Apostates

 

    Apostate is a person that renounces a religion, political belief, or principle.  In some cases it is someone that rejects the truth and embraces a false doctrine.  In general is is considered negative.

    Jude was the brother of  James (also Jesus' brother).  He was also a loved servant of Jesus.  He writes like this to point out the importance to the response of the call of faith.  His relationship with Jesus was more about faith, than blood.  This relationship of blood and faith gave him an unique perspective on Christianity.  He was ready for Jesus to return.

    Jude was reaching out to the people that loved Jesus to give a message of mercy, peace, and love.  He points out that we have to work out our faith for ourselves.  Our faith is our relationship with God, not piggy-backing on someone else's relationship.  That means that we have to talk about things that are popular.  We have to understand what salvation is and what it means.  

    We need to understand what we believe because there are godless people among us, even in the church community (Not's God's church unit of people).  Make sure that they do not lead you astray because they will be judged.  If you follow, then you will be judged too.  All sin will be judged if it has not been atoned through salvation.  God's judgment leads to eternal fire in which there is no escape.

    Sexual immorality and perversion is not okay.  It pollutes the body and mind.  It is an act of rebellion against God as you reject His authority.  This is just one sign to look for.  They also slander celestial beings.  It is heartbreaking when a person blemishes their life.  They are twice dead: physical and spiritual.  They will face judgement and will be convicted as ungodly.

    Apostates grumble and search for faults in other people, so that they can follow their own evil desires without anyone being able to get in their way.  Heretics cause division among people, to push the natural instinct that opposes the Holy Spirit.  They lead people away from God without any concern for the people that they lead astray.  They will suffer divine retribution for their wicked deception.

    We have to pray over our spiritual life and stay in God's Word to build ourselves up strong as holy and faithful.  We have to allow the Holy Spirit to thrive in us to be able to love the way God designed love.  We have to be patient as we wait for His mercy in eternal life.  

    As a Christian you need to be merciful to those that have doubt.  Help them work through it, so that they may become strong in their faith or come to God and find salvation.  

    God is without fault.  He gives us the ability to have great joy in a pure and holy life.  He deserves glory, majesty (respect and honor), submission of personal power (driving desire), and submission to His authority for eternity.  You have been given power from God.  All you have to do is accept the authority that God gave you through faith.

Jude 1