Jude

Jude was a half-brother of Jesus, and in this letter demonstrated a zeal to keep the Church free from heretical influence. He clarifies the profile of self-serving leaders who talked a good talk but walked an immoral walk. In essence, they perverted the truth to gain personal advantage and satisfy their own evil desires.

RED FLAG! When people are more concerned about their own advantage than the benefit of others, beware. Christ came to serve and give Himself. We have such few precious years here in this life. Let’s forego our own fortunes and labor to benefit others.

2 John, 3 John

In 3rd John, a man named Gaius is addressed by the Apostle and commended for his faithfulness to teaching truth and his hospitality springing from his love. John identifies these qualities as being traits that honor God.

If asked, what would your contemporaries say about you? Are there defining characteristics that describe your demeanor among the saints? To each of us has been given gifts to bless the Body of Christ with. Are you using your gifts to serve and honor God

Prayer: Father, anoint me to show forth Your Love and Truth like Gaius. Lead me by Your precious Holy Spirit to serve others as Christ would. Give me the grace to perform it.

1 John 5

Shall we continue in sin that grace should (have to keep) abound(ing)? God forbid! How shall we who are DEAD to sin live any longer therein? [Rom. 6:1,2] We know that anyone born of God does not [deliberately, knowingly, habitually] practice committing sin. [1 Jn. 5:18]

How do you know it’s sin? The Holy Spirit keeps telling you. When in doubt, cast it out! If God’s gift of faith does not sanction it, get rid of it. Decide with your will that it can’t stay, then ask God to give your the strength to resist it. Keep asking! God wants you to walk in perfect freedom from sin (and its consequences).

1 John 4

Great means above the normal or the average. God is greater than ANYTHING or ANYONE. Much greater. In fact, so great that His greatness cannot be found out or understood. We have NO IDEA!

John declares the catch phrase, “Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.” We need to remember that. The devil is no match for God in anyway. The key is keeping the Holy One in us and growing in grace.

When the challenges of life bombard you, stop and realize that God is greater than your challenge. Put both hands in the air and say, “I can do ALL THINGS through Christ … because He strengthens me.”

We conquer life. It does not conquer us.

1 John 3

The purer the gold, the higher the quality. Are you a 10k, 14k, 18k, or 24 k gold Christian? We are to pursue purity for our entire life. It’s better than money. Jesus said the pure in heart would see God.

The money world is a headache. Since I am the Executor/Trustee for my parents’ estate, I have dealt with the financial community alot recently. It’s a royal pain. I’d rather get a beatin’ and be done with it. I sat in a bankers chair yesterday for nearly 5 hours, and then she told me I’d have to come back Monday. YUK! 5 hours of prayer and Bible study would have been FAR MORE PROFITABLE.

Seeing God is much better than seeing bankers.

1 John 2

He that saith, I know Him (Christ), and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. [1 Jn. 2:4]

Obedience is critical. When a parent teaches a youngster that if they touch fire, they will be burned bringing pain and skin damage. Obedience to God similarly helps us avoid life pain and damage.

The earlier children learn this lesson, the better. A grossly disobedient adult is a sad picture. Not only do they incur pain and damage to self, they share it with those who love them.

God’s great grace is the ONLY SOLUTION.

1 John 1

This is no surprise … we’ve all fallen miserably short of God’s standards. Actually, Christ Jesus was the ONLY MAN Who could measure up. He’s the ONLY ONE Who could take our place as a substitute for our sin. Since He did, what can we do in return? We can ask Him for forgiveness and trust Him for the grace to live each day.

Who are we to act so “Holy” and pure when all of our righteousnesses are as filthy rags to God. So, we praise Him. We thank Him. We live for Him by obeying the voice of the Holy Spirit deep within our spirit on a daily basis.

All we like sheep have gone astray, and the Lord laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. We are NOW CLEAN through the blood of Jesus.

2 Peter 3

A little boy said, “God, is it true that a day is as a thousand years?” God said, “Yesss.” “So is it also true then that a dollar could be like a zillion?” “Well, yes … I suppose so.” So “Okay, God, could You spare a dime?” “Sure, can you wait a second?”

Peter makes it clear … when it’s over, IT”S OVER. The end will come quickly and surprise many. He gives a valuable tip on preparing for it.

“Since everything is going to be destroyed like this, what kind of people should you be? You should lead holy and godly lives,” The best way to do this is to be saved and living daily in God’s Word, prayer, and the fullness of His Holy Spirit.