Evangelism Encounter: Dan - Todd McCauley

  

A little after 4am yesterday morning, I was approached by a gentleman inquiring whether or not he would be allowed to sit outside one of our businesses and play his harmonica for passerby’s donations.  I told him that it was, “against our policy to allow solicitors”.  He responded by telling me that “technically” he was not a solicitor rather he was an entertainer.  I told him that if he wanted to “entertain” on this property, he would have to contact the property management company and get their permission.  He appeared to be okay with that disappointing news; you know people HATE to be told, “No”.  Anyway, I thought that would be the end of our conversation, but he wanted to continue talking.  I discovered that this fellow’s name was Dan.  He was semi-homeless, 39 years old about to turn 40 this weekend.  Dan it seems had experienced some, “bad luck” over the last year.  He lost several jobs over the last several months; the place where he was staying suffered some physical damage which the landlord refused to fix, so he ended up leaving.  He currently bunks with a so-called friend who steals his food and cigarettes.  He lives on unemployment benefits, about $76.00 dollars a week.  The car he owns is in need of repair and updated registration.  He also told me that His mom went crazy and his step father hates him.  Like the song writer wrote, “If it weren’t for bad luck, he’d have no luck at all”.  After having listened to his story, the Spirit of God directed me to turn the conversation in a spiritual direction.  I said to Dan, “Dan, can I ask you one of the most important questions of your life?”  He responds, “sure”.   I asked, “If you were to die today, where would you go?”  He then proceeds to tell me about an out of the body experience he had several years ago after having downed several pills and a pint of scotch.  His conclusion after that experience was that because his spirit was going up, he thought that he would probably go to Heaven.  I then asked him, “Dan, do you believe that there exists a divine being greater than man”?  He quickly responded, “oh, absolutely, there must be some designer or designers behind all that we see’.  I agreed and said, “Yes, this creation is too intricate to have simply come into existence by mere chance”.  I then asked, “Dan as you consider this creation, how would you describe this designer?”  “Wouldn’t you agree that this designer is powerful? ‘Yes’, he said.  “Dan wouldn’t you agree that this designer is intelligent?”  ‘Yes’, he replied.  Finally I stated, ‘Dan wouldn’t you also agree that this designer is moral?  On this point he hesitated, ‘Ah, I’m not sure about moral’.  I decided to pursue this point further.  I said, “Dan, the reason I stated that the designer is moral is because of what’s in man”.  “Dan, you would agree that mankind is also a product of this designer, correct?” He agreed.  Therefore, I said, "you would have to agree that the designer, designed man with what we call, ‘conscience’.  Conscience is our moral compass, our innate discerner of what’s right and wrong.  So if the designer designed us with a moral compass, He therefore must be moral himself, right? He hesitantly conceded, “O.k. and your point is”?  “Dan, my point is this, because the designer is as we agreed, powerful, intelligent and moral, this means that we are ultimately responsible and accountable to Him”.  I then asked Dan the second most important question of his life, “Dan if you were to die today and you stood before this powerful, intelligent, moral designer would he find you a good person or a rebel”?  He quickly responded, “Oh, he would find me a good person”.  I asked, “would you mind taking the good person test to see if in fact you are a good person?”  He said, “sure”.  I told him that this test was based on the 10 commandments. “Dan”, I asked, “have you ever stolen anything ever in your life”?  He said, “yes”.  Again I asked, “Dan, have you ever told a lie?”  “Sure I have, came his swift reply.  Thirdly, I asked, “Dan have you ever wanted anything that belonged to another person?”  “Yes”, he replied.  “Dan by your own admission, you’re a lying, thieving, coveter”.  He said, “Whoa! Wait a minute! That means that everyone on the planet is guilty”.  I said, “Dan, you got it!”  I continued, “Because every person on the planet is guilty this also means that every person on the planet including yourself will suffer the consequences of his/her guilt namely death and judgment”.    I said, “Dan, that’s the bad news.  The good news is that the designer whom the Bible calls God has provided a solution for man’s horribly corrupt condition.  That solution is none other than His son, The Lord Jesus Christ”.  I then proceeded to communicate to Dan the work of Christ through His life, death and subsequent resurrection.  I concluded my discussion with Dan by telling him that the only way Christ’s work would benefit him was for him to personally appropriate what Christ did.  The only way that he could do this was through what the Bible calls, “Repentance” and “Faith”.  This simply means, turning from your rebellion against God with your total self and then placing your total trust in what Christ accomplished on the cross.  We then parted ways and he said that he may come and see me tomorrow.

     Please pray for Dan as he considers his only option for redemption and the hope of glory.  Pray that the Lord of Glory would call Dan to Himself.

For His Glory,

Rev. Todd

America's most dangerous cities: A prayer project

These are America's 10 Most Dangerous Cities: Men and women of God, let's Bring these cities before the throne of Grace and ask God to dispatch His laboreres into these needy harvests. Maybe, just maybe he may call us to go. "Here am I Lord send me".

1. Flint, Mich.
Population: 109,245  Violent Crime Per 1,000: 22   2010 Murders: 53   Median Income: $27,049 (46.1% below national average) Unemployment Rate: 11.8% (2.8% above national average) The number of violent crimes committed in Flint increased for all categories considered for this list between 2009 and 2010. Perhaps most notably, the number of murders in the city increased from 36 to 53. This moves the city from having the seventh highest rate of homicide to the second highest. The number of aggravated assaults increased from 1,529 to 1,579, a rate of 14.6 assaults per 1,000 residents, placing the city in the No. 1 rank for rate of assaults. Flint police chief Alvern Lock stated late last year that he believed the city's violence stemmed from drugs and gangs. Flint has a relatively small median income of about $27,000 per household. The city also has a poverty rate of 36.2%.
2. Detroit
Population: 899,447  Violent Crime Per 1,000: 18.9  2010 Murders: 310  Median Income: $26,098 (48% below national average) Unemployment Rate: 12.7% (3.7% above national average)  The city crippled the most in America's post-industrial era is almost certainly Detroit. The Motor City has suffered from high rates of unemployment, homelessness, and crime. The city has one of the ten highest rates for three of the four types of violent crime identified by the FBI. Detroit has the sixth highest murder rate, the fifth highest robbery rate, and the second highest rate of aggravated assault. In 2005, a major reorganization of the city's police department took place after a federal investigation identified inefficiencies within the system. According to an article in The United Press, opponents of Detroit Mayor David Bing called for further intervention by the Justice Department in several shootings that occurred last year.
3. St. Louis
Population: 355,151 Violent Crime Per 1,000: 17.5  2010 Murders: 144  Median Income: $34,801 (30.7% below national average) Unemployment Rate: 9.3% (0.3% above national average)  Violent crime in St. Louis fell dramatically between 2009 and 2010, and has decreased since 2007. Despite this, crime rates remain extremely high compared with other cities. In 2010, the city's murder rate and rate of aggravated assault were each the third worst in the country. With regards to both violent and nonviolent crime, St. Louis was rated the most dangerous city based on FBI data released six months ago. As of December 2010, the murder rate in St. Louis was 6.3 times that of the state of Missouri. The city's gunshot murder rate for residents between 10 to 19 years old is also the second highest in the country, behind only New Orleans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
4. New Haven, Conn.
Population: 124,856 Violent Crime Per 1,000: 15.8 2010 Murders: 22  Median Income: $38,279 (23.8% below national average) Unemployment Rate: 9.6% (0.6% above national average)  New Haven has historically had the highest rate of violent crime on the east coast. The impoverished, crime-ridden parts of the city stand in stark contrast to affluent Fairfield county to the West, and elite Yale University, which is located within the city itself. The number of murders in the city doubled last year. New Haven has the eighth highest rate of robbery and the fourth highest rate of assault in the U.S. The New Haven Police Department is considering adding cameras at every intersection in one of the neighborhoods where shootings are the most common.
5. Memphis, Tenn.
Population: 673,650 Violent Crime Per 1,000: 15.4  2010 Murders: 89  Median Income: $34,203 (31.8% below national average) Unemployment Rate: 9.9% (0.9% above national average)  Memphis has high rates for all the violent crimes considered for 24/7 Wall St.'s rankings. It has the sixth highest rate in the country. Incidents of violent crime in the city dropped slightly less than 15% between 2009 and 2010 though. Memphis Mayor AC Wharton attributes this decrease to Operation Safe Community, a citywide plan developed in 2005. The plan consists of a number of strategies meant to increase crime prevention, through toughening punishments for criminals, and the effectiveness of the city's legal system, through changes such as expanding court programs so that they operate consistently and at full capacity.
6. Oakland, Calif.
Population: 409,723 Violent Crime Per 1,000: 15.3  2010 Murders: 90  Median Income: $51,473 (2.4% above national average) Unemployment Rate: 11% (2% above national average)  Oakland's violent crime dropped about 5.5% between 2009 and 2010, from about 6,800 to 6,260. The city nevertheless has the tenth-highest rate of rape, the ninth-highest murder rate, and the second highest robbery rate in the country. In 2010, there were 7.12 robberies for every 1,000 Oakland residents. According to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, Mayor Jean Quan has attempted to combat break-ins and theft by creating programs to keep potential wrongdoers off the streets by starting late-night basketball programs. It it unclear if these policies have worked.
7. Little Rock, Ark.
Population: 192,922 Violent Crime Per 1,000: 15.2  2010 Murders: 25  Median Income: $38,992 (22.3% below national average) Unemployment Rate: 6.8% (2.2% below national average)  Little Rock has one of the highest rates of aggravated assault and forcible rape in the country. Since 2009, reported assaults has increased while reported forcible rapes have decreased. According to Lt. Terry Hastings of the Little Rock Police Department, quoted by local station FOX16, Little Rock was "down almost 12 percent across the board on crime" in 2010. This may be accurate for many crimes, and especially nonviolent crimes, however, according to FBI data, violent crime increased from 2009 to 2010.
8. Baltimore
Population: 639,929 Violent Crime Per 1,000: 14.6  2010 Murders: 223  Median Income: $38,772 (22.7% below national average) Unemployment Rate: 7.4% (1.6% below national average)  Baltimore had the eighth-highest rate of violent crime per capita in 2010 among cities with 100,000 or more residents, and the second-highest east of the Mississippi. The number of violent crimes has dropped slightly in the past year -- from 9,600 to 9,300 -- but the Maryland city has some of the worst rates of dangerous offenses in the country. This includes the tenth-worst aggravated assault rate -- and the fourth-worst murder rate in the country.
9. Rockford, Ill.
Population: 156,180 Violent Crime Per 1,000: 14.5  2010 Murders: 20  Median Income: $36,990 (26% below national average) Unemployment Rate: 13.3% (4.3% above national average)  Rockford has unusually high violent crime rates for a city of its size. Most notably, the city has the fourth highest rate of aggravated assault in the country, with 10.5 cases for every 1,000 citizens in 2010. During the same period, 20 murders occurred, almost double the number in 2000. Quoted by the Rockford Register Star in 2007, Winnebago County Sheriff Dick Meyers said that he believed the city's "location worked against [it,]" as Rockford receives traffic from the drug markets in Madison, Chicago, and Milwaukee, resulting in heightened rates of violence.
10. Stockton, Calif.
Population: 292,047 Violent Crime Per 1,000: 13.8  2010 Murders: 49  Median Income: $45,730 (8.9% below national average) Unemployment Rate: 18.4% (9.4% above national average)ifWith a jobless rate of 18.4%, up from 18.1% a year ago, Stockton, California has one of the worst unemployment problems in the country. The huge percentage of unemployed residents may have contributed to horrible crime rates in the city, which is located 40 miles east of Oakland and San Francisco. Stockton was rated one of the most miserable cities to live in the country by Forbes in March, 2010. Violent crime was one of the chief measurements for its ranking. Of the 267 cities with populations over 100,000, Stockton has the 27th highest number of murders per 1,000 people and the 12th most aggravated assaults per 1,000. Last year, recognizing the crime problems in the city, the state temporarily diverted hundreds of of California Highway Patrol officers to aid the city's overwhelmed police department.


by Douglas A. McIntyre, Michael B. Sauter and Charles B.
Stockdale, Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Evangelism Encounter: D.J.

    

 I work as a third shift security officer here in North Carolina, which is both good and bad. It's bad because I'm always tired, sleep is not my friend. But on the other hand It's good because I have a lot freedom on my shift.  One of the freedoms that I have is being able to converse and share the gospel with a variety of people. Tonight, I had the chance to talk with a young man named D.J. He's an African-American in his mid to late 20's. I've seen this dude around quite a bit. Tonight though was the opportunity that I've been waiting and praying for. As he sat alone in a booth at the local McDonalds, I approached him and asked, "D.J. can I ask you the most important question you'll ever be asked in life? Of course this caught his attention and curiosity, "Sure", he replied. I then asked, "D.J. if you died tonight, where would you spend eternity"? He gave the classic answer, "I think I'd go to heaven". I then asked him if I could ask a follow-up question. "Sure", was his reply. "Ok, you've died and you're standing before God and He asks you, "Why should I let you in to my heaven". I asked, "What would you say"?     This second question is what stumped him. He thought for a moment and started appealing to his personal goodness, "I'm not perfect, but I'm a good dude". "I've not crossed every "T" nor dotted every "I", but overall I think I'm good. That's when I proceeded to ask if he would take the, "good person test" to validate if in fact he is as good as he thinks. He said, "OK" I then told him that this test is based on the 10 commandments. I then asked, "Have you ever told a lie? He said, "Yes". I said, "what do you call a person who tells a lie"? "that's right! "A liar". I then asked, "have you ever stolen anything ever in life"? He responded, "Yes', I said, "What do you call someone who steals?, "that's right", "a thief". I finally asked, "Have you ever used God's name as a cuss word"? He said, "Of course", I said, "The Bible calls this kind of person a blasphemer".   I then told him, "D.J. by you own confession, you are a lying, thieving, blasphemer - No he didn't punch me - I said, "if you were to stand before God, on the basis of these commandments, would He find you innocent or guilty? He replied, "Guilty". I then said, 'therefore, would you go to heaven or hell"? He said, "Hell". "D.J. does that concern you? At this point, D.J. has become visibly uncomfortable and begins to argue with me. He say's, "I don't agree with your interpretation of the Bible". "I don't want to talk about this anymore". I said, "Before I go, I must tell you the good news". I then told him of the work of Christ on behalf of guilty, condemned sinners. "D.J., Jesus is man's only solution for his sin" Only through faith in Christ alone can you be rescued from the power and condemnation of your guilt and rebellion before a holy God" and receive new life. In fact the Bible clearly teaches, that if any man is in Christ, he is a new person, the old is gone and behold the new. I closed by saying, "D.J. you must put your total trust in Christ alone as your Savior and Lord" He was sitting on a bench inside the restaurant and I illustrated faith, by telling him, "Just like you have trusted this bench to hold you up, is the same way you are told to trust Jesus, you must put your whole weight on him". At this point i could tell he was ready for me to leave. So I told him, that I hope to see him again and if I could do anything to help him, to please let me know. and the encounter was over.
      Please pray for D.J. that God in his Sovereign grace would be pleased to save him by His mercy. Men every time God gives me the opportunity to share the faith(i.e. the gospel) I'm reminded afresh of why He left me and us on the earth.

For His Glory
Rev Todd

A study in Jude (vss. 5-7)

        The consequences of    
               defecting

      
Let’s review; According to verse 3, Jude states that it was his sincere desire to write to his readers about the salvation that they commonly shared.  But something happened.  He states that instead of writing to them about our great salvation, he felt led of God to write to them, urging them to fight for the gospel.  One of the reasons why he felt led to write urging them to fight for the gospel is because the gospel was under attack by apostate, false teachers.   In verse four (4), Jude states that these apostate, false teachers were stealthily placed by Satan into the fellowship of believers.  Jude further described these Apostates as condemned, ungodly and deceptive.

    Now according to verse five (5) Jude declares that he is also writing to remind his fellow believers of something that they’ve already learned and should still be mindful of.   You know, we need to be reminded of things that we have learned in times past.  Why?  For two reasons:

1.  In the words of D.L. Moody, "We leak".
2.  James writes, that we believers are sometimes, "forgetful hearers" (1:25)

                                                                                                                                         
Let me tell you exactly what Jude is reminding his fellow believers of; it can be summed up as follows: "There are consequences for defecting from the gospel".

    Hear this loud and clear, Jude is NOT writing to believers about believers defecting from the gospel.  Listen! Let me make this crystal clear based on what the Bible teaches.  True believers in Christ NEVER need fear defecting from the gospel. To say it this more clearly, true believers CAN, NEVER defect from the gospel.  I guess you call this Eternal Security.  I’m fully convinced that a true believer in Christ can NEVER lose his/her salvation.  My belief is anchored in understanding the bible’s teaching on the sovereignty of God in our total Salvation.  If according to Scripture I had nothing to do with gaining my salvation, then it’s only reasonable to believe that I have nothing to do with losing my salvation.  Eternal security CANNOT be properly understood apart from an understanding of Sovereign Election, the two go hand in hand.  Listen! If you don’t affirm sovereign election, you cannot affirm eternal security.  If man is a free moral agent (which he is not) and can choose when he/she is saved, then he/she can choose when not to be saved as well.  Therefore, when you read all of the so-called warning passages in Scripture (e.g.  Hebrews 6).  You must understand that these passages are NOT addressing true believers (i.e. “possessing professors”) rather they are addressing “non- possessing professors”.  True believers don’t have to worry about defecting from the gospel because of the sovereign work of salvation.  True believers are secure in Christ, not because of anything that they’ve done, rather, they are secure in Christ because and ONLY because of what He’s done for and in them (cf. Jude 1; Rom 8:28-30; Phil 1:6).  Therefore, Jude is NOT writing to remind his fellow believers about the dangers of defecting from the gospel, rather he is writing to remind his fellow believers that all false teachers will suffer the consequences of their defection from the truth. While we are engaged in the daily struggle of fighting for the sanctity and clarity of the gospel both inside and outside the church from apostate false teachers, it’s encouraging to know that ultimately they will get what they deserve in the end and that’s what Jude encouragingly reminds his readers of.    

    In verses 5-7, Jude recalls for his readers three historic groups in order to illustrate and remind his readers that there are indeed consequences for defecting from the gospel:

A.  Historic group number one: Israel (vs. 5)

“Now I desire to remind you, though you know all things once for all that the Lord, after saving a people out of the land of Egypt, subsequently destroyed those who did not believe”. 

     Jude writes that, “the Lord” (i.e. the sovereign master of the universe) after physically rescuing (i.e. saving) a people out of the land of Egypt – this people is none other than Israel (Ex 12:33f; 1 Cor 10:5-10; Heb 3:16f). Subsequently destroyed (i.e. brought to ruin, loss of well-being; not extinction.  The Bible DOES NOT teach Annihilationism) those who did not believe. 

B.  Historic group number two:  Angels (vs. 6)

“…And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day…”

     Much can be learned about “Angels”.  In fact a whole segment of Systematic Theology is dedicated to the study of angels called, Angelology.  Therefore suffice it to say, Angels are God’s handiwork, created for His glory (cf. Ps 145:2, 5; Col 1:16-17). Jude states that some of the angelic host, “… did not keep their own domain…” This means that some of the angels did not hold fast or cling to their God assigned positions or sphere of influence (i.e. domain).  Interestingly the verb “keep” here in verse six is in the Active voice meaning that these particular angels acted of their own volition and chose to leave their assigned roles.  Angels do have free will.  Jude further states that these certain angels, “…abandoned their proper abode…” The word, “abandoned” here is a military term and speaks of one deserting an assigned post. The phrase, “proper abode” simply means here, “home” or “dwelling”.  Therefore, some of these angels exerted their wills and deserted not only their assigned roles, but their assigned heavenly dwelling.  Jude concludes his thoughts on angels by stating that those who abandoned both role and dwelling now face the consequences of their actions. He states that God keeps these disobedient angels in, “…eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day”.  Therefore at one moment in time past, God rounded up all the disobedient angels, imprisoned them in the neither regions where utter darkness is defined as that which one can feel (cf. 2 Pet 2:4,17).  God continues to keep these angels in bondage until they face ultimate judgment.

C.  Historic group number three:  Sodom and Gomorrah (vs. 7)

“…just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire”

     Genesis 13 introduces us to the places of Sodom and Gomorrah (cf. vs. 10).  The reason I say, “places” is because they were two separate places evidenced by the fact that they were governed by two separate kings (cf. Gen 14:2, 8).  According to Gen 13; Abraham and his nephew Lot began to have some conflict over space (vs. 6).  Abraham provides a solution by having Lot choose wherever he wanted to settle (vs. 9).   Lot looks out over the vast land mass – the valley Jordan – likes what he sees and chooses it. It just so happens that two of the cities in the “valley” were Sodom and Gomorrah.  Verse 12 states that Lot moved his tents into Sodom.  You know it’s funny, we often pick places to live based on the property and not the people. That’s what happened to Lot; he saw the beauty of the suburbs and didn’t consider the depravity of the residents.  Verse13 states, “Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the LORD”.  The other cities around Sodom and Gomorrah included: Admah, Zeboiim and Zoar (Gen 14:8).  Jude writes that all these cities were corrupt and sinful and gave themselves to “…gross immorality and going after strange flesh….”  The Greek word for, “gross immorality” is the word from which we derive the English word pornography.  This word speaks of any kind of illicit sexual intercourse.  Now you know this right?  Any kind of sexual activity outside of the bonds of marriage is illicit. This lets me know that marriage was not high on the priority list in the, “valley”. The idea of strange flesh is really weird it’s a compound word which means, “Flesh of different kinds”.  What’s being said here is that their sexual expression was not just confined to humans.  As we know, Sodom and the surrounding cities were destroyed by God’s judgment of fire (cf. Gen 19:24f). 

     What’s interesting is that the three characteristics and consequences that describe these three historic groups are the same characteristics and consequences that are found in and will be experienced by all false teachers:

1. Israel was characterized by unbelief and was subsequently destroyed.  In the same way false teachers are characterized by unbelief will subsequently be destroyed by God.

2.  Angels were characterized by rebellion and were judged by God.  In the same way false teachers are characterized by rebellion and will be judged by God.

3.  Sodom and Gomorrah were characterized by immorality and perversity and were punished by God.  In the same way false teachers are characterized by immorality and perversity and will be punished by God in Hell.

     Remember!  Jude is NOT writing to warn his fellow believers about the dangers of defecting from the gospel - because true believers can’t defect. Rather he is writing to encourage his fellow believers that are engaged in the battle for the gospel that all false teachers who have crept into the church will one day be judged and will suffer the consequences of their defection from the truth of the gospel”.

For His Glory,
Todd

A study in Jude (vss.3-4)

                        The Fight   


In the Book of Ecclesiastes chapter 3, verse one, Solomon writes, "There is an appointed time for everything.  And there is a time for every event under heaven..." he goes on to state in verse eight, "...A time for war and a time for peace".  After I graduated from high school, I immediately shipped out to boot camp.  I spent the next six and one half years serving this country as a member of the US Army. One thing that I never forgot while serving was - even though I was earning money for future education - that my main purpose for being in the Army was to, “……support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic…”  That meant that when my unit was called upon we would have to fight. 

     Turn to Jude and let’s look together at verses 3 & 4, they read as follows: “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints”(NASB).

      Jude begins this passage in verse three (3) by addressing his readers with a familiar term of endearment, “Beloved”.  This word translates a Greek word that could also be translated, “Dear friends’ (cf. NIV). Therefore we gain insight that Jude wasn’t writing to strangers, but to folk that he was close to and well acquainted with.   Jude informs his readers that although it was his greatest intent (i.e., “making every effort..”)  to write to them concerning the salvation that they had in common, he felt the necessity to write to them something else.  The Greek word for, “necessity” is the word, “Ananke” (pron: Ah-non-kay).  This word means, “Constraint, compulsion or pressure”.  This same word is used in 2 Corinthians 9:7 where Paul teaches that believers should NEVER give money under compulsion, constraint or pressure, rather giving should be done freely and cheerfully.

     Therefore, Jude tells his readers that he had the greatest intent and desire to write to these dear friends in Christ about the wonderful salvation that they shared in common. But he instead felt the constraint and pressure to write to them something different.  The question may arise, “where did this pressure to do otherwise come from?”  I believe there are two sources for this pressure that Jude felt to go in a different direction in his writing.  The first source of this pressure was sovereign (cf. 2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1: 20-21).  The second source was circumstantial (cf. Jude 4ff).  Now exactly what new thing did Jude feel compelled to write to these believers?  The answer is found in verse three (3), he states, “…I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly…”  The phrase, “contend earnestly” is one word in the Greek, it’s the word Epiagonizomai (pron: Epy-ah-gon-nidz-o-my).  Interestingly this word is used only 1 time in the Entire N.T. and its here in Jude 3.  This word means, “To strive strenuously in defense of something”.  It also means, “to fight as a combatant about something that is being assaulted”.  As we have seen, Jude intended to write to these fellow disciples about the great salvation that they shared in common.  But through a move of God and tenuous circumstances, he was sovereignly pressured to write to them: calling them and us to arms, urging them and us to battle, admonishing them and us to fight.  There are 3 things about this fight that Jude wanted them and us to understand (I've added a 4th):
                    
                        I.  The Nature of the fight (vs. 3)
     Exactly what would this fight that Jude called believers to then and today be like?  We gain some insight by examining again the word, epiagonizomai.  This word lets us know that this fight WILL be first, ongoing/continuous.  The word epiagonizomai is a present tense verb indicating continuous, ongoing action.  Jude informs us that this fight that he is calling us to will be an ongoing/continuous battle either to death or the Rapture, whichever comes first.  Second, this fight will be strenuous, severe and agonizing. This fight that we’re called to will be no Sunday afternoon stroll through the park, this fight will be anguishing and taxing.  This fight will bring pain and suffering – both mental and physical.

                                        II. The Object of the fight (vs. 3)

      Now to the obvious question, what fight is Jude calling believers too?   The answer is found in verse three (3), Jude states, and “…contend earnestly for the faith….”  The phrase, “the faith” is a translation of the Greek word, “pistis”.  Let me mention a rule of interpretation, when it comes to defining biblical words, the primary way a word is defined is not by the dictionary (that’s Lexicon to Bible students) but by context.  The word, “pistis” has several uses in the N.T. for example it can mean:

  1.  Firm persuasion (2 Co 5:7); 2. Assurance or firm conviction (Heb11); 3. Trust or belief (Matt 8:10; Acts 3:16)

     If you notice, each of these uses can be classified as, subjective, meaning that they are personal in nature.  Each of these relates to a person’s experience.  The, “pistis” (i.e., faith) that Jude speaks of is not subjective, but rather objective.  In other words, Jude is not speaking of one’s experience of faith (i.e., how one believes) rather he is speaking about the content of faith (i.e., what one believes).  Let me be clearer.  Jude is urging believers to fight NOT for how they believe, BUT for what they believe.  In other words Jude is NOT admonishing us to fight defending our personal experience of faith, but we are to fight defending the foundation of our faith.  The reason why we know that the content of faith is at issue and NOT the experience of faith is because of what Jude says in the remainder of verse three, “…contend earnestly for the faith, which was once for all handed down to the saints”.  This phrase is marvelous because it clearly teaches us that we have in our possession something that was given, “once for all times” NEVER to be repeated.  This phrase also states that this special possession was not given to just any old body, but to, “the saints”.  So what is this, “faith” that was given to us the saints once and for all times that we are called to fight for until death or Jesus’ return.  This “faith” is none other than, the gospel.  So, therefore the object of the fight that we are called to is the gospel.         

                              III. The Target of the fight (vs. 4)

     In verse four Jude writes, “For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ”.  My brothers and sisters, the gospel is under attack. Just recently I was engaged in a conversation with two guys over this very issue – one a Muslim and the other a Jehovah’s Witness. They both affirmed that they were going to heaven or paradise when they died. Why? Because they believed that they had earned enough points to qualify. The Apostle Paul clearly writes in Galatians 1:8,”….if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed”. Listen, I know that we live in the age of political correctness and tolerance. No one wants to appear contrary and argumentative. But we cannot remain silent when the very thing that brings salvation to the lost (cf. Rom 1:16) is assaulted, undermined, distorted and redefined. You know what? We can debate the timing of the rapture, we can debate whether or not infants should be baptized, we can debate what place man plays in his/her salvation, we can debate whether or not women should be Elders in the church and a host of other important issues. BUT when it comes to the gospel, the debate is over. There is only one view, one correct understanding of the gospel and that is what we have been once for all given from the Apostles (cf., Gal 1:8; 1 Cor 15:1ff). And when this very gospel is attacked, it is our God given duty, our divine calling to protect and defend it with our very lives. Now let me say this quickly, some of you may be saying to yourselves, “I can’t defend the gospel, because I don’t have much education, or I don’t have the right kind of education. I didn’t go to Bible College or Seminary”. Hey! Are you born again? Do you possess the Holy Spirit? Do you have a Bible? Then, you can defend the gospel. This task is not just for ministerial professionals.  Jude describes the target of our fight in four (4) ways:

First, he describes their stealth (vs. 4)

     Jude states that, these certain unidentified men and women have, “crept in unnoticed”.  This phrase is a word in Greek that means, “To slip in stealthily”.  You’ve heard of stealth fighter jets?  These are planes that are able to literally fly, “under the radar”.  Jude states that these men were able to slip into the congregation of the saints, “under the radar”.  What’s interesting here also is to understand that the phrase, “have crept in unnoticed” is in the passive voice, indicating that these men are not acting in and for themselves, but are being acted upon.  In other words, they were snuck in, by Satan, no doubt.  According to Spanish history there existed something called, “the fifth Column”.  According to the Encyclopedia Britannica the “fifth Column” is, “…a clandestine group or faction of subversive agents who attempt to undermine a nation’s solidarity by any means at their disposal. The term is credited to Emilio Mola Vidal, a Nationalist general during the Spanish Civil War (1936–39). As four of his army columns moved on Madrid, the general referred to his militant supporters within the capital as his “fifth column,” intent on undermining the loyalist government from within.   So the fifth column is a group of secret sympathizers or supporters of an enemy that engage in espionage or sabotage within defense lines or national borders”.  In other words, this person or persons would become a public school teacher, a professor, a butcher, baker or candlestick maker.  His/her job was to corrupt the enemy from within without obvious detection.  Satan also has his fifth columnists.  I’m convinced that every local church has someone who is working for the enemy trying to corrupt that congregation from within.  These people are serving as Elders, Deacons, Sunday school teachers, Trustees, even teaching Pastors. 

 Second, he describes their condemnation (vs. 4)

“….those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation…”

     What Jude is saying is that these gospel attackers were, “marked out” (literally “written about”) in scripture long ages past.  Jude tells us that the announcements in Scripture concerning the condemnation of these deniers of the gospel was made in the past and is in full authority and effect at this present hour.  One writer writes, “Apostasy should not take us by surprise, for God predicted from the very beginning that Apostates would appear on the scene to work their destruction, and he also predicted their condemnation and punishment” (cf. Isa 8:19-21; Hos 9:9; Zeph 3:1-8; Jer 50:36; etc,.). 

                                    Third, he describes their ungodliness (vs. 4)

“…ungodly persons…”

     The Greek word here for ungodly speaks of someone who is, “without reverence for God” not just someone who is irreligious, but someone who acts in contravention of God’s demands”. This word ungodly speaks of those who are often referred to as heretical and Apostate.  True followers of Christ can never apostatize (i.e. fall away from the gospel) because as we learned in Jude verse one, true believers are, “kept” for Jesus Christ.  You realize a person may walk an aisle, pray a prayer, shed a tear or sign a pledge, but if that person falls away, according to Scripture they were NEVER redeemed in the first place (cf. 1 John 2:19).

                                       Fourth, he describes their deception (vs. 4)

“….who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ”.

   Jude states that these gospel attacking apostates turn (i.e. pervert) the free grace of God into a license for sin. They perverted the gospel by telling people that if you come to Christ by grace through faith, you are FREE to live as you please because all your sins are covered and there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.  These apostates also denied the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Greek word for “deny” means, “repudiate or disown”.   These apostates repudiated and disowned Christ and taught others to do the same. They denied the Sovereignty of Christ, The Lordship of Christ, The Uniqueness of Christ, the Oneness of Christ with the father.  I believe this is absolutely happening in our churches today, especially in the name of scholarship and education.  There are people who are placed there by Satan and over time they spread their apostasy.  They deny the sovereignty of Christ, they deny the Lordship of Christ (e.g. in salvation).

                                       
                                     IV. The resources for the fight

       In closing, allow me to mention the necessary tools for this fight that we are called to.  This fight for the sanctity and purity of the gospel as we have learned will be an ongoing, agonizing, anguishing, and painful – both mentally and physically.  Therefore if you plan on fighting for the gospel in your own power, know for certain that you will experience the same thing that the seven sons of Sceva in Acts experienced - you will go home bloodied and naked (Acts 19:14ff).  This fight requires divine resources.  Paul stated quite clearly, “the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly” (2 Cor 10:4).  Paul also states in Eph 6:10ff that we should put on the “full armor”.  God bless and protect you (which He will) as you are engaged in the most important fight of your life.

For His Glory

Todd

A study in Jude (vss. 1-2)

     Jude's introduction and    
                Greeting




In part one of my expositon of Jude, I gave you what I call a "contextual overview" of Jude's letter. Remember what I stated, "...doing a contextual overview of any given book or letter is important because it gives you a, "big picture" understanding of that particular piece of literature". In other words, an overview provides key information that will guide and protect you as you dig into the details (i.e., exegesis). Remember that a contextual overview consists of answering several key questions:

1. By whom was it written? (i.e., Author)

2. To who was it written? (i.e., Audience)

3. Why was it written? (i.e. purpose)

4. When was it written? (i.e., date)

5. Where was it written? (i.e., place)

6. About what is it written (i.e., Theme)

Therefore, the first principle in doing an effective Bible study is: "Overview before Exegesis"

Alright, once the overview is completed we then can begin the process of exegesis (i.e., discovering the meaning of the particulars). I will now take us into the very meat of Jude's epistle (i.e., letter). In part 2 of this series, I will deal with verses one and two. I've entitled this study: Jude's introductions and greeting. Verses one and two read as follows: "Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you" (NASB).

I. Jude's introductions (verse one)

The reason why "introductions" is plural is because Jude makes several important introductions. First off, he introduces his self. "....Jude....". Jude begins his letter in a typical first century pattern. The writer(s) of letters would always begin by placing his or her name first. Next the writer(s) would identify the reciepient(s) of the letter. Lastly, the writer(s) would add a greeting to the reciepients. This pattern is found throughout the N.T. (e.g., Acts 15:22-23; Rom 1:1-7; 1 Cor 1:1-3). The only two writings that don't follow this typical pattern are: 1 John and the book of Hebrews. Let me just add for the record, many in Christian circles believe that the book of Hebrews was written by the Apostle Paul. I don't believe that Paul wrote Hebrews simply because Hebrews does not fit the pattern laid down in the rest of Paul's letters. Remember from part one of our study, I pointed out that the Jude mentioned at the beggining of this letter is none other than the brother of our Lord Jesus (see part one). By the way the name Jude or Judas means: "The praise of the Lord". Second, Jude introduces his slavery. He writes, "...a bond-servant of Jesus Christ..." The english word, "bond-servant" is not the best translation of the Greek word "Doulos". A better english translation of "doulos" is the word, "slave". A servant is someone who serves another at his or her discretion, like a hired butler or maid. At the end of the day, that hired servant goes home and does his or her thing. Whereas a slave is the property of another. A slave is someone who's rights are completely assigned to authority and will of another. You see a servant is someone who is in a temporary relation to another, whereas a slave is someone who is in a, "permaneat relation of servitude to another". What a powerful change that took place in Judes life. Before Jude's enslavement to Christ, he and the rest of his brothers were antagonistic toward Christ (cf John 7:5), but when you read Acts 1:14 you find gathered in the Upper room praying 120 disciples among whom were, "...Mary the mother of Jesus AND His brothers...". Somewhere between John Seven and Acts one, Jesus' brothers are converted by the sovereign grace of God. When Christ truly saves an individual, his or her life is NEVER the same. Jude was transformed from sinner to slave, from self-sufficient to totally submitted. "Yes", Jude would say, "Jesus is my brother", "But He's also my LORD". Third, Jude introduces his sibling. He writes, "....and brother of James...". As already mentioned (part one) James is also the brother of Jesus (cf Matt 13:55; Mark 6:3). James became the leader of the Jerusalem church (cf., Acts 12;17; 15:13). James is also credited with writing the letter in the N.T,.that carries his name. So why does Jude introduce us to his sibling James? By referring to himself as, "the brother of James", Jude was demonstrating humility. It is clear that Jude did not have the same prominence as His big brother James, yet he understood the sovereign providence of God in that He exalts whom He will and humbles whom He will. O, that we would learn how to discern God's sovereign providence in the affairs of His people. Fourth, Jude introduces his selected. He writes, "....To those who are the called.........". Jude is writing his letter to those he calls the, "called". The idea behind the word, "called" speaks of a summons or a special invitation. Here the word is used of what's called the, "effectual call". Simply put, the "effectual call" is the divine summons to every elect believer. Every person on the planet who is a true follower of Christ is one because they recieved a special invitation by the Sovereign God. Listen, NO ONE becomes a follower of Christ unless he or she is first called by a sovereign God (cf John 6:37, 44-46; Rom 8:28-30). There are no party crashers in the kingdom of heaven. You are a Christian NOT because you got up one morning and decided to follow Jesus. No, you are a Christian because the Sovereign God supernaturally summoned you and by His irresistable grace ENABLING you to respond (Eph 2:8-10). Had he not called you, you would STILL be dead in your sin and trespasses on your way to an Eternal Hell. But this is not the whole story, Jude describes believers using two other words described as participles. All believers are both, "Beloved" and "Kept". The word, "beloved" is a participle describing an action that took place prior to our being called. In other words, before God sovereignly summoned each believer, He is said to have "Beloved" that believer. Sometime in Eternity past God purposely placed His special love on certain individuals and in time effectually calls (i.e., summons) those beloved individuals to Himself. Jude goes on and states that all that God specially calls to Himself, He, "Keeps". The Greek word for, "kept" means, "...to watch, to stand guard over" It stesses vigil and care, a real committment to guard and keep something, to cherish it as one would a priceless treasure(MacArthur 17).
The word, "kept" also means to, "preserve forever". In other words, He keeps all true believers spiritually unharmed and undistured forever (i.e. secured). This is why Paul could say in Romans 8:38-39: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord". One last thought before I move on. The word, "Beloved" as I mentioned is also a perfect tense participle which indicates that believers are in a LASTING state of love. This means that God's act of selfless committment to us in eternity past is still our experience today and forever. God's love must be understood not as an emotion or feeling per se, but more so as an active, selfless committment. God not only loved (selflessly committed to) you in the eternal past, but he continues to love you (i.e., be selflessly committed to you) TODAY and FOREVER and there is NOTHING that can EVER change that. Therefore STOP doubting and questioning God's committment toward you. God loves you no less than He did in Eternity past and He loves you no more than He will in the Eternal future. So in summary: God in the eternal past made a selfless, unconditional committment to an undeserving group of sinners, and those He committed to He calls to Himself throughout the ages and all that He calls to Himself, He keeps spiritually safe and unharmed forever (Rom 8:28-30).

II. Jude's greeting (verse two)

     Jude writes, "May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you". As we will see in further studies, the readers of Jude's epistle faced persecution and false teachers. Jude realizing the difficult situation that his readers faced on a daily basis offers them a greeting of consolation. First, he wants his readers to know the mercy of God. Mercy can be described as God's lovingkindness or compassion toward those suffering. Believers need mercy in times of need. Second, he wants his readers to know the peace of God. The peace mentioned here is not peace WITH God that comes through faith in Christ, rather this is the peace OF God which brings consolation and assurance to believers in times of trouble. Third, he wants his readers to know the love of God. There is nothing better than knowing that the Sovereign God of the universe is totally committed to us even in difficult times of suffering. Jude concludes his encouraging greeting by stating that he desires his readers to know the mercy, peace and love of God in an overflowing, abundant measure.
      In closing I want to say this loud and clear. My rallying cry until Jesus takes me home is this - "Sound doctrine is the very life blood of the Church". As we will see throughout the letter of Jude, false teaching and bad doctrine is poison to the believer and death to the church. As we will see in part 3, false teaching was SUCH a big deal that Jude changed what he was going to write about in order to deal with it (cf., vs 3).  Brothers and Sisters, may we refuse to continue to sit on our laurels and allow our families, our churches and our communities to be ravaged by the diesease of false doctrine.

For His Glory

Todd

A study in Jude (Introduction)

                  An Overview



Today I'd like to begin a new series of weekly expositions.  This new series of messages will focus on the little letter written by Jude.  This letter only contains 25 verses in the English, but power packed, I may be here for awhile.  Through my reading and interactions with a couple of men over the last few weeks, I have been reminded of the absolute importance of Scripture. To be more specific, I have been reminded of the importance of understanding and affirming the Scripture's sufficiency, reliability and authority.  I don't know if you have seen the cover of this week’s Time magazine.  In large red letters it states, "What if there is no Hell".  This cover story was sparked by a recent book written by a Michigan Pastor named, Rob Bell, his book is entitled, "Love wins".  Bell's book is a straight on attack against the Bible's sufficiency, reliability and authority.  Pastor Bell, "what do you mean there is no Hell?  "Of course there is a Hell, because the Scripture says there is a hell". Some of you may have seen my Facebook post concerning the Ordination of Omarosa. Her so-called Ordination is a blatant attack against the Sufficiency, reliability and authority of Scripture.

Therefore in light of such attacks, I feel compelled to remind us of Jude's central theme in his letter, we must, "...contend for the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints" (vs. 3).  I hope my feeble attempt at exposition will be a blessing and encouragement in your daily walk with the King.

When I begin a study of any book of the Bible, I always begin my study by trying to get a big picture overview.  In other words you must first ascertain the Historical context before you do anything else.  The way you nail down the historical context is by answering several important questions:

Question number one:  By whom was Jude written?

     Open up your Bibles to Jude, right before the book of Revelation.  Look at verse one, it states the letter was written by Jude himself.  Well, who is Jude?  There are several Judes mentioned in the New Testament:

            1.  Judas Iscariot - The betrayer of our Lord (Luke 22:47)

               2.  Judas Barsabbas - A man appointed to travel with Paul and Silas (Acts 15:22-29)

               3.  Judas of Damascus - A man who housed the newly converted Apostle Paul (Acts 9:11)

               4.  Judas of Galilee - A rebel who opposed Roman taxation and who was killed in an insurrection (Acts 5:37)

               5.  Judas the Apostle (Aka Thaddeaus) - He was one of the twelve (Luke 6:16; Matt 10:3)

    Unfortunately, none of the Judes mentioned above are the author of this epistle.  Verse one though, gives us another clue as to the identity of the author.  The writer states that he is the, "...brother of James....".  The James referred to here is none other than the Lord's half brother who was head of the Jerusalem church (cf. Act 12:17; 15:13)). Therefore Jude the writer of this epistle was also one of the brothers of our Lord (cf. Matt 13:55; Mark 6:3).

Question number two:  To whom was Jude written?

     It seems that Jude had a specific audience in mind evidenced by use of the personal pronoun, "you" (cf., vs. 3, 5, 17 etc.,) but we don't know who they are.  Therefore Jude's epistle is considered a "general" epistle written to all believers without distinction (vs. 1).

Question number three:  What was the purpose of the writing of Jude's epistle?

     Kenneth Boa, writes, "...this letter is concerned with the threat of heretical teachers in the church and the believers proper response to that threat. The contents of this letter reveal two major purposes:

(1). to condemn the practices of ungodly libertines who were infesting the churches and corrupting believers.

(2).  To counsel the readers to stand firm, grow in their faith and contend for the truth as well as reach out to those who are misled by error" (211).

                             Question number four:  The Time of Jude's writing?

     Jude’s epistle was probably written very shortly after 2 Peter was written.  This would put the writing of the letter in the late 60's early 70's.  Harrison writes, "If Jude made use of 2 Peter, due time must be allowed for that epistle to have reached Jude.  This interval need not have been great.  A date between 66 and 70 is feasible..."(436). Another reason for this early date is because no mention is made in Jude's letter of the Fall of Jerusalem (c. A.D. 70).

Question number five:  From where was Jude's epistle written?

     To be perfectly honest, no mention is made within Jude's letter as to location, therefore the location of writing is unknown.

     There you have it, a general overview of this power packed epistle.  I can't think of a timelier letter in days like these.  I hope these expositions over the upcoming weeks will be a blessing to you, my dear brothers and sisters.

For His Glory,

Todd

A study in 1 John (1 John 2:15-17)

          Stop loving the world (part 2)


C. H. Spurgeon wrote,"If I had a brother who had been murdered, what would you think of me if I ...daily consorted with the assassin who drove the dagger into my brother’s heart; surely I too must be an accomplice in the crime. Sin murdered Christ; will you be a friend to it? Sin pierced the heart of the Incarnate God; can you love it?"

      Today I continue my discussion of first John chapter 2, verses fifteen through seventeen. If you rea d part one of, "Stop loving this world" I stated that John the Apostle who wrote first John has issued an urgent command to his believing readers (cf., vs 12) to STOP!! an awful action that had been going on. It appears that some professing Christians within this more than likely Ephesian congregation, had forsaken their first love (i.e., committment, priority) namely Christ, for another love, namely this anti-god, anti-Christ system and the stuff associated with this system.

     The Apostle John in verse sixteen gives three (3) reasons why Christians should not love (i.e., be committed to, prioritze, cherish or high prize) this anti-God, anti-Christ system and it's stuff. In other words, John gives three reasons why those of us who profess Christ as Lord and Saviour - when it comes to the world system and it's stuff - should be different, distinct, separate.

     The first reason is because of the content of this system (vs 16), "For everything in the world (system) - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world (system). Christians, of all people SHOULD NOT cherish, prioritze or be committed to this anti-God, anti-Christ system because of what's in it. John say's that there are three (3) components that make-up this evil, depraved, Satan inspired system: The first is the, "...the cravings of sinful man...." These are the insatiable yearnings or desires of our fallen human nature. This evil, anti-God, anti-Christ system promotes (i.e., encourages) fleshly lusts through things like the visual media, radio, music and the printed page. Satan has a corner office on Madison Avenue. The second thing that comprises this evil, depraved system is the, "....Lust of his eyes....." Scripturally, the eyes are the avenue of temptation. For instance according to Genesis 3:6, when Satan wanted to decieve Eve, he appealed to her sight. According to Josh 17:21, Achan the fellow who brought shame on Isreal by taking what was forbidden by Joshua did so because he was tempted by what he saw. Remember the song you learned in Sunday school, "Be careful little eyes what you see". Brothers and Sisters, we must STOP allowing this anti-God, anti-Christ system - which controls the culture in which we live, move and have our being - to seduce us through our eyes. TURN IT OFF, TURN IT OFF, TURN IT OFF!!! The third thing that comprises this evil, depraved system is, "...the boasting of what he has and does...." The New American Standard Bible translates this as, "The pride of life". One writer by the name of Vaughan decribes this kind of pride as, "...an arrogant spirit of self-sufficiency and a vain sense of security, both of which are based upon a false estimate of the stability and Value of worldly things". Ouch! read that again, I'll wait. Don't you love it when people post pictures of their stuff on Facebook or Twitter? Why?

     May I add a word of clarity here? When John say's do not love the things of this world, I don't believe he is talking about physical things per se. He's not talking about cars, clothes, cribs and all that stuff. He is talking about the attitudes and motivations of the fallen system that we Christian if we're not careful can buy into. This is what he has just described in verse sixteen. Christians of all people, those who have been reedemed from the curse of the Law, those who have been regenerated by Grace through faith. should NOT be committed to the same attitudes that exist among unregenerate, fallen humanity. We as Christians should not be Driven by the insatiable cravings of our flesh, we as Christians should not be controlled by the lust of our eyes. We as God's people should not be motivated by pride, in other words, boastiing about what we have and do. These are the things of the world system that John is talking about.

     The Second reason why Christians should NOT love this anti-God, anti-Christ world system nor the things associated with this evil system is because of who the creator of this system is. "...for everything in the world (system)......comes not from the Father but from the world..." What John is saying is that all the ugly, competitive attitudes that exist in this evil, anti-God, anti-Christ system does not originate in God the Creator. In other words, this anti-God, anti-Christ system shows absolutely no likeness at all to his character and is contrary to the life which he wills for His people. Listen!! because we are Children of God, we have NO BUSINESS, "....courting the world's favor, following it's customs, advice, principles, adopting it's values, coveting it's prizes or seeking it's fellowship" (i.e., partnership). Why? Because this evil system is not from God, but from it's father Satan.
  
      The Third reason why Christians should NOT love this anti-God, anti-Christ system is because of the destiny of this fallen, bankrupt system. " The world (i.e., system) and it's desires pass away..." Folks as I type this words, this evil, fallen, depraved, Satan inspired system is dissolving and fading away. This is very important, please GET THIS!!! As Christians, we are to be concerned withd the ETERNAL verses the TEMPORAL. If you conform yourself to this evil system, you have conformed yourself to a sinking ship.

     In closing John gives for his readers two (2) results or consequences if you will, that will occur based on how one responds to John's command. First, there is the negative result in verse fifteen (15). "....If anyone loves the world (i.e., system) the love of the Father is not in him". If you claim to be a follower of Christ and you have forsaken your First love, namely Christ, YET, you hear the call of God to Repent and turn back to Jesus AND you do so, you demonstrate that you are truly a child of God. Why? Because God's children always hear the voice of Christ and respond (John 10). Only God's children have ears to hear the voice of the master (Rev 2). But on the other hand, if you profess to be a Christian and your life is controlled by a committment to this world system and it's desires, motivations and attitudes and you remain in this state even after hearing the call of God to repent, then you demonstrate that you are not a child of God. In fact, you demonstrate that you were never a child of God (i.e., the love of God was NEVER in you). You can say all day that you love God, but love for God isn't measured by what you say, but by what you do (James 2). Second, there is the positive result (1 John 2:17b). For those of us who abide by John's command to not love the system nor adopt it's attitudes and motivations, John promises, "...the man who does the will of God, lives forever". Warren Wiersbe writes appropriately, "Long after this world system with it's vaunted culture, it's proud philosophies, it's egocentric intellectualism, and it's godless materialism has been forgotten, and long after this planet has been replaced by the new heavens and earth, God's faithful servants will remain - sharing the glory of God for all Eternity".

Amen!

For His Glory
Todd