Jude gives us a clear and frank warning about falling victim to people whose message is contrary to the Word of God. He also calls us to defend our faith.,("contend to the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 1:3)).
So here's my question today. As we're defending our faith, how do we make sure that we hold fast to the truth ourselves? Tami W.
Some people only want to hear things that make them feel good about themselves, or what they can get out of the gospel (prosperity). They "want their ears tickled". If we don't stay in the word and examine our selves and our lives in light of the Word we will get led astray be false doctrine. When we hear false teaching we need to confront and point it out, we need to contend for the faith!
It is vital that we not forsake the assembling of our selves together-in other words-we must continue to attend church services and study the word with others believers to grow stronger. This week I heard an illustration of believers being like the coals in a barbeque pit. Our being together cretaes a hot fire but if you take one coal out ina very short amount of time it is cold.
The other thing that we need to do is take time out to read and pray. This combination will assist us to defend our faith and hold to the truth ourselves as God speaks to us and we filter our hearts with his word.
I believe the only way to hold onto your faith is to stay in the Word on a daily basis and to have a prayer life. Speaking from my own experience, I did maintain a daily time of scripture and prayer throughout the Advent Season, but I kinda fell away after Christmas (had some other distractions occur) and I could feel the distance I had imposed between Christ and myself. For me, being rooted means being faithful to Him through His Word and prayer. Also, for me, drifting away actually brings on a thirst that isn't being quenched, like a physical thirst. Weird. Connection is KEY!
I think everyone is absolutely correct. The only way we can make sure we hold onto the truth ourselves is to read the bible daily and make sure the Holy Spirit is our primary teacher. We live in a day where "teachers" are everywhere and knowledge is so easily attainable. Staying rooted to God through prayer and daily bible reading is of utmost importance. I know for me when I allow myself to be distracted by things and don't get to have my daily quiet time, I am totally not myself and have a hard time functioning without HIM.
We hold onto the truth through prayer,study and fellowship. In our world today we are bombarded with all sorts of messages and possible interpretation's of the bible. Anyone of us can be easily led astray if the basics of prayer, study and fellowship are abandoned. The truth is all there waiting to be studied.
TO DEFEND THE TRUTH IS TO DEFEND THE BIBLE. WHEN THE BIBLE IS CORRECTLY INTERPRETED AND APPLIED TRUTH IS BEING DEFENDED. THE CHRISTIAN THEN DEFENDS TRUTH BY LIVING OUT THE THINGS THAT HE BELIEVES THAT THE BIBLE TEACHES.
We need to hold firm to our faith. There will be people that do not believe. While Jesus wants all the people to be with him in the heavenly place, he does realize that some will not believe. All the sinful people throughout the Bible have been punished for their sins and the end times will be no different. We need to keep in the word of God and hold strong to the Lord and he will get us through the rough times ahead.