August 2005 Are You a Contender? Recently our study through the book of Jude was featured on our radio program, Bridging the Gap. The message that this short epistle (just 25 verses long) delivers is a powerful exhortation for Christians, then and now, to contend earnestly for the faith that has been handed down to us. To contend means to strive against opposition and difficulty; to fight vigorously to the end; to struggle; to maintain; and to assert. If you have ever watched a boxing match between two worthy opponents, neither of whom would throw in the towel, then you have a good picture of what it means to be a contender. Contenders never quit! And because they believe in something that is far greater than themselves: they always make it to the very end. Throughout history people have faced opposition, difficulties, and even death: contending for the faith. And today, both the faith and the exhortation have been handed down to you and to me. And the question for us is: Are we contenders? Is our faith something that we would consider worthy of a fight to the finish? Are we being steadfast in passing the truth of the gospel on to the next generation? Ask yourself this question. Is what I believe something that I would be willing to live without? If it is, then you need to take a good look at what you have believed. The historic Christian faith is radical. It is something that countless men and women throughout the years have been willing to give, even their lives, to make known. Jude addresses Christians as those who are called, sanctified, and preserved in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the foundation, the substance, and the hope of our faith. His death and resurrection atoned for our sins, and we receive our life in Him. The Apostle Paul wrote, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord - Romans 6:23 The gift of eternal life is what is waiting for all who put their trust in Jesus. Nothing can undo that truth, and a Christian who possesses full understanding of what the gospel really means will contend earnestly for the faith. That is how Christianity has been preserved and furthered throughout the years. From the first twelve who walked with Jesus, to us in the Christian church, today what we have received is solid truth and it is good news-too good to keep to ourselves. However, we need to be constantly vigilant against those who would teach destructive heresies and twist the truth of God's Word. The faith Jude tells us to contend for is pure, and it is that which was delivered to the saints. It is not a faith that was devised by men but by God. Today, there are some, even within the Christian church who have twisted the truth of God's Word. In addition there are many cults who hide behind the guise of Christianity, yet are teaching a very different gospel. The Bible clearly states that what we need to do to be saved is to believe in Jesus. The work of salvation is finished, and as we abide in His love, the evidence of His life in us is a testimony to the world of the truth and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have a real enemy. He is the accuser of the brethren, the slanderer, and the father of all lies. His goal is to trick us into falling away from the Lord, and denying the faith that has been entrusted to us. That is why Jude reminds us that in a believer's life nothing is more valuable than the truth of God's Word. As Christians we need to familiarize ourselves with what the Bible teaches. After all, how can we truly contend for something that we don't really understand? And how can we stand firm in truth, if we don't know a lie when we hear one? The fact is that the more we know of His love for us, the more we will be willing to hold fast to that which has been entrusted to us, to the end. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. - Jude 20-21
	Contending for the Faith: A Study in Jude Nothing is more valuable than the Word of God in a believer's life. That is why Christians need to be immersed in God's Word, and also be determined to stand firm in that truth, no matter what the cost. In this short epistle, Jude exhorts us "to contend earnestly for the faith" (Jude 3). Indeed, throughout the Scriptures we are warned of the need for constant vigilance against those who would teach destructive heresies and twist the truth of God's Word. Join Pastor Lloyd for this practical study through the book of Jude and learn some of the ways in which we can remain diligent, and contend earnestly, for the faith that has been entrusted to us. Click here to purchase this study.			Visit www.ccob.org for the latest news and updates from Calvary Chapel Old Bridge. Upcoming Events: • Children's Ministry Conf. • Church Under the Son Visit Our Other Sites: • Bridgesong Music • Bridge FM • Bridging The Gap • Calvary Christian School • Verse to Remember