Tuesday, July 21, 2009

So, let’s keep the faith!

contenders

 

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.  Jude 3

(Devotion by Rick Godwin)

Before leaving the leaders of the church in Ephesus for the last time, Paul said,

“After my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Ac 20:29-32 NKJV).

 Was Paul being an alarmist?

No. Years later, speaking to the same church in Ephesus, God says: “You have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lamp stand from its place…He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev 2:1-7 NKJV).

Note the words “do the first works.”

What are these foundational truths on which the church is built?

  • The infallibility of Scripture,
  • The virgin birth,
  • The atoning death,
  • The bodily resurrection
  • Baptism with water,
  • Baptism in the Holy Spirit, and
  • Carry the Gospel to the whole world.

These are the bedrock nonnegotiables “which [were] once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3 NKJV).

 

 

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22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Know that I'm continuing to lift up prayers!
Psalms 27:4-5 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
Prayer Bears
My email address

SnoWhite said...

thanks for sharing!

From the Heart said...

Great verse. Thanks for visiting my blog.
From my heart to yours,
AliceE.

Anonymous said...

That's a powerful verse! Let's continue to contend for the faith.

Chelle said...

Amen! Thank you for sharing, be blessed today!

Peggy said...

Blessings Susan...What a great sculpture to depict "contending earnestly" for the faith...great insights from Rick and yes, we are that same church so why are we not contending for the faith and doing the first works. Our beliefs are the same, our faith??? our actions??? If we have an ear, let us hear what the Spirit is now saying! Very thought provoking...thanks for sharing!

Love your beautiful photos of your sweeties in your header! Such a delight & reflection of their gramma's love! Enjoy a wonderful week & Word filled Wednesday!

lori said...

Girlfriend...this was good...with the battles and trials swirling around we've got to "contend..."

What a fantastic image...I wrote a devo once on how our faith is like wrestling. My Scott was a wrestler and it's such an amazing analogy for our faith...

This TOTALLY and COMPLETELY blessed me!

I'm praying...for that peace that transcends ALL understanding...love you!!

lori

Cathy said...

Thank God He has given us Faith and strength to endure. Praying for your Jordan ~

Joyfull said...

Great truth and great encouragement. Thanks for sharing today.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful word. Thank you :)

GodsOwn/Bernice said...

Thank You for those thoughts and also for commenting on my blog....
Blessings this WFW
Bernice

Laurie said...

WOW- CONTEND... what an awesome word and one that ministers and speaks volumes to me. Thank you for the Scripture and picture that speak volumes!!!!

Laurie Ann said...

Absolutely fantastic devotion, Susan. Thanks for reminding us to keep our first love and works for Him and not to be carried away by the wolves (the world) that beckon. And thank you so much for your sweet, sweet words.

Happy WFW!

luvmy4sons said...

Oh Susan, such good meat here. Thanks for sharing it! Blessings to you!

Toia said...

Thanks for sharing. Blessings to you.

LisaShaw said...

The WORD--the sharing and the photo -- POWERFUL!!!!

Let's indeed keep the faith dear sister.

Love ya and thanks for sharing.

Lynn said...

Praying!
Psalms 27:6-7 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
Prayer Bears
My email address

laureen said...

Thanks for sharing.I've learned a lot.

Warren Baldwin said...

The church can never forget these foundational, bedrock truths. It is easy to want short, entertaining, exciting sermons that speak to the heart, isn't it? That is our age. But we can never wander from these truths that sustain life-giving faith. Good post.

NanaNor's said...

Loved the verse today and the devotional. So pertinent for now-to remain steadfast. Thank you always for sharing-you are encouragement.
Hugs, Noreen

Tea with Tiffany said...

Strong words that bring life. We need to keep our first love and keep our foundation of faith.

Always enjoy popping in on you, my friend.

Hope you are enjoying summer with your family.

Love,

Tiffany

Maxine said...

Amen! Thanks for the reminder of the foundational truths of our faith. Trying hard to keep it here!