1. A Call to Persevere: Jude 17-23 Forest Hills Bible Chapel 15 April 2007

2. Some Facts about Jude Jude is “Judas” – but not that Judas! Jude is “Judas” – but not that Judas! Jude is the (half-) brother of Jesus Christ – his parents were probably Joseph and Mary. Jude is the (half-) brother of Jesus Christ – his parents were probably Joseph and Mary. His brother James was the leader of the church in Jerusalem. His brother James was the leader of the church in Jerusalem. Jude is an epistolary sermon. Jude is an epistolary sermon.

3. Some Facts about Jude Jude is written to counter false teachers who had infiltrated the church to which he writes. The false teachers in the church were individuals who parlayed the grade of God into a license for immorality – v. 4. Through a number of OT references, the believers are encouraged to persevere in the truth of the gospel – vv. 5-16.

4. Some Facts about Jude Example #1 – Israel after the Exodus – v. 5. Example #2 – the Angels who did not keep their first estate – v. 6. Example #3 – the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah – v. 7. They have followed in the ways of Cain, Balaam, and Korah – v. 11.

5. Lessons from Jude We must remain faithful always to the truth of God, as it is revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ – vv. 1-16. What are some examples, in our present culture, of attempts to compromise the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

6. Da Vinci Code

7. The Gospel of Judas

8. The Lost Tomb of Jesus

9. The Gospel of Mary Magdalene

10. Lessons from Jude It is necessary for us to contend for the truth of the gospel message against what will be the continuous onslaught of attempts to undermine that truth.

11. Lessons from Jude Build yourselves up in your most holy faith – v. 20a. Pray in the Holy Spirit – v. 20b. Keep yourself in God’s love, as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life – v. 21. Be merciful to those who doubt – v. 22. Snatch others from the fire; save them – v. 23a. Show mercy, mixed with fear; hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh – v. 23b.

12. Doxology 24 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.