PROTECTION

To protect from harm, to guard from attack, to repulse enemies - for centuries rugged defenders have built walls, launched missiles, and waged wars, expending material and human resources in the battle to save nations and cities. And with total commitment and courageous abandon, individuals have fought for their families. It is a rule of life that we fight for survival defending with all our strength what is most precious to us, from every real or imagined attack.

God's Word and the gift of eternal life have infinite value and have been entrusted to Christ's faithful followers. Many people live in opposition to God and His followers. They twist God's words, seeking to deceive and destroy the unwary. But God's truth must go forth, carried and defended by those who have committed their lives to His Son. It is an important task, an awesome responsibility, and a profound privilege to have this commission.

This was Jude's message to Christians everywhere. Jude, brother of Jesus and James wrote this letter in order to remind the church of the need for constant vigilance - to keep strong in the faith and to oppose heresy. Opposition would come and godless teachers would arise, but Christians should "contend for faith" by rejecting all falsehood and immorality., remembering God's mighty acts of rescue and punishment and the warnings of the apostles. His readers are to build up their own faith through prayer, keeping close to Christ, helping others, and hating sin. Then Jude concludes with a glorious benediction of praise to God.

Jude wrote this letter to motivate Christians everywhere to action. He wanted them to recognize the dangers of false teaching, to protect themselves and other believers. Jude was writing against godless teachers who were saying that Christians could do as they pleased without fear of God's punishment. While few teach this heresy openly in the church today, many in the church act as though this were true. This letter contains a warning against living a nominal Christian life.