regarded it as scripture on par with the regarded it as scripture on par with the other books of the Bible. So respected other books of the Bible. So respected other books of the Bible. So respected book, yes, if you want to read the book book, yes, if you want to read the book book, yes, if you want to read the book OF ENOCH, READ IT. Just realize that it OF ENOCH, READ IT. Just realize that it OF ENOCH, READ IT. Just realize that it might be an interesting writing, but might be an interesting writing, but might be an interesting writing, but it's not on the same level as scripture.

it's not on the same level as scripture. it's not on the same level as scripture. But what it teaches us here is something But what it teaches us here is something But what it teaches us here is something that the Bible teaches us another place that the Bible teaches us another place that the Bible teaches us another place and that is the certainty and that is the certainty and that is the certainty of accountability of accountability of accountability for those who let go of the truth or for those who let go of the truth or for those who let go of the truth or oppose the truth. We often are self-conscious We often are self-conscious about talking about it, but it needs to about talking about it, but it needs to about talking about it, but it needs to be said. be said. be said. What Jude quoted from Enoch speaks of What Jude quoted from Enoch speaks of What Jude quoted from Enoch speaks of the certain judgment the certain judgment the certain judgment of those who oppose the truth or let go of those who oppose the truth or let go of those who oppose the truth or let go of it. of it. of it. Do you see now why it's important for Do you see now why it's important for Do you see now why it's important for every one of us to contend earnestly for every one of us to contend earnestly for every one of us to contend earnestly for the faith once for all committed to the the faith once for all committed to the the faith once for all committed to the saints?

Because we're not just talking about Because we're not just talking about having an opinion about what's your having an opinion about what's your having an opinion about what's your favorite flavor of ice cream favorite flavor of ice cream favorite flavor of ice cream or what sports team do you like to get or what sports team do you like to get or what sports team do you like to get behind and promote. behind and promote. behind and promote. We're talking about things that matter We're talking about things that matter We're talking about things that matter in this life in this life in this life and in eternity. It's real. It's real. And Jude wants to warn us about that. And Jude wants to warn us about that. And Jude wants to warn us about that. We're fools if we don't take that We're fools if we don't take that We're fools if we don't take that warning seriously. You know, he speaks about this day that You know, he speaks about this day that we'll all be held for for account. we'll all be held for for account. we'll all be held for for account. Now, I want you to think of somebody who Now, I want you to think of somebody who Now, I want you to think of somebody who is arrested for a crime. They have a is arrested for a crime. They have a is arrested for a crime. They have a date to appear in court and they make date to appear in court and they make date to appear in court and they make absolutely no preparation for their absolutely no preparation for their absolutely no preparation for their appearance before that judge. Wouldn't appearance before that judge. Wouldn't appearance before that judge. Wouldn't you think that person was foolish? you think that person was foolish? you think that person was foolish? Friends, we are going to be held for Friends, we are going to be held for Friends, we are going to be held for account. account. account. God invites us now to put our trust in God invites us now to put our trust in God invites us now to put our trust in Jesus Christ. Now, let's take a look at Jesus Christ. Now, let's take a look at Jesus Christ. Now, let's take a look at this last verse and then we'll wrap up.

this last verse and then we'll wrap up. this last verse and then we'll wrap up. Verse 16. He says of these certain men, Verse 16. He says of these certain men, Verse 16. He says of these certain men, these are grumblers, complainers, these are grumblers, complainers, these are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lust, and walking according to their own lust, and walking according to their own lust, and they mouth great swelling words, they mouth great swelling words, they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. flattering people to gain advantage. flattering people to gain advantage. Friends, that is the condition, the Friends, that is the condition, the Friends, that is the condition, the state of heart of these certain men who state of heart of these certain men who state of heart of these certain men who troubled the church that Jude wanted to troubled the church that Jude wanted to troubled the church that Jude wanted to write against. But but I want to exhort write against. But but I want to exhort write against. But but I want to exhort you right now you right now you right now to say, you're not going to follow after to say, you're not going to follow after to say, you're not going to follow after those false teachers. You're going to those false teachers. You're going to those false teachers. You're going to cling to what God gives to us in his cling to what God gives to us in his cling to what God gives to us in his word. For the grass withers, the flower word. For the grass withers, the flower word. For the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands fades, but the word of our God stands fades, but the word of our God stands forever. And we can take that seriously forever. And we can take that seriously forever. And we can take that seriously and trust in his word. and trust in his word. and trust in his word. So, let's remind ourselves of these So, let's remind ourselves of these So, let's remind ourselves of these three big takeaways, folks. Number one, three big takeaways, folks. Number one, three big takeaways, folks. Number one, the faith is worth fighting for. That's the faith is worth fighting for. That's the faith is worth fighting for. That's what Jude told us in verse three. Then what Jude told us in verse three. Then what Jude told us in verse three. Then in verse four, he emphasized that there in verse four, he emphasized that there in verse four, he emphasized that there are dangers for us to guard against.

are dangers for us to guard against. are dangers for us to guard against. But then throughout all those sections But then throughout all those sections But then throughout all those sections of examples, he told us that it's of examples, he told us that it's of examples, he told us that it's important for us to learn from the important for us to learn from the important for us to learn from the examples examples examples of others. I think of a person, I just of others. I think of a person, I just of others. I think of a person, I just imagine them in my mind, imagine them in my mind, imagine them in my mind, who keeps a Christian life, who keeps who keeps a Christian life, who keeps who keeps a Christian life, who keeps following after Jesus Christ at arms following after Jesus Christ at arms following after Jesus Christ at arms length because they've seen a lot of length because they've seen a lot of length because they've seen a lot of hypocrites in the church. hypocrites in the church. hypocrites in the church. Friends, I suppose there's probably Friends, I suppose there's probably Friends, I suppose there's probably nobody seen more hypocrites in the nobody seen more hypocrites in the nobody seen more hypocrites in the church than a pastor. church than a pastor. church than a pastor. We're familiar with them. We know they We're familiar with them. We know they We're familiar with them. We know they exist. exist. exist. But friends, here's the thing. You can But friends, here's the thing. You can But friends, here's the thing. You can take a look at the examples of those take a look at the examples of those take a look at the examples of those hypocrites and say, "I'm going to learn hypocrites and say, "I'm going to learn hypocrites and say, "I'm going to learn from them and not be like them." Do you from them and not be like them." Do you from them and not be like them." Do you understand how foolish it would be to understand how foolish it would be to understand how foolish it would be to allow the corruption of hypocrites to allow the corruption of hypocrites to allow the corruption of hypocrites to keep you from the kingdom of God? No. keep you from the kingdom of God? No. keep you from the kingdom of God? No. God says, "Here, come God says, "Here, come God says, "Here, come understand, you're going to see weak and understand, you're going to see weak and understand, you're going to see weak and failing people around you from time to failing people around you from time to failing people around you from time to time." That's absolutely true. But there time." That's absolutely true. But there time." That's absolutely true. But there is a faith once for all delivered to the is a faith once for all delivered to the is a faith once for all delivered to the saints. of faith that God wants you to saints. of faith that God wants you to saints. of faith that God wants you to cling on to.

cling on to. cling on to. And I just want to speak very pointedly And I just want to speak very pointedly And I just want to speak very pointedly right now to anyone here this evening. right now to anyone here this evening. right now to anyone here this evening. You have not yet truly put your faith in You have not yet truly put your faith in You have not yet truly put your faith in Jesus Christ. Do you remember what I Jesus Christ. Do you remember what I Jesus Christ. Do you remember what I talked before about the gospel? That talked before about the gospel? That talked before about the gospel? That great message. It's the message about great message. It's the message about great message. It's the message about what God has done to bring rescue to what God has done to bring rescue to what God has done to bring rescue to humanity, to bring us into right humanity, to bring us into right humanity, to bring us into right relationship with him based on the relationship with him based on the relationship with him based on the person and work of Jesus Christ. who person and work of Jesus Christ. who person and work of Jesus Christ. who Jesus is and what he did to rescue us, Jesus is and what he did to rescue us, Jesus is and what he did to rescue us, especially what he did at the cross with especially what he did at the cross with especially what he did at the cross with his sacrificial death when he was nailed his sacrificial death when he was nailed his sacrificial death when he was nailed to the cross. It wasn't nails that held to the cross. It wasn't nails that held to the cross. It wasn't nails that held him on that wood. It was love for all him on that wood. It was love for all him on that wood. It was love for all those who had put their trust in him and and his glorious resurrection where he his glorious resurrection where he his glorious resurrection where he triumphed over sin and death. And he triumphed over sin and death. And he triumphed over sin and death. And he says, "I'll live out that triumph in you says, "I'll live out that triumph in you says, "I'll live out that triumph in you if you'll put your trust in me." And if you'll put your trust in me." And if you'll put your trust in me." And what does he call us to do? simply to what does he call us to do? simply to what does he call us to do? simply to put our faith in him. But let me explain put our faith in him. But let me explain put our faith in him. But let me explain what that idea is of faith. what that idea is of faith. what that idea is of faith. I once read a man named William Wuest.

I once read a man named William Wuest. I once read a man named William Wuest. He was a popular Greek scholar who put He was a popular Greek scholar who put He was a popular Greek scholar who put things down to a level that I could things down to a level that I could things down to a level that I could understand things. And he described the understand things. And he described the understand things. And he described the New Testament word that's often New Testament word that's often New Testament word that's often translated faith or belief like this. He translated faith or belief like this. He translated faith or belief like this. He said it means to trust in, to rely on, said it means to trust in, to rely on, said it means to trust in, to rely on, and to cling to something. That's what and to cling to something. That's what and to cling to something. That's what I'm calling you to do today. to trust I'm calling you to do today. to trust I'm calling you to do today. to trust in, rely on, and cling to Jesus Christ. in, rely on, and cling to Jesus Christ. in, rely on, and cling to Jesus Christ. And I'm going to give an invitation in And I'm going to give an invitation in And I'm going to give an invitation in just a moment for for anybody who wants just a moment for for anybody who wants just a moment for for anybody who wants to declare that right here, right now, to declare that right here, right now, to declare that right here, right now, for you to come forward. And I want to for you to come forward. And I want to for you to come forward. And I want to pray with you and we're going to talk to pray with you and we're going to talk to pray with you and we're going to talk to you about this beginning of the you about this beginning of the you about this beginning of the Christian life that you can have. But Christian life that you can have. But Christian life that you can have. But this is what we're calling you to do to this is what we're calling you to do to this is what we're calling you to do to trust in, rely on, and cling to Jesus trust in, rely on, and cling to Jesus trust in, rely on, and cling to Jesus Christ. Now, I'm going to ask you to Christ. Now, I'm going to ask you to Christ. Now, I'm going to ask you to come forward if that's you who are doing come forward if that's you who are doing come forward if that's you who are doing that. if that's you for right here, that. if that's you for right here, that. if that's you for right here, right now. But let me tell you why I'm right now. But let me tell you why I'm right now. But let me tell you why I'm going to ask you to come forward. It's going to ask you to come forward. It's going to ask you to come forward. It's not because the physical act of walking not because the physical act of walking not because the physical act of walking an aisle earns your salvation. No, it's an aisle earns your salvation. No, it's an aisle earns your salvation. No, it's because anybody that Jesus called, he because anybody that Jesus called, he because anybody that Jesus called, he called publicly. [music] called publicly. [music] called publicly. [music] Jesus wanted people to follow him Jesus wanted people to follow him Jesus wanted people to follow him openly. And if you're going to follow openly. And if you're going to follow openly. And if you're going to follow Jesus, you need to do it in a public way Jesus, you need to do it in a public way Jesus, you need to do it in a public way that says, "Hey, I want the world to that says, "Hey, I want the world to that says, "Hey, I want the world to know," I'm putting my trust in Jesus know," I'm putting my trust in Jesus know," I'm putting my trust in Jesus Christ, in who he is and what he did to Christ, in who he is and what he did to Christ, in who he is and what he did to rescue me. Folks, I I'm going to pray rescue me. Folks, I I'm going to pray rescue me. Folks, I I'm going to pray and then simply ask you to come forward and then simply ask you to come forward and then simply ask you to come forward right now if that's you. Father in right now if that's you. Father in right now if that's you. Father in heaven, I pray that you would move all heaven, I pray that you would move all heaven, I pray that you would move all across this room. I thank you for these

across this room. I thank you for these across this room. I thank you for these blessed [music] saints who hear your blessed [music] saints who hear your blessed [music] saints who hear your word, who receive your word. And I pray word, who receive your word. And I pray word, who receive your word. And I pray now, Lord, that you would move among any now, Lord, that you would move among any now, Lord, that you would move among any here this evening who have not yet here this evening who have not yet here this evening who have not yet truly put their trust in you, and you'd truly put their trust in you, and you'd truly put their trust in you, and you'd prompt them to respond right now, to prompt them to respond right now, to prompt them to respond right now, to come [music] forward and to receive what come [music] forward and to receive what come [music] forward and to receive what you have to give to them in Jesus you have to give to them in Jesus you have to give to them in Jesus Christ. Do it, Lord. We pray in Jesus' Christ. Do it, Lord. We pray in Jesus' Christ. Do it, Lord. We pray in Jesus' name. name. name. So, please, if that's you, stand up. So, please, if that's you, stand up. So, please, if that's you, stand up. Come forward. You know, this is a custom Come forward. You know, this is a custom Come forward. You know, this is a custom in this church that we often do that we in this church that we often do that we in this church that we often do that we ask people to come forward so that we ask people to come forward so that we ask people to come forward so that we can pray with them and pray for them and can pray with them and pray for them and can pray with them and pray for them and give them a proper beginning in the give them a proper beginning in the give them a proper beginning in the Christian life. So today is your day. Christian life. So today is your day. Christian life. So today is your day. Today is your time to come forward. Today is your time to come forward. Today is your time to come forward. God bless you. [music] [music] >> Please come on forwards. >> [music] >> [music] >> I find >> I find >> I find >> I bless you >> I bless you >> I bless you >> without you.

>> without you. >> without you. I fall aart. I fall aart. I fall aart. You're the one You're the one You're the one [music] that guides my heart. [music] that guides my heart. [music] that guides my heart. Lord, I [singing] need you. Lord, I [singing] need you. Lord, I [singing] need you. >> Anyone else? [music] >> Anyone else? [music] >> Anyone else? [music] >> Oh, I >> Oh, I >> Oh, I need you. I bless you. need you. I bless you. need you. I bless you. >> Every [music] >> Every [music] >> Every [music] [singing] hour I need [singing] hour I need [singing] hour I need my one defense. You're my rightousness. my one defense. You're my rightousness. my one defense. You're my rightousness. Bless you. Oh God, how [music] I need. I want to lead you have come forward in I want to lead you have come forward in a prayer.

This isn't a magical prayer. This isn't a magical prayer. But the words reflect a heart. And if But the words reflect a heart. And if But the words reflect a heart. And if with your heart you put your trust in with your heart you put your trust in with your heart you put your trust in Jesus Christ, he will come and meet you. Jesus Christ, he will come and meet you. Jesus Christ, he will come and meet you. receive it that way. receive it that way. receive it that way. You can pray after me. I'll say a phrase You can pray after me. I'll say a phrase You can pray after me. I'll say a phrase and you can say it and believe it with and you can say it and believe it with and you can say it and believe it with your heart. your heart. your heart. Lord Jesus, I come and I put my trust in Lord Jesus, I come and I put my trust in Lord Jesus, I come and I put my trust in you. you. you. I believe you to be who the Bible says I believe you to be who the Bible says I believe you to be who the Bible says you are. you are. you are. And I believe you did for me what the And I believe you did for me what the And I believe you did for me what the Bible said you did. I want to leave the past behind and I I want to leave the past behind and I want to walk forward with you. want to walk forward with you. want to walk forward with you. And I want this to be the first step of And I want this to be the first step of And I want this to be the first step of something that lasts [music] for something that lasts [music] for something that lasts [music] for eternity. Forgive my sin. Forgive my sin. Heal my brokenness. Bring new life to that which is dead Bring new life to that which is dead within me.

within me. within me. And I receive your spirit right now. And I receive your spirit right now. And I receive your spirit right now. I put my trust in you I put my trust in you I put my trust in you in Jesus name. in Jesus name. in Jesus name. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Praise the Lord. >> Hey, we are celebrating this most >> Hey, we are celebrating this most important decision you could ever make important decision you could ever make important decision you could ever make in your life. And we want to spend a in your life. And we want to spend a in your life. And we want to spend a moment with you. So, Pastor David and I, moment with you. So, Pastor David and I, moment with you. So, Pastor David and I, we're going to meet you over in this we're going to meet you over in this we're going to meet you over in this room. And in a moment, as you walk this room. And in a moment, as you walk this room. And in a moment, as you walk this way, we're going to give you a Bible and way, we're going to give you a Bible and way, we're going to give you a Bible and a Bible study guide. We're going to a Bible study guide. We're going to a Bible study guide. We're going to celebrate this newness of life. So celebrate this newness of life. So celebrate this newness of life. So church, can we give them a hand as they church, can we give them a hand as they church, can we give them a hand as they go this way? go this way? go this way? Can we thank Pastor David Guz for coming Can we thank Pastor David Guz for coming Can we thank Pastor David Guz for coming to bring God's word to us? And can we to bring God's word to us? And can we to bring God's word to us? And can we stand together and respond in worship to stand together and respond in worship to stand together and respond in worship to all that he has done? He is worthy of all that he has done? He is worthy of all that he has done? He is worthy of our praise. Let's lift up our voices in our praise. Let's lift up our voices in our praise. Let's lift up our voices in [music] worship. >> Everybody clap your hands. Everybody >> Everybody clap your hands. Everybody move your feet. [music] Isn't he worthy? move your feet. [music] Isn't he worthy? move your feet. [music] Isn't he worthy? worthy of everything. Give it all. Don't worthy of everything. Give it all. Don't worthy of everything. Give it all. Don't hold back. Praise him with all you. Is hold back. Praise him with all you. Is hold back. Praise him with all you. Is he worthy? Worthy of everything. [music] he worthy? Worthy of everything. [music] he worthy? Worthy of everything. [music] Everybody clap your hands. Everybody Everybody clap your hands. Everybody Everybody clap your hands. Everybody move your feet. Is he worthy? Worthy move your feet. Is he worthy? Worthy move your feet. Is he worthy? Worthy [music and singing] of everything. Give [music and singing] of everything. Give [music and singing] of everything. Give it all back. Praise him with all you. Is it all back. Praise him with all you. Is it all back. Praise him with all you. Is he [music] worthy? Worthy of everybody.

he [music] worthy? Worthy of everybody. he [music] worthy? Worthy of everybody. Everybody clap your hand. Heat. Heat. Everybody clap your hand. Heat. Heat. Everybody clap your hand. Heat. Heat. [music] Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> We shall be Come on, can [music] we give Jesus a Come on, can [music] we give Jesus a shout of praise in this place tonight?

So good to see you tonight. If you need So good to see you tonight. If you need prayer for anything at all, our prayer prayer for anything at all, our prayer prayer for anything at all, our prayer team will be here at the front ready to team will be here at the front ready to team will be here at the front ready to pray with you. But if not, have a great pray with you. But if not, have a great pray with you. But if not, have a great rest of your Saturday night and we'll rest of your Saturday night and we'll rest of your Saturday night and we'll see you again next week. See you. see you again next week. See you. see you again next week. See you. >> [music] >> Thanks for listening to today's message. >> Thanks for listening to today's message. You know, here at Calvary, we believe a You know, here at Calvary, we believe a You know, here at Calvary, we believe a relationship with Jesus changes relationship with Jesus changes relationship with Jesus changes everything. And if you've decided to everything. And if you've decided to everything. And if you've decided to follow Jesus, we'd love for you to text follow Jesus, we'd love for you to text follow Jesus, we'd love for you to text the word believe to 31352. the word believe to 31352. the word believe to 31352. So you can find out what it means to So you can find out what it means to So you can find out what it means to follow Christ. And to learn more about follow Christ. And to learn more about follow Christ. And to learn more about Calvary and all of our campuses, you're Calvary and all of our campuses, you're Calvary and all of our campuses, you're free to visit calvaryftl.org.