Jude ends his little New Testament letter with a megaphone blast.. Remember, Jude was Jesus’ half-brother who once doubted Him but was changed forever by the resurrection. He shouts one clear charge: contend for your faith. Fight like a warrior; sprint like an athlete who runs through the pain toward the finish line.

Jude warns that “mockers in the last time… walk according to their own ungodly lusts.” (Jude 17-18) They are “sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.” (Jude 19) In other words, they trust their feelings, not the Holy Spirit:“If it feels good, do it.” Sound familiar?

Jesus Himself predicted this danger: “For false Christ’s and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24) Paul warned of “savage wolves… not sparing the flock.” (Acts 20:29-30) Peter added that false teachers would “secretly bring in destructive heresies… and bring on themselves swift destruction.” (2 Peter 2:1-2) Bottom line: don’t be shocked when counterfeits creep into the church.

So how do we avoid becoming cruise-ship Christians, those who lounge by the pool while others row the boat of faith?

Jude answers: “Building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 2021). Daily Bible reading and prayer aren’t chores; they’re lifelines. Guard your time with God and His family.

Then Jude pivots to rescue mode. “On some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” (Jude 22-23) Show mercy to doubters. Pray for them. Walk beside them. And when someone is flirting with flames, be the firefighter of faith—snatch them from the blaze before the smell of smoke clings.

Jude closes in a burst of praise: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy… be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 24-25) God is the expert climbing guide who secures our rope so we won’t fall. He does the keeping—but He calls us to climb.

Friend don’t settle for deck-chair discipleship. Contend for your faith, rescue the wavering, and trust the Savior who holds you fast. Join us as we try to do the same at LECC, 415897 Highway 9, Eufaula—smallgroup Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m., and all-age activities Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

Become a firefighter for faith! Trade cruise ship complacency for the lifeboat of Christ!

God Bless You!

Jeremy Little, Minister