Scriptures: Jude 5-7, Numbers 14:22-23, John 14:15, Genesis 6:1-8, 19:1-5, James 3:1, Luke 17:28-30
We are not to live in the past, but we are to look to the past and learn from the past, so
that we don't lose in the present and lack for the future. There are some lessons we
can learn from what happened yesterday, that will help us enjoy today and
secure tomorrow. Jude uses three examples for his reminders, because each deals
with how apostates turn from God, and how God judges them when they do. In this message Dr. Merritt details
a national example, a celestial example, and a social example.
"God has given to professors
in Christian schools, and preachers in Christian
churches, a high position and a lofty purpose. A professor in a seminary has
the position of training his students to preach the Bible
faithfully. A preacher in a church has the purpose of teaching people to
believe the Bible fully. But there are apostates behind podiums and pulpits today who have misused
their position and abused their purpose, and led schools, churches, and entire
denominations away from the Word of God, and therefore the power of God." --Dr. Merritt
Keywords: Jude, apostate, apostasy, salvation, past, remember, Israel, deliverance, Moses, leader, pastor, rebellion, angels, forget, Sodom, Gomorrah, immorality, Dead Sea, judgment, fire