Jude verses 17-23
This is the apostle’s predictions of what would take place
in the last times, and some have ask me and others have stated they believe we
are in the last times. I have stated
often that since the time of the cross of Christ, we have been living in the
last times. And as my pastor stated so
clearly, you or I, nor the angels, and even Christ does not know the hour or
the time, only the Father. [Matthew
24:36] Many have foolishly claimed a
date, for some it was World War 1, then came World War II and many thought this
was it, but this I know, we are living in a very dark time, and we who believe
should keep our eyes to the Eastern sky, for our Lord keeps His promises, and
He is coming back!
So what did the
apostle predict; “In
the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly
people, devoid of the Spirit.” These
people are not only inside the church, but also in our schools, in government,
in media, and in high places in business.
Denny Burk had these points to make from Scripture on scoffers: 1.
The scoffer speaks with derision and contempt. Nothing is sacred to
the scoffer. The scoffer thinks it is funny when someone sins (Proverbs 14:9;
cf. Philippians 3:19), and he takes God’s judgment of sinners lightly (Proverbs
19:28). Sin and judgment are commonplace to the scoffer, and he rarely trembles
at them.
2. The scoffer sets his derision on
other people.
The scoffer has a general sense of everyone else’s inadequacies, and very
little sense of his own. He loves to take his seat and entertain his friends
with narratives of other men’s shortcomings (Proverbs 18:8; 26:22). He is a man
of division (Proverbs 16:28). He may be the life of the party, but when he goes
out peace comes in (Proverbs 22:10; 26:20).
3. The scoffer is unteachable. Like fools in general
(Proverbs 14:6), a scoffer does not delight in understanding but only in
revealing his own mind (Proverbs 18:1). Not only does a scoffer resist reproof,
he holds in contempt anyone who would attempt to correct him (Proverbs 9:8;
15:12). He always has to save face, and he will loudly condemn anyone who
prevents him from doing so.
4. The scoffer is
proud.
The prideful man has three names: proud, haughty, and scoffer
(Proverbs 21:24). You may want to read
the total article “Are You a Scoffer”?
[By Denny
Burk
on September 28, 2011 in Christianity,
Theology/Bible.]
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your
most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of
God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
And have mercy on those
who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy
with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. (Jude 20-23)
If you very read the story of
C.T. Studd, it will be a blessing to you, and one of his quotes has stayed with
me since the time I first read it. “Some want to live within the sound
of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop, within a yard of hell.” For me this
quote cuts to the bone, for so many in the church have forgotten the call of
our Lord, to go into the world and proclaim the gospel. The chapel bells are safe, but the rescue
shop is where our Lord has call each of us.
Your world may be family, friends, or co-workers, are even the person at
the stores you shop at.
From the Back
Porch,
Bob Rice
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