Christians what do you think about Jude 1:22-23 Try to help those who argue against you...?
22 Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt. 23 Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren’t pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore into all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28: 19-20, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Bible and Stupid People? (07/17/2013); Destroying Justice (07/18/2013); Loving the Enemy (05/10/2013); Struggling (05/11/2013); A GOD of Love (05/07/2013); Commanding the Storm (05/08/2013)
Many Christian believers respond to the instruction from Jude 1: 21-23 as no less than the “great commission” declared to the apostles granted the role of witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus (see Matthew 28: 19-20, KJV). In general, those who question the authority and reality of the Holy Spirit (also called the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, the Spirit of Prophecy, the Sprit of Truth) focus upon the specific words of the two passages, and fail to recognize the oneness and sameness of their intent and operation. Similarly, there are many who challenge the spiritual authority and legitimacy of Jude, a sibling of Jesus, and not one widely known as having office in the hierarchy of the early church (e.g., prophet, bishop, deacon, etc.).
As beginners and new believers, a person’s focus may be entirely upon their own salvation. Realization of their own faults, flaws and sins may have come into their awareness with great force and power. As they pray some form of what is called “the sinner’s prayer,” there may be overwhelming guilt and shame. There may be a great humbling of their pride as they confess the terrible damage they may have done to others as well as to themselves. However, the new birth establishes a new self-awareness, and new self-esteem. In addition to aspects of divinity, the content and substance of GOD who is spirit, believers receive new life that is described by holy purpose, obedience to divine law, and sacred work.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. For example, love of GOD and of Christ as Son of the Highest expands and increases only through the growth that comes by regular prayer, study of the holy writings, and service within a community of believers. Born again, one receives such elements of divine DNA as faith, holiness, righteousness, truth, wisdom and wrath against sin. All are not called to be preachers, yet all are given a gospel and a testimony that must be freely shared.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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