31 Days: Contend Earnestly for the Faith

"..be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 Peter 3:17,18

Have the courage to stand up and be resolute, steadfast and firm in purpose and belief. Knowing what you know from His Word, make up your mind now, ahead of time with the leading of the Holy Spirit rather than the leading of the world, concerning what you believe and how you will obey. Know the promises that you can cling to as you obey His Word, and be faithful to stand with Him and not against Him. 

Many, who would call themselves Christ-followers today, are standing up against the truth that is clearly set forth in His word.  They need to KNOW the truth; the truth will set them free. So may we know that we know that we know what we believe, so that we can rise up and proclaim freedom to the captives. Freedom has come and been made available, but many, not realizing the bondage of spirit that accompanies it, prefer being fed by Egypt (their captors) because it is 'easier' (Ex. 16:3, Num. 11:5).

Today may we heed God's instruction in the book of Jude.  Notice that it is concerning the faith that was once for all handed down to the saints. Truth does not change with the changing times or changing world views. He created it all and knows how it runs best.  Let's listen to His instructions and not to our own 'opinions' and 'ideas'. (Matt. 17:4,5) And, again, do not just skim over the familiar words, but allow the Word of God to transform your mind more and more everytime you come in contact with it. (Romans 12:2)

  "Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. 

For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ." Jude 1:4....

"But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they were saying to you, 'In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.' These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit.  

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.  And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.  

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen."....verses 17-25

Contend earnestly for the faith and proclaim freedom to the captives.