Daily Manna

Key Verse

“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4). 

TEXT — Jude1:4

Message

George Whitefield highlighted the issue of stony ground hearers in Christianity, cautioning against quick judgments and emphasising the importance of discerning based on actions. He pointed out that there might be more tares than wheat in the Christian community today. The prevailing worldliness and pursuit of sinful pleasures are challenging the faith foundation of many believers. Evil forces are seeking to undermine Christian values and replace them with deceitful alternatives. Christians must be vigilant and discerning to uphold true faith in the face of these threats.

Danger to Christianity was thought to be mostly from external forces. Now, Jude warns believers that the greatest threat to the faith are the corrupted multitudes within the ranks of believers. Massive corruption is streaming in through ungodly men who creep in like thieves in the night. Due to a lack of spiritual watchfulness, many assemblies have opened their doors to permissive lifestyles and doctrinal ambivalence that is now very difficult to replace.

The ugly side of ungodliness is its ability to fake righteousness. Jude talked about those who were known for uprightness but have now become signets for evil. Whitefield concurs, adding that there are also those whose stony grounds were never truly ploughed, hence lacking any conviction of the law of God. Such will easily fall away.

Believers today must have strong convictions about sin, holiness, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and living a righteous life. The idea of “once saved, forever saved” may actually lead more people to hell than to heaven. Many modern preachers are like the false prophets in Israel, spreading lies instead of God’s truth. Discerning individuals need to stand against the increase of evil in our churches and society. Truth must prevail over sin and deception. We must hold on to eternal life and reject those who promote falsehood. Be wary of those who serve their own desires and earthly pursuits, rather than God.

Thought for the day

False preachers are still in business because of an itching-ears audience. 

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