Treasures New and Old
Treasures New and OldThe Faith Delivered unto the Saints
“. . . the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 1:3
Jude, perhaps frustrated that so many believers of the Way now being called Christians by the world, would be enticed and deceived to fall back into both the ways of the world and old failed religious practices, has penned a short, and to the point, letter. Look whom he addresses:
“Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called. Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied” (Jude 1:1-2).
“. . . to them that are sanctified by God the Father . . .” The work of preparing us for the kingdom and conforming us into the image of Jesus Christ has not only begun but is continuing in our lives.
“. . . and preserved in Jesus Christ . . .” We have the assurance that God has us firmly in His hand; that we are not only protected but loved, cherished, and well looked after by Christ Himself – our groom.
“. . . and called . . .” Setting the arguments of free will and sovereignty aside, we face this phrase in numerous places in the Bible. We are a called people, chosen by God from the foundation of the earth. We are not random acts of salvation – but loved by God long before we ever knew Him, pursued by Him, and then saved by Him.
Why then do we so quickly turn to either old failed religious practices or to the world’s way of doing things? Look what Jude says next:
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. 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. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
– Jude 1:3-5
Satan, and those he has blinded, are always trying to corrupt the church. Look at some of the things happening in the church today: (inspired by Jan Markell of Olive Tree Ministries)
- Rick Warren states that he hoped his partnership with a Catholic leader would become the ecumenical modal for the entire world. Meanwhile, at an inauguration event he prayed in the name of ISA – the Muslim Jesus (who is definitely NOT the Lord Jesus Christ!).
- “Christian” churches have recognized and observed the Islamic holiday Ramadan; though many horrible things happen during this month.
- Churches across America of all denominations celebrate Halloween featuring zombies, dancing skeletons, and haunted hay rides glorifying demons and all things dark. What part of Ephesians 5:11 don’t they get? “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Or what about this verse: Colossians 1:12-13: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” And this one: 1 John 1:5: “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
- Witches curse Justice Brett Kavanugh (not the first time the news reported them doing this to a public figure), and a professing Christian promotes “Christian witchcraft.”
- Many evangelicals believe that God accepts the worship of all religions (The State of Theology).
- The embracing of so many false doctrines by many in the church today which are directly against Scripture.
- I hope to share over the next many months principles, truths, and tidbits concerning the “faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” The goal? To, therefore, put you in remembrance.
Maranatha Church!
May God bless you all!
Bro. Joe
References
Olive Tree Ministries. https://olivetreeviews.org/
The State of Theology. The State of Theology. Retrieved November 26, 2018. Retrieved from https://thestateoftheology.com/