Hey, Jude! | J.D. Greear

Okay, if you got your Bibles this Okay, if you got your Bibles this morning, and I hope that you do, I want morning, and I hope that you do, I want morning, and I hope that you do, I want you to open them to the book of Jude if you to open them to the book of Jude if you to open them to the book of Jude if you have not done so already. Jude's you have not done so already. Jude's you have not done so already. Jude's [snorts] short little letter. It's only [snorts] short little letter. It's only [snorts] short little letter. It's only one chapter long. It's toward the very one chapter long. It's toward the very one chapter long. It's toward the very end of your Bibles. It is just before end of your Bibles. It is just before end of your Bibles. It is just before the book of Revelation. So, if you got a the book of Revelation. So, if you got a the book of Revelation. So, if you got a Bible, look toward the very end of it. Bible, look toward the very end of it. Bible, look toward the very end of it. If you encounter a set of maps that look If you encounter a set of maps that look If you encounter a set of maps that look like they are chronicling the journeys like they are chronicling the journeys like they are chronicling the journeys of Odysius, then you have gone too far. of Odysius, then you have gone too far. of Odysius, then you have gone too far. Uh, but it is right before the book of Uh, but it is right before the book of Uh, but it is right before the book of Revelation. How many of you have had the Revelation. How many of you have had the Revelation. How many of you have had the rather unpleasant experience rather unpleasant experience rather unpleasant experience of discovering termites in your home? of discovering termites in your home? of discovering termites in your home? Raise your hand. The problem with Raise your hand. The problem with Raise your hand. The problem with termites is that by the time you notice termites is that by the time you notice termites is that by the time you notice the sagging floor, bubbling paint, or a the sagging floor, bubbling paint, or a the sagging floor, bubbling paint, or a door that just won't close right, the door that just won't close right, the door that just won't close right, the damage is done. The wood underneath damage is done. The wood underneath damage is done. The wood underneath those things is nothing more often than those things is nothing more often than those things is nothing more often than a hollowedout shell. And some of you a hollowedout shell. And some of you a hollowedout shell. And some of you know this from painful firstirhand know this from painful firstirhand know this from painful firstirhand experience. Most homeowners policies experience. Most homeowners policies experience. Most homeowners policies exclude termite damage because it is exclude termite damage because it is exclude termite damage because it is considered preventable through regular considered preventable through regular considered preventable through regular inspection. And I notice some of you inspection. And I notice some of you inspection. And I notice some of you right now are making a note check on right now are making a note check on right now are making a note check on termite inspection. That's probably a termite inspection. That's probably a termite inspection. That's probably a good idea. Jude writes this letter in good idea. Jude writes this letter in good idea. Jude writes this letter in your Bible because he is concerned about your Bible because he is concerned about your Bible because he is concerned about a similar phenomenon happening in his a similar phenomenon happening in his a similar phenomenon happening in his church. Jude's letter just might be the church. Jude's letter just might be the church. Jude's letter just might be the most neglected part of our entire Bible, most neglected part of our entire Bible, most neglected part of our entire Bible, including neglected by me in 25 years including neglected by me in 25 years including neglected by me in 25 years here as your pastor. I've never one time here as your pastor. I've never one time here as your pastor. I've never one time preached on it. So today, we are going preached on it. So today, we are going preached on it. So today, we are going to give Jude some attention. So

to give Jude some attention. So to give Jude some attention. So everybody look at your Bibles right now everybody look at your Bibles right now everybody look at your Bibles right now and say, "Hey, Jude. Hey, Jude." All and say, "Hey, Jude. Hey, Jude." All and say, "Hey, Jude. Hey, Jude." All right. I'm going to be walking through right. I'm going to be walking through right. I'm going to be walking through the opening and the conclusion of this the opening and the conclusion of this the opening and the conclusion of this letter, and I'm going to leave the letter, and I'm going to leave the letter, and I'm going to leave the really difficult middle part for our really difficult middle part for our really difficult middle part for our teaching team next weekend. Uh let's teaching team next weekend. Uh let's teaching team next weekend. Uh let's look together right now if we could at look together right now if we could at look together right now if we could at verse one. Jude Jude a servant of Jesus verse one. Jude Jude a servant of Jesus verse one. Jude Jude a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. Now Christ and a brother of James. Now Christ and a brother of James. Now Jude's name would have been pronounced Jude's name would have been pronounced Jude's name would have been pronounced Judas in Greek. Jude was not a name back Judas in Greek. Jude was not a name back Judas in Greek. Jude was not a name back then, but our English Bible translators then, but our English Bible translators then, but our English Bible translators just a few years ago decided they were just a few years ago decided they were just a few years ago decided they were going to shorten Judas's name to Jude so going to shorten Judas's name to Jude so going to shorten Judas's name to Jude so that the author of this book would not that the author of this book would not that the author of this book would not be confused with Judas the betrayer. be confused with Judas the betrayer. be confused with Judas the betrayer. Jude was one of Jesus's four Jude was one of Jesus's four Jude was one of Jesus's four half-brothers who we see mentioned in half-brothers who we see mentioned in half-brothers who we see mentioned in both Matthew and Mark. Some of you say both Matthew and Mark. Some of you say both Matthew and Mark. Some of you say Jesus had brothers. Yes. Scripture makes Jesus had brothers. Yes. Scripture makes Jesus had brothers. Yes. Scripture makes clear that Jesus had four halfb clear that Jesus had four halfb clear that Jesus had four halfb brothers. And I say half brothers, of brothers. And I say half brothers, of brothers. And I say half brothers, of course, because none of Jesus's brothers course, because none of Jesus's brothers course, because none of Jesus's brothers had the same father that Jesus did since had the same father that Jesus did since had the same father that Jesus did since Jesus was, of course, born of a virgin.

Jesus was, of course, born of a virgin. Jesus was, of course, born of a virgin. But Mary had other children through But Mary had other children through But Mary had other children through Joseph after she had conceived Jesus by Joseph after she had conceived Jesus by Joseph after she had conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Those were Jesus's the Holy Spirit. Those were Jesus's the Holy Spirit. Those were Jesus's halfb brothers. The gospel writers make halfb brothers. The gospel writers make halfb brothers. The gospel writers make clear that none of Jesus's brothers at clear that none of Jesus's brothers at clear that none of Jesus's brothers at first. None of them believe Jesus was first. None of them believe Jesus was first. None of them believe Jesus was the Messiah, including Jude. It was only the Messiah, including Jude. It was only the Messiah, including Jude. It was only after that Jude and these other guys had after that Jude and these other guys had after that Jude and these other guys had seen Jesus resurrected that they came to seen Jesus resurrected that they came to seen Jesus resurrected that they came to believe. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul says believe. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul says believe. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul says that Jesus appeared specifically to some that Jesus appeared specifically to some that Jesus appeared specifically to some of Jesus's brothers and that all of his of Jesus's brothers and that all of his of Jesus's brothers and that all of his brothers came to believe. In fact, three brothers came to believe. In fact, three brothers came to believe. In fact, three of Jesus's half-bros became recognized of Jesus's half-bros became recognized of Jesus's half-bros became recognized leaders in the early church. And two of leaders in the early church. And two of leaders in the early church. And two of Jesus's brothers even wrote Bible books, Jesus's brothers even wrote Bible books, Jesus's brothers even wrote Bible books, Jude and James, which by the way, when Jude and James, which by the way, when Jude and James, which by the way, when you think about it, is a pretty strong you think about it, is a pretty strong you think about it, is a pretty strong argument for the resurrection, right? I argument for the resurrection, right? I argument for the resurrection, right? I mean, just think of it this way. Raise mean, just think of it this way. Raise mean, just think of it this way. Raise your hand if you have an older brother. your hand if you have an older brother. your hand if you have an older brother. Raise your hand. What would it take you? Raise your hand. What would it take you? Raise your hand. What would it take you? What would it take to convince you to What would it take to convince you to What would it take to convince you to start worshiping your older brother as start worshiping your older brother as start worshiping your older brother as God? You say, "Ah, son of God, hardly."

God? You say, "Ah, son of God, hardly." God? You say, "Ah, son of God, hardly." Son of the devil, maybe. Okay. What was Son of the devil, maybe. Okay. What was Son of the devil, maybe. Okay. What was it that convinced James and Jude that it that convinced James and Jude that it that convinced James and Jude that Jesus, this brother whom they'd grown up Jesus, this brother whom they'd grown up Jesus, this brother whom they'd grown up with, who'd slept in the bed next to with, who'd slept in the bed next to with, who'd slept in the bed next to them, convinced them that he was God in them, convinced them that he was God in them, convinced them that he was God in the flesh and the only savior of the the flesh and the only savior of the the flesh and the only savior of the world? Y'all, there's only one thing world? Y'all, there's only one thing world? Y'all, there's only one thing that could do that, and that is the that could do that, and that is the that could do that, and that is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I want you resurrection of Jesus Christ. I want you resurrection of Jesus Christ. I want you to notice that Jude calls himself in to notice that Jude calls himself in to notice that Jude calls himself in these opening verses, he calls himself these opening verses, he calls himself these opening verses, he calls himself the servant of Jesus Christ. The word the servant of Jesus Christ. The word the servant of Jesus Christ. The word that Jude uses for servant is dulas, that Jude uses for servant is dulas, that Jude uses for servant is dulas, which is the lowest kind of servant. which is the lowest kind of servant. which is the lowest kind of servant. Think bondervant or slave. Jude could Think bondervant or slave. Jude could Think bondervant or slave. Jude could have used the much more respectable have used the much more respectable have used the much more respectable diacinas, which means household servant, diacinas, which means household servant, diacinas, which means household servant, assistant to the regional manager. But assistant to the regional manager. But assistant to the regional manager. But instead, Jude goes right for the bottom, instead, Jude goes right for the bottom, instead, Jude goes right for the bottom, putting himself squarely at the feet of putting himself squarely at the feet of putting himself squarely at the feet of Jesus. Jude never even mentions, by the Jesus. Jude never even mentions, by the Jesus. Jude never even mentions, by the way, in this letter that Jesus was his way, in this letter that Jesus was his way, in this letter that Jesus was his halfb brotherther, which, to be honest, halfb brotherther, which, to be honest, halfb brotherther, which, to be honest, if I were the biological halfbrother of if I were the biological halfbrother of if I were the biological halfbrother of Jesus, any letter I wrote would open Jesus, any letter I wrote would open Jesus, any letter I wrote would open with JD, who just to remind you is with JD, who just to remind you is with JD, who just to remind you is related to Jesus. Yet Jude never related to Jesus. Yet Jude never related to Jesus. Yet Jude never mentions his biological connection to mentions his biological connection to mentions his biological connection to Jesus, not even one time. And that of Jesus, not even one time. And that of Jesus, not even one time. And that of course speaks to his humility. He just course speaks to his humility. He just course speaks to his humility. He just says, "Hey, like all of you, I'm just says, "Hey, like all of you, I'm just says, "Hey, like all of you, I'm just the slave. I'm the bond servant of the slave. I'm the bond servant of the slave. I'm the bond servant of Jesus." To those, he says, "Who are Jesus." To those, he says, "Who are Jesus." To those, he says, "Who are called to those who are called beloved called to those who are called beloved called to those who are called beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus in God the Father and kept for Jesus in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ." One of the things you'll notice Christ." One of the things you'll notice Christ." One of the things you'll notice in Jude is that Jude does everything in in Jude is that Jude does everything in in Jude is that Jude does everything in threes. And this is the first set of

threes. And this is the first set of threes. And this is the first set of those threes. Believers are called, those threes. Believers are called, those threes. Believers are called, beloved, and kept. Those are not three beloved, and kept. Those are not three beloved, and kept. Those are not three random words that Jude just pulled out random words that Jude just pulled out random words that Jude just pulled out of the air either. Called, beloved, and of the air either. Called, beloved, and of the air either. Called, beloved, and kept are the three words that the kept are the three words that the kept are the three words that the prophet Isaiah repeatedly ascribes to prophet Isaiah repeatedly ascribes to prophet Isaiah repeatedly ascribes to the servant of Jehovah in Isaiah 40-55, the servant of Jehovah in Isaiah 40-55, the servant of Jehovah in Isaiah 40-55, which is Isaiah's famous prophecy about which is Isaiah's famous prophecy about which is Isaiah's famous prophecy about the coming Messiah. Jude now takes those the coming Messiah. Jude now takes those the coming Messiah. Jude now takes those three words and says, "These apply not three words and says, "These apply not three words and says, "These apply not just to Jesus, they apply to you, his just to Jesus, they apply to you, his just to Jesus, they apply to you, his followers, the church." followers, the church." followers, the church." So, let's take a minute and let's think So, let's take a minute and let's think So, let's take a minute and let's think about what those words mean because about what those words mean because about what those words mean because they're going to serve as a kind of they're going to serve as a kind of they're going to serve as a kind of anchor point for the warnings that Jude anchor point for the warnings that Jude anchor point for the warnings that Jude is going to give throughout the rest of is going to give throughout the rest of is going to give throughout the rest of his letter. First, he says, "You are his letter. First, he says, "You are his letter. First, he says, "You are called. You are called. God called you called. You are called. God called you called. You are called. God called you out to be his own." Which is a pretty out to be his own." Which is a pretty out to be his own." Which is a pretty amazing thought. The initiative for amazing thought. The initiative for amazing thought. The initiative for salvation didn't come from you. It came salvation didn't come from you. It came salvation didn't come from you. It came from God. That's an very important part from God. That's an very important part from God. That's an very important part of your self-standing. It's a very of your self-standing. It's a very of your self-standing. It's a very important part of your confidence. It's important part of your confidence. It's important part of your confidence. It's a very important part of your hope. Some a very important part of your hope. Some a very important part of your hope. Some of you college football fans might know of you college football fans might know of you college football fans might know the famous story of how Texas Tech was the famous story of how Texas Tech was the famous story of how Texas Tech was really struggling one season in the really struggling one season in the really struggling one season in the early 2000s, struggling specifically early 2000s, struggling specifically early 2000s, struggling specifically with their kicking game. And during one with their kicking game. And during one with their kicking game. And during one of those between quarter audience of those between quarter audience of those between quarter audience participation games, a random student participation games, a random student participation games, a random student fan from Texas Tech got selected to try fan from Texas Tech got selected to try fan from Texas Tech got selected to try and kick a field goal. And the deal was and kick a field goal. And the deal was and kick a field goal. And the deal was if he made the field goal, he would get if he made the field goal, he would get if he made the field goal, he would get free room and board for a year. Well, free room and board for a year. Well, free room and board for a year. Well, the guy they randomly chose out of the guy they randomly chose out of the guy they randomly chose out of 50,000 fans in the audience that day, 50,000 fans in the audience that day, 50,000 fans in the audience that day, the guy they randomly chose was Matt the guy they randomly chose was Matt the guy they randomly chose was Matt Williams, who was a freshman who had

Williams, who was a freshman who had Williams, who was a freshman who had played soccer in high school, and he played soccer in high school, and he played soccer in high school, and he went out and blasted a field goal went out and blasted a field goal went out and blasted a field goal through the uprights. The place went through the uprights. The place went through the uprights. The place went nuts and coach Mike Leachch sent an nuts and coach Mike Leachch sent an nuts and coach Mike Leachch sent an assistant coach to find out who this kid assistant coach to find out who this kid assistant coach to find out who this kid was and invited him on the spot to play was and invited him on the spot to play was and invited him on the spot to play on the team. This kid singlehandedly on the team. This kid singlehandedly on the team. This kid singlehandedly turned around their kicking game that turned around their kicking game that turned around their kicking game that season. Y'all, I love it. Out of 50,000 season. Y'all, I love it. Out of 50,000 season. Y'all, I love it. Out of 50,000 fans, this one kid, Matt, got called fans, this one kid, Matt, got called fans, this one kid, Matt, got called out. That is what happened to us in the out. That is what happened to us in the out. That is what happened to us in the church. Jude says, though some of the church. Jude says, though some of the church. Jude says, though some of the details of our story are quite details of our story are quite details of our story are quite different. God's choice of us was not different. God's choice of us was not different. God's choice of us was not random at all. And God did not call us random at all. And God did not call us random at all. And God did not call us out because of our great abilities. In out because of our great abilities. In out because of our great abilities. In fact, we were utterly unable when he fact, we were utterly unable when he fact, we were utterly unable when he called us. He did not call us out called us. He did not call us out called us. He did not call us out because we were able. He made us able because we were able. He made us able because we were able. He made us able after he called us. And that brings us after he called us. And that brings us after he called us. And that brings us to the next word in our little triad, to the next word in our little triad, to the next word in our little triad, and that is the word beloved. We are not and that is the word beloved. We are not and that is the word beloved. We are not just called. We are beloved. God chose just called. We are beloved. God chose just called. We are beloved. God chose to set his love on us. Not because of to set his love on us. Not because of to set his love on us. Not because of some worthy thing we had done, but some worthy thing we had done, but some worthy thing we had done, but simply because he loved us. It's like simply because he loved us. It's like simply because he loved us. It's like adoption. You just choose to set your adoption. You just choose to set your adoption. You just choose to set your love on that son or daughter. And that love on that son or daughter. And that love on that son or daughter. And that love became the source of our love became the source of our love became the source of our worthiness. Fact, I love how Martin worthiness. Fact, I love how Martin worthiness. Fact, I love how Martin Luther always said it. He said, "God's Luther always said it. He said, "God's Luther always said it. He said, "God's love does not find in us, but creates in love does not find in us, but creates in love does not find in us, but creates in us that which he finds lovely." Y'all, I us that which he finds lovely." Y'all, I us that which he finds lovely." Y'all, I remember years ago hearing the story remember years ago hearing the story remember years ago hearing the story about a couple who was about to adopt a about a couple who was about to adopt a about a couple who was about to adopt a child, but they found out just before child, but they found out just before child, but they found out just before the child was born that she was going to the child was born that she was going to the child was born that she was going to be born with a pretty severe case of be born with a pretty severe case of be born with a pretty severe case of spobipida. The adoption agency said, spobipida. The adoption agency said, spobipida. The adoption agency said, "Hey, we'll understand if you you guys

"Hey, we'll understand if you you guys "Hey, we'll understand if you you guys want to back out because for the rest of want to back out because for the rest of want to back out because for the rest of this child's life, she's going to have this child's life, she's going to have this child's life, she's going to have significant challenges." The couple was significant challenges." The couple was significant challenges." The couple was really struggling with the decision. But really struggling with the decision. But really struggling with the decision. But one night, the wife said she had a one night, the wife said she had a one night, the wife said she had a dream. And in this dream, she was in a dream. And in this dream, she was in a dream. And in this dream, she was in a gigantic stadium, like think football gigantic stadium, like think football gigantic stadium, like think football stadium, where all these beautiful stadium, where all these beautiful stadium, where all these beautiful babies were being brought up on the babies were being brought up on the babies were being brought up on the stage for adoption. And as each baby was stage for adoption. And as each baby was stage for adoption. And as each baby was brought forward, the host would look at brought forward, the host would look at brought forward, the host would look at this big audience and he would say, "Who this big audience and he would say, "Who this big audience and he would say, "Who wants this one?" Various parents in the wants this one?" Various parents in the wants this one?" Various parents in the stands would volunteer to take the stands would volunteer to take the stands would volunteer to take the particular child that the host was particular child that the host was particular child that the host was holding up. But then the host brought holding up. But then the host brought holding up. But then the host brought forward one child who was disfigured and forward one child who was disfigured and forward one child who was disfigured and diseased and maimed and ugly. And the diseased and maimed and ugly. And the diseased and maimed and ugly. And the host child said, "Who wants this one?" host child said, "Who wants this one?" host child said, "Who wants this one?" And the crowd in this woman's dream, she And the crowd in this woman's dream, she And the crowd in this woman's dream, she said. It just went deathly silent. said. It just went deathly silent. said. It just went deathly silent. Nobody stepped forward to take the baby Nobody stepped forward to take the baby Nobody stepped forward to take the baby for several long moments. Finally, she for several long moments. Finally, she for several long moments. Finally, she said, "Somebody in the crowd stood up said, "Somebody in the crowd stood up said, "Somebody in the crowd stood up and said, I'll take that one." She said, and said, I'll take that one." She said, and said, I'll take that one." She said, "I looked and in my dream, the man "I looked and in my dream, the man "I looked and in my dream, the man walking forward was Jesus. He walked walking forward was Jesus. He walked walking forward was Jesus. He walked forward to take that child." Now, at forward to take that child." Now, at forward to take that child." Now, at that point in the story, I interrupted that point in the story, I interrupted that point in the story, I interrupted and I said, "Whoa, that is so powerful."

and I said, "Whoa, that is so powerful." and I said, "Whoa, that is so powerful." She said, "Oh, I'm not done yet." Right? She said, "Oh, I'm not done yet." Right? She said, "Oh, I'm not done yet." Right? Just be quiet. In my dream, Just be quiet. In my dream, Just be quiet. In my dream, when Jesus went down to get that baby, when Jesus went down to get that baby, when Jesus went down to get that baby, she said, "I got a glimpse of that she said, "I got a glimpse of that she said, "I got a glimpse of that baby's face. This baby that was all baby's face. This baby that was all baby's face. This baby that was all marred and disfigured," she said, "and I marred and disfigured," she said, "and I marred and disfigured," she said, "and I saw that it was my face. The truth is saw that it was my face. The truth is saw that it was my face. The truth is that Jesus adopted me when I was that Jesus adopted me when I was that Jesus adopted me when I was disfigured and wrecked by sin. And now I disfigured and wrecked by sin. And now I disfigured and wrecked by sin. And now I know he wants me and my husband to take know he wants me and my husband to take know he wants me and my husband to take in this child as he took in us." Now, in this child as he took in us." Now, in this child as he took in us." Now, please hear me. I am not saying there's please hear me. I am not saying there's please hear me. I am not saying there's never a time for an adopting parent to never a time for an adopting parent to never a time for an adopting parent to choose not to go forward. Those are very choose not to go forward. Those are very choose not to go forward. Those are very difficult and complex decisions and you difficult and complex decisions and you difficult and complex decisions and you should always do them with a lot of should always do them with a lot of should always do them with a lot of counsel and there's a lot of times it's counsel and there's a lot of times it's counsel and there's a lot of times it's wiser to to not go forward with it. I'm wiser to to not go forward with it. I'm wiser to to not go forward with it. I'm just saying it is very true that when just saying it is very true that when just saying it is very true that when you and I were at our lowest Jesus loved you and I were at our lowest Jesus loved you and I were at our lowest Jesus loved us and took us in and Jude says you were us and took us in and Jude says you were us and took us in and Jude says you were beloved not because of your worthiness beloved not because of your worthiness beloved not because of your worthiness but because he sets his love on you. And but because he sets his love on you. And but because he sets his love on you. And that brings us to our last word kept. We that brings us to our last word kept. We that brings us to our last word kept. We are kept for Jesus Christ. The other day are kept for Jesus Christ. The other day are kept for Jesus Christ. The other day I was looking through some old pictures. I was looking through some old pictures. I was looking through some old pictures. I was getting ready for my dad's 80th I was getting ready for my dad's 80th I was getting ready for my dad's 80th birthday party and for about half an birthday party and for about half an birthday party and for about half an hour I got sucked down memory lane. You hour I got sucked down memory lane. You hour I got sucked down memory lane. You know how that works, right? You look at know how that works, right? You look at know how that works, right? You look at old pictures and next thing you know old pictures and next thing you know old pictures and next thing you know it's an hour later and and uh I love it's an hour later and and uh I love it's an hour later and and uh I love seeing old pictures where I'm holding seeing old pictures where I'm holding seeing old pictures where I'm holding one of my kids in the pool. I'm standing one of my kids in the pool. I'm standing one of my kids in the pool. I'm standing there with them in my arms in water that there with them in my arms in water that there with them in my arms in water that is way above their heads and they're is way above their heads and they're is way above their heads and they're holding on to me for dear life. If I holding on to me for dear life. If I holding on to me for dear life. If I dropped them, they would drown. but they dropped them, they would drown. but they dropped them, they would drown. but they look so happy and so peaceful because look so happy and so peaceful because look so happy and so peaceful because they're holding on to me or were waiting they're holding on to me or were waiting they're holding on to me or were waiting out into the waves at the beach and out into the waves at the beach and out into the waves at the beach and they're holding on to one of my hands

they're holding on to one of my hands they're holding on to one of my hands for all their worth so that the waves for all their worth so that the waves for all their worth so that the waves don't sweep them away. Now you parents don't sweep them away. Now you parents don't sweep them away. Now you parents understand the truth is of course in understand the truth is of course in understand the truth is of course in both of those situations they're secure both of those situations they're secure both of those situations they're secure not because they're holding on to me. not because they're holding on to me. not because they're holding on to me. They're secure because I'm holding on to They're secure because I'm holding on to They're secure because I'm holding on to them. It is the strength of my grip, not them. It is the strength of my grip, not them. It is the strength of my grip, not the strength of theirs that is keeping the strength of theirs that is keeping the strength of theirs that is keeping them safe. Jude says, "Church, this is them safe. Jude says, "Church, this is them safe. Jude says, "Church, this is you. In the midst of all these attacks you. In the midst of all these attacks you. In the midst of all these attacks you're going through, I want you to you're going through, I want you to you're going through, I want you to remember you're chosen. You are beloved remember you're chosen. You are beloved remember you're chosen. You are beloved and you are kept by Jesus. It's his and you are kept by Jesus. It's his and you are kept by Jesus. It's his initiative, not yours. And at the end of initiative, not yours. And at the end of initiative, not yours. And at the end of the day, it's his strength, not yours, the day, it's his strength, not yours, the day, it's his strength, not yours, that is going to keep you from going that is going to keep you from going that is going to keep you from going astray." That is the anchor point of astray." That is the anchor point of astray." That is the anchor point of your salvation. It is the anchor point your salvation. It is the anchor point your salvation. It is the anchor point Jude is going to come back to at the end Jude is going to come back to at the end Jude is going to come back to at the end of all of his warnings. It is his reason of all of his warnings. It is his reason of all of his warnings. It is his reason for hope. Beloved, he says verse three, for hope. Beloved, he says verse three, for hope. Beloved, he says verse three, although I was very eager to write to although I was very eager to write to although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation. Ah, you about our common salvation. Ah, you about our common salvation. Ah, [sighs] alas, I found it necessary to [sighs] alas, I found it necessary to [sighs] alas, I found it necessary to write instead appealing to you to write instead appealing to you to write instead appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for contend for the faith that was once for contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain all delivered to the saints. For certain all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed like people have crept in unnoticed like people have crept in unnoticed like termites termites termites who long ago were designated for who long ago were designated for who long ago were designated for condemnation.

condemnation. condemnation. ungodly people who pervert the grace of ungodly people who pervert the grace of ungodly people who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our our God into sensuality and deny our our God into sensuality and deny our only master and lord Jesus Christ. Jude only master and lord Jesus Christ. Jude only master and lord Jesus Christ. Jude was like, "Listen y'all, I had every was like, "Listen y'all, I had every was like, "Listen y'all, I had every intention of writing you this amazing, intention of writing you this amazing, intention of writing you this amazing, encouraging letter with all these encouraging letter with all these encouraging letter with all these amazing quotable lines that for the next amazing quotable lines that for the next amazing quotable lines that for the next 2,000 years Christians are going to put 2,000 years Christians are going to put 2,000 years Christians are going to put up on their Instagram stories with a up on their Instagram stories with a up on their Instagram stories with a picture of a deer drinking beside a picture of a deer drinking beside a picture of a deer drinking beside a brook and a sappy worship song playing brook and a sappy worship song playing brook and a sappy worship song playing in the background." That was what I was in the background." That was what I was in the background." That was what I was going to write. It was going to be going to write. It was going to be going to write. It was going to be awesome. I was going to be popular. But awesome. I was going to be popular. But awesome. I was going to be popular. But instead, you people have forced me into instead, you people have forced me into instead, you people have forced me into writing a salty letter that people are writing a salty letter that people are writing a salty letter that people are basically going to ignore for the next basically going to ignore for the next basically going to ignore for the next 2,000 years because it is so unpleasant. 2,000 years because it is so unpleasant. 2,000 years because it is so unpleasant. But see, hear me. See, sometimes that's But see, hear me. See, sometimes that's But see, hear me. See, sometimes that's what it means to be a Christian leader. what it means to be a Christian leader. what it means to be a Christian leader. You got to move beyond the warm fuzzies You got to move beyond the warm fuzzies You got to move beyond the warm fuzzies and you got to say hard things. It's not and you got to say hard things. It's not and you got to say hard things. It's not just the role of a leader. Just the role just the role of a leader. Just the role just the role of a leader. Just the role of a faithful friend and witness is to of a faithful friend and witness is to of a faithful friend and witness is to do this. Religion is not a paliotative do this. Religion is not a paliotative do this. Religion is not a paliotative for the masses. It is a spiritual for the masses. It is a spiritual for the masses. It is a spiritual battle. Jude says a battle against battle. Jude says a battle against battle. Jude says a battle against forces of evil. A battle against false forces of evil. A battle against false forces of evil. A battle against false teachers who like termites have teachers who like termites have teachers who like termites have infiltrated the church. That's no infiltrated the church. That's no infiltrated the church. That's no surprise, Jude says, because that's surprise, Jude says, because that's surprise, Jude says, because that's exactly what Jesus and the apostles exactly what Jesus and the apostles exactly what Jesus and the apostles predicted was going to happen in the predicted was going to happen in the predicted was going to happen in the church. This is not like something's church. This is not like something's church. This is not like something's gone wrong and Jesus has, you know, lost gone wrong and Jesus has, you know, lost gone wrong and Jesus has, you know, lost control. Check out verse 17. You must control. Check out verse 17. You must control. Check out verse 17. You must remember, beloved, he says, you must remember, beloved, he says, you must remember, beloved, he says, you must remember the predictions of the apostles remember the predictions of the apostles remember the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yeah, they of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yeah, they of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yeah, they very clearly said to you and me in the

very clearly said to you and me in the very clearly said to you and me in the last times, there are going to be last times, there are going to be last times, there are going to be scoffers following their own ungodly scoffers following their own ungodly scoffers following their own ungodly passions. So, while this is disturbing passions. So, while this is disturbing passions. So, while this is disturbing and alarming, Jude says it's not and alarming, Jude says it's not and alarming, Jude says it's not surprising. And so, verse three, I found surprising. And so, verse three, I found surprising. And so, verse three, I found it necessary to write appealing to you it necessary to write appealing to you it necessary to write appealing to you to say this word with me, contend for to say this word with me, contend for to say this word with me, contend for the faith. That word contend in Greek is the faith. That word contend in Greek is the faith. That word contend in Greek is ep agonidzo from which we get our word ep agonidzo from which we get our word ep agonidzo from which we get our word agonize. agonize. agonize. Agon epagono is a word literally taken Agon epagono is a word literally taken Agon epagono is a word literally taken from the world of wrestling back then. from the world of wrestling back then. from the world of wrestling back then. Jude says we've got to wrestle. We got Jude says we've got to wrestle. We got Jude says we've got to wrestle. We got to jiujitsu. We got to fight for the to jiujitsu. We got to fight for the to jiujitsu. We got to fight for the faith. Listen y'all, the church should faith. Listen y'all, the church should faith. Listen y'all, the church should be a place of warmth. It should be a be a place of warmth. It should be a be a place of warmth. It should be a place of acceptance. It should be a place of acceptance. It should be a place of acceptance. It should be a place of grace. That is the number one place of grace. That is the number one place of grace. That is the number one thing you should feel walking in here. thing you should feel walking in here. thing you should feel walking in here. But Christian leadership is more than But Christian leadership is more than But Christian leadership is more than simply providing a nice guy touchyfey simply providing a nice guy touchyfey simply providing a nice guy touchyfey shoulder to cry on presence in shoulder to cry on presence in shoulder to cry on presence in somebody's life. Sometimes Christian somebody's life. Sometimes Christian somebody's life. Sometimes Christian leadership means standing up for leadership means standing up for leadership means standing up for fighting for agonizedly contending for fighting for agonizedly contending for fighting for agonizedly contending for the integrity of the faith. That means the integrity of the faith. That means the integrity of the faith. That means speaking out against error. It means speaking out against error. It means speaking out against error. It means making enemies. It means getting savaged making enemies. It means getting savaged making enemies. It means getting savaged on social media. And that is because the on social media. And that is because the on social media. And that is because the Christian faith is worth protecting. The Christian faith is worth protecting. The Christian faith is worth protecting. The Christian faith is the most precious Christian faith is the most precious Christian faith is the most precious gift in all the world. But if you walk gift in all the world. But if you walk gift in all the world. But if you walk into an art museum and there are no into an art museum and there are no into an art museum and there are no guards and there's no kind of security guards and there's no kind of security guards and there's no kind of security system, you're going to probably system, you're going to probably system, you're going to probably conclude that this isn't very valuable conclude that this isn't very valuable conclude that this isn't very valuable art. If you don't have any stomach for art. If you don't have any stomach for art. If you don't have any stomach for controversy, the question I would ask is

controversy, the question I would ask is controversy, the question I would ask is whether you see the faith as something whether you see the faith as something whether you see the faith as something so valuable that it's worth fighting so valuable that it's worth fighting so valuable that it's worth fighting for. Or how about this? If you hear your for. Or how about this? If you hear your for. Or how about this? If you hear your friends say wrong things and you just friends say wrong things and you just friends say wrong things and you just don't care enough to correct them, don't care enough to correct them, don't care enough to correct them, you're like, "Well, to each his own." you're like, "Well, to each his own." you're like, "Well, to each his own." You don't correct them because you think You don't correct them because you think You don't correct them because you think it might be awkward. Do you really it might be awkward. Do you really it might be awkward. Do you really understand how precious this faith is? understand how precious this faith is? understand how precious this faith is? Specifically, Jude says still in verse Specifically, Jude says still in verse Specifically, Jude says still in verse three, we are fighting to preserve the three, we are fighting to preserve the three, we are fighting to preserve the faith that was once for all delivered to faith that was once for all delivered to faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. That is a very interesting the saints. That is a very interesting the saints. That is a very interesting phrase. Some of you are going to wonder phrase. Some of you are going to wonder phrase. Some of you are going to wonder for about 30 seconds, what in the world, for about 30 seconds, what in the world, for about 30 seconds, what in the world, where is he going with this? And then where is he going with this? And then where is he going with this? And then I'm going to turn it and you like, oh, I'm going to turn it and you like, oh, I'm going to turn it and you like, oh, there's where he's going. Okay. There's there's where he's going. Okay. There's there's where he's going. Okay. There's one central basic message given to us by one central basic message given to us by one central basic message given to us by Jesus through the earliest apostles once Jesus through the earliest apostles once Jesus through the earliest apostles once for all that needed to be safeguarded for all that needed to be safeguarded for all that needed to be safeguarded down through the centuries. I want you down through the centuries. I want you down through the centuries. I want you to look at the exact wording. A faith to look at the exact wording. A faith to look at the exact wording. A faith delivered once for all to the saints. delivered once for all to the saints. delivered once for all to the saints. Not a faith delivered peace by piece Not a faith delivered peace by piece Not a faith delivered peace by piece over the centuries.

over the centuries. over the centuries. You see, some of our Roman Catholic You see, some of our Roman Catholic You see, some of our Roman Catholic friends say that the way God preserves friends say that the way God preserves friends say that the way God preserves the integrity of his church is through a the integrity of his church is through a the integrity of his church is through a succession of popes to whom he gives his succession of popes to whom he gives his succession of popes to whom he gives his authority to establish the word of God authority to establish the word of God authority to establish the word of God as we go along. But that is not how God as we go along. But that is not how God as we go along. But that is not how God promised to preserve his truth in his promised to preserve his truth in his promised to preserve his truth in his church. He said there was a faith church. He said there was a faith church. He said there was a faith delivered once for all to the saints. delivered once for all to the saints. delivered once for all to the saints. That is a clear reference to the Bible. That is a clear reference to the Bible. That is a clear reference to the Bible. Jesus promised John 14 to establish Jesus promised John 14 to establish Jesus promised John 14 to establish through the apostles his message and through the apostles his message and through the apostles his message and they wrote it down once for all in a they wrote it down once for all in a they wrote it down once for all in a book. We are to measure every new idea. book. We are to measure every new idea. book. We are to measure every new idea. We are to measure every new question by We are to measure every new question by We are to measure every new question by this faith. This is our rule. It's why this faith. This is our rule. It's why this faith. This is our rule. It's why we call it the canon because it's the we call it the canon because it's the we call it the canon because it's the rule of our faith. It was delivered once rule of our faith. It was delivered once rule of our faith. It was delivered once for all. Sometimes Roman Catholic for all. Sometimes Roman Catholic for all. Sometimes Roman Catholic friends will say to me, "Well, you friends will say to me, "Well, you friends will say to me, "Well, you wouldn't have a Bible unless early wouldn't have a Bible unless early wouldn't have a Bible unless early Catholic authorities decided what got Catholic authorities decided what got Catholic authorities decided what got put into it." to which I always say, put into it." to which I always say, put into it." to which I always say, "Yeah, but the early church fathers did "Yeah, but the early church fathers did "Yeah, but the early church fathers did not make anything the word of God, as in not make anything the word of God, as in not make anything the word of God, as in it wasn't the word of God until they it wasn't the word of God until they it wasn't the word of God until they declared it to be so." Rather, the early declared it to be so." Rather, the early declared it to be so." Rather, the early church fathers simply recognized the church fathers simply recognized the church fathers simply recognized the books that had been authored by the Holy books that had been authored by the Holy books that had been authored by the Holy Spirit through the apostles. They knew Spirit through the apostles. They knew Spirit through the apostles. They knew Jesus's promise in John 14 that he would Jesus's promise in John 14 that he would Jesus's promise in John 14 that he would deliver the faith once for all to the deliver the faith once for all to the deliver the faith once for all to the saints through the apostles. And so they saints through the apostles. And so they saints through the apostles. And so they recognized which books had been written recognized which books had been written recognized which books had been written by the apostolic community and they by the apostolic community and they by the apostolic community and they recognized that as the fulfillment of recognized that as the fulfillment of recognized that as the fulfillment of Jesus's promises. Thus all future Jesus's promises. Thus all future Jesus's promises. Thus all future iterations of the church were to go back iterations of the church were to go back iterations of the church were to go back and compare what they believed with what

and compare what they believed with what and compare what they believed with what the apostles recorded here. You're not the apostles recorded here. You're not the apostles recorded here. You're not checking with me on what you believe. checking with me on what you believe. checking with me on what you believe. We're not checking with somebody in We're not checking with somebody in We're not checking with somebody in Rome. We're going here. So at this Rome. We're going here. So at this Rome. We're going here. So at this church, the final and ultimate authority church, the final and ultimate authority church, the final and ultimate authority for what we believe is what is recorded for what we believe is what is recorded for what we believe is what is recorded here. This faith delivered once for all here. This faith delivered once for all here. This faith delivered once for all to the saints. Yes. Okay. to the saints. Yes. Okay. to the saints. Yes. Okay. We are informed and influenced by We are informed and influenced by We are informed and influenced by traditions. Of course we are. Traditions traditions. Of course we are. Traditions traditions. Of course we are. Traditions are important. They're are great are important. They're are great are important. They're are great starting points. But our final authority starting points. But our final authority starting points. But our final authority is these scriptures delivered once for is these scriptures delivered once for is these scriptures delivered once for all to the saints. It's why, by the way, all to the saints. It's why, by the way, all to the saints. It's why, by the way, we quote the Apostles Creed here. I know we quote the Apostles Creed here. I know we quote the Apostles Creed here. I know that's a bold that what I'm about to say that's a bold that what I'm about to say that's a bold that what I'm about to say is a bold claim. But at this church, we is a bold claim. But at this church, we is a bold claim. But at this church, we basically believe essentially the same basically believe essentially the same basically believe essentially the same thing that believers in those first thing that believers in those first thing that believers in those first centuries in the first churches in the centuries in the first churches in the centuries in the first churches in the first century believed. It's basically first century believed. It's basically first century believed. It's basically the same. And the reason for that is the same. And the reason for that is the same. And the reason for that is because we base our beliefs on theirs because we base our beliefs on theirs because we base our beliefs on theirs and we correct our beliefs by theirs and we correct our beliefs by theirs and we correct our beliefs by theirs because this is a faith delivered once because this is a faith delivered once because this is a faith delivered once for all to the saints. This is also, by for all to the saints. This is also, by for all to the saints. This is also, by the way, why we do not accept later the way, why we do not accept later the way, why we do not accept later revelations by supposed prophets who revelations by supposed prophets who revelations by supposed prophets who attempt to add something to the attempt to add something to the attempt to add something to the scriptures like Muhammad of the Muslims scriptures like Muhammad of the Muslims scriptures like Muhammad of the Muslims or Joseph Smith of the Mormons. We or Joseph Smith of the Mormons. We or Joseph Smith of the Mormons. We reject that because this was a faith reject that because this was a faith reject that because this was a faith delivered once for all to the saints, delivered once for all to the saints, delivered once for all to the saints, not a faith delivered in installments not a faith delivered in installments not a faith delivered in installments over the years. Plus, a lot of what over the years. Plus, a lot of what over the years. Plus, a lot of what those guys attempted to add flatly those guys attempted to add flatly those guys attempted to add flatly contradicts what was written in this contradicts what was written in this contradicts what was written in this book. This was a faith delivered book. This was a faith delivered book. This was a faith delivered correctly once for all to the saints, correctly once for all to the saints, correctly once for all to the saints, not a faith that needed to be improved not a faith that needed to be improved not a faith that needed to be improved upon later. So that's a small little upon later. So that's a small little upon later. So that's a small little phrase there in Jude, y'all, but it's phrase there in Jude, y'all, but it's phrase there in Jude, y'all, but it's crucially important. And then from crucially important. And then from crucially important. And then from there, Jude goes on to build out his

there, Jude goes on to build out his there, Jude goes on to build out his claim that there are termites, and there claim that there are termites, and there claim that there are termites, and there going to be termites in every generation going to be termites in every generation going to be termites in every generation seeking to eat away at this foundation. seeking to eat away at this foundation. seeking to eat away at this foundation. Again, verse four, look at it. For Again, verse four, look at it. For Again, verse four, look at it. For certain people have crept in unnoticed, certain people have crept in unnoticed, certain people have crept in unnoticed, like termites, ungodly people who like termites, ungodly people who like termites, ungodly people who pervert the grace of our God into pervert the grace of our God into pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only master and sensuality and deny our only master and sensuality and deny our only master and Lord Jesus Christ. Notice he says these Lord Jesus Christ. Notice he says these Lord Jesus Christ. Notice he says these false teachers do two primary things. false teachers do two primary things. false teachers do two primary things. See it? First, they pervert the grace of See it? First, they pervert the grace of See it? First, they pervert the grace of God into sensuality. Characteristic God into sensuality. Characteristic God into sensuality. Characteristic number one. In other words, they take number one. In other words, they take number one. In other words, they take God's grace, which was meant to produce God's grace, which was meant to produce God's grace, which was meant to produce holiness and a love for God, and they holiness and a love for God, and they holiness and a love for God, and they instead twist it into something that instead twist it into something that instead twist it into something that serves fleshly desires. Second, he says serves fleshly desires. Second, he says serves fleshly desires. Second, he says they deny our only master and Lord Jesus they deny our only master and Lord Jesus they deny our only master and Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, they stop Christ. In other words, they stop Christ. In other words, they stop submitting to Jesus's authority as submitting to Jesus's authority as submitting to Jesus's authority as expressed in his Bible and they become expressed in his Bible and they become expressed in his Bible and they become their own authority in Jude's day. Stay their own authority in Jude's day. Stay their own authority in Jude's day. Stay with me. This looked like two things. with me. This looked like two things. with me. This looked like two things. This is totally irrelevant to you This is totally irrelevant to you This is totally irrelevant to you because we don't live in Jude's day, but because we don't live in Jude's day, but because we don't live in Jude's day, but just hang with me because that's going just hang with me because that's going just hang with me because that's going to be important for what's going to come to be important for what's going to come to be important for what's going to come next. Two things. We know from next. Two things. We know from next. Two things. We know from historians that some were saying that historians that some were saying that historians that some were saying that God's forgiveness of our sins and the God's forgiveness of our sins and the God's forgiveness of our sins and the fact that he had freed us from the Old fact that he had freed us from the Old fact that he had freed us from the Old Testament law. There were people in Testament law. There were people in Testament law. There were people in Jude's day saying that means Christians Jude's day saying that means Christians Jude's day saying that means Christians who've been saved are now free to engage who've been saved are now free to engage who've been saved are now free to engage in sexual immorality on their own terms.

in sexual immorality on their own terms. in sexual immorality on their own terms. All the rules are off. They said love is All the rules are off. They said love is All the rules are off. They said love is love. Maybe it is more relevant to this love. Maybe it is more relevant to this love. Maybe it is more relevant to this age than I'm thinking. But love is love. age than I'm thinking. But love is love. age than I'm thinking. But love is love. And thus all kinds of sexual variations And thus all kinds of sexual variations And thus all kinds of sexual variations are permissible. We also know number two are permissible. We also know number two are permissible. We also know number two that from Paul's letters, we know that that from Paul's letters, we know that that from Paul's letters, we know that there were a lot of Jewish believers at there were a lot of Jewish believers at there were a lot of Jewish believers at the time saying that to be faithful to the time saying that to be faithful to the time saying that to be faithful to God meant embracing Jewish culture as God meant embracing Jewish culture as God meant embracing Jewish culture as the foundation of the church. and that a the foundation of the church. and that a the foundation of the church. and that a key component of the mission of God was key component of the mission of God was key component of the mission of God was working to establish a global Jewish working to establish a global Jewish working to establish a global Jewish kingdom on earth. So to be a Christian, kingdom on earth. So to be a Christian, kingdom on earth. So to be a Christian, you weren't just spreading the gospel, you weren't just spreading the gospel, you weren't just spreading the gospel, you were spreading Jewishness. you were spreading Jewishness. you were spreading Jewishness. That was then 2,000 years ago. Much more That was then 2,000 years ago. Much more That was then 2,000 years ago. Much more important is for us to ask where we see important is for us to ask where we see important is for us to ask where we see these two things happening in the church these two things happening in the church these two things happening in the church now because Jesus predicted that this now because Jesus predicted that this now because Jesus predicted that this kind of corruption would happen in every kind of corruption would happen in every kind of corruption would happen in every generation. So yeah, we can learn about generation. So yeah, we can learn about generation. So yeah, we can learn about what was happening in Jude's day as a what was happening in Jude's day as a what was happening in Jude's day as a matter of interest, but what we should matter of interest, but what we should matter of interest, but what we should really be asking is where do we see really be asking is where do we see really be asking is where do we see these same two things happening today? these same two things happening today? these same two things happening today? In other words, how do we keep our In other words, how do we keep our In other words, how do we keep our termite inspection up to date? Didn't termite inspection up to date? Didn't termite inspection up to date? Didn't matter that you didn't have termites matter that you didn't have termites matter that you didn't have termites when you bought the house. Question is, when you bought the house. Question is, when you bought the house. Question is, do you have now? Where do we see paint do you have now? Where do we see paint do you have now? Where do we see paint bubbling and the floor sagging now?

bubbling and the floor sagging now? bubbling and the floor sagging now? Follow this. Honestly, I'm a little Follow this. Honestly, I'm a little Follow this. Honestly, I'm a little nervous about what's about to come next nervous about what's about to come next nervous about what's about to come next because it might get a little offensive, because it might get a little offensive, because it might get a little offensive, but I care about you. but I care about you. but I care about you. And like Jude says, Christian leadership And like Jude says, Christian leadership And like Jude says, Christian leadership means sometimes calling these things means sometimes calling these things means sometimes calling these things out. So I say all this because I love out. So I say all this because I love out. So I say all this because I love you. Okay, I really do. But here we go. you. Okay, I really do. But here we go. you. Okay, I really do. But here we go. Corruption number one, therapeutic Corruption number one, therapeutic Corruption number one, therapeutic Christianity. Christianity. Christianity. In therapeutic Christianity, In therapeutic Christianity, In therapeutic Christianity, personal flourishing becomes the main personal flourishing becomes the main personal flourishing becomes the main point of the gospel. point of the gospel. point of the gospel. Christianity becomes primarily about Christianity becomes primarily about Christianity becomes primarily about achieving happier, healthier, more achieving happier, healthier, more achieving happier, healthier, more successful, and more emotionally successful, and more emotionally successful, and more emotionally fulfilled lives. To be clear, I am not fulfilled lives. To be clear, I am not fulfilled lives. To be clear, I am not against therapy. Therapy can be really against therapy. Therapy can be really against therapy. Therapy can be really helpful. God really does want us to helpful. God really does want us to helpful. God really does want us to flourish. Doing things God's way always flourish. Doing things God's way always flourish. Doing things God's way always leads you to flourish. But when you leads you to flourish. But when you leads you to flourish. But when you primarily see Jesus as a means to primarily see Jesus as a means to primarily see Jesus as a means to becoming happier and healthier rather becoming happier and healthier rather becoming happier and healthier rather than seeing him as a treasure greater than seeing him as a treasure greater than seeing him as a treasure greater than anything else in your life and than anything else in your life and than anything else in your life and worth laying your life down for, then worth laying your life down for, then worth laying your life down for, then you have done what Jude warned against.

you have done what Jude warned against. you have done what Jude warned against. You have swapped out a heavenly agenda You have swapped out a heavenly agenda You have swapped out a heavenly agenda for an earthly one. for an earthly one. for an earthly one. The cross, you see, is not primarily a The cross, you see, is not primarily a The cross, you see, is not primarily a tool for self-fulfillment. The cross was tool for self-fulfillment. The cross was tool for self-fulfillment. The cross was a sacrifice that reconciled you to God. a sacrifice that reconciled you to God. a sacrifice that reconciled you to God. A cross you were supposed to pick up and A cross you were supposed to pick up and A cross you were supposed to pick up and carry to the world. In therapeutic carry to the world. In therapeutic carry to the world. In therapeutic Christianity, grace gets perverted. Christianity, grace gets perverted. Christianity, grace gets perverted. Instead of God accepts me by his grace Instead of God accepts me by his grace Instead of God accepts me by his grace and then works to make me holy, grace and then works to make me holy, grace and then works to make me holy, grace gets perverted to say God accepts me gets perverted to say God accepts me gets perverted to say God accepts me exactly as I am and celebrates me that exactly as I am and celebrates me that exactly as I am and celebrates me that way. way. way. In therapeutic Christianity, you won't In therapeutic Christianity, you won't In therapeutic Christianity, you won't find a lot of talk about sin or find a lot of talk about sin or find a lot of talk about sin or repentance or laying your life down for repentance or laying your life down for repentance or laying your life down for the cause of the gospel. Rather, you'll the cause of the gospel. Rather, you'll the cause of the gospel. Rather, you'll find a lot of talk about a happier, find a lot of talk about a happier, find a lot of talk about a happier, healthier you, finding healing to your healthier you, finding healing to your healthier you, finding healing to your brokenness, finding balance, achieving brokenness, finding balance, achieving brokenness, finding balance, achieving the good life, discovering the beautiful the good life, discovering the beautiful the good life, discovering the beautiful you. You snowflake, you unique color in you. You snowflake, you unique color in you. You snowflake, you unique color in God's rainbow, you one of a kind skittle God's rainbow, you one of a kind skittle God's rainbow, you one of a kind skittle in God's great candy jar. in God's great candy jar. in God's great candy jar. I've noticed that in a lot of the big I've noticed that in a lot of the big I've noticed that in a lot of the big college and young adult Christian college and young adult Christian college and young adult Christian conferences, this is how termites work, conferences, this is how termites work, conferences, this is how termites work, right? Doesn't start with a creedle right? Doesn't start with a creedle right? Doesn't start with a creedle change. I've just noticed that in a lot change. I've just noticed that in a lot change. I've just noticed that in a lot of the young adult Christian of the young adult Christian of the young adult Christian conferences, college conferences around conferences, college conferences around conferences, college conferences around the country, the talks used to be about the country, the talks used to be about the country, the talks used to be about the urgency of the great commission and the urgency of the great commission and the urgency of the great commission and why you should lay your life down so why you should lay your life down so why you should lay your life down so that people around the world could hear that people around the world could hear that people around the world could hear the gospel. Now, the bulk of the talks the gospel. Now, the bulk of the talks the gospel. Now, the bulk of the talks are about your brokenness and why you're are about your brokenness and why you're are about your brokenness and why you're beautiful and how God makes you whole.

beautiful and how God makes you whole. beautiful and how God makes you whole. And hear me, that is an important part And hear me, that is an important part And hear me, that is an important part of our message. I try to regularly of our message. I try to regularly of our message. I try to regularly preach on that. But therapeutic preach on that. But therapeutic preach on that. But therapeutic Christianity can very quickly become a Christianity can very quickly become a Christianity can very quickly become a counterfeit for real disciplehip because counterfeit for real disciplehip because counterfeit for real disciplehip because it switches out Jesus's primary agenda it switches out Jesus's primary agenda it switches out Jesus's primary agenda for an earthly one. Number two, for an earthly one. Number two, for an earthly one. Number two, Build-A-Bear Christianity. Build-A-Bear Christianity. Build-A-Bear Christianity. Anybody remember anybody remember the Anybody remember anybody remember the Anybody remember anybody remember the whole Build-A-Bear thing when you were a whole Build-A-Bear thing when you were a whole Build-A-Bear thing when you were a kid? Remember that? Do they even have kid? Remember that? Do they even have kid? Remember that? Do they even have that anymore? or is that a thing or is that anymore? or is that a thing or is that anymore? or is that a thing or is that just Okay, so back in the day, back that just Okay, so back in the day, back that just Okay, so back in the day, back in the day, maybe today, I don't know, in the day, maybe today, I don't know, in the day, maybe today, I don't know, you'd take your kid to the Build-A-Bear you'd take your kid to the Build-A-Bear you'd take your kid to the Build-A-Bear store in the mall and there they would store in the mall and there they would store in the mall and there they would build the bear that they wanted to build the bear that they wanted to build the bear that they wanted to snuggle with at night. They got to snuggle with at night. They got to snuggle with at night. They got to choose the size, they got to choose the choose the size, they got to choose the choose the size, they got to choose the color, the features. You want a bear color, the features. You want a bear color, the features. You want a bear with two different color eyes? Fine. You with two different color eyes? Fine. You with two different color eyes? Fine. You want a bear with both eyes on the left want a bear with both eyes on the left want a bear with both eyes on the left side of his face? Go ahead, Picasso. You side of his face? Go ahead, Picasso. You side of his face? Go ahead, Picasso. You do you. And I guess that's fine when it do you. And I guess that's fine when it do you. And I guess that's fine when it comes to assembling a fake bear to comes to assembling a fake bear to comes to assembling a fake bear to cuddle with at night. But that is not cuddle with at night. But that is not cuddle with at night. But that is not how we approach God. And yet, and that how we approach God. And yet, and that how we approach God. And yet, and that is exactly what people attempt to do is exactly what people attempt to do is exactly what people attempt to do with Jesus. They learn about Jesus and with Jesus. They learn about Jesus and with Jesus. They learn about Jesus and they're like, "Ooh, I like this." And, they're like, "Ooh, I like this." And, they're like, "Ooh, I like this." And, "Ooh, I like that." And, "Ooh, I don't "Ooh, I like that." And, "Ooh, I don't "Ooh, I like that." And, "Ooh, I don't like this." But y'all, the Bible is not like this." But y'all, the Bible is not like this." But y'all, the Bible is not a salad bar where you take the a salad bar where you take the a salad bar where you take the ingredients you like and leave the ones ingredients you like and leave the ones ingredients you like and leave the ones you don't. This is not Burger King where you don't. This is not Burger King where you don't. This is not Burger King where you can have your Jesus your way. I you can have your Jesus your way. I you can have your Jesus your way. I remember being on a college campus one remember being on a college campus one remember being on a college campus one time talking to a young lady about Jesus time talking to a young lady about Jesus time talking to a young lady about Jesus and I I I I I'd show her something in and I I I I I'd show her something in and I I I I I'd show her something in the Bible and she would say, 'Well, my the Bible and she would say, 'Well, my the Bible and she would say, 'Well, my Jesus wouldn't say that. And then she'd Jesus wouldn't say that. And then she'd Jesus wouldn't say that. And then she'd go, "My Jesus wouldn't think that." And go, "My Jesus wouldn't think that." And go, "My Jesus wouldn't think that." And eventually I told her, "You don't get

eventually I told her, "You don't get eventually I told her, "You don't get your own personal Jesus. There's one your own personal Jesus. There's one your own personal Jesus. There's one Jesus." And you either submit to his Jesus." And you either submit to his Jesus." And you either submit to his lordship or you reject him. lordship or you reject him. lordship or you reject him. >> This is what Jude was talking about. >> This is what Jude was talking about. >> This is what Jude was talking about. People who deny the lordship of Christ. People who deny the lordship of Christ. People who deny the lordship of Christ. By the way, the place Build-A-Bear By the way, the place Build-A-Bear By the way, the place Build-A-Bear theology shows up most often both in theology shows up most often both in theology shows up most often both in Jude's day and in our day is in regard Jude's day and in our day is in regard Jude's day and in our day is in regard to sexual issues. It's the main thing to sexual issues. It's the main thing to sexual issues. It's the main thing Jude's going to bring up in his letter. Jude's going to bring up in his letter. Jude's going to bring up in his letter. Listen to me. Sexual perversions are the Listen to me. Sexual perversions are the Listen to me. Sexual perversions are the enemy's prime battleground in every enemy's prime battleground in every enemy's prime battleground in every generation. generation. generation. And just like in Jude's day, we're told And just like in Jude's day, we're told And just like in Jude's day, we're told by many today, oh yeah, the Christian by many today, oh yeah, the Christian by many today, oh yeah, the Christian way is not about adhering to archaic way is not about adhering to archaic way is not about adhering to archaic sexual mores. Those people are sexual mores. Those people are sexual mores. Those people are primitive. They were doing the best they primitive. They were doing the best they primitive. They were doing the best they could, but we're advanced. No, Jesus. could, but we're advanced. No, Jesus. could, but we're advanced. No, Jesus. Living for Jesus is about discovering Living for Jesus is about discovering Living for Jesus is about discovering and living in love and acceptance. And and living in love and acceptance. And and living in love and acceptance. And hey, love is love. Do it your way. And hey, love is love. Do it your way. And hey, love is love. Do it your way. And so, we see a lot of sectors of the so, we see a lot of sectors of the so, we see a lot of sectors of the church where homosexuality is affirmed. church where homosexuality is affirmed. church where homosexuality is affirmed. They literally call themselves affirming They literally call themselves affirming They literally call themselves affirming churches because they proudly and churches because they proudly and churches because they proudly and brazenly affirm what Christ and his brazenly affirm what Christ and his brazenly affirm what Christ and his apostles forbid.

apostles forbid. apostles forbid. or churches who feel free to redefine or churches who feel free to redefine or churches who feel free to redefine marriage differently than God's marriage differently than God's marriage differently than God's prescription, which is one man with one prescription, which is one man with one prescription, which is one man with one woman for life. Or churches where woman for life. Or churches where woman for life. Or churches where transitioning gender is affirmed and transitioning gender is affirmed and transitioning gender is affirmed and celebrated as if gender were a choice celebrated as if gender were a choice celebrated as if gender were a choice and not something God wrote into our and not something God wrote into our and not something God wrote into our very DNA. very DNA. very DNA. Churches where pornography is treated Churches where pornography is treated Churches where pornography is treated casually or as a part of self-exression. casually or as a part of self-exression. casually or as a part of self-exression. And by the way, maybe some of you say, And by the way, maybe some of you say, And by the way, maybe some of you say, "Well, I don't look at porn." "Well, I don't look at porn." "Well, I don't look at porn." Yeah, but I know Christians who seem Yeah, but I know Christians who seem Yeah, but I know Christians who seem incredibly unbothered watching shows incredibly unbothered watching shows incredibly unbothered watching shows with graphic and sinful sex scenes. with graphic and sinful sex scenes. with graphic and sinful sex scenes. Hello, Game of Thrones fans. And I Hello, Game of Thrones fans. And I Hello, Game of Thrones fans. And I hesitate naming shows like that because hesitate naming shows like that because hesitate naming shows like that because I don't want you to feel judged. I just I don't want you to feel judged. I just I don't want you to feel judged. I just feel like the Holy Spirit is really feel like the Holy Spirit is really feel like the Holy Spirit is really grieved by what some of us watch and grieved by what some of us watch and grieved by what some of us watch and fill our minds with. And Christians talk fill our minds with. And Christians talk fill our minds with. And Christians talk about these shows without even the about these shows without even the about these shows without even the slightest flesh of embarrassment. Or slightest flesh of embarrassment. Or slightest flesh of embarrassment. Or churches where cohabitation before churches where cohabitation before churches where cohabitation before marriage is just accepted as a reality marriage is just accepted as a reality marriage is just accepted as a reality of our culture. even though God calls it of our culture. even though God calls it of our culture. even though God calls it sin. Churches where adultery is sin. Churches where adultery is sin. Churches where adultery is justified in some situations as a quest justified in some situations as a quest justified in some situations as a quest to find true happiness.

to find true happiness. to find true happiness. In churches like these, these kinds of In churches like these, these kinds of In churches like these, these kinds of things are embraced in the name of love things are embraced in the name of love things are embraced in the name of love and acceptance and grace. But these and acceptance and grace. But these and acceptance and grace. But these things pervert the grace of God into things pervert the grace of God into things pervert the grace of God into sensuality and they deny the lordship of sensuality and they deny the lordship of sensuality and they deny the lordship of Christ just like Jude said. Number Christ just like Jude said. Number Christ just like Jude said. Number three, prosperity theology. three, prosperity theology. three, prosperity theology. Prosperity theology. Again, this is Prosperity theology. Again, this is Prosperity theology. Again, this is another one Jude mentioned specifically another one Jude mentioned specifically another one Jude mentioned specifically in verses 11, 12, and 16. I won't read in verses 11, 12, and 16. I won't read in verses 11, 12, and 16. I won't read those verses because we'll get to them those verses because we'll get to them those verses because we'll get to them next week, but Jude talks about people next week, but Jude talks about people next week, but Jude talks about people who use the gospel for personal wealthy who use the gospel for personal wealthy who use the gospel for personal wealthy gain. In prosperity theology, the core gain. In prosperity theology, the core gain. In prosperity theology, the core message becomes Jesus exists to make you message becomes Jesus exists to make you message becomes Jesus exists to make you rich rich rich rather than Jesus is your riches and is rather than Jesus is your riches and is rather than Jesus is your riches and is worth leaving the whole world behind worth leaving the whole world behind worth leaving the whole world behind for. Yeah. for. Yeah. for. Yeah. >> Interestingly, in verse 12, Jude talks >> Interestingly, in verse 12, Jude talks >> Interestingly, in verse 12, Jude talks about churches like this who are led by about churches like this who are led by about churches like this who are led by shepherds who feed themselves rather shepherds who feed themselves rather shepherds who feed themselves rather than the flock. When you look into than the flock. When you look into than the flock. When you look into prosperity gospel churches, this is prosperity gospel churches, this is prosperity gospel churches, this is often exactly what you'll find. Leaders often exactly what you'll find. Leaders often exactly what you'll find. Leaders living at at extravagant levels, living at at extravagant levels, living at at extravagant levels, manipulating congregants to give them manipulating congregants to give them manipulating congregants to give them money so they can live exorbitantly.

money so they can live exorbitantly. money so they can live exorbitantly. In fact, I once got to know a pastor in In fact, I once got to know a pastor in In fact, I once got to know a pastor in this tradition and I went to his office this tradition and I went to his office this tradition and I went to his office to have lunch with him and in his to have lunch with him and in his to have lunch with him and in his parking lot was a 40ft stretch limo. So parking lot was a 40ft stretch limo. So parking lot was a 40ft stretch limo. So I asked, "Is somebody famous here? Like I asked, "Is somebody famous here? Like I asked, "Is somebody famous here? Like did Matt Damon swing by for a visit?" did Matt Damon swing by for a visit?" did Matt Damon swing by for a visit?" He's like, "No, this is how we show He's like, "No, this is how we show He's like, "No, this is how we show God's prophets, you know, the church's God's prophets, you know, the church's God's prophets, you know, the church's pastor. Is this how we show them honor?" pastor. Is this how we show them honor?" pastor. Is this how we show them honor?" I went into his bathroom. He had all I went into his bathroom. He had all I went into his bathroom. He had all these exotic colog from around the these exotic colog from around the these exotic colog from around the world, y'all. I'm not a fragrance guy. I world, y'all. I'm not a fragrance guy. I world, y'all. I'm not a fragrance guy. I couldn't even pronounce the words on couldn't even pronounce the words on couldn't even pronounce the words on most of the bottles, but I recognize most of the bottles, but I recognize most of the bottles, but I recognize money when I see it. money when I see it. money when I see it. And here's the thing, their church was And here's the thing, their church was And here's the thing, their church was not even that big. I thought, man, his not even that big. I thought, man, his not even that big. I thought, man, his congregation is way smaller than ours, congregation is way smaller than ours, congregation is way smaller than ours, and he seems to have way more money than and he seems to have way more money than and he seems to have way more money than we do. So, I just asked him, I was like, we do. So, I just asked him, I was like, we do. So, I just asked him, I was like, hey, do you like have a bunch of hey, do you like have a bunch of hey, do you like have a bunch of millionaires in your church? He was millionaires in your church? He was millionaires in your church? He was like, no. But then he explained that like, no. But then he explained that like, no. But then he explained that basically the whole offering of their basically the whole offering of their basically the whole offering of their church went to him personally to spend church went to him personally to spend church went to him personally to spend as he saw fit. And what's more, whenever as he saw fit. And what's more, whenever as he saw fit. And what's more, whenever their church planted a church, which to their church planted a church, which to their church planted a church, which to their credit they were doing a lot of, their credit they were doing a lot of, their credit they were doing a lot of, they taught this new church that this they taught this new church that this they taught this new church that this new church was under his spiritual new church was under his spiritual new church was under his spiritual covering. And so they therefore needed covering. And so they therefore needed covering. And so they therefore needed to honor him by tithing 10% of their to honor him by tithing 10% of their to honor him by tithing 10% of their church budget back to him personally church budget back to him personally church budget back to him personally throughout the rest of their existence.

throughout the rest of their existence. throughout the rest of their existence. And I thought, man, am I doing this all And I thought, man, am I doing this all And I thought, man, am I doing this all wrong? wrong? wrong? I mean, I I'm always like, if we had I mean, I I'm always like, if we had I mean, I I'm always like, if we had more money, I'd plant more churches. more money, I'd plant more churches. more money, I'd plant more churches. This guy's like, "Mama wants a new This guy's like, "Mama wants a new This guy's like, "Mama wants a new Cadillac. I'll go plant some more Cadillac. I'll go plant some more Cadillac. I'll go plant some more churches." churches." churches." Of course, I'm joking. Y'all, when I say Of course, I'm joking. Y'all, when I say Of course, I'm joking. Y'all, when I say that, I know we're not doing it wrong, that, I know we're not doing it wrong, that, I know we're not doing it wrong, but suffice it to say that there are a but suffice it to say that there are a but suffice it to say that there are a lot of leaders who turn the church into lot of leaders who turn the church into lot of leaders who turn the church into their own personal piggy bank. We've their own personal piggy bank. We've their own personal piggy bank. We've never wanted to be that here. It's why never wanted to be that here. It's why never wanted to be that here. It's why it's a group of lay people, not other it's a group of lay people, not other it's a group of lay people, not other staff, not of the pastor, group of lay staff, not of the pastor, group of lay staff, not of the pastor, group of lay people that set my salary. It's why people that set my salary. It's why people that set my salary. It's why we're very fidious on all the we're very fidious on all the we're very fidious on all the accounting. It's just it's just we know accounting. It's just it's just we know accounting. It's just it's just we know that we don't exist to be enriched off that we don't exist to be enriched off that we don't exist to be enriched off of the church. We exist to lead the of the church. We exist to lead the of the church. We exist to lead the church, supports life out for the world. church, supports life out for the world. church, supports life out for the world. It's why my wife and I have always It's why my wife and I have always It's why my wife and I have always striven to be exemplary, beyond striven to be exemplary, beyond striven to be exemplary, beyond exemplary in our giving. And I want to exemplary in our giving. And I want to exemplary in our giving. And I want to be one of the lead givers in the church, be one of the lead givers in the church, be one of the lead givers in the church, not just in amount, but in percentage not just in amount, but in percentage not just in amount, but in percentage because I want to model for you. This is because I want to model for you. This is because I want to model for you. This is what it looks like to give your life what it looks like to give your life what it looks like to give your life away for the gospel. Like Jude explains, away for the gospel. Like Jude explains, away for the gospel. Like Jude explains, bad doctrine leads to sinful living. Let bad doctrine leads to sinful living. Let bad doctrine leads to sinful living. Let me just say, I know there are scandals me just say, I know there are scandals me just say, I know there are scandals in the church everywhere. I I get that, in the church everywhere. I I get that, in the church everywhere. I I get that, including churches that believe just including churches that believe just including churches that believe just like us. Wherever you got humans and like us. Wherever you got humans and like us. Wherever you got humans and money, you're going to have corruption money, you're going to have corruption money, you're going to have corruption and scandal.

and scandal. and scandal. But still, scandal seems to be But still, scandal seems to be But still, scandal seems to be particularly bad in prosperity theology particularly bad in prosperity theology particularly bad in prosperity theology churches. And that is because doctrinal churches. And that is because doctrinal churches. And that is because doctrinal and moral corruption often go together. and moral corruption often go together. and moral corruption often go together. Bad doctrine leads to sinful living. Bad doctrine leads to sinful living. Bad doctrine leads to sinful living. Number four, earthly kingdom Number four, earthly kingdom Number four, earthly kingdom Christianity Christianity Christianity is your fourth corruption. That's where is your fourth corruption. That's where is your fourth corruption. That's where we replace a focus on building Christ's we replace a focus on building Christ's we replace a focus on building Christ's spiritual heavenly kingdom with a focus spiritual heavenly kingdom with a focus spiritual heavenly kingdom with a focus on building an earthly political one. on building an earthly political one. on building an earthly political one. Now, I want to be super careful here, Now, I want to be super careful here, Now, I want to be super careful here, right? So, if you're going to clip this right? So, if you're going to clip this right? So, if you're going to clip this online, start here, okay? online, start here, okay? online, start here, okay? Because Christians are supposed to be Because Christians are supposed to be Because Christians are supposed to be involved in politics. involved in politics. involved in politics. It's part of how we love our neighbor. It's part of how we love our neighbor. It's part of how we love our neighbor. It's part of how we publicly witness to It's part of how we publicly witness to It's part of how we publicly witness to our community. And when a nation's our community. And when a nation's our community. And when a nation's constitution and when its moral constitution and when its moral constitution and when its moral framework are built on God's created framework are built on God's created framework are built on God's created order, the nation flourishes. So, we order, the nation flourishes. So, we order, the nation flourishes. So, we should vote for candidates whom we should vote for candidates whom we should vote for candidates whom we believe will rule and establish laws believe will rule and establish laws believe will rule and establish laws according to God's vision for the world. according to God's vision for the world. according to God's vision for the world. And if neither one of the candidates And if neither one of the candidates And if neither one of the candidates does it perfectly, you need to vote for does it perfectly, you need to vote for does it perfectly, you need to vote for the one that is closest. At the same the one that is closest. At the same the one that is closest. At the same time, Jesus's agenda until Christ until time, Jesus's agenda until Christ until time, Jesus's agenda until Christ until he returns, his agenda is not to he returns, his agenda is not to he returns, his agenda is not to establish a political reign on earth.

establish a political reign on earth. establish a political reign on earth. The apostles asked Jesus this very The apostles asked Jesus this very The apostles asked Jesus this very question specifically just before he question specifically just before he question specifically just before he ascended. Acts 1:6, as he was leaving, ascended. Acts 1:6, as he was leaving, ascended. Acts 1:6, as he was leaving, they were like, "Hey, so are you going they were like, "Hey, so are you going they were like, "Hey, so are you going to have us build your kingdom on earth to have us build your kingdom on earth to have us build your kingdom on earth now?" And Jesus said, "Your now?" And Jesus said, "Your now?" And Jesus said, "Your responsibility right now is not that. It responsibility right now is not that. It responsibility right now is not that. It is instead acts 18 to be my witnesses is instead acts 18 to be my witnesses is instead acts 18 to be my witnesses and to take this gospel to all the and to take this gospel to all the and to take this gospel to all the nations on the earth. Meaning our nations on the earth. Meaning our nations on the earth. Meaning our primary responsibility is the primary responsibility is the primary responsibility is the proclamation of the gospel to every proclamation of the gospel to every proclamation of the gospel to every person in every nation on earth. Full person in every nation on earth. Full person in every nation on earth. Full stop. Hard period. stop. Hard period. stop. Hard period. >> I love how theologian Michael Horton >> I love how theologian Michael Horton >> I love how theologian Michael Horton explains it. We are not to yield to explains it. We are not to yield to explains it. We are not to yield to Caesar a single jewel from Christ crown. Caesar a single jewel from Christ crown. Caesar a single jewel from Christ crown. Identifying Christ with any nation today Identifying Christ with any nation today Identifying Christ with any nation today risks blasphemy. Christ identifies risks blasphemy. Christ identifies risks blasphemy. Christ identifies himself only with the holy nation of the himself only with the holy nation of the himself only with the holy nation of the church, which is comprised of peoples church, which is comprised of peoples church, which is comprised of peoples from every nation. Trying to build a from every nation. Trying to build a from every nation. Trying to build a theocratic Christian kingdom on earth theocratic Christian kingdom on earth theocratic Christian kingdom on earth swaps Jesus's agenda for a fleshly one, swaps Jesus's agenda for a fleshly one, swaps Jesus's agenda for a fleshly one, just like Jude warned against. Anytime just like Jude warned against. Anytime just like Jude warned against. Anytime we begin to believe that the primary we begin to believe that the primary we begin to believe that the primary mission of the church is winning mission of the church is winning mission of the church is winning elections, elections, elections, defeating progressives, defeating defeating progressives, defeating defeating progressives, defeating conservative extremism, saving Western conservative extremism, saving Western conservative extremism, saving Western civilization, taking America back. That civilization, taking America back. That civilization, taking America back. That is exactly what we've done. Again, it's is exactly what we've done. Again, it's is exactly what we've done. Again, it's not that we shouldn't want to see not that we shouldn't want to see not that we shouldn't want to see Christian values influence our laws.

Christian values influence our laws. Christian values influence our laws. It's not that we shouldn't want to see It's not that we shouldn't want to see It's not that we shouldn't want to see society become more just, society become more just, society become more just, but ideologies like critical theory and but ideologies like critical theory and but ideologies like critical theory and cultural Marxism or theocratic Christian cultural Marxism or theocratic Christian cultural Marxism or theocratic Christian nationalism subtly redefine the mission nationalism subtly redefine the mission nationalism subtly redefine the mission of the church. That's right. of the church. That's right. of the church. That's right. >> Mark my words. When somebody starts to >> Mark my words. When somebody starts to >> Mark my words. When somebody starts to preach politics from the pulpit, they preach politics from the pulpit, they preach politics from the pulpit, they will almost always very soon stop will almost always very soon stop will almost always very soon stop preaching the gospel because they begin preaching the gospel because they begin preaching the gospel because they begin to assume that the preservation of their to assume that the preservation of their to assume that the preservation of their nation is more important than the nation is more important than the nation is more important than the salvation of souls in that nation. salvation of souls in that nation. salvation of souls in that nation. >> Y'all hear me? Listen, I love America. I >> Y'all hear me? Listen, I love America. I >> Y'all hear me? Listen, I love America. I own more things with stars and stripes own more things with stars and stripes own more things with stars and stripes on them than any human should. My on them than any human should. My on them than any human should. My Spotify algorithm thinks every other Spotify algorithm thinks every other Spotify algorithm thinks every other song should involve a pickup truck or song should involve a pickup truck or song should involve a pickup truck or freedom or both. Okay? And I want to see freedom or both. Okay? And I want to see freedom or both. Okay? And I want to see America renewed and reformed. But as a America renewed and reformed. But as a America renewed and reformed. But as a pastor, Jesus did not make my first pastor, Jesus did not make my first pastor, Jesus did not make my first assignment saving America, but calling assignment saving America, but calling assignment saving America, but calling Americans to salvation. Whether they're Americans to salvation. Whether they're Americans to salvation. Whether they're Democrats or Republicans, progressive or Democrats or Republicans, progressive or Democrats or Republicans, progressive or conservative, black or white or rich or conservative, black or white or rich or conservative, black or white or rich or poor. That is what we do. Okay? poor. That is what we do. Okay? poor. That is what we do. Okay? [applause] Earthly kingdom Christianity swaps out Earthly kingdom Christianity swaps out Christ's mission for an earthly one.

Christ's mission for an earthly one. Christ's mission for an earthly one. Last one, number five, consumer Last one, number five, consumer Last one, number five, consumer Christianity. Christianity. Christianity. and consumer Christianity. Christians and consumer Christianity. Christians and consumer Christianity. Christians treat the church like it primarily treat the church like it primarily treat the church like it primarily exists to meet their preferences. exists to meet their preferences. exists to meet their preferences. So they approach their local church with So they approach their local church with So they approach their local church with the attitude, I'll stay here as long as the attitude, I'll stay here as long as the attitude, I'll stay here as long as I like the music. I like the music. I like the music. Worship pastor don't talk too long. The Worship pastor don't talk too long. The Worship pastor don't talk too long. The people are cool and fun. My kids are people are cool and fun. My kids are people are cool and fun. My kids are entertained and the sermons inspire me entertained and the sermons inspire me entertained and the sermons inspire me and the programs serve me and nobody and the programs serve me and nobody and the programs serve me and nobody annoys me. annoys me. annoys me. As long as people anticipate my needs As long as people anticipate my needs As long as people anticipate my needs and they meet them. as long as the and they meet them. as long as the and they meet them. as long as the pastor never offends me or talks about pastor never offends me or talks about pastor never offends me or talks about money. And I get it. Some of these money. And I get it. Some of these money. And I get it. Some of these things are part of why you choose the things are part of why you choose the things are part of why you choose the church. You like the church and it church. You like the church and it church. You like the church and it worked for your family. Nothing wrong worked for your family. Nothing wrong worked for your family. Nothing wrong with that. But in consumer Christianity, with that. But in consumer Christianity, with that. But in consumer Christianity, these things remain central in your these things remain central in your these things remain central in your relationship with the church. So you've relationship with the church. So you've relationship with the church. So you've been here 2, three years and you're been here 2, three years and you're been here 2, three years and you're still asking, "How's the church meeting still asking, "How's the church meeting still asking, "How's the church meeting my needs?" rather than how am I supposed my needs?" rather than how am I supposed my needs?" rather than how am I supposed to be laying down my life for the to be laying down my life for the to be laying down my life for the church. church. church. >> I mentioned the other night we >> I mentioned the other night we >> I mentioned the other night we celebrated my dad's 80th birthday. We celebrated my dad's 80th birthday. We celebrated my dad's 80th birthday. We did it with a small group of family and did it with a small group of family and did it with a small group of family and friends. And there was a point where a friends. And there was a point where a friends. And there was a point where a few of us said some, you know, grateful few of us said some, you know, grateful few of us said some, you know, grateful words about my dad. And one of the words about my dad. And one of the words about my dad. And one of the things I said was that I'm so grateful things I said was that I'm so grateful things I said was that I'm so grateful now now now what I learned from him watching him and what I learned from him watching him and what I learned from him watching him and my mom growing up because he basically my mom growing up because he basically my mom growing up because he basically lived out for me the opposite of lived out for me the opposite of lived out for me the opposite of consumer Christianity. He and my mom consumer Christianity. He and my mom consumer Christianity. He and my mom were members of the same church in were members of the same church in were members of the same church in Winston Salem for 41 years until they Winston Salem for 41 years until they Winston Salem for 41 years until they moved to become members here. since and moved to become members here. since and moved to become members here. since and the only reason you needed that is the only reason you needed that is the only reason you needed that is because he figured he had a really good because he figured he had a really good because he figured he had a really good end with the pastor here. Okay,

end with the pastor here. Okay, end with the pastor here. Okay, that church they were part of for 41 that church they were part of for 41 that church they were part of for 41 years in Winston Salem went through years in Winston Salem went through years in Winston Salem went through cycles like every church does. Seasons cycles like every church does. Seasons cycles like every church does. Seasons of decline, hard times, boring spells, of decline, hard times, boring spells, of decline, hard times, boring spells, bad sermon series, bad leadership, and bad sermon series, bad leadership, and bad sermon series, bad leadership, and yet my mom and dad stayed through all of yet my mom and dad stayed through all of yet my mom and dad stayed through all of it because that's what you do when it because that's what you do when it because that's what you do when you're committed to something. Hear me. you're committed to something. Hear me. you're committed to something. Hear me. I'm not saying there's never a time to I'm not saying there's never a time to I'm not saying there's never a time to leave a church and find a new one. I'm leave a church and find a new one. I'm leave a church and find a new one. I'm not saying that there is. But I also not saying that there is. But I also not saying that there is. But I also know that our generation operates in all know that our generation operates in all know that our generation operates in all spheres of our lives with a deep spheres of our lives with a deep spheres of our lives with a deep consumer mentality. And I guess that's consumer mentality. And I guess that's consumer mentality. And I guess that's fine if we're talking about fast food. fine if we're talking about fast food. fine if we're talking about fast food. If my burger doesn't taste that good or If my burger doesn't taste that good or If my burger doesn't taste that good or my fries are not hot enough or the my fries are not hot enough or the my fries are not hot enough or the customer service is bad, then I'm out of customer service is bad, then I'm out of customer service is bad, then I'm out of here. But that is not how you're here. But that is not how you're here. But that is not how you're supposed to treat a marriage or a supposed to treat a marriage or a supposed to treat a marriage or a family. I sincerely hope none of you family. I sincerely hope none of you family. I sincerely hope none of you parents ever say to your kids, "You parents ever say to your kids, "You parents ever say to your kids, "You know, conversation around the dinner know, conversation around the dinner know, conversation around the dinner table is a little flat right now. Your table is a little flat right now. Your table is a little flat right now. Your kids are really starting to annoy me. kids are really starting to annoy me. kids are really starting to annoy me. Always asking me for money. So, I'm Always asking me for money. So, I'm Always asking me for money. So, I'm going to go out and try a different going to go out and try a different going to go out and try a different family for a few weeks just to see if family for a few weeks just to see if family for a few weeks just to see if something fits better. That's not how something fits better. That's not how something fits better. That's not how you're supposed to be with the family of you're supposed to be with the family of you're supposed to be with the family of God either. God either. God either. So, from my dad, I learned that you So, from my dad, I learned that you So, from my dad, I learned that you stay. You stay during the hard times.

stay. You stay during the hard times. stay. You stay during the hard times. You stay during the boring times. You You stay during the boring times. You You stay during the boring times. You stay through the problems. You stay stay through the problems. You stay stay through the problems. You stay through the challenges because that's through the challenges because that's through the challenges because that's what Jesus did for the church. You love what Jesus did for the church. You love what Jesus did for the church. You love people through the problems. people through the problems. people through the problems. That's the opposite of consumer That's the opposite of consumer That's the opposite of consumer Christianity, which builds faith around Christianity, which builds faith around Christianity, which builds faith around catering to the desires of the flesh. catering to the desires of the flesh. catering to the desires of the flesh. So, there you go. So, there you go. So, there you go. giving you five ways Jude's warning giving you five ways Jude's warning giving you five ways Jude's warning about termites in the church manifest about termites in the church manifest about termites in the church manifest today. Therapeutic Christianity, today. Therapeutic Christianity, today. Therapeutic Christianity, Build-A-Bear Christianity, prosperity Build-A-Bear Christianity, prosperity Build-A-Bear Christianity, prosperity theology, earthly kingdom Christianity, theology, earthly kingdom Christianity, theology, earthly kingdom Christianity, and consumer Christianity. I'm sure and consumer Christianity. I'm sure and consumer Christianity. I'm sure there are more. The point is, in every there are more. The point is, in every there are more. The point is, in every age, we have bad leaders reshaping age, we have bad leaders reshaping age, we have bad leaders reshaping Jesus's message around fleshly desires, Jesus's message around fleshly desires, Jesus's message around fleshly desires, swapping out Christ's agenda for theirs, swapping out Christ's agenda for theirs, swapping out Christ's agenda for theirs, and perverting grace. By the way, I and perverting grace. By the way, I and perverting grace. By the way, I think that phrase in verse four is super think that phrase in verse four is super think that phrase in verse four is super important. important. important. These termites pervert the grace of God. These termites pervert the grace of God. These termites pervert the grace of God. They don't deny it. They just redefine They don't deny it. They just redefine They don't deny it. They just redefine it. They're like, "Grace means you don't it. They're like, "Grace means you don't it. They're like, "Grace means you don't have to repent. Grace means God affirms have to repent. Grace means God affirms have to repent. Grace means God affirms you as you are. Grace means God's you as you are. Grace means God's you as you are. Grace means God's highest priority is making you highest priority is making you highest priority is making you comfortable and rich." And so when their comfortable and rich." And so when their comfortable and rich." And so when their hands are up and they're singing about hands are up and they're singing about hands are up and they're singing about amazing grace, they're thinking about amazing grace, they're thinking about amazing grace, they're thinking about something different. Grace means God something different. Grace means God something different. Grace means God exists to fulfill your dreams. Grace exists to fulfill your dreams. Grace exists to fulfill your dreams. Grace means God wants your tribe to thrive and means God wants your tribe to thrive and means God wants your tribe to thrive and your culture to prosper. And Jude says, your culture to prosper. And Jude says, your culture to prosper. And Jude says, "No, grace brings you to God. Grace "No, grace brings you to God. Grace "No, grace brings you to God. Grace doesn't feed your flesh. Grace teaches doesn't feed your flesh. Grace teaches doesn't feed your flesh. Grace teaches you to deny it. Grace doesn't diminish you to deny it. Grace doesn't diminish you to deny it. Grace doesn't diminish Jesus's lordship. Grace establishes it.

Jesus's lordship. Grace establishes it. Jesus's lordship. Grace establishes it. Grace doesn't fulfill your agenda. Grace Grace doesn't fulfill your agenda. Grace Grace doesn't fulfill your agenda. Grace teaches you to surrender your agenda to teaches you to surrender your agenda to teaches you to surrender your agenda to his. Grace is not about pampering your his. Grace is not about pampering your his. Grace is not about pampering your flesh. Grace is about restoring you to flesh. Grace is about restoring you to flesh. Grace is about restoring you to the greatest reality in the universe, the greatest reality in the universe, the greatest reality in the universe, fellowship with God." fellowship with God." fellowship with God." Y'all, the genius of false teaching. The Y'all, the genius of false teaching. The Y'all, the genius of false teaching. The reason it creeps in unnoticed like reason it creeps in unnoticed like reason it creeps in unnoticed like termites termites termites is that it almost never asks you to is that it almost never asks you to is that it almost never asks you to reject Jesus. reject Jesus. reject Jesus. It simply asks you to attach a different It simply asks you to attach a different It simply asks you to attach a different agenda to Jesus. agenda to Jesus. agenda to Jesus. Sexual freedom, politics, money, Sexual freedom, politics, money, Sexual freedom, politics, money, comfort, power, identity, therapy, comfort, power, identity, therapy, comfort, power, identity, therapy, success, false teaching doesn't remove success, false teaching doesn't remove success, false teaching doesn't remove Jesus. It just rearranges him. It makes Jesus. It just rearranges him. It makes Jesus. It just rearranges him. It makes Jesus a useful means to an end rather Jesus a useful means to an end rather Jesus a useful means to an end rather than the beautiful end in himself. And than the beautiful end in himself. And than the beautiful end in himself. And whenever that happens, y'all, termites whenever that happens, y'all, termites whenever that happens, y'all, termites are in the walls. are in the walls. are in the walls. Church, we got to be clear. Church, we got to be clear. Church, we got to be clear. We got to be clear above all things on We got to be clear above all things on We got to be clear above all things on what the true gospel is. What is the what the true gospel is. What is the what the true gospel is. What is the essence of that faith delivered once for essence of that faith delivered once for essence of that faith delivered once for all to the saints. all to the saints. all to the saints. So, let me close by defining the gospel So, let me close by defining the gospel So, let me close by defining the gospel for you. And I'm going to use the words for you. And I'm going to use the words for you. And I'm going to use the words of the Apostle Paul where Paul said, of the Apostle Paul where Paul said, of the Apostle Paul where Paul said, "I'm going to do it." This, by the way, "I'm going to do it." This, by the way, "I'm going to do it." This, by the way, is what Jude said he wanted to write is what Jude said he wanted to write is what Jude said he wanted to write about, but the church wouldn't let him.

about, but the church wouldn't let him. about, but the church wouldn't let him. way to write this other letter. So, way to write this other letter. So, way to write this other letter. So, we're going to pull this in from Paul. we're going to pull this in from Paul. we're going to pull this in from Paul. Paul says, "I delivered unto you as of Paul says, "I delivered unto you as of Paul says, "I delivered unto you as of first importance that which I also first importance that which I also first importance that which I also received received received that Christ died for our sins in that Christ died for our sins in that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scripture." This is accordance with the scripture." This is accordance with the scripture." This is the faith that I received once for all the faith that I received once for all the faith that I received once for all to the saint. This is the most important to the saint. This is the most important to the saint. This is the most important thing about the first important thing. thing about the first important thing. thing about the first important thing. Christ died for sin just like the Bible Christ died for sin just like the Bible Christ died for sin just like the Bible always said he would. Next verse. He was always said he would. Next verse. He was always said he would. Next verse. He was buried that he was raised on the third buried that he was raised on the third buried that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures. day in accordance with the scriptures. day in accordance with the scriptures. The gospel is the good news that God The gospel is the good news that God The gospel is the good news that God sent his son to suffer for your sin and sent his son to suffer for your sin and sent his son to suffer for your sin and my sin in our place so that we could be my sin in our place so that we could be my sin in our place so that we could be reconciled to God and thereafter live reconciled to God and thereafter live reconciled to God and thereafter live holy lives in fellowship with him. The holy lives in fellowship with him. The holy lives in fellowship with him. The gospel is that we could not save gospel is that we could not save gospel is that we could not save ourselves. So God did not give us a ourselves. So God did not give us a ourselves. So God did not give us a rescue plan that we could execute by him rescue plan that we could execute by him rescue plan that we could execute by him ourselves. [music] ourselves. [music] ourselves. [music] He did it. He gave us a plan that he did He did it. He gave us a plan that he did He did it. He gave us a plan that he did all by himself that you could only all by himself that you could only all by himself that you could only receive as a gift. And in response receive as a gift. And in response receive as a gift. And in response [music] to that gift, you owe him [music] to that gift, you owe him [music] to that gift, you owe him everything. When you embrace this and everything. When you embrace this and everything. When you embrace this and then you focus your whole life on then you focus your whole life on then you focus your whole life on proclaiming it, that's what it looks proclaiming it, that's what it looks proclaiming it, that's what it looks like to be called, loved, and kept.

like to be called, loved, and kept. like to be called, loved, and kept. The thought of his beloved church losing The thought of his beloved church losing The thought of his beloved church losing that is what provoked Jude to write this that is what provoked Jude to write this that is what provoked Jude to write this letter so that he might contend for that letter so that he might contend for that letter so that he might contend for that faith delivered [music] once for all to faith delivered [music] once for all to faith delivered [music] once for all to the saints. the saints. the saints. So, here's the obvious question this So, here's the obvious question this So, here's the obvious question this morning. morning. morning. Have you received this gospel Have you received this gospel Have you received this gospel personally? personally? personally? See, it's an individual offer made to See, it's an individual offer made to See, it's an individual offer made to you personally. This is what Jude's so you personally. This is what Jude's so you personally. This is what Jude's so fired up about. You got to receive it fired up about. You got to receive it fired up about. You got to receive it personally. And there's no other message personally. And there's no other message personally. And there's no other message that I ever want to get in the way of that I ever want to get in the way of that I ever want to get in the way of [music] this one. It's what this whole [music] this one. It's what this whole [music] this one. It's what this whole thing is about. You receive this gospel thing is about. You receive this gospel thing is about. You receive this gospel and you join this church. You can become and you join this church. You can become and you join this church. You can become a part of the family of God, committed a part of the family of God, committed a part of the family of God, committed to spreading this gospel. to spreading this gospel. to spreading this gospel. You can receive that offer of salvation. You can receive that offer of salvation. You can receive that offer of salvation. You can do it today, right now. If you You can do it today, right now. If you You can do it today, right now. If you never have, if that's you, if you've never have, if that's you, if you've never have, if that's you, if you've never received Jesus personally, never never received Jesus personally, never never received Jesus personally, never received the gospel personally or you're received the gospel personally or you're received the gospel personally or you're not sure that you have, you got not sure that you have, you got not sure that you have, you got questions, here's my invitation to you. questions, here's my invitation to you. questions, here's my invitation to you. I want you to take your phone out. I I want you to take your phone out. I I want you to take your phone out. I want you to text the word ready to want you to text the word ready to want you to text the word ready to 33933.

33933. 33933. Somebody will follow up with you. We'll Somebody will follow up with you. We'll Somebody will follow up with you. We'll start to explore those questions. By the start to explore those questions. By the start to explore those questions. By the way, I met somebody at our church who way, I met somebody at our church who way, I met somebody at our church who [music] got saved, got baptized here, [music] got saved, got baptized here, [music] got saved, got baptized here, who got a tattoo, and they had 3393 in who got a tattoo, and they had 3393 in who got a tattoo, and they had 3393 in the tattoo. And I was like, what is the tattoo. And I was like, what is the tattoo. And I was like, what is that? Because that's how I started the that? Because that's how I started the that? Because that's how I started the conversation about salvation as I texted conversation about salvation as I texted conversation about salvation as I texted this number. That's my salvation number, this number. That's my salvation number, this number. That's my salvation number, right? You don't have to get it tattooed right? You don't have to get it tattooed right? You don't have to get it tattooed to you, but it can be your salvation to you, but it can be your salvation to you, but it can be your salvation number. It's where you can start. Okay? number. It's where you can start. Okay? number. It's where you can start. Okay? It's where you can start this It's where you can start this It's where you can start this conversation. Just do it right now. Hey, conversation. Just do it right now. Hey, conversation. Just do it right now. Hey, maybe even better. Come to our explore maybe even better. Come to our explore maybe even better. Come to our explore the summit, which happens the first the summit, which happens the first the summit, which happens the first Sunday of each month, which is this Sunday of each month, which is this Sunday of each month, which is this Sunday. In fact, it's happening at many Sunday. In fact, it's happening at many Sunday. In fact, it's happening at many campuses today. You can ask questions campuses today. You can ask questions campuses today. You can ask questions about the church or Christianity in a about the church or Christianity in a about the church or Christianity in a non-threatening environment. You should non-threatening environment. You should non-threatening environment. You should do that. And if it's, you know, that do that. And if it's, you know, that do that. And if it's, you know, that again, after some of our services, there again, after some of our services, there again, after some of our services, there there'll still be one. I want you to act there'll still be one. I want you to act there'll still be one. I want you to act in that way or just talk to the person in that way or just talk to the person in that way or just talk to the person who brought you and say, "Show me more who brought you and say, "Show me more who brought you and say, "Show me more about this. I'm interested in Jesus." about this. I'm interested in Jesus." about this. I'm interested in Jesus." Father, I [music] pray Father, I [music] pray Father, I [music] pray that you would teach us deep in our that you would teach us deep in our that you would teach us deep in our souls about the value of the gospel.

God, let us think it's worth fighting God, let us think it's worth fighting for, contending for. give us for, contending for. give us for, contending for. give us supernatural understanding and it may supernatural understanding and it may supernatural understanding and it may [music] whether it's from the pulpit [music] whether it's from the pulpit [music] whether it's from the pulpit or God in cubicles and coffee shops all or God in cubicles and coffee shops all or God in cubicles and coffee shops all around the triangle, let us speak it around the triangle, let us speak it around the triangle, let us speak it accurately accurately accurately so that we can be faithful to our so that we can be faithful to our so that we can be faithful to our generation of what the gospel really is. generation of what the gospel really is. generation of what the gospel really is. I pray and ask that in Jesus name. In I pray and ask that in Jesus name. In I pray and ask that in Jesus name. In Jesus name. Some of church, let's stand Jesus name. Some of church, let's stand Jesus name. Some of church, let's stand at all of our campuses together. worship at all of our campuses together. worship at all of our campuses together. worship teams are going to come and we're going teams are going to come and we're going teams are going to come and we're going to sing, "Oh, praise the name of our to sing, "Oh, praise the name of our to sing, "Oh, praise the name of our great God and Savior Jesus, who's given great God and Savior Jesus, who's given great God and Savior Jesus, who's given us this message and promises to preserve us this message and promises to preserve us this message and promises to preserve and keep us as we look to him." I want and keep us as we look to him." I want and keep us as we look to him." I want you to take a moment, prepare your you to take a moment, prepare your you to take a moment, prepare your heart, think about what the Holy heart, think about what the Holy heart, think about what the Holy Spirit's saying to you, and in just a Spirit's saying to you, and in just a Spirit's saying to you, and in just a moment, they will [music] come and moment, they will [music] come and moment, they will [music] come and they'll lead you.