I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. (Jude 3)
IN THE MOVIE God’s Not Dead, a student who was unwilling to deny his faith accepted the challenge of his atheistic professor to prove that God is alive. This was difficult, but he contended for the faith through a series of debates, even though it caused his girlfriend to break up with him. Eventually, the professor blurted out his hatred of God for not granting a prayer request. “How can you hate someone who doesn’t exist?” the student asked. The class then voted that he had proven that God is alive.
Jude wrote his letter to urge Christians to contend for the faith—to defend continuously and vigorously the truth of our belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Evil hypocrites had infiltrated the church and were leading people astray by false doctrines. Christians in all ages are called to defend the truth of our faith—that Jesus is the sinless Son of God who rose from the dead. He walked the earth as true man as well as true God, and He died and rose again so we could be saved from our sins. In response, we are to live a life of love toward God and others. To defend our faith, we need to know the Bible thoroughly, remain close to the Lord through prayer, and resist any wrong teaching. We must stand up for the truth, even if persecuted.
Write out what you believe and review it with a trusted Christian.
Judith Vander Wege is a member of the worship committee, choir, and praise team at her church and plays the accordion for senior citizens.
