Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. Jude 1:3 (NASB)
Contend earnestly for the faith? Who does that these days? Anyone who would claim faith in Jesus Christ and walk in His ways is intolerant, so says the world and even part of the church. And yet God’s Word commands us to contend earnestly for the faith.
Are Christians willing to obey God and His absolute truth? Or will we continue to make up our own truths and live by them? Who are we more afraid of offending—humans or God, creatures or Creator? In a world that accepts the faith less and less, how can believers in Jesus Christ abide by God’s Word?
Look to Jesus, not humans, for answers. Hold tightly to the faith of our fathers by reading God’s Word everyday. Stand firm on the absolute truth of Jesus Christ our Savior. With the help of the Holy Spirit, daily walk in the obedience of the Word of our Lord. And pray without ceasing.
The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 (TLB)
Fight on for God. Hold tightly to the eternal life that God has given you and that you have confessed with such a ringing confession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12 (TLB)
Pray all the time. Ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit’s wishes. Plead with him, reminding him of your needs, and keep praying earnestly for all Christians everywhere. Ephesians 6:18 (TLB)
Yes, be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (TLB)
Be strong! Be courageous! Do not be afraid of them! For the Lord your God will be with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (TLB)
But you have given us a banner to rally to; all who love truth will rally to it; then you can deliver your beloved people. Use your strong right arm to rescue us. Psalm 60:4-5 (TLB)
“God loves you very much,” he said; “don’t be afraid! Calm yourself; be strong—yes, strong!” Suddenly, as he spoke these words, I felt stronger and said to him, “Now you can go ahead and speak, sir, for you have strengthened me.” Daniel 10:19
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (NIV)
TRUTH CARRIES WITH IT CONFRONTATION. ~Francis Schaeffer