Exploring Jude's Metaphors for Faith

Discover how to fortify your spiritual foundations and stand unwavering in faith in our latest exploration of the Epistle of Jude. Have you ever wondered about the profound warnings and vivid imagery Jude uses to caution believers against the infiltration of ungodly influences? This episode promises to unravel those mysteries, offering insight into Jude's impassioned plea for believers to safeguard their faith from those who misuse God's grace. We'll unpack the timeless metaphors Jude employs, from fruitless trees to clouds without rain, and discuss their relevance in our spiritual journeys today.

Join us as we dissect Jude's call to not only stand firm but also extend mercy to those who waver in faith. This episode underscores the importance of mutual support and compassion in a world filled with challenges to belief. By examining historical parallels and lessons from figures like Cain and Balaam, we'll explore the consequences of straying from righteousness. Be inspired by Jude's message of hope and encouragement, as we remind ourselves of the eternal promise offered through Jesus Christ. This thought-provoking discussion will leave you equipped to strengthen your faith and support one another in a world that often tests it.

Thank you for joining us in this episode of In the Field Audio Bible, where we explore the richness of God’s Word, chapter by chapter. We hope today’s reading brought insight, comfort, or inspiration to your journey of faith.

Transcript

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The Epistle of Jude.

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I, Jude, am writing this letter.

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I serve Jesus Christ.

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I am a brother of James.

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I am sending this letter to you who have been chosen by God.

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You are loved by God the Father.

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You are kept safe for Jesus Christ.

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May more and more mercy, peace and love be given to you.

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Dear friends, I really wanted to write to you about the salvation we share, but now I feel I should write and ask you to stand up for the faith.

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God's holy people were trusted with it once and for all time.

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Certain people have secretly slipped in among you.

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Long ago it was written that they would be judged.

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They are ungodly people.

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They misuse the grace of our God as an excuse for sexual sins.

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They say no to Jesus Christ, our only Lord and King.

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I want to remind you about some things you already know.

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The Lord saved His people, and one time he brought them out of Egypt, but later he destroyed those who did not believe.

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Some of the angels didn't stay where they belonged.

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They didn't keep their positions of authority.

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The Lord has kept those angels in darkness.

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They are held by chains that last forever.

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On Judgment Day, God will judge them the people of Sodom and Gomorrah and the towns around them also did evil things.

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They freely committed sexual sins.

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They committed sins of the worst possible kind.

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There is a fire that never goes out.

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Those people are an example of those who are punished with it.

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In the very same way, these ungodly people act on their evil dreams, so they make their own bodies impure.

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They don't accept authority and they say evil things against heavenly beings.

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But even Michael, the leader of the angels, didn't dare to say these things.

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He didn't even say these things when he argued with the devil about the body of Moses.

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Michael didn't dare to judge the devil.

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He didn't say the devil was guilty of saying evil things.

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Instead, Michael said May the Lord judge you.

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But these people say evil things against whatever.

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They don't understand, and the very things they do understand will destroy them.

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That's because they are like wild animals that can't think for themselves.

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Instead, they do what comes naturally to them.

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How terrible it will be for them.

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They have followed the way of Cain.

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They have rushed into the same mistake Bala made.

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They did it because they loved money.

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They are like Korah he turned against his leaders.

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These people will certainly be destroyed, just as Korah was.

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These ungodly people are like stains at the meals you share.

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They have no shame.

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They are shepherds who feed only themselves.

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They are like clouds without rain.

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They are blown along by the wind.

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They are like trees in the fall Since they have no fruit, they are pulled out of the ground so they die twice.

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They are like wild waves of the sea.

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Their shame rises up like foam.

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They are like falling stars.

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Their shame rises up like foam.

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They are like falling stars.

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God has reserved a place of very black darkness for them forever.

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Enoch was the seventh man in the family line of Adam.

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He gave a prophecy about these people.

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He said he will sentence ungodly sinners for all the things they have said to oppose him.

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These people complain and find fault with others.

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They follow their own evil desires.

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They brag about themselves.

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They praise others to get what they want.

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Dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said would happen.

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They told you in the last days.

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Some people will make fun of the truth.

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They will follow their own ungodly desires.

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They are the people who separate you from one another.

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They do only what comes naturally.

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They are not led by the Holy Spirit.

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They do only what comes naturally.

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They are not led by the Holy Spirit.

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But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith.

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Let the Holy Spirit guide and help you when you pray and by doing these things, remain in God's love as you wait.

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You are waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life.

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Show mercy to those who doubt.

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Save others by pulling them out of the fire.

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To others, show mercy mixed with fear of sin.

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Hate even the clothes that are stained by the sins of those who wear them.

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Give praise to the God who is able to keep you from falling into sin.

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He will bring you into His heavenly glory without any fault.

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He will bring you there with great joy.

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Give praise to the only God, our Savior.

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Glory, majesty, power and authority belong to Him.

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Give praise to Him through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

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His praise was before all time, continues now and will last forever.

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Amen.