Yesterday | Curtis Andrusko

Hi, my name is Jan Reagans. I've called Hi, my name is Jan Reagans. I've called the summit home for 20 years. Today's the summit home for 20 years. Today's the summit home for 20 years. Today's passage is from Jude 15-19. [music] Now [music] I want to remind you Now [music] I want to remind you although you once fully knew it that although you once fully knew it that although you once fully knew it that Jesus who saved a people out of the land Jesus who saved a people out of the land Jesus who saved a people out of the land of Egypt afterward destroyed those who of Egypt afterward destroyed those who of Egypt afterward destroyed those who did not believe and the angels who did did not believe and the angels who did did not believe and the angels who did not stay within their own position of not stay within their own position of not stay within their own position of authority but left their proper dwelling authority but left their proper dwelling authority but left their proper dwelling he is kept in eternal chains under he is kept in eternal chains under he is kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of gloomy darkness until the judgment of gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day. Just as Sodom and the great day. Just as Sodom and the great day. Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, [music] which likewise indulged in [music] which likewise indulged in [music] which likewise indulged in sexual immorality, and pursued unnatural sexual immorality, and pursued unnatural sexual immorality, and pursued unnatural desire, [music] serve as an example, but desire, [music] serve as an example, but desire, [music] serve as an example, but undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. undergoing a punishment of eternal fire. Yet in [music] like w like manner, these Yet in [music] like w like manner, these Yet in [music] like w like manner, these people also, relying on their dreams, people also, relying on their dreams, people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and defile the flesh, reject authority, and defile the flesh, reject authority, and [music] blaspheme the glorious ones. But [music] blaspheme the glorious ones. But [music] blaspheme the glorious ones. But when the archangel Michael contending when the archangel Michael contending when the archangel Michael contending with the devil was disputing about the with the devil was disputing about the with the devil was disputing about the body of Moses, [music] he did not body of Moses, [music] he did not body of Moses, [music] he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous presume to pronounce a blasphemous presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you." But these people blasphe all that you." But these people blasphe all that you." But these people blasphe all that they do not understand, and they are they do not understand, and they are they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they like destroyed by all that they like destroyed by all that they like unreasoning animals understand unreasoning animals understand unreasoning animals understand instinctively. Woe to them for they instinctively. Woe to them for they instinctively. Woe to them for they walked in the way of [music] Cain and walked in the way of [music] Cain and walked in the way of [music] Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of abandoned themselves for the sake of abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balam's error and perished in gain to Balam's error and perished in gain to Balam's error and perished in Kora's rebellion. It was also about Kora's rebellion. It was also about Kora's rebellion. It was also about these that Enoch, [music] the seventh these that Enoch, [music] the seventh these that Enoch, [music] the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, "Behold,

from Adam, prophesied, saying, "Behold, from Adam, prophesied, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with 10,000 of his holy the Lord comes with 10,000 of his holy the Lord comes with 10,000 of his holy ones to execute judgment on all and to ones to execute judgment on all and to ones to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their convict all the ungodly of all their convict all the ungodly of all their deed [music] deeds of ungodliness that deed [music] deeds of ungodliness that deed [music] deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly they have committed in such an ungodly they have committed in such an ungodly way and of all the harsh things that way and of all the harsh things that way and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against ungodly sinners have spoken against ungodly sinners have spoken against them." This is the word of God for the them." This is the word of God for the them." This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. people of God. Thanks be to God. people of God. Thanks be to God. >> You may be seated. Well, good morning, Summit family. If you've good morning, Summit family. If you've not made your way over to the book of not made your way over to the book of not made your way over to the book of Jude, go ahead and do so. It's at the Jude, go ahead and do so. It's at the Jude, go ahead and do so. It's at the end of your Bibles. Um, let me just try end of your Bibles. Um, let me just try end of your Bibles. Um, let me just try to help you feel a little bit better in to help you feel a little bit better in to help you feel a little bit better in case you went a little crosseyed after case you went a little crosseyed after case you went a little crosseyed after the reading of those passages that I'm the reading of those passages that I'm the reading of those passages that I'm about to preach on. Um, let me remind about to preach on. Um, let me remind about to preach on. Um, let me remind you of an actual quote from our fearless you of an actual quote from our fearless you of an actual quote from our fearless leader last week. Take a look at this. leader last week. Take a look at this. leader last week. Take a look at this. He said, "I've never preached on Jude." He said, "I've never preached on Jude." He said, "I've never preached on Jude." I'll be walking through the opening and I'll be walking through the opening and I'll be walking through the opening and conclusion of this letter and I'm going conclusion of this letter and I'm going conclusion of this letter and I'm going to leave the really difficult middle to leave the really difficult middle to leave the really difficult middle part for our teaching team next weekend. part for our teaching team next weekend. part for our teaching team next weekend. Quote, "Pastor JD Greer, coward." Okay, Quote, "Pastor JD Greer, coward." Okay, Quote, "Pastor JD Greer, coward." Okay, that's how I feel about this. Um, you that's how I feel about this. Um, you that's how I feel about this. Um, you know, when I when I read these verses know, when I when I read these verses know, when I when I read these verses and opened up a blank page to start and opened up a blank page to start and opened up a blank page to start writing a sermon that my original title writing a sermon that my original title writing a sermon that my original title was literally, "What is happening?" And was literally, "What is happening?" And was literally, "What is happening?" And so, um, hopefully that makes you feel a so, um, hopefully that makes you feel a so, um, hopefully that makes you feel a little bit better. But, uh, in all little bit better. But, uh, in all little bit better. But, uh, in all sincerity, Pastor JD's message on the sincerity, Pastor JD's message on the sincerity, Pastor JD's message on the first four verses was awesome last first four verses was awesome last first four verses was awesome last weekend. And so here we are picking up weekend. And so here we are picking up weekend. And so here we are picking up in verse 5 where Jude it feels like in verse 5 where Jude it feels like in verse 5 where Jude it feels like begins to go down a little bit of a begins to go down a little bit of a begins to go down a little bit of a rabbit trail. And so um Pastor JD titled rabbit trail. And so um Pastor JD titled rabbit trail. And so um Pastor JD titled his sermon after a beetle song, right?

his sermon after a beetle song, right? his sermon after a beetle song, right? Hey Jude. And since in our verses Jude Hey Jude. And since in our verses Jude Hey Jude. And since in our verses Jude spends so much time looking backward, I spends so much time looking backward, I spends so much time looking backward, I figure I would just stick with that figure I would just stick with that figure I would just stick with that theme. And the title of mine will be theme. And the title of mine will be theme. And the title of mine will be Yesterday. Okay, so let's get to work. Yesterday. Okay, so let's get to work. Yesterday. Okay, so let's get to work. Um by show of hands real fast. How many Um by show of hands real fast. How many Um by show of hands real fast. How many of you enjoy going on cruises? Raise of you enjoy going on cruises? Raise of you enjoy going on cruises? Raise your hand. Enjoy going on a cruise. your hand. Enjoy going on a cruise. your hand. Enjoy going on a cruise. Y'all are insane. All right. I've seen Y'all are insane. All right. I've seen Y'all are insane. All right. I've seen one too many documentaries. Your boy one too many documentaries. Your boy one too many documentaries. Your boy ain't getting on a boat. All right, but ain't getting on a boat. All right, but ain't getting on a boat. All right, but for kicks and giggles, imagine this for kicks and giggles, imagine this for kicks and giggles, imagine this scenario. Imagine you are heading off on scenario. Imagine you are heading off on scenario. Imagine you are heading off on a cruise. You board the ship. You get to a cruise. You board the ship. You get to a cruise. You board the ship. You get to your room, unload your baggage, and then your room, unload your baggage, and then your room, unload your baggage, and then before you take off from the dock, the before you take off from the dock, the before you take off from the dock, the captain says, "Hey, I need everybody up captain says, "Hey, I need everybody up captain says, "Hey, I need everybody up on deck." So, everybody comes up on on deck." So, everybody comes up on on deck." So, everybody comes up on deck. Captain is standing there. Captain deck. Captain is standing there. Captain deck. Captain is standing there. Captain proceeds to unroll this giant chart. And proceeds to unroll this giant chart. And proceeds to unroll this giant chart. And then he proceeds to show you. And he then he proceeds to show you. And he then he proceeds to show you. And he says, "Hey, scattered all over this says, "Hey, scattered all over this says, "Hey, scattered all over this chart are warnings along our chart are warnings along our chart are warnings along our destination." He he says, "There's some destination." He he says, "There's some destination." He he says, "There's some shallow water here, and there's an shallow water here, and there's an shallow water here, and there's an iceberg here. There's some hidden reefs iceberg here. There's some hidden reefs iceberg here. There's some hidden reefs here. And then most importantly, there's here. And then most importantly, there's here. And then most importantly, there's these giant red X's." And he says, these giant red X's." And he says, these giant red X's." And he says, "These red X's represent the remains of "These red X's represent the remains of "These red X's represent the remains of shipwrecks that have gone before us on shipwrecks that have gone before us on shipwrecks that have gone before us on this route." Now imagine at that moment this route." Now imagine at that moment this route." Now imagine at that moment the captain takes that chart and just the captain takes that chart and just the captain takes that chart and just says, "You know what though? I'm a says, "You know what though? I'm a says, "You know what though? I'm a progressive thinking captain. Those progressive thinking captain. Those progressive thinking captain. Those wrecks happened a long time ago. This wrecks happened a long time ago. This wrecks happened a long time ago. This map is outdated. I don't want to live in map is outdated. I don't want to live in map is outdated. I don't want to live in the past. Do you?" No. As we go on this the past. Do you?" No. As we go on this the past. Do you?" No. As we go on this journey, let's just follow our journey, let's just follow our journey, let's just follow our instincts. Then at that moment, the

instincts. Then at that moment, the instincts. Then at that moment, the captain crumbles up the map, tosses it captain crumbles up the map, tosses it captain crumbles up the map, tosses it in the ocean, and says, "Let's get in the ocean, and says, "Let's get in the ocean, and says, "Let's get going." That's about when you get off going." That's about when you get off going." That's about when you get off board. Amen. board. Amen. board. Amen. See, those marks on that chart were not See, those marks on that chart were not See, those marks on that chart were not irrelevant pieces of ancient history. irrelevant pieces of ancient history. irrelevant pieces of ancient history. They were there because somebody sailed They were there because somebody sailed They were there because somebody sailed into those waters before you. They into those waters before you. They into those waters before you. They didn't make it home. And the wreckage of didn't make it home. And the wreckage of didn't make it home. And the wreckage of the past should actually serve as the past should actually serve as the past should actually serve as warnings for the future. That's warnings for the future. That's warnings for the future. That's essentially what Jude does. And here essentially what Jude does. And here essentially what Jude does. And here here in verses 5-19, what he's doing in here in verses 5-19, what he's doing in here in verses 5-19, what he's doing in these seemingly confusing verses is he's these seemingly confusing verses is he's these seemingly confusing verses is he's unfolding the chart of biblical history unfolding the chart of biblical history unfolding the chart of biblical history and he's going to point out some and he's going to point out some and he's going to point out some wreckage. He's going to talk about wreckage. He's going to talk about wreckage. He's going to talk about things like Israel wandering and things like Israel wandering and things like Israel wandering and grumbling in the wilderness and grumbling in the wilderness and grumbling in the wilderness and rebellious angels and Sodom and Gomorrah rebellious angels and Sodom and Gomorrah rebellious angels and Sodom and Gomorrah and Cain and Kora and all these other and Cain and Kora and all these other and Cain and Kora and all these other things. And in doing so, y'all, he's not things. And in doing so, y'all, he's not things. And in doing so, y'all, he's not just giving us random pieces of Bible just giving us random pieces of Bible just giving us random pieces of Bible trivia. What he's doing is he's marking trivia. What he's doing is he's marking trivia. What he's doing is he's marking the dangerous reefs for us. Each story the dangerous reefs for us. Each story the dangerous reefs for us. Each story is a warning of, hey, people have sailed is a warning of, hey, people have sailed is a warning of, hey, people have sailed in these directions before. They've in these directions before. They've in these directions before. They've rejected God's word. They've resisted rejected God's word. They've resisted rejected God's word. They've resisted God's authority. They've redesigned God's authority. They've redesigned God's authority. They've redesigned God's design and every single person God's design and every single person God's design and every single person that sailed in those directions ended up that sailed in those directions ended up that sailed in those directions ended up shipwrecked every single time. See, God shipwrecked every single time. See, God shipwrecked every single time. See, God points us to the wrecks of the past so points us to the wrecks of the past so points us to the wrecks of the past so that we don't repeat them in the that we don't repeat them in the that we don't repeat them in the present. So remembering where others present. So remembering where others present. So remembering where others drifted and understanding where that drifted and understanding where that drifted and understanding where that drift led should give us clarity for how drift led should give us clarity for how drift led should give us clarity for how we live today. He might have written we live today. He might have written we live today. He might have written this 2,000 years ago, but his warning this 2,000 years ago, but his warning this 2,000 years ago, but his warning remains urgent for us that we should be

remains urgent for us that we should be remains urgent for us that we should be careful calling something progress if careful calling something progress if careful calling something progress if all we are doing is sailing toward an all we are doing is sailing toward an all we are doing is sailing toward an old disaster in a newer boat. That's old disaster in a newer boat. That's old disaster in a newer boat. That's what we're going to venture into. Now, what we're going to venture into. Now, what we're going to venture into. Now, since this is just week two, let me since this is just week two, let me since this is just week two, let me remind you of some context of the book remind you of some context of the book remind you of some context of the book of Jude. By way of reminder, this short of Jude. By way of reminder, this short of Jude. By way of reminder, this short little letter was written by guy named little letter was written by guy named little letter was written by guy named Jude. Jude was one of Jesus's four halfb Jude. Jude was one of Jesus's four halfb Jude. Jude was one of Jesus's four halfb brothers, none of whom believed that he brothers, none of whom believed that he brothers, none of whom believed that he was the Messiah until after the was the Messiah until after the was the Messiah until after the resurrection, which if you have resurrection, which if you have resurrection, which if you have siblings, makes total sense, right? siblings, makes total sense, right? siblings, makes total sense, right? [snorts] As confusing as these 15 verses [snorts] As confusing as these 15 verses [snorts] As confusing as these 15 verses seem at first, thankfully, Pastor JD seem at first, thankfully, Pastor JD seem at first, thankfully, Pastor JD reminded us last week, Jude writes like reminded us last week, Jude writes like reminded us last week, Jude writes like every good Baptist should, and he tends every good Baptist should, and he tends every good Baptist should, and he tends to write in sets of three. And so, to write in sets of three. And so, to write in sets of three. And so, understanding that kind of trifecta that understanding that kind of trifecta that understanding that kind of trifecta that he writes in helps us simplify things he writes in helps us simplify things he writes in helps us simplify things that can seem really confu confusing. that can seem really confu confusing. that can seem really confu confusing. Well, see, when Jude set off to write Well, see, when Jude set off to write Well, see, when Jude set off to write this letter, what he wanted to write was this letter, what he wanted to write was this letter, what he wanted to write was this kind of like beautiful, encouraging this kind of like beautiful, encouraging this kind of like beautiful, encouraging letter about the salvation that we share letter about the salvation that we share letter about the salvation that we share in Jesus Christ. The kind of letter in Jesus Christ. The kind of letter in Jesus Christ. The kind of letter filled with verses that one day would be filled with verses that one day would be filled with verses that one day would be hung in your home and put on coffee hung in your home and put on coffee hung in your home and put on coffee mugs. Like essentially, he wanted to mugs. Like essentially, he wanted to mugs. Like essentially, he wanted to write the book of Philippians. But write the book of Philippians. But write the book of Philippians. But instead, verse 4 tells us that Jude instead, verse 4 tells us that Jude instead, verse 4 tells us that Jude realizes that ungodly false teachers realizes that ungodly false teachers realizes that ungodly false teachers have crept into the church unnoticed have crept into the church unnoticed have crept into the church unnoticed that are seeking to pervert the very that are seeking to pervert the very that are seeking to pervert the very grace of God. And so instead of grace of God. And so instead of grace of God. And so instead of Philippians, he ends up having to write Philippians, he ends up having to write Philippians, he ends up having to write like first condemnations is kind of what like first condemnations is kind of what like first condemnations is kind of what he ends up having to write. And see, he ends up having to write. And see, he ends up having to write. And see, Jude sounds the alarm not because he Jude sounds the alarm not because he Jude sounds the alarm not because he wants to be harsh, but because he loves wants to be harsh, but because he loves wants to be harsh, but because he loves the church and the people within it too

the church and the people within it too the church and the people within it too much to remain quiet. Jude knows that much to remain quiet. Jude knows that much to remain quiet. Jude knows that doctrinal and moral corruption always go doctrinal and moral corruption always go doctrinal and moral corruption always go hand in hand. That bad doctrine, bad hand in hand. That bad doctrine, bad hand in hand. That bad doctrine, bad teaching, bad understanding always teaching, bad understanding always teaching, bad understanding always provides a framework for sinful living. provides a framework for sinful living. provides a framework for sinful living. And then let me give you just one big And then let me give you just one big And then let me give you just one big caveat before we embark on this. Okay, caveat before we embark on this. Okay, caveat before we embark on this. Okay, you got to know that Jude moves fast. you got to know that Jude moves fast. you got to know that Jude moves fast. Like he's punchy. He's to the point. He Like he's punchy. He's to the point. He Like he's punchy. He's to the point. He he doesn't pull punches. This whole book he doesn't pull punches. This whole book he doesn't pull punches. This whole book is 25 short verses. And as he's writing, is 25 short verses. And as he's writing, is 25 short verses. And as he's writing, Jude is assuming that you and I possess Jude is assuming that you and I possess Jude is assuming that you and I possess a ton of background knowledge. I mean, a ton of background knowledge. I mean, a ton of background knowledge. I mean, he basically references the entire he basically references the entire he basically references the entire Torah, first five books of the Bible, Torah, first five books of the Bible, Torah, first five books of the Bible, alongside he references some extra alongside he references some extra alongside he references some extra biblical Jewish literature, which his biblical Jewish literature, which his biblical Jewish literature, which his audience would have been completely audience would have been completely audience would have been completely familiar with. And so when those verses familiar with. And so when those verses familiar with. And so when those verses were read, if you got done listening and were read, if you got done listening and were read, if you got done listening and you're like, "Bro, I have no idea what you're like, "Bro, I have no idea what you're like, "Bro, I have no idea what he's talking about." Don't feel bad, he's talking about." Don't feel bad, he's talking about." Don't feel bad, okay? You're going to have plenty of okay? You're going to have plenty of okay? You're going to have plenty of questions. I'm going to do my best to questions. I'm going to do my best to questions. I'm going to do my best to answer as many questions in our time answer as many questions in our time answer as many questions in our time together as we can. But there's also together as we can. But there's also together as we can. But there's also going to be a million rabbit trails that going to be a million rabbit trails that going to be a million rabbit trails that I cannot chase. And so if you have those I cannot chase. And so if you have those I cannot chase. And so if you have those questions, just consider that the questions, just consider that the questions, just consider that the prompting of the Holy Spirit for you to prompting of the Holy Spirit for you to prompting of the Holy Spirit for you to go study some of this yourself. All go study some of this yourself. All go study some of this yourself. All right. All right. With that caveat, right. All right. With that caveat, right. All right. With that caveat, notice how Jude begins. Look at verse 5.

notice how Jude begins. Look at verse 5. notice how Jude begins. Look at verse 5. He says, 'Now, I want to remind you, He says, 'Now, I want to remind you, He says, 'Now, I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it. Jude is although you once fully knew it. Jude is although you once fully knew it. Jude is going to open the chart of biblical going to open the chart of biblical going to open the chart of biblical history and point to the first of three history and point to the first of three history and point to the first of three shipwrecks that he assumes we're shipwrecks that he assumes we're shipwrecks that he assumes we're familiar with. One is a shipwreck in the familiar with. One is a shipwreck in the familiar with. One is a shipwreck in the wilderness where Israel refuses to wilderness where Israel refuses to wilderness where Israel refuses to believe God's word. Another is one in believe God's word. Another is one in believe God's word. Another is one in the heavenly realm where angels refuse the heavenly realm where angels refuse the heavenly realm where angels refuse to remain under God's authority. And to remain under God's authority. And to remain under God's authority. And then the last one is one in the cities then the last one is one in the cities then the last one is one in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah where people of Sodom and Gomorrah where people of Sodom and Gomorrah where people refuse to live within God's relational refuse to live within God's relational refuse to live within God's relational design. And so let's take those one at a design. And so let's take those one at a design. And so let's take those one at a time. First look at the back half of time. First look at the back half of time. First look at the back half of verse 5. He says, "Jesus verse 5. He says, "Jesus verse 5. He says, "Jesus who saved the people out of the land of who saved the people out of the land of who 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." See, first Israel shows us not believe." See, first Israel shows us not believe." See, first Israel shows us the danger of unbelief. the danger of unbelief. the danger of unbelief. In the story of Israel wandering in the In the story of Israel wandering in the In the story of Israel wandering in the wilderness, God rescues the Israelites wilderness, God rescues the Israelites wilderness, God rescues the Israelites from 400 plus years of slavery in Egypt. from 400 plus years of slavery in Egypt. from 400 plus years of slavery in Egypt. Man, these Israelites, they witness the Man, these Israelites, they witness the Man, these Israelites, they witness the plagues. God takes them through the Red plagues. God takes them through the Red plagues. God takes them through the Red Sea. He feeds them with mana from Sea. He feeds them with mana from Sea. He feeds them with mana from heaven. They experience God's great heaven. They experience God's great heaven. They experience God's great provision in the wilderness. Yet, when provision in the wilderness. Yet, when provision in the wilderness. Yet, when they get to the edge of Canaan, and God they get to the edge of Canaan, and God they get to the edge of Canaan, and God tells them to enter into the promised tells them to enter into the promised tells them to enter into the promised land, they refused to trust him because land, they refused to trust him because land, they refused to trust him because they were terrified of the land's they were terrified of the land's they were terrified of the land's inhabitants. Even though they had seen inhabitants. Even though they had seen inhabitants. Even though they had seen over and over and over again what God over and over and over again what God over and over and over again what God could do, they get to the point where could do, they get to the point where could do, they get to the point where they refuse to trust what God has said.

they refuse to trust what God has said. they refuse to trust what God has said. You can read about this in Numbers You can read about this in Numbers You can read about this in Numbers chapter 14. Numbers 14 tells us that chapter 14. Numbers 14 tells us that chapter 14. Numbers 14 tells us that everyone over the age of 20 except for everyone over the age of 20 except for everyone over the age of 20 except for Caleb and Joshua would die in the Caleb and Joshua would die in the Caleb and Joshua would die in the wilderness specifically because of their wilderness specifically because of their wilderness specifically because of their unbelief. See, you got to understand unbelief. See, you got to understand unbelief. See, you got to understand unbelief is not merely a lack of unbelief is not merely a lack of unbelief is not merely a lack of information. information. information. They had plenty of information. They had plenty of information. They had plenty of information. No, unbelief is the refusal to trust God No, unbelief is the refusal to trust God No, unbelief is the refusal to trust God at his word. It's the conviction that my at his word. It's the conviction that my at his word. It's the conviction that my assessment of the situation is more assessment of the situation is more assessment of the situation is more reliable than God in his word and what reliable than God in his word and what reliable than God in his word and what he says about the situation. he says about the situation. he says about the situation. And then don't miss this detail. Because And then don't miss this detail. Because And then don't miss this detail. Because of their unbelief, notice the two of their unbelief, notice the two of their unbelief, notice the two actions that are attributed to the same actions that are attributed to the same actions that are attributed to the same Jesus in verse 5. It says that Jesus Jesus in verse 5. It says that Jesus Jesus in verse 5. It says that Jesus saved and Jesus destroyed. saved and Jesus destroyed. saved and Jesus destroyed. The savior is also the judge. The entire The savior is also the judge. The entire The savior is also the judge. The entire nation of Israel experiences deliverance nation of Israel experiences deliverance nation of Israel experiences deliverance from Egypt. But that outward privilege from Egypt. But that outward privilege from Egypt. But that outward privilege did not guarantee the salvation of every did not guarantee the salvation of every did not guarantee the salvation of every individual in Israel. Jesus delivered individual in Israel. Jesus delivered individual in Israel. Jesus delivered Israel, but then he destroyed those who Israel, but then he destroyed those who Israel, but then he destroyed those who did not believe.

did not believe. did not believe. See, being among God's people is not the See, being among God's people is not the See, being among God's people is not the same thing as personally trusting in same thing as personally trusting in same thing as personally trusting in God's son. And we got to hold on to that God's son. And we got to hold on to that God's son. And we got to hold on to that tension because Jude is going to come tension because Jude is going to come tension because Jude is going to come back to it later. All right. Israel back to it later. All right. Israel back to it later. All right. Israel thought they knew better than God. And thought they knew better than God. And thought they knew better than God. And their unbelief leads to destruction. their unbelief leads to destruction. their unbelief leads to destruction. That's the first thing. Second, look at That's the first thing. Second, look at That's the first thing. Second, look at verse six. verse six. verse six. Jude says, 'And the angels who did not Jude says, 'And the angels who did not Jude says, 'And the angels who did not stay within their own position of of stay within their own position of of stay within their own position of of authority, but left their proper authority, but left their proper authority, but left their proper dwelling God has kept in eternal chains dwelling God has kept in eternal chains dwelling God has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment under gloomy darkness until the judgment under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day. See, if Israel shows of the great day. See, if Israel shows of the great day. See, if Israel shows us the danger of unbelief, the fallen us the danger of unbelief, the fallen us the danger of unbelief, the fallen angels show us the danger of rebellion. angels show us the danger of rebellion. angels show us the danger of rebellion. Of rebellion. God had given these angels Of rebellion. God had given these angels Of rebellion. God had given these angels a place beneath his authority. But they a place beneath his authority. But they a place beneath his authority. But they refused to remain there. You know this refused to remain there. You know this refused to remain there. You know this if you read the Old Testament, Satan if you read the Old Testament, Satan if you read the Old Testament, Satan entices some of these angels to follow entices some of these angels to follow entices some of these angels to follow him in rebellion and they abandon the him in rebellion and they abandon the him in rebellion and they abandon the order that God had established and they order that God had established and they order that God had established and they cross the boundaries that God had cross the boundaries that God had cross the boundaries that God had created. They come to earth and honestly created. They come to earth and honestly created. They come to earth and honestly they go on to do some crazy stuff. You they go on to do some crazy stuff. You they go on to do some crazy stuff. You can read all about it in Genesis 6. It can read all about it in Genesis 6. It can read all about it in Genesis 6. It sounds like something out of Jerry sounds like something out of Jerry sounds like something out of Jerry Springer or Real Housewives. It's Springer or Real Housewives. It's Springer or Real Housewives. It's absolutely wild. But the point is not absolutely wild. But the point is not absolutely wild. But the point is not specifically what they did when they specifically what they did when they specifically what they did when they came to Earth. The point is that they came to Earth. The point is that they came to Earth. The point is that they rebelled against God. And because of rebelled against God. And because of rebelled against God. And because of their rebellion, God, it says, has kept their rebellion, God, it says, has kept their rebellion, God, it says, has kept them in gloomy darkness, awaiting the them in gloomy darkness, awaiting the them in gloomy darkness, awaiting the judgment of the great day. See, unbelief judgment of the great day. See, unbelief judgment of the great day. See, unbelief says,"I don't trust what God has said."

says,"I don't trust what God has said." says,"I don't trust what God has said." Rebellion goes a step further and says, Rebellion goes a step further and says, Rebellion goes a step further and says, "I refuse to live under God's rule." "I refuse to live under God's rule." "I refuse to live under God's rule." Those are first two. Then look at the Those are first two. Then look at the Those are first two. Then look at the third, verse 7. He says, "Just as Sodom third, verse 7. He says, "Just as Sodom third, verse 7. He says, "Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual which likewise indulged in sexual which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, immorality and pursued unnatural desire, immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a serve as an example by undergoing a serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire." Y'all, Jude punishment of eternal fire." Y'all, Jude punishment of eternal fire." Y'all, Jude uses the story of Sodom and Gomorrah to uses the story of Sodom and Gomorrah to uses the story of Sodom and Gomorrah to illustrate how sexual immorality rejects illustrate how sexual immorality rejects illustrate how sexual immorality rejects God's original design. God's original design. God's original design. Sodom and Gomorrah, of course, were Sodom and Gomorrah, of course, were Sodom and Gomorrah, of course, were known for giving themselves over to known for giving themselves over to known for giving themselves over to unnatural and lustful desires. Again, unnatural and lustful desires. Again, unnatural and lustful desires. Again, you can go read all about it in Genesis you can go read all about it in Genesis you can go read all about it in Genesis chapter 19. But see, their rebellion chapter 19. But see, their rebellion chapter 19. But see, their rebellion didn't just remain this abstract idea. didn't just remain this abstract idea. didn't just remain this abstract idea. Their rebellion took control of their Their rebellion took control of their Their rebellion took control of their desires, and it expressed itself through desires, and it expressed itself through desires, and it expressed itself through their bodies. Specifically, by rejecting their bodies. Specifically, by rejecting their bodies. Specifically, by rejecting God's design for sex, they were God's design for sex, they were God's design for sex, they were attempting to redefine good and evil attempting to redefine good and evil attempting to redefine good and evil according to their own fleshly desires, according to their own fleshly desires, according to their own fleshly desires, which y'all is always what happens when which y'all is always what happens when which y'all is always what happens when desire becomes Lord in our life. Instead desire becomes Lord in our life. Instead desire becomes Lord in our life. Instead of bringing our desires beneath God's of bringing our desires beneath God's of bringing our desires beneath God's authority, we make our desires the authority, we make our desires the authority, we make our desires the ultimate authority and then we expect ultimate authority and then we expect ultimate authority and then we expect God to approve of them.

God to approve of them. God to approve of them. And so what Jude does is he gives us an And so what Jude does is he gives us an And so what Jude does is he gives us an incredibly sobering warning. And while incredibly sobering warning. And while incredibly sobering warning. And while this warning is for everybody, let me this warning is for everybody, let me this warning is for everybody, let me say this specifically to men because say this specifically to men because say this specifically to men because this is the sin that has an absolute this is the sin that has an absolute this is the sin that has an absolute chokeold on the men in our society. chokeold on the men in our society. chokeold on the men in our society. Jude's warning is that just as physical Jude's warning is that just as physical Jude's warning is that just as physical fire fell on Sodom and Gomorrah, fire fell on Sodom and Gomorrah, fire fell on Sodom and Gomorrah, [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] what awaits those who refuse to repent what awaits those who refuse to repent what awaits those who refuse to repent and willfully persist in rejecting God's and willfully persist in rejecting God's and willfully persist in rejecting God's authority by redefining his design for authority by redefining his design for authority by redefining his design for sex is punishment of eternal fire. And that's not because sexual sin is And that's not because sexual sin is outside of the reach of God's grace. outside of the reach of God's grace. outside of the reach of God's grace. Hear me. nothing is Hear me. nothing is Hear me. nothing is but persisting in and celebrating and but persisting in and celebrating and but persisting in and celebrating and defending what is outside of God's defending what is outside of God's defending what is outside of God's design is the very evidence that the design is the very evidence that the design is the very evidence that the Holy Spirit is not in your life. Do not Holy Spirit is not in your life. Do not Holy Spirit is not in your life. Do not think you can live like hell here and think you can live like hell here and think you can live like hell here and still inherit heaven there.

still inherit heaven there. still inherit heaven there. Three different settings, Three different settings, Three different settings, three different stories, three different three different stories, three different three different stories, three different expressions of sin. unbelief which expressions of sin. unbelief which expressions of sin. unbelief which rejects God's word, rebellion which rejects God's word, rebellion which rejects God's word, rebellion which rejects God's rule, and immorality which rejects God's rule, and immorality which rejects God's rule, and immorality which rejects God's design. rejects God's design. rejects God's design. But underneath all three is the same act But underneath all three is the same act But underneath all three is the same act of defiance. of defiance. of defiance. It's the creature shouting to the It's the creature shouting to the It's the creature shouting to the creator saying, "I know better than creator saying, "I know better than creator saying, "I know better than you." you." you." And all three end with the same And all three end with the same And all three end with the same destination, which is destruction. destination, which is destruction. destination, which is destruction. And if that's not clear enough, Jude And if that's not clear enough, Jude And if that's not clear enough, Jude doesn't let up. And he makes the doesn't let up. And he makes the doesn't let up. And he makes the connection explicit in verse 8. connection explicit in verse 8. connection explicit in verse 8. He says, "Yet in like manner, just like He says, "Yet in like manner, just like He says, "Yet in like manner, just like Israel and the angels and Sodom and Israel and the angels and Sodom and Israel and the angels and Sodom and Gomorrah did, these people also, these Gomorrah did, these people also, these Gomorrah did, these people also, these false teachers who have crept into the false teachers who have crept into the false teachers who have crept into the church, church, church, relying on their dreams, relying on their dreams, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and defile the flesh, reject authority, and defile the flesh, reject authority, and blasphe the glorious ones."

blasphe the glorious ones." blasphe the glorious ones." See, specifically what he calls out is See, specifically what he calls out is See, specifically what he calls out is that these false teachers were relying that these false teachers were relying that these false teachers were relying on their dreams, which they claimed gave on their dreams, which they claimed gave on their dreams, which they claimed gave them permission to ignore clear biblical them permission to ignore clear biblical them permission to ignore clear biblical teaching in favor of their spiritual teaching in favor of their spiritual teaching in favor of their spiritual experiences and divine revelation that experiences and divine revelation that experiences and divine revelation that belong to them alone. I mean, who needs belong to them alone. I mean, who needs belong to them alone. I mean, who needs thus sayeth the Lord when we can just thus sayeth the Lord when we can just thus sayeth the Lord when we can just follow our heart, right? Sound familiar? follow our heart, right? Sound familiar? follow our heart, right? Sound familiar? Again, we don't know the exact nature of Again, we don't know the exact nature of Again, we don't know the exact nature of their dreams, but the point is that their dreams, but the point is that their dreams, but the point is that these are people who are allowing their these are people who are allowing their these are people who are allowing their subjective experience to overrule subjective experience to overrule subjective experience to overrule biblical objective truth. And listen, as biblical objective truth. And listen, as biblical objective truth. And listen, as followers of Jesus Christ, God calls us followers of Jesus Christ, God calls us followers of Jesus Christ, God calls us to worship him in spirit and truth. But to worship him in spirit and truth. But to worship him in spirit and truth. But these are folks who when truth told them these are folks who when truth told them these are folks who when truth told them no, would claim that the spirit told no, would claim that the spirit told no, would claim that the spirit told them yes. The problem is that the same them yes. The problem is that the same them yes. The problem is that the same spirit that inspired this word will spirit that inspired this word will spirit that inspired this word will never contradict the very word that he never contradict the very word that he never contradict the very word that he inspired. inspired. inspired. Listen, if the spirit leading you claims Listen, if the spirit leading you claims Listen, if the spirit leading you claims that this book is outdated or claims that this book is outdated or claims that this book is outdated or claims that believing in the resurrection is that believing in the resurrection is that believing in the resurrection is optional for your salvation or that optional for your salvation or that optional for your salvation or that Jesus was just a really good moral Jesus was just a really good moral Jesus was just a really good moral teacher, or that God's design for sex teacher, or that God's design for sex teacher, or that God's design for sex and gender are negotiable, it is not the and gender are negotiable, it is not the and gender are negotiable, it is not the Holy Spirit that is leading you. It is Holy Spirit that is leading you. It is Holy Spirit that is leading you. It is the demonic spirit of this age.

the demonic spirit of this age. the demonic spirit of this age. >> And y'all, this is not a new thing. Go >> And y'all, this is not a new thing. Go >> And y'all, this is not a new thing. Go all the way back to the original sin. all the way back to the original sin. all the way back to the original sin. Genesis chapter 3. It's the ancient lie Genesis chapter 3. It's the ancient lie Genesis chapter 3. It's the ancient lie of the enemy from Genesis 3:5 all over of the enemy from Genesis 3:5 all over of the enemy from Genesis 3:5 all over again. Well, what was Satan's original again. Well, what was Satan's original again. Well, what was Satan's original temptation? Hey, just come do this and temptation? Hey, just come do this and temptation? Hey, just come do this and you will be like God. You can go on to you will be like God. You can go on to you will be like God. You can go on to define good and evil for yourself. You define good and evil for yourself. You define good and evil for yourself. You can determine what's truth for yourself. can determine what's truth for yourself. can determine what's truth for yourself. You can become your own highest You can become your own highest You can become your own highest authority. authority. authority. But when we trade God's authority for But when we trade God's authority for But when we trade God's authority for our appetites, the desires we trust will our appetites, the desires we trust will our appetites, the desires we trust will free to free us will become the very free to free us will become the very free to free us will become the very desires that will end up destroying us. desires that will end up destroying us. desires that will end up destroying us. You could say it like this. When You could say it like this. When You could say it like this. When feelings become our highest authority, feelings become our highest authority, feelings become our highest authority, desire becomes our direction and desire becomes our direction and desire becomes our direction and destruction becomes our destination. When we usurp God's authority, when When we usurp God's authority, when feelings become our highest authority, feelings become our highest authority, feelings become our highest authority, desire becomes our direction, desire becomes our direction, desire becomes our direction, destruction becomes our destination. destruction becomes our destination. destruction becomes our destination. See, once self takes God's place, See, once self takes God's place, See, once self takes God's place, personal desire becomes the only law by personal desire becomes the only law by personal desire becomes the only law by which you abide. Right? Which is why which you abide. Right? Which is why which you abide. Right? Which is why Jude says that these people defile the Jude says that these people defile the Jude says that these people defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. In other words, they the glorious ones. In other words, they the glorious ones. In other words, they speak arrogantly about spiritual things speak arrogantly about spiritual things speak arrogantly about spiritual things that they don't understand because God's that they don't understand because God's that they don't understand because God's word was no longer above them. Instead, word was no longer above them. Instead, word was no longer above them. Instead, their feelings, their instincts, their their feelings, their instincts, their their feelings, their instincts, their desires, their emotions, and their desires, their emotions, and their desires, their emotions, and their experiences had taken its place. And experiences had taken its place. And experiences had taken its place. And then to show us how absolutely reckless then to show us how absolutely reckless then to show us how absolutely reckless that posture is, Jude gives us what's that posture is, Jude gives us what's that posture is, Jude gives us what's kind of a surprising contrast. He he

kind of a surprising contrast. He he kind of a surprising contrast. He he says, "These false teachers speak says, "These false teachers speak says, "These false teachers speak arrogantly about spiritual realities arrogantly about spiritual realities arrogantly about spiritual realities they don't understand, claiming they don't understand, claiming they don't understand, claiming spiritual authority that they do not spiritual authority that they do not spiritual authority that they do not possess. However, and here's the possess. However, and here's the possess. However, and here's the contrast. Verse 9, he says, "When the contrast. Verse 9, he says, "When the contrast. Verse 9, he says, "When the archangel Michael," now if you're not archangel Michael," now if you're not archangel Michael," now if you're not familiar with him, Michael is the familiar with him, Michael is the familiar with him, Michael is the archangel who literally casts Satan out archangel who literally casts Satan out archangel who literally casts Satan out of heaven. This is the dude that leads of heaven. This is the dude that leads of heaven. This is the dude that leads God's armies. This is the guy who God's armies. This is the guy who God's armies. This is the guy who actually possesses an extraordinary actually possesses an extraordinary actually possesses an extraordinary amount of spiritual authority. Yet verse amount of spiritual authority. Yet verse amount of spiritual authority. Yet verse N. When the Archangel Michael contending N. When the Archangel Michael contending N. When the Archangel Michael contending with the devil was disputing about the with the devil was disputing about the with the devil was disputing about the body of Moses, Michael did not presume body of Moses, Michael did not presume body of Moses, Michael did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment to pronounce a blasphemous judgment to pronounce a blasphemous judgment against Satan, but instead just said to against Satan, but instead just said to against Satan, but instead just said to Satan, "The Lord rebuke you." Now, Satan, "The Lord rebuke you." Now, Satan, "The Lord rebuke you." Now, again, this is one of those stories that again, this is one of those stories that again, this is one of those stories that um it's found in an extra biblical thing um it's found in an extra biblical thing um it's found in an extra biblical thing called the Assumption of Moses that called the Assumption of Moses that called the Assumption of Moses that Jude's original readers would have been Jude's original readers would have been Jude's original readers would have been familiar with. And so, if you're like, familiar with. And so, if you're like, familiar with. And so, if you're like, where is this story found? It's not where is this story found? It's not where is this story found? It's not found in the scriptures, but basically found in the scriptures, but basically found in the scriptures, but basically what happened is as it's told that the what happened is as it's told that the what happened is as it's told that the archangel Michael is the person that archangel Michael is the person that archangel Michael is the person that buried Moses's body, and now Satan is buried Moses's body, and now Satan is buried Moses's body, and now Satan is coming trying to steal his body. And coming trying to steal his body. And coming trying to steal his body. And see, if anybody could have thrown around see, if anybody could have thrown around see, if anybody could have thrown around their spiritual spiritual weight, it their spiritual spiritual weight, it their spiritual spiritual weight, it would have been Michael, right? At this would have been Michael, right? At this would have been Michael, right? At this point, he he could have cast Satan out point, he he could have cast Satan out point, he he could have cast Satan out again. He could have done this. But again. He could have done this. But again. He could have done this. But instead, unlike the other angels who instead, unlike the other angels who instead, unlike the other angels who rebelled, Michael maintains his place of rebelled, Michael maintains his place of rebelled, Michael maintains his place of submission, defers to God, and just submission, defers to God, and just submission, defers to God, and just leaves judgment to him. He He just stays leaves judgment to him. He He just stays leaves judgment to him. He He just stays put and lets God handle Satan and says, put and lets God handle Satan and says, put and lets God handle Satan and says, "The Lord will rebuke you." And so "The Lord will rebuke you." And so "The Lord will rebuke you." And so here's our application. Okay? And I know here's our application. Okay? And I know here's our application. Okay? And I know you dookies aren't going to like this.

you dookies aren't going to like this. you dookies aren't going to like this. Be like Mike. All right? That's your Be like Mike. All right? That's your Be like Mike. All right? That's your application, y'all. Be like Mike. But application, y'all. Be like Mike. But application, y'all. Be like Mike. But please don't talk to Satan. Please don't please don't talk to Satan. Please don't please don't talk to Satan. Please don't argue with Satan. Please don't try to argue with Satan. Please don't try to argue with Satan. Please don't try to call him out. Don't even try to rebuke call him out. Don't even try to rebuke call him out. Don't even try to rebuke him. Just say, "The Lord rebuke you." him. Just say, "The Lord rebuke you." him. Just say, "The Lord rebuke you." Because you need to know this, y'all. Because you need to know this, y'all. Because you need to know this, y'all. Like Satan, he ain't scared of you. Like Satan, he ain't scared of you. Like Satan, he ain't scared of you. Okay? You who could not find your car Okay? You who could not find your car Okay? You who could not find your car keys this morning. keys this morning. keys this morning. you who if you drink the wrong kind of you who if you drink the wrong kind of you who if you drink the wrong kind of milk, your tummy gets upset. Like Satan milk, your tummy gets upset. Like Satan milk, your tummy gets upset. Like Satan is not scared of you. All right? So So is not scared of you. All right? So So is not scared of you. All right? So So don't be mocking him and be like, "Come don't be mocking him and be like, "Come don't be mocking him and be like, "Come at me, bro. I rebuke you." Like Satan's at me, bro. I rebuke you." Like Satan's at me, bro. I rebuke you." Like Satan's not roaming around like a roaring lion not roaming around like a roaring lion not roaming around like a roaring lion and gets to your driveway and sees your and gets to your driveway and sees your and gets to your driveway and sees your not today Satan sticker and he's like, not today Satan sticker and he's like, not today Satan sticker and he's like, "Dang it. Got to go to the next drive." "Dang it. Got to go to the next drive." "Dang it. Got to go to the next drive." Like that's not happening. Y'all please Like that's not happening. Y'all please Like that's not happening. Y'all please let God handle Satan. You just talk to let God handle Satan. You just talk to let God handle Satan. You just talk to God. Resist the devil. Pray to God. Do God. Resist the devil. Pray to God. Do God. Resist the devil. Pray to God. Do not talk to the snake. Talk to the Lord not talk to the snake. Talk to the Lord not talk to the snake. Talk to the Lord about the snake. Rebuke him that way. about the snake. Rebuke him that way. about the snake. Rebuke him that way. The whole point is that Michael The whole point is that Michael The whole point is that Michael submitted what he knew to God's submitted what he knew to God's submitted what he knew to God's authority while these false teachers authority while these false teachers authority while these false teachers submitted everything to their own submitted everything to their own submitted everything to their own instincts. And Jude summarizes all of it instincts. And Jude summarizes all of it instincts. And Jude summarizes all of it in verse 10. This is kind of his final in verse 10. This is kind of his final in verse 10. This is kind of his final diagnosis.

diagnosis. diagnosis. He says, "But these people blaspheme all He says, "But these people blaspheme all He says, "But these people blaspheme all that they don't understand. Because of that they don't understand. Because of that they don't understand. Because of that, they're destroyed by all that they that, they're destroyed by all that they that, they're destroyed by all that they like unreasoning animals. They become like unreasoning animals. They become like unreasoning animals. They become like animals who just live by instinct. like animals who just live by instinct. like animals who just live by instinct. Animals that understand instinctively. Animals that understand instinctively. Animals that understand instinctively. When we reject God's word, feelings When we reject God's word, feelings When we reject God's word, feelings become our highest authority, desire become our highest authority, desire become our highest authority, desire becomes our only direction, and becomes our only direction, and becomes our only direction, and destruction becomes our destination. destruction becomes our destination. destruction becomes our destination. Now, verse 11 goes on to give us three Now, verse 11 goes on to give us three Now, verse 11 goes on to give us three more case studies of men who show us more case studies of men who show us more case studies of men who show us what this self-ruule looks like when what this self-ruule looks like when what this self-ruule looks like when this self-ruule puts on religious this self-ruule puts on religious this self-ruule puts on religious clothing. See, see these first three, clothing. See, see these first three, clothing. See, see these first three, unbelief and rebellion and immorality. unbelief and rebellion and immorality. unbelief and rebellion and immorality. It's easy to like sit in the church It's easy to like sit in the church It's easy to like sit in the church pews, right, and kind of point that pews, right, and kind of point that pews, right, and kind of point that those are sins happening out there. those are sins happening out there. those are sins happening out there. The next three though almost always The next three though almost always The next three though almost always begin in the church. And so here's the begin in the church. And so here's the begin in the church. And so here's the first of them. Verse 11, Jude says, "Woe first of them. Verse 11, Jude says, "Woe first of them. Verse 11, Jude says, "Woe to them. to them. to them. For in case you think you're exempt, for For in case you think you're exempt, for For in case you think you're exempt, for they walked in the way of Cain."

they walked in the way of Cain." they walked in the way of Cain." Now Cain, we know from Genesis 4, Now Cain, we know from Genesis 4, Now Cain, we know from Genesis 4, attempted to worship God at the altar, attempted to worship God at the altar, attempted to worship God at the altar, but he did so by approaching God on his but he did so by approaching God on his but he did so by approaching God on his own terms. And that's the way of Cain. own terms. And that's the way of Cain. own terms. And that's the way of Cain. The way of Cain is God on my own terms. The way of Cain is God on my own terms. The way of Cain is God on my own terms. It is a form of religious activity that It is a form of religious activity that It is a form of religious activity that is completely devoid of saving faith. is completely devoid of saving faith. is completely devoid of saving faith. It's wanting God to accept whatever I It's wanting God to accept whatever I It's wanting God to accept whatever I bring to him while refusing to receive bring to him while refusing to receive bring to him while refusing to receive whatever he says. Y'all, it is just whatever he says. Y'all, it is just whatever he says. Y'all, it is just playing church. It's claiming Jesus as playing church. It's claiming Jesus as playing church. It's claiming Jesus as your savior without submitting any part your savior without submitting any part your savior without submitting any part of your life to him as Lord. Because of your life to him as Lord. Because of your life to him as Lord. Because that's what the way of Cain does. It that's what the way of Cain does. It that's what the way of Cain does. It reshapes Jesus around our own personal reshapes Jesus around our own personal reshapes Jesus around our own personal preferences. the way of Cain sounds preferences. the way of Cain sounds preferences. the way of Cain sounds like, "Well, God should still accept me like, "Well, God should still accept me like, "Well, God should still accept me because I'm just really sincere in my because I'm just really sincere in my because I'm just really sincere in my faith." Or or no, no, no, my Jesus would faith." Or or no, no, no, my Jesus would faith." Or or no, no, no, my Jesus would never require that of me. Or, okay, I never require that of me. Or, okay, I never require that of me. Or, okay, I know that's what the Bible says, but know that's what the Bible says, but know that's what the Bible says, but surely that's not what it means. surely that's not what it means. surely that's not what it means. The way of Cain is when we obey only The way of Cain is when we obey only The way of Cain is when we obey only what affirms our feelings, when we what affirms our feelings, when we what affirms our feelings, when we ignore whatever confronts us, and we ignore whatever confronts us, and we ignore whatever confronts us, and we become really angry when God refuses to become really angry when God refuses to become really angry when God refuses to approve whatever lifestyle we bring him.

approve whatever lifestyle we bring him. approve whatever lifestyle we bring him. But see, Christianity begins when we But see, Christianity begins when we But see, Christianity begins when we stop relying on what we bring to God and stop relying on what we bring to God and stop relying on what we bring to God and start relying on only what Christ has start relying on only what Christ has start relying on only what Christ has done for us. It's continually relying on done for us. It's continually relying on done for us. It's continually relying on your savior, not on yourself. You know your savior, not on yourself. You know your savior, not on yourself. You know this, we do not earn our salvation by this, we do not earn our salvation by this, we do not earn our salvation by our works and what we bring to God. We our works and what we bring to God. We our works and what we bring to God. We receive salvation as a gift because of receive salvation as a gift because of receive salvation as a gift because of Jesus's work and what he has brought to Jesus's work and what he has brought to Jesus's work and what he has brought to God. That's the first thing, way of God. That's the first thing, way of God. That's the first thing, way of Cain. Second, Cain. Second, Cain. Second, he says they abandoned themselves for he says they abandoned themselves for he says they abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balam's error. Now, the sake of gain to Balam's error. Now, the sake of gain to Balam's error. Now, we read Balam's story back in Numbers we read Balam's story back in Numbers we read Balam's story back in Numbers chapter 22-2. chapter 22-2. chapter 22-2. Balam was a prophet for prophet who was Balam was a prophet for prophet who was Balam was a prophet for prophet who was willing to use his spiritual influence willing to use his spiritual influence willing to use his spiritual influence for money and power and personal for money and power and personal for money and power and personal advantage. In other words, Balam used advantage. In other words, Balam used advantage. In other words, Balam used spiritual things to serve selfish spiritual things to serve selfish spiritual things to serve selfish ambitions. And see, Balam's error ambitions. And see, Balam's error ambitions. And see, Balam's error appears any time we are using God's appears any time we are using God's appears any time we are using God's gifts for my personal gain. And y'all do gifts for my personal gain. And y'all do gifts for my personal gain. And y'all do not think that that temptation is simply not think that that temptation is simply not think that that temptation is simply limited to pastors. Any Christian can limited to pastors. Any Christian can limited to pastors. Any Christian can use spiritual knowledge or generosity or use spiritual knowledge or generosity or use spiritual knowledge or generosity or service or even a compelling testimony service or even a compelling testimony service or even a compelling testimony to gain attention and approval and to gain attention and approval and to gain attention and approval and access and influence and control. What access and influence and control. What access and influence and control. What might begin by serving Jesus because we might begin by serving Jesus because we might begin by serving Jesus because we love him, we end up using in order to love him, we end up using in order to love him, we end up using in order to build our own platform.

build our own platform. build our own platform. However, let me just pause here for a However, let me just pause here for a However, let me just pause here for a moment and I do want to say something moment and I do want to say something moment and I do want to say something directly to those of you who have been directly to those of you who have been directly to those of you who have been legitimately hurt by somebody in legitimately hurt by somebody in legitimately hurt by somebody in leadership. When it comes to Balam's leadership. When it comes to Balam's leadership. When it comes to Balam's error, you need to know that when error, you need to know that when error, you need to know that when someone uses ministry or influence or someone uses ministry or influence or someone uses ministry or influence or authority to build their own personal authority to build their own personal authority to build their own personal platform or to enlarge their own platform or to enlarge their own platform or to enlarge their own personal bank account or to exploit the personal bank account or to exploit the personal bank account or to exploit the very people that they were called to very people that they were called to very people that they were called to serve, they are committing Balum's error serve, they are committing Balum's error serve, they are committing Balum's error and they will be judged by God. and they will be judged by God. and they will be judged by God. This is why we at the Summit Church seek This is why we at the Summit Church seek This is why we at the Summit Church seek to do absolutely everything we can to to do absolutely everything we can to to do absolutely everything we can to remain above reproach. I mean, when it remain above reproach. I mean, when it remain above reproach. I mean, when it comes to our church finances, we are comes to our church finances, we are comes to our church finances, we are accredited by a third party outside accredited by a third party outside accredited by a third party outside accredit accountability organization. accredit accountability organization. accredit accountability organization. Now, last week, Pastor JD told you that Now, last week, Pastor JD told you that Now, last week, Pastor JD told you that his salary is set by a team of his salary is set by a team of his salary is set by a team of directional elders, half of which are directional elders, half of which are directional elders, half of which are not even on our staff. Every single one not even on our staff. Every single one not even on our staff. Every single one of us who stand up here and preach the of us who stand up here and preach the of us who stand up here and preach the word to you week after week. You need to word to you week after week. You need to word to you week after week. You need to know that dozens of sets of eyeballs know that dozens of sets of eyeballs know that dozens of sets of eyeballs have been on what we're going to say to have been on what we're going to say to have been on what we're going to say to you to ensure that there's biblical you to ensure that there's biblical you to ensure that there's biblical fidelity behind it. Now, I mean, just fidelity behind it. Now, I mean, just fidelity behind it. Now, I mean, just for me personally, I have multiple for me personally, I have multiple for me personally, I have multiple people who know all the financial people who know all the financial people who know all the financial details of my life. My wife, who's details of my life. My wife, who's details of my life. My wife, who's sitting right over here, and my sitting right over here, and my sitting right over here, and my assistant have to sign off on any extra assistant have to sign off on any extra assistant have to sign off on any extra speaking engagements that I have to speaking engagements that I have to speaking engagements that I have to ensure that I'm prioritizing the kingdom ensure that I'm prioritizing the kingdom ensure that I'm prioritizing the kingdom and not my own personal preferences.

and not my own personal preferences. and not my own personal preferences. Multiple people have my login to all Multiple people have my login to all Multiple people have my login to all sorts of stuff. I have like 10 dudes sorts of stuff. I have like 10 dudes sorts of stuff. I have like 10 dudes that have me on Find My Friends. And that have me on Find My Friends. And that have me on Find My Friends. And see, we do that because we believe that see, we do that because we believe that see, we do that because we believe that faithful ministry welcomes faithful ministry welcomes faithful ministry welcomes accountability because God's gifts are accountability because God's gifts are accountability because God's gifts are to be used for God's people and God's to be used for God's people and God's to be used for God's people and God's glory, not our personal gain. glory, not our personal gain. glory, not our personal gain. Falling into Balam's error turns God's Falling into Balam's error turns God's Falling into Balam's error turns God's gifts into a means for my gain. So those gifts into a means for my gain. So those gifts into a means for my gain. So those are the first two. And then finally, are the first two. And then finally, are the first two. And then finally, look at the end of verse 11. It says, look at the end of verse 11. It says, look at the end of verse 11. It says, "These people perished in Kora's "These people perished in Kora's "These people perished in Kora's rebellion." rebellion." rebellion." See, Kora takes self-ruule one step See, Kora takes self-ruule one step See, Kora takes self-ruule one step further by grasping for God's authority further by grasping for God's authority further by grasping for God's authority to serve his very own glory. In Numbers to serve his very own glory. In Numbers to serve his very own glory. In Numbers [snorts] chapter 16, this dude named [snorts] chapter 16, this dude named [snorts] chapter 16, this dude named Kora rebels against the divine authority Kora rebels against the divine authority Kora rebels against the divine authority that had been given to Moses and Aaron. that had been given to Moses and Aaron. that had been given to Moses and Aaron. And he tries to assume power for himself And he tries to assume power for himself And he tries to assume power for himself by grasping for a position that God had by grasping for a position that God had by grasping for a position that God had not given him. [snorts] Kora is usurping not given him. [snorts] Kora is usurping not given him. [snorts] Kora is usurping God's authority for my glory. God's authority for my glory. God's authority for my glory. And see this one's sneaky because Kora's And see this one's sneaky because Kora's And see this one's sneaky because Kora's rebellion honestly rarely looks like rebellion honestly rarely looks like rebellion honestly rarely looks like this allout coup in your life. Instead, this allout coup in your life. Instead, this allout coup in your life. Instead, let's kind of put it down, make it real let's kind of put it down, make it real let's kind of put it down, make it real practical. Instead, Kora's rebellion practical. Instead, Kora's rebellion practical. Instead, Kora's rebellion often looks like grumbling often looks like grumbling often looks like grumbling whenever [snorts] a parent or a boss or whenever [snorts] a parent or a boss or whenever [snorts] a parent or a boss or a pastor or a leader tells us no without a pastor or a leader tells us no without a pastor or a leader tells us no without us then seeking to understand why and us then seeking to understand why and us then seeking to understand why and then we just go complain about it.

then we just go complain about it. then we just go complain about it. Coror's rebellion often looks like Coror's rebellion often looks like Coror's rebellion often looks like refusing correction simply because we refusing correction simply because we refusing correction simply because we don't like getting feedback or we don't don't like getting feedback or we don't don't like getting feedback or we don't like feeling criticized. like feeling criticized. like feeling criticized. It looks like assuming the worst about It looks like assuming the worst about It looks like assuming the worst about somebody else's motives and then somebody else's motives and then somebody else's motives and then recruiting people over to our side recruiting people over to our side recruiting people over to our side instead of addressing a concern instead of addressing a concern instead of addressing a concern one-on-one directly. one-on-one directly. one-on-one directly. The heart level question of whether The heart level question of whether The heart level question of whether we're participating in Kors rebellion is we're participating in Kors rebellion is we're participating in Kors rebellion is am I actually seeking truth and clarity am I actually seeking truth and clarity am I actually seeking truth and clarity and unity or am I just seeking control and unity or am I just seeking control and unity or am I just seeking control and vindication and affirmation for what and vindication and affirmation for what and vindication and affirmation for what I already think and believe. I already think and believe. I already think and believe. Cain wanted God on his own terms. Balam Cain wanted God on his own terms. Balam Cain wanted God on his own terms. Balam wanted God's gifts for his gain. Kora wanted God's gifts for his gain. Kora wanted God's gifts for his gain. Kora wanted God's authority for his glory. wanted God's authority for his glory. wanted God's authority for his glory. And by the way, did you notice the And by the way, did you notice the And by the way, did you notice the downward progression in all of these? downward progression in all of these? downward progression in all of these? These folks begin to walk in the way of These folks begin to walk in the way of These folks begin to walk in the way of Cain. Then they abandon themselves to Cain. Then they abandon themselves to Cain. Then they abandon themselves to Balam's error and they ultimately perish Balam's error and they ultimately perish Balam's error and they ultimately perish in Kora's rebellion. in Kora's rebellion. in Kora's rebellion. Y'all, that is always the downward Y'all, that is always the downward Y'all, that is always the downward spiral of sin. spiral of sin. spiral of sin. It begins as just this little path that It begins as just this little path that It begins as just this little path that we begin to walk in. Doesn't seem like a we begin to walk in. Doesn't seem like a we begin to walk in. Doesn't seem like a big deal until all of a sudden it big deal until all of a sudden it big deal until all of a sudden it becomes a power to which we abandon becomes a power to which we abandon becomes a power to which we abandon ourselves and that power ultimately ends ourselves and that power ultimately ends ourselves and that power ultimately ends in destruction in our lives.

in destruction in our lives. in destruction in our lives. my terms, my gain, my glory, different my terms, my gain, my glory, different my terms, my gain, my glory, different stories, same center, putting self on stories, same center, putting self on stories, same center, putting self on the throne that only God should be on. the throne that only God should be on. the throne that only God should be on. And see, what you got to realize is this And see, what you got to realize is this And see, what you got to realize is this self-ruule never simply destroys the self-ruule never simply destroys the self-ruule never simply destroys the person practicing it. What this kind of person practicing it. What this kind of person practicing it. What this kind of teaching and living enters into our teaching and living enters into our teaching and living enters into our lives, everybody around us is placed in lives, everybody around us is placed in lives, everybody around us is placed in danger. That's the whole point of verses danger. That's the whole point of verses danger. That's the whole point of verses 12 and 13. Look at them. He gives us 12 and 13. Look at them. He gives us 12 and 13. Look at them. He gives us these six images. He says, "These people these six images. He says, "These people these six images. He says, "These people are hidden reefs at your love feast." are hidden reefs at your love feast." are hidden reefs at your love feast." Just think fellowship dinner and Just think fellowship dinner and Just think fellowship dinner and potluck, okay? They're hidden reefs as potluck, okay? They're hidden reefs as potluck, okay? They're hidden reefs as they feast with you without fear. The they feast with you without fear. The they feast with you without fear. The these folks are shepherds who feed these folks are shepherds who feed these folks are shepherds who feed themselves. They're waterless clouds. themselves. They're waterless clouds. themselves. They're waterless clouds. They don't give you any rain, nothing They don't give you any rain, nothing They don't give you any rain, nothing good. They're just swept along by winds. good. They're just swept along by winds. good. They're just swept along by winds. They're fruitless trees in late autumn. They're fruitless trees in late autumn. They're fruitless trees in late autumn. They're twice dead, uprooted. You get They're twice dead, uprooted. You get They're twice dead, uprooted. You get nothing from them. These people are wild nothing from them. These people are wild nothing from them. These people are wild waves of the sea that just cast up the waves of the sea that just cast up the waves of the sea that just cast up the phone of their own shame. They're phone of their own shame. They're phone of their own shame. They're wandering stars for whom the gloom of wandering stars for whom the gloom of wandering stars for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved utter darkness has been reserved utter darkness has been reserved forever. forever. forever. Taken together, these six images show us Taken together, these six images show us Taken together, these six images show us how dangerous and empty and how dangerous and empty and how dangerous and empty and disappointing and destructive following disappointing and destructive following disappointing and destructive following false teachers will always leave us. And false teachers will always leave us. And false teachers will always leave us. And see, Jude's final image is especially see, Jude's final image is especially see, Jude's final image is especially important. He calls these people important. He calls these people important. He calls these people wandering stars. He's kind of wandering stars. He's kind of wandering stars. He's kind of referencing a shooting star, something referencing a shooting star, something referencing a shooting star, something you see in a moment and then it's gone.

you see in a moment and then it's gone. you see in a moment and then it's gone. These wandering stars for whom the gloom These wandering stars for whom the gloom These wandering stars for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved of utter darkness has been reserved of utter darkness has been reserved forever. Now, now you know this, but forever. Now, now you know this, but forever. Now, now you know this, but back in the day, travelers had to depend back in the day, travelers had to depend back in the day, travelers had to depend upon a fixed star for direction. That upon a fixed star for direction. That upon a fixed star for direction. That was kind of their version of Google was kind of their version of Google was kind of their version of Google Maps, kind of like the magi that, you Maps, kind of like the magi that, you Maps, kind of like the magi that, you know, the star that led them to baby know, the star that led them to baby know, the star that led them to baby Jesus. And so, a wandering star, Jesus. And so, a wandering star, Jesus. And so, a wandering star, shooting star, couldn't guide anybody shooting star, couldn't guide anybody shooting star, couldn't guide anybody safely home. And what he's saying is safely home. And what he's saying is safely home. And what he's saying is that, hey, false teaching is the same that, hey, false teaching is the same that, hey, false teaching is the same thing. False teaching offers you the thing. False teaching offers you the thing. False teaching offers you the spiritual direction, but because it's spiritual direction, but because it's spiritual direction, but because it's abandoned God's truth, it can only lead abandoned God's truth, it can only lead abandoned God's truth, it can only lead you deeper into darkness and confusion. you deeper into darkness and confusion. you deeper into darkness and confusion. Again, this is another reason we're so Again, this is another reason we're so Again, this is another reason we're so passionate about preaching truth from passionate about preaching truth from passionate about preaching truth from the Bible here at this church, because the Bible here at this church, because the Bible here at this church, because we know that false self-appointed we know that false self-appointed we know that false self-appointed spiritual guides and gurus cannot bring spiritual guides and gurus cannot bring spiritual guides and gurus cannot bring you safely home for eternity. you safely home for eternity. you safely home for eternity. And yet, after all this doom and gloom, And yet, after all this doom and gloom, And yet, after all this doom and gloom, the good news is that Jude does not the good news is that Jude does not the good news is that Jude does not leave us without a guide. leave us without a guide. leave us without a guide. After all this wreckage and all this After all this wreckage and all this After all this wreckage and all this heaviness and all this feeling of almost heaviness and all this feeling of almost heaviness and all this feeling of almost condemnation, Jude turns our eyes toward condemnation, Jude turns our eyes toward condemnation, Jude turns our eyes toward the one fixed point that will remain for the one fixed point that will remain for the one fixed point that will remain for all eternity, toward the Lord who is all eternity, toward the Lord who is all eternity, toward the Lord who is coming through the darkness to defeat coming through the darkness to defeat coming through the darkness to defeat the darkness. And so look at verse 14.

the darkness. And so look at verse 14. the darkness. And so look at verse 14. He says, "It was also about these that He says, "It was also about these that He says, "It was also about these that Enoch," so dude you can read about in Enoch," so dude you can read about in Enoch," so dude you can read about in Genesis, the seventh from Adam, Genesis, the seventh from Adam, Genesis, the seventh from Adam, prophesied. Now, side note, Enoch's prophesied. Now, side note, Enoch's prophesied. Now, side note, Enoch's prophecy is not found in Genesis. It's prophecy is not found in Genesis. It's prophecy is not found in Genesis. It's found in another extra biblical source found in another extra biblical source found in another extra biblical source that he's quoting called First Enoch. that he's quoting called First Enoch. that he's quoting called First Enoch. His prophecy says, "Behold, His prophecy says, "Behold, His prophecy says, "Behold, the Lord comes with 10 thousands of his the Lord comes with 10 thousands of his the Lord comes with 10 thousands of his holy ones to execute judgment on all and holy ones to execute judgment on all and holy ones to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their to convict all the ungodly of all their to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have deeds of ungodliness that they have deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way and of committed in such an ungodly way and of committed in such an ungodly way and of all the harsh things that ungodly all the harsh things that ungodly all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him." And sinners have spoken against him." And sinners have spoken against him." And then he describes them. He says, "These then he describes them. He says, "These then he describes them. He says, "These folks are grumblers and malcontents. folks are grumblers and malcontents. folks are grumblers and malcontents. They follow their own sinful desires. They follow their own sinful desires. They follow their own sinful desires. They're loudmouth boasters. They're They're loudmouth boasters. They're They're loudmouth boasters. They're arrogant. They show favoritism just to arrogant. They show favoritism just to arrogant. They show favoritism just to gain advantage. And then verse 17, but gain advantage. And then verse 17, but gain advantage. And then verse 17, but you you must remember beloved the you you must remember beloved the you you must remember beloved the predictions of the apostles of our Lord predictions of the apostles of our Lord predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you in the Jesus Christ. They said to you in the Jesus Christ. They said to you in the last time there will be scoffers who last time there will be scoffers who last time there will be scoffers who follow their own ungodly passions. It's follow their own ungodly passions. It's follow their own ungodly passions. It's these who cause divisions, worldly these who cause divisions, worldly these who cause divisions, worldly people who are devoid of the spirit.

people who are devoid of the spirit. people who are devoid of the spirit. Jude says, "Hey, in midst of all this Jude says, "Hey, in midst of all this Jude says, "Hey, in midst of all this insanity, insanity, insanity, don't be surprised. Don't be seduced by don't be surprised. Don't be seduced by don't be surprised. Don't be seduced by these false teachers. The apostles these false teachers. The apostles these false teachers. The apostles warned that they would come. But then he warned that they would come. But then he warned that they would come. But then he also says, don't forget where all of also says, don't forget where all of also says, don't forget where all of history is headed. The one who gets the history is headed. The one who gets the history is headed. The one who gets the final word is not the false teachers. final word is not the false teachers. final word is not the false teachers. The one who gets the final word is The one who gets the final word is The one who gets the final word is Jesus, our savior. See, he's showing us Jesus, our savior. See, he's showing us Jesus, our savior. See, he's showing us that the wreckage of the past marks the that the wreckage of the past marks the that the wreckage of the past marks the spiritual reefs that we should be aware spiritual reefs that we should be aware spiritual reefs that we should be aware of. The warnings of the apostles should of. The warnings of the apostles should of. The warnings of the apostles should anchor us in the present that yeah, it anchor us in the present that yeah, it anchor us in the present that yeah, it looks like the world has lost its mind, looks like the world has lost its mind, looks like the world has lost its mind, but there's still a point to all this. but there's still a point to all this. but there's still a point to all this. And then he makes us look to the future And then he makes us look to the future And then he makes us look to the future showing us that the return of Jesus is showing us that the return of Jesus is showing us that the return of Jesus is what sets the course for our future. And what sets the course for our future. And what sets the course for our future. And see this means this return means three see this means this return means three see this means this return means three things. The first thing it means is just things. The first thing it means is just things. The first thing it means is just that. It's the fact that Jesus is coming that. It's the fact that Jesus is coming that. It's the fact that Jesus is coming back. back. back. Verse 14, Jude says, "Behold, the Lord Verse 14, Jude says, "Behold, the Lord Verse 14, Jude says, "Behold, the Lord comes with 10,00ands of his holy ones." comes with 10,00ands of his holy ones." comes with 10,00ands of his holy ones." And y'all, this isn't just some new idea And y'all, this isn't just some new idea And y'all, this isn't just some new idea that Jude's been all doom and gloom and that Jude's been all doom and gloom and that Jude's been all doom and gloom and it's at the end of the scriptures and it's at the end of the scriptures and it's at the end of the scriptures and he's like, "You know what? Let's just he's like, "You know what? Let's just he's like, "You know what? Let's just give some people some hope. No, Jude is give some people some hope. No, Jude is give some people some hope. No, Jude is drawing upon a promise that runs through drawing upon a promise that runs through drawing upon a promise that runs through the entire Bible. From the opening pages the entire Bible. From the opening pages the entire Bible. From the opening pages of scripture, God has promised that evil of scripture, God has promised that evil of scripture, God has promised that evil will not get the final word. You go open will not get the final word. You go open will not get the final word. You go open this thing up, what you're going to see this thing up, what you're going to see this thing up, what you're going to see is that the offspring of the woman, is that the offspring of the woman, is that the offspring of the woman, Jesus Christ, will crush the serpent's Jesus Christ, will crush the serpent's Jesus Christ, will crush the serpent's head and the rightful king is going to head and the rightful king is going to head and the rightful king is going to come to reclaim his creation. The come to reclaim his creation. The come to reclaim his creation. The prophets pick up on that promise into prophets pick up on that promise into prophets pick up on that promise into what they call the day of the Lord. the what they call the day of the Lord. the what they call the day of the Lord. the day when God will appear as divine day when God will appear as divine day when God will appear as divine warrior, when he judges evil, rescues

warrior, when he judges evil, rescues warrior, when he judges evil, rescues his people, and establishes his people, and establishes his people, and establishes righteousness on earth. The prophet righteousness on earth. The prophet righteousness on earth. The prophet Daniel picks up on this, and Daniel sees Daniel picks up on this, and Daniel sees Daniel picks up on this, and Daniel sees the son of man, Jesus, coming in the the son of man, Jesus, coming in the the son of man, Jesus, coming in the clouds to receive an everlasting clouds to receive an everlasting clouds to receive an everlasting kingdom. Likewise, Zechariah picks on kingdom. Likewise, Zechariah picks on kingdom. Likewise, Zechariah picks on this and sees the Lord coming with all this and sees the Lord coming with all this and sees the Lord coming with all his holy ones to eradicate evil. And his holy ones to eradicate evil. And his holy ones to eradicate evil. And then get to the New Testament. Jesus then get to the New Testament. Jesus then get to the New Testament. Jesus arrives on the scene. He identifies arrives on the scene. He identifies arrives on the scene. He identifies himself as that coming king. Jesus says, himself as that coming king. Jesus says, himself as that coming king. Jesus says, "Even though now that I'm ascending, I "Even though now that I'm ascending, I "Even though now that I'm ascending, I will come back again. I'm going to will come back again. I'm going to will come back again. I'm going to return visibly in power and glory, return visibly in power and glory, return visibly in power and glory, accompanied by my angels alongside the accompanied by my angels alongside the accompanied by my angels alongside the Archangel Michael to gather his people Archangel Michael to gather his people Archangel Michael to gather his people and judge the entire world." The New and judge the entire world." The New and judge the entire world." The New Testament writers pick up on that same Testament writers pick up on that same Testament writers pick up on that same promise and they say that the same Jesus promise and they say that the same Jesus promise and they say that the same Jesus who ascended again will return. The dead who ascended again will return. The dead who ascended again will return. The dead will be raised. Evil will be defeated. will be raised. Evil will be defeated. will be raised. Evil will be defeated. All creation will be renewed. And Christ All creation will be renewed. And Christ All creation will be renewed. And Christ will reign forever with his people. will reign forever with his people. will reign forever with his people. Y'all, Jesus's second coming is not just Y'all, Jesus's second coming is not just Y'all, Jesus's second coming is not just some doctrine for prophecy charts and some doctrine for prophecy charts and some doctrine for prophecy charts and end time enthusiasts. Jesus's second end time enthusiasts. Jesus's second end time enthusiasts. Jesus's second coming is the very fixed star by which coming is the very fixed star by which coming is the very fixed star by which you and I navigate our everyday ordinary you and I navigate our everyday ordinary you and I navigate our everyday ordinary Christian life. The second coming is not Christian life. The second coming is not Christian life. The second coming is not an escape from our ordinary life. The an escape from our ordinary life. The an escape from our ordinary life. The second coming is what gives ordinary second coming is what gives ordinary second coming is what gives ordinary faithfulness in everyday life eternal faithfulness in everyday life eternal faithfulness in everyday life eternal significance.

significance. significance. For instance, when you wake up and you For instance, when you wake up and you For instance, when you wake up and you go to work tomorrow, when you refuse to go to work tomorrow, when you refuse to go to work tomorrow, when you refuse to compromise your integrity at work compromise your integrity at work compromise your integrity at work because you are a faithful follower of because you are a faithful follower of because you are a faithful follower of Jesus and you refuse to compromise in Jesus and you refuse to compromise in Jesus and you refuse to compromise in order to get ahead, Jesus's return says order to get ahead, Jesus's return says order to get ahead, Jesus's return says that that faithfulness is not wasted. that that faithfulness is not wasted. that that faithfulness is not wasted. When the stay-at-home mom wonders if When the stay-at-home mom wonders if When the stay-at-home mom wonders if anybody sees the billions upon billions anybody sees the billions upon billions anybody sees the billions upon billions of small acts of love throughout her of small acts of love throughout her of small acts of love throughout her day, Jesus's return says that that day, Jesus's return says that that day, Jesus's return says that that hidden obedience will not be forgotten. hidden obedience will not be forgotten. hidden obedience will not be forgotten. You students who came back just hyped up You students who came back just hyped up You students who came back just hyped up for Jesus from camp. Man, later on in for Jesus from camp. Man, later on in for Jesus from camp. Man, later on in this semester when you feel ostracized this semester when you feel ostracized this semester when you feel ostracized and alone for believing what the and alone for believing what the and alone for believing what the scripture says and trying to follow scripture says and trying to follow scripture says and trying to follow Jesus faithfully, man, Jesus's return Jesus faithfully, man, Jesus's return Jesus faithfully, man, Jesus's return says that the opinion of your friends, says that the opinion of your friends, says that the opinion of your friends, the opinion of the crowd will not be the the opinion of the crowd will not be the the opinion of the crowd will not be the final verdict over your life. final verdict over your life. final verdict over your life. When the cancer patient gets another When the cancer patient gets another When the cancer patient gets another difficult report, difficult report, difficult report, yes, that diagnosis is real, but Jesus's yes, that diagnosis is real, but Jesus's yes, that diagnosis is real, but Jesus's return says that that diagnosis does not return says that that diagnosis does not return says that that diagnosis does not get to write the final chapter in your get to write the final chapter in your get to write the final chapter in your life.

life. life. His second coming means pain and grief His second coming means pain and grief His second coming means pain and grief and death will not have the last word. and death will not have the last word. and death will not have the last word. that when our world feels like it has that when our world feels like it has that when our world feels like it has lost its ever loving mind, that when lost its ever loving mind, that when lost its ever loving mind, that when those who do evil still seem to prosper those who do evil still seem to prosper those who do evil still seem to prosper more than we do, or when your obedience more than we do, or when your obedience more than we do, or when your obedience and faithful to Jesus feels costly in and faithful to Jesus feels costly in and faithful to Jesus feels costly in the public square, we are to remember the public square, we are to remember the public square, we are to remember that history is not just wandering that history is not just wandering that history is not just wandering aimlessly that our God is sovereign and aimlessly that our God is sovereign and aimlessly that our God is sovereign and that Jesus is coming back. And when he that Jesus is coming back. And when he that Jesus is coming back. And when he comes, be assured that there will be no comes, be assured that there will be no comes, be assured that there will be no more tears and no more crying and no more tears and no more crying and no more tears and no more crying and no more pain and no more injustice and no more pain and no more injustice and no more pain and no more injustice and no more betrayals and no more exploitation more betrayals and no more exploitation more betrayals and no more exploitation and no more abuse and no more sin and no and no more abuse and no more sin and no and no more abuse and no more sin and no more death because the king who is more death because the king who is more death because the king who is coming for the world is also coming for coming for the world is also coming for coming for the world is also coming for you. So you can keep trusting and keep you. So you can keep trusting and keep you. So you can keep trusting and keep obeying and keep following his truth obeying and keep following his truth obeying and keep following his truth holding it above our feelings. holding it above our feelings. holding it above our feelings. Y'all, the return of Jesus is good news Y'all, the return of Jesus is good news Y'all, the return of Jesus is good news because he's coming back to make because he's coming back to make because he's coming back to make everything right. everything right. everything right. However, However, However, you got to realize that in order to put you got to realize that in order to put you got to realize that in order to put everything right, everything right, everything right, Jesus also has to confront everything Jesus also has to confront everything Jesus also has to confront everything that's wrong. And so, yeah, Jesus comes, that's wrong. And so, yeah, Jesus comes, that's wrong. And so, yeah, Jesus comes, but when he comes first, Jesus will but when he comes first, Jesus will but when he comes first, Jesus will judge.

See, a love that never confronts evil is See, a love that never confronts evil is not truly loving, is it? And a justice not truly loving, is it? And a justice not truly loving, is it? And a justice that never judges evil is also not truly that never judges evil is also not truly that never judges evil is also not truly just. just. just. And so Jude says that Jesus is coming, And so Jude says that Jesus is coming, And so Jude says that Jesus is coming, look at verse 15, look at verse 15, look at verse 15, to execute judgment on all and to to execute judgment on all and to to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their convict all the ungodly of all their convict all the ungodly of all their deed deeds of ungodliness and of all the deed deeds of ungodliness and of all the deed deeds of ungodliness and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have harsh things that ungodly sinners have harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him. Just notice that spoken against him. Just notice that spoken against him. Just notice that repetition in verse 15. Four times he repetition in verse 15. Four times he repetition in verse 15. Four times he says all. Four times he refers to the says all. Four times he refers to the says all. Four times he refers to the ungodly. What he's doing is he's ungodly. What he's doing is he's ungodly. What he's doing is he's emphasizing that when the judge comes, emphasizing that when the judge comes, emphasizing that when the judge comes, nobody's going to be hidden from him and nobody's going to be hidden from him and nobody's going to be hidden from him and nothing is going to be overlooked. nothing is going to be overlooked. nothing is going to be overlooked. Every single one of us will stand before Every single one of us will stand before Every single one of us will stand before Jesus one day where he is going to judge Jesus one day where he is going to judge Jesus one day where he is going to judge every deed and every word and every every deed and every word and every every deed and every word and every motive and every thought and every motive and every thought and every motive and every thought and every secret act of rebellion will be brought secret act of rebellion will be brought secret act of rebellion will be brought into the light and there will be zero into the light and there will be zero into the light and there will be zero exceptions. exceptions. exceptions. And when he comes to judge all, he's not And when he comes to judge all, he's not And when he comes to judge all, he's not going to come and grade on a curve. He's going to come and grade on a curve. He's going to come and grade on a curve. He's not going to judge according to opinion not going to judge according to opinion not going to judge according to opinion polls or cultural trends or standards polls or cultural trends or standards polls or cultural trends or standards that change from one generation to that change from one generation to that change from one generation to another. He's not going to compare you another. He's not going to compare you another. He's not going to compare you to your friend that you think you're to your friend that you think you're to your friend that you think you're just spiritually more mature than. No, just spiritually more mature than. No, just spiritually more mature than. No, he will only judge according to his own he will only judge according to his own he will only judge according to his own perfect holy moral character. That's the perfect holy moral character. That's the perfect holy moral character. That's the standard. And whatever verdict you are standard. And whatever verdict you are standard. And whatever verdict you are given, no amount of money at that time given, no amount of money at that time given, no amount of money at that time is going to be able to purchase you a is going to be able to purchase you a is going to be able to purchase you a different verdict. No amount of different verdict. No amount of different verdict. No amount of influence will help you control the influence will help you control the influence will help you control the narrative. No amount of religious narrative. No amount of religious narrative. No amount of religious language will disguise an unrepentant language will disguise an unrepentant language will disguise an unrepentant heart. And no amount of religious

heart. And no amount of religious heart. And no amount of religious proximity or church attendance will save proximity or church attendance will save proximity or church attendance will save you. You remember verse 5. you. You remember verse 5. you. You remember verse 5. The entire nation experienced The entire nation experienced The entire nation experienced deliverance from Egypt, but the deliverance from Egypt, but the deliverance from Egypt, but the unbelieving individuals within that unbelieving individuals within that unbelieving individuals within that nation were destroyed in the wilderness. nation were destroyed in the wilderness. nation were destroyed in the wilderness. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] Being among the people of God is not the Being among the people of God is not the Being among the people of God is not the same as personally belonging to Jesus by same as personally belonging to Jesus by same as personally belonging to Jesus by faith. Yes, God will deliver his capital C Yes, God will deliver his capital C church, church, church, but individuals who have not personally but individuals who have not personally but individuals who have not personally place their trust in Jesus will be place their trust in Jesus will be place their trust in Jesus will be destroyed. destroyed. destroyed. No amount of church attendance, no No amount of church attendance, no No amount of church attendance, no amount of growing up in a Christian amount of growing up in a Christian amount of growing up in a Christian home, no amount of verses you have home, no amount of verses you have home, no amount of verses you have memorized, or maybe you got baptized at memorized, or maybe you got baptized at memorized, or maybe you got baptized at a kid, like the fact that you can a kid, like the fact that you can a kid, like the fact that you can present grandmama's Bible that was given present grandmama's Bible that was given present grandmama's Bible that was given to you. Like, those are awesome to you. Like, those are awesome to you. Like, those are awesome privileges, but none of those things privileges, but none of those things privileges, but none of those things will save you. will save you. will save you. You must personally bow your knee to You must personally bow your knee to You must personally bow your knee to Jesus and take refuge in him. Y'all, Jesus and take refuge in him. Y'all, Jesus and take refuge in him. Y'all, when he comes, when he judges, there's when he comes, when he judges, there's when he comes, when he judges, there's only two options. You can either bow or only two options. You can either bow or only two options. You can either bow or you can bow. You can bow to him as judge you can bow. You can bow to him as judge you can bow. You can bow to him as judge or you can bow to him as savior. And or you can bow to him as savior. And or you can bow to him as savior. And that day is coming.

that day is coming. that day is coming. Hebrews chapter 9 27 says that it is Hebrews chapter 9 27 says that it is Hebrews chapter 9 27 says that it is appointed that every single one of us appointed that every single one of us appointed that every single one of us will die and then comes judgment. And on will die and then comes judgment. And on will die and then comes judgment. And on that coming day, on that judgment day, that coming day, on that judgment day, that coming day, on that judgment day, if you are found trying to [music] if you are found trying to [music] if you are found trying to [music] excuse your persistent sin and living in excuse your persistent sin and living in excuse your persistent sin and living in an ungodly way, what I want to tell you an ungodly way, what I want to tell you an ungodly way, what I want to tell you right now is please do not confuse God's right now is please do not confuse God's right now is please do not confuse God's patience with you right now for God's patience with you right now for God's patience with you right now for God's approval of how you're living. The approval of how you're living. The approval of how you're living. The wreckage of the past shows us that his wreckage of the past shows us that his wreckage of the past shows us that his judgment is not an empty threat. judgment is not an empty threat. judgment is not an empty threat. The decision to submit to the lordship The decision to submit to the lordship The decision to submit to the lordship of Jesus in this life is the only thing of Jesus in this life is the only thing of Jesus in this life is the only thing that can save you from eternal damnation that can save you from eternal damnation that can save you from eternal damnation in the next. in the next. in the next. And so I say this with everything in me And so I say this with everything in me And so I say this with everything in me on the authority of the scriptures. on the authority of the scriptures. on the authority of the scriptures. Would you please repent? Would you Would you please repent? Would you Would you please repent? Would you repent and turn from self-ruule? Would repent and turn from self-ruule? Would repent and turn from self-ruule? Would you submit yourself to Jesus? And the you submit yourself to Jesus? And the you submit yourself to Jesus? And the promise, the good news of the gospel is promise, the good news of the gospel is promise, the good news of the gospel is that when you do, when you cry out to that when you do, when you cry out to that when you do, when you cry out to him, he will hear your cry for him, he will hear your cry for him, he will hear your cry for salvation. Because here's the most salvation. Because here's the most salvation. Because here's the most important news of all. Yes, he's coming. important news of all. Yes, he's coming. important news of all. Yes, he's coming. Yes, he will judge. But the most Yes, he will judge. But the most Yes, he will judge. But the most important news is that Jesus came to important news is that Jesus came to important news is that Jesus came to save.

save. save. Don't ever get over that word. Jesus Don't ever get over that word. Jesus Don't ever get over that word. Jesus saves. He came to save you. saves. He came to save you. saves. He came to save you. I can't say it any better than the great I can't say it any better than the great I can't say it any better than the great Martin Lloyd Jones said it. He he wrote Martin Lloyd Jones said it. He he wrote Martin Lloyd Jones said it. He he wrote this over 75 years ago. It feels like it this over 75 years ago. It feels like it this over 75 years ago. It feels like it was written for today. Look at it. was written for today. Look at it. was written for today. Look at it. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] He said, "The modern world is He said, "The modern world is He said, "The modern world is desperately ill. desperately ill. desperately ill. People are now perhaps more unhappy than People are now perhaps more unhappy than People are now perhaps more unhappy than they have ever been." Sound like today they have ever been." Sound like today they have ever been." Sound like today there's only one cure for the world's there's only one cure for the world's there's only one cure for the world's sickness. sickness. sickness. Only one thing that can give to a man or Only one thing that can give to a man or Only one thing that can give to a man or woman rest and peace. woman rest and peace. woman rest and peace. That is to know that Jesus of Nazareth, That is to know that Jesus of Nazareth, That is to know that Jesus of Nazareth, the son of God, the son of God, the son of God, has forgiven me. Not just merely that forgiveness is Not just merely that forgiveness is possible or available, but know that possible or available, but know that possible or available, but know that Jesus has forgiven me, Jesus has forgiven me, Jesus has forgiven me, that he died for me, that he wraps me in that he died for me, that he wraps me in that he died for me, that he wraps me in his clothing of righteousness.

his clothing of righteousness. his clothing of righteousness. And maybe you ask, well, even if he did And maybe you ask, well, even if he did And maybe you ask, well, even if he did die for me, if Jesus is all holy judge, die for me, if Jesus is all holy judge, die for me, if Jesus is all holy judge, how can this holy judge look at guilty how can this holy judge look at guilty how can this holy judge look at guilty rebels like us and declare us forgiven rebels like us and declare us forgiven rebels like us and declare us forgiven without ignoring our sin or without without ignoring our sin or without without ignoring our sin or without compromising his justice? compromising his justice? compromising his justice? Well, friend, that's the question that Well, friend, that's the question that Well, friend, that's the question that takes us to the very heart of the gospel takes us to the very heart of the gospel takes us to the very heart of the gospel itself. itself. itself. The fact that the only one with the The fact that the only one with the The fact that the only one with the authority to condemn us is the same one authority to condemn us is the same one authority to condemn us is the same one who came [music] to bear that very who came [music] to bear that very who came [music] to bear that very condemnation for us. Our refuge is the condemnation for us. Our refuge is the condemnation for us. Our refuge is the judge himself. judge himself. judge himself. At his first coming, Jesus stepped into At his first coming, Jesus stepped into At his first coming, Jesus stepped into the place of rebels like us. On the the place of rebels like us. On the the place of rebels like us. On the cross, he carried our guilt. He received cross, he carried our guilt. He received cross, he carried our guilt. He received our judgment. He endured the our judgment. He endured the our judgment. He endured the condemnation that our sin deserved. But condemnation that our sin deserved. But condemnation that our sin deserved. But then when he rose from the dead after 3 then when he rose from the dead after 3 then when he rose from the dead after 3 days, he was demonstrating that our sin days, he was demonstrating that our sin days, he was demonstrating that our sin debt had been paid, that death had been debt had been paid, that death had been debt had been paid, that death had been defeated, and the sacrifice had been defeated, and the sacrifice had been defeated, and the sacrifice had been accepted. God did not ignore our sin in accepted. God did not ignore our sin in accepted. God did not ignore our sin in order to save us. He judged our sin in order to save us. He judged our sin in order to save us. He judged our sin in Jesus on the cross. Christ received the Jesus on the cross. Christ received the Jesus on the cross. Christ received the condemnation we deserve so that we could condemnation we deserve so that we could condemnation we deserve so that we could receive the righteousness that he receive the righteousness that he receive the righteousness that he earned.

earned. earned. Again, salvation is not something we Again, salvation is not something we Again, salvation is not something we earn or achieve or deserve. It is just earn or achieve or deserve. It is just earn or achieve or deserve. It is just all a gift we receive. And so y'all, if all a gift we receive. And so y'all, if all a gift we receive. And so y'all, if you have never personally received the you have never personally received the you have never personally received the gift of salvation purchased for you by gift of salvation purchased for you by gift of salvation purchased for you by Jesus Christ on the cross, you should Jesus Christ on the cross, you should Jesus Christ on the cross, you should hear Jude's warnings not as condemnation hear Jude's warnings not as condemnation hear Jude's warnings not as condemnation of your life, but as an invitation to of your life, but as an invitation to of your life, but as an invitation to the open door of grace right now. the open door of grace right now. the open door of grace right now. That today you can walk through that That today you can walk through that That today you can walk through that door by bowing to Jesus, placing your door by bowing to Jesus, placing your door by bowing to Jesus, placing your faith in him, and be saved. faith in him, and be saved. faith in him, and be saved. And so right now, can we bow our heads And so right now, can we bow our heads And so right now, can we bow our heads at all of our locations? And y'all, I am not going to draw this And y'all, I am not going to draw this out at all. out at all. out at all. If you felt the prompings of the Holy If you felt the prompings of the Holy If you felt the prompings of the Holy Spirit, if the hounds of heaven have Spirit, if the hounds of heaven have Spirit, if the hounds of heaven have been on your heels, if you need to be been on your heels, if you need to be been on your heels, if you need to be saved, then you can simply pray a prayer saved, then you can simply pray a prayer saved, then you can simply pray a prayer that sounds like this. that sounds like this. that sounds like this. Just in the quietness of your heart, you Just in the quietness of your heart, you Just in the quietness of your heart, you can repeat these words.

can repeat these words. can repeat these words. You can just say, "God, I'm sorry. My sin has broken the relationship with My sin has broken the relationship with you. you. you. My sin has broken so many things in this My sin has broken so many things in this My sin has broken so many things in this life. life. life. And God, I'm asking you to save me. Today, I want to confess Jesus as my Today, I want to confess Jesus as my savior. savior. savior. Not because of anything I've done, but Not because of anything I've done, but Not because of anything I've done, but because I'm relying on what he has done. because I'm relying on what he has done. because I'm relying on what he has done. And I also want to submit to him as Lord And I also want to submit to him as Lord And I also want to submit to him as Lord of my life. of my life. of my life. God, would you come into my heart? Would God, would you come into my heart? Would God, would you come into my heart? Would you fill me with the spirit? And would you fill me with the spirit? And would you fill me with the spirit? And would you save me you save me you save me by the blood and in the name of Jesus by the blood and in the name of Jesus by the blood and in the name of Jesus Christ? Christ? Christ? Amen. Amen. Amen. Hey, look up here. If you just prayed Hey, look up here. If you just prayed Hey, look up here. If you just prayed that prayer and you sincerely meant it, that prayer and you sincerely meant it, that prayer and you sincerely meant it, that is the most important decision you that is the most important decision you that is the most important decision you will ever make in your entire life. And will ever make in your entire life. And will ever make in your entire life. And so before you walk out of these doors so before you walk out of these doors so before you walk out of these doors today, wherever you are, man, I just today, wherever you are, man, I just today, wherever you are, man, I just want you to tell somebody. Tell the want you to tell somebody. Tell the want you to tell somebody. Tell the person you came with or at the end of person you came with or at the end of person you came with or at the end of service, our pastors and prayer teams service, our pastors and prayer teams service, our pastors and prayer teams will be down front. Come tell them.

will be down front. Come tell them. will be down front. Come tell them. Because the last thing we want is for Because the last thing we want is for Because the last thing we want is for you to make a decision that big and then you to make a decision that big and then you to make a decision that big and then feel like you have to figure everything feel like you have to figure everything feel like you have to figure everything out on your own. You've got a church out on your own. You've got a church out on your own. You've got a church family that wants to come alongside you. family that wants to come alongside you. family that wants to come alongside you. A church family that's going to A church family that's going to A church family that's going to celebrate with you. And so, can we do celebrate with you. And so, can we do celebrate with you. And so, can we do that right now, church family? Can we that right now, church family? Can we that right now, church family? Can we stand at all of our locations? Can we stand at all of our locations? Can we stand at all of our locations? Can we put our hands together for those who put our hands together for those who put our hands together for those who have made decisions for the saving have made decisions for the saving have made decisions for the saving coming Savior, Jesus Christ? [music] coming Savior, Jesus Christ? [music] coming Savior, Jesus Christ? [music] [applause]