Week beginning 23rd October

 

Song: Abba Father

Abba, Father, Let Me Be [with lyrics for congregations] - YouTube

Song: I’ve found a friend;

I’ve Found a Friend, O Such a Friend! (Metropolitan Tabernacle) - YouTube

Reading: Book of Jude, verses 1 to 4 and 16 to 25

Prayer:

Father, in these difficult times, we pray for our country. We pray that those who lead us may be men and women of conviction. May they be men and women of conviction, looking for what is best for the land.

We pray for those who have abandoned their Christian heritage.

Thank you, Father, for those men and women of faith who seek to serve others. May they speak the truth, and be gracious in their dealings with people.

We thank you for those who have had a Godly influence on our lives. We pray that you will use us, that we will be faithful, that we may stand strong.

In Jesus’ name. Amen

Song: I have decided to follow Jesus

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus ~ Cedarmont Kids ~ lyric video - YouTube

To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:

The letter was written in the late first century, and is intended for those who are a nuisance in the fellowship. The intention of the author was to write to encourage steadfastness, but he felt compelled to address the issue of false teaching. This is as relevant now as it was in the first century.

It is addressed “To those Called”. Faith is personal. People are called. Even if people have been brought up in the faith, faith has to become personal. God knows all about each one of us.

Jude urges us to keep strong in Jesus. He was “compelled to write”; the original intention had to go. We are urged to “contend” for the faith. That is to say, we should strive, or dispute for our corner. It is fighting talk (not literally). We should stand up for Christian Truth, whether it is liked or not. The land needs God’s truth.

This brings up the question; do we have that strength?

The strength is in the faith entrusted to all God’s people. It has always been the case that people have had to contend for the truth. That is not to say that we should be rude in our assertions. This will achieve nothing. But, we will be at odds with certain sections of society.

There is a verse from a hymn, “O word of God incarnate;

 The Church from you, dear Master,
received the gift divine,
and still that light is lifted
o'er all the earth to shine.
It is the chart and compass
that, all life's voyage through,
mid mists and rocks and quicksands
still guides, O Christ, to you.

We need to know about Jesus; to live for Jesus; to speak of Jesus.

We need to ask the question “If I were on trial as a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict me?” If we concluded that there would not be, sufficient evidence, then we should ask what we can do about it. What will make us strong? What will make us more faithful?

First letter to the Corinthians, chapter 16, verses 13 and 14 say;  Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:

Song: My hope is built on nothing less

My hope is built on nothing less - YouTube

Song: This, This is the God we adore

This, This Is The God We Adore - YouTube