“But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 20
The book of Jude is only a single chapter, but it is packed full of encouragement. St. Jude (perhaps the half brother of our Lord Jesus) writes during a time when the Church is being bombarded by false teachers and social immorality. He writes to encourage believers to remain true to God’s Word and a lifestyle that is fitting to a Christian.
We need such encouragement in our day as well. Many in society and even the Church, will tell people what they want to hear as opposed to the truth of God. Many would downplay immoral actions as no longer important or reinterpret Scripture all together. Jude would have us to be careful and aware. This is why He tells us to build ourselves up and to pray. We do this as we turn to God’s Holy Word and the power of the Sacraments. We do this as we go to God in prayer and rely that much more on His strength to combat all falsehood and temptation.
We are not left to our own devices or will power during these challenging times. We are empowered by God Himself Who has promise to protect us and provide for us and that He will be with us always, even to the end of the age. Know and live this truth by the power of His grace in Jesus!
Know that you are loved!
Peace and Joy,
Pastor Kilian