Jude 3-4
3. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

4. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

It amazes me sometimes how often I read something in Scripture that was written a couple thousand years ago and yet seems to accurately describe today's society. This is one of those times. There are many today who say they are following the Lord, but in reality they are perverting, twisting, and otherwise misusing His Word. No wonder people have trouble getting a clear picture of the Gospel and what Christianity is!

However, the fault cannot solely be laid at the feet of those false teachers. Rather, some of it can be laid at the feet of Christians who don't stand up for the real truth of God's Word. To "contend for the faith" is to fight for and defend God's truth, and this is exactly what Christians are commanded to do. Part of the reason that our country is in its current state is the tendency of Christians to have the fatalistic attitude of, "Well, what's going to happen is going to happen anyway, and there's nothing I can do to change it." As a result, they don't "contend for the faith" like they should. This gives our enemy, Satan, free reign to spread his lies.

How about you? Are you obeying the command to "contend for the faith"? The cause is NOT hopeless! We CAN make a difference through the power of God! All it takes is faith on our part to claim God's promises and power through our obedience.

I will close with an old quote that is very appropriate: "All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." (English philosopher Edmund Burke)

Amen Bro Chad... No one could have said it more clearly or more to the point. thanks for the reminder to stand up and be counted. Be counted for Christ.

I can't remember if I've said this before or not...... but I'm in a Bible Study, and we are reading books on Holiness and Surrender. It may seem overwhelming at first, but my study leader says the same thing..... it's NOT impossible, and we CAN make a difference.

Thank you, Pastor Chad. I truly enjoy your devotions.