2 & 3 John and Jude

As I read these three letters I was saddened to think of the church of Jesus Christ is such disarray. In her first generation there were church splits and disputes. Some of the disputes were quite simple; it was and is always about control. The nature of our fallen flesh makes it inevitable that there will be disputes. The caution being thrown up by both John and Jude is for us to not accept that this is the norm for the church. Christ calls us to rise above the norm of our humanity and to accept God’s call for the church to strive for holiness.

Both John and Jude also point to more serious controversies. (By the way, Jude’s name was Judah and it is believed he was Jesus’ brother. His name was shortened to Jude by the Bible translators to help distinguish him from other Judah’s in the Bible.) These other controversies related to the core beliefs of the Christian church. Both writers are stressing how important it is for every Christian to have a solid foundation for their faith. This foundation is built upon an understanding of the nature of Jesus, His mission, His resurrection, and His ascension. Simply put, a Christian has been born into the family of God, and this is made possible by the forgiveness of our sins and the infilling of God’s Holy Spirit. It is Jesus who came in the flesh, who was crucified and raised to life again, who makes it possible for us to call upon the name of God and be saved.

It is well worth our time to include the great doctrines of our church in our daily devotions or small group classes. While there is debate on the essential Christian Doctrines, understanding the following doctrines is generally considered essential: The Trinity; The Person of Jesus Christ; The Second Coming of Jesus Christ; Salvation; The Bible; Baptism; and Holy Communion.

Now all glory to God,

who is able to keep you from falling away

and will bring you with great joy

into his glorious presence

without a single fault.

All glory to him who alone is God,

our Savior

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All glory, majesty, power, and authority

are his before all time, and in the present,

and beyond all time!

Amen.

Jude 1:24-25

What word or phrase in these verses

Attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

 This concludes the yearlong reading of the New Testament. New meditation will begin on May 1, 2012 with the reading of Psalm 1.