Jude-- It's Not Halloween, It's Reality

Each October here in the U.S. children dress up for Halloween. They put on costumes of superheroes, famous people, and others then go door to door asking for candy. It's always interesting trying to figure out who is really behind the mask. Unfortunately, "Halloween" takes place every week in some churches. There are people who come appearing to be one thing when they actually are not. Jude had much to say about them in his short epistle. These are people who have turned "the grace of God into lewdness" (v4) and actually deny the person and work of Christ. They influence others to sin and depart from sound doctrine and holy living as they "defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries" (v8). The focus of these and those whom they influence is on greed, personal profit, and self gratification (v11). They are "grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and...flattering people to gain advantage" V16). Don't be fooled--this is a real problem in our churches today but it is one that God will not stand for (vv5-7). God will judge those involved in such activity. So, how should you and I respond to all of this? Jude tells us to do five things: build, pray, keep, look, and act (vv20-22). We build ourselves up in the faith. We earnestly pray. We keep ourselves walking in God's love. We look towards Christ as we prioritize eternal things. Finally, we act by getting involved in the lives of those we see getting sucked into this false philosophy and ungodly lifestyle. Halloween may be something fun for children once a year, but don't you get caught up in the weekly deception of those who only wear the mask of true Christianity.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.