Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

September 14
Sunday


END OF
CONSTRUCTION

READ:
Jude 1:20-25
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To Him who is able to
keep you from stumbling,
and to present you
faultless before the
presence of His
glory.... __Jude 1:24
________________________________________________

Years ago, Ruth Bell Graham, wife of evangelist Billy Graham, saw a sign by the road: "End of Construction__Thank you for your patience." Smiling, she remarked that she wanted those words on her gravestone.

After her death in June 2007, her desire was carried out. Her grave marker bears the Chinese character for righteousness (Mrs. Graham was born in China), followed by the words that made her smile.

Every follower of Christ can share the confidence that God's faithfulness will carry us through this period of spiritual building on earth. We echo Jude's words of praise: "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever" (Jude 1:24-25).

Today, we're in the construction zone. Jude's letter challenges us to grow in faith, pray in the Spirit, and remain surrounded by God's love (vv.20-21). But his construction is not a self-centered process. We are to show mercy to others and rescue those in danger of spiritual ruin (vv.22-23).

One day our construction will be complete, a prospect that's worth so much more than a smile. __David McCasland
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``````````````````When my spirit, clothed immortal,```````````````
``````````````````Wings its flight to realms of day,````````````````
`````````````````This my song through endless ages;``````````````
``````````````````Jesus led me all the way. __Crosby`````````````
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To build a godly life, let God be the architect
and His Word the blueprint.

****************Today's Bible Reading __ Jude 1:20-25************

20 But you, beloved,
building yourselves up on
your most holy faith,
praying in the Holy Spirit,

21 Keep yourselves in the
love of God, looking for the
mercy of our Lord Jesus
christ unto eternal life.

22 And on some have
compassion, making a
distinction; 23 but others
save with fear, pulling them
out of the fire, hating even
the garment defiled by the
flesh.

24 Now to Him who is able
to keep you from
stumbling, and to present
you faultless before the
presence of His glory with
exceeding joy, 25 to God our
savior, who alone is wise,
be glory and majesty,
dominion and power, both
now and forever. amen.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

"Jude, a boundservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those
who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus
Christ" (Jude 1:1). In the introduction to his short epistle, Jude does
not mention that he is the half-brother of Jesus. Instead, he refers to
himself as "a bondservant of Jesus Christ." He writes to those who
are "called" to salvation, "sanctified" of God, and "preserved" in
their relationship to Jesus Christ. In only a few short phrases we are
reminded of the sovereignty of God and the centrality of Christ, and
of the stability this brings to our spiritual lives. __Dennis Fisher