Church Blog

Jude: Called to Contend, Part 2

Yesterday C.J. Mahaney preached his second message on Jude. Last Sunday he preached from the first two verses, and yesterday he took on the rest, focusing on how we as believers are called to “contend for the faith” and “contend for the heart.”

Options for reviewing and applying the message:

• Listen online or download an mp3.
• A summary outline in PDF format
• Use the questions below for further reflection and application to your life:

1.  Why is it important for the church to contend for the purity of the gospel?  What are the consequences to God’s people and the church of allowing additions, subtractions or alterations to the gospel of grace?

2.  How much time are you devoting each day to preaching the gospel to yourself?  How can this daily practice build up your faith and fan into flame your affection and love for God?

3.  Are you experiencing a season of waiting, like waiting for an answer to prayer or waiting for relief in a season of suffering?  How can “waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 21) bolster your trust in the faithful, merciful, preserving grace of God?

4.  Has neglect of keeping yourself in the love of God left you in a spiritual “sinkhole”?  At the bottom, are you aware of the One who convicts, forgives and promises unchanging love and preserving grace?  What can you do today to repent and return to the Lord?

5.  Whether you are experiencing blessing or suffering, how can the truth of God’s preserving grace transform your perspective of each circumstance and encourage your trust and faith?