Pastor Allen Victor delivered a compelling sermon at Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, focusing on the Book of Jude. He began by introducing the author, Jude, who identified himself as a bondservant of Jesus Christ and the brother of James. Pastor Allen highlighted Jude’s humility, noting that, despite being Jesus’ brother, he did not use that relationship to gain personal fame. Jude’s conversion came only after Jesus’ resurrection, and he humbly addressed the believers as those “called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ.”

He explained that Jude’s initial intention for writing was to speak about “our common salvation,” a salvation that unites all believers. However, Jude felt compelled to address a more urgent matter—the infiltration of false teachers within the church. These teachers were twisting the grace of God into an excuse for immorality and denying the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Pastor Allen drew attention to Jude’s warning that these deceivers were not only misleading others but were also deceived themselves. He used several Old Testament examples, such as the Israelites, the angels who rebelled, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, to illustrate the consequences of rejecting God’s truth.

In the sermon, Pastor Allen delved into the characteristics of false teachers, calling them “dreamers” who defiled the flesh, rejected authority, and spoke ill of dignitaries. He emphasized the importance of respecting authority, using the example of Michael the Archangel, who, even when contending with Satan, did not speak evil but left judgment to God. The sermon cautioned against false teachers who, motivated by greed, pride, and dead religion, led people astray. These individuals, like Cain, offered sacrifices without faith, or like Balaam, sought to profit from their ministry.

He also addressed the destructive nature of false teachings, comparing them to hidden reefs in love feasts, thunderclouds without rain, fruitless trees, and wandering stars. He warned that such teachers might put on a grand show, but ultimately, they offer no lasting substance. The message urged the congregation to stay grounded in the truth of God’s Word and not be swayed by fleeting trends and shallow teachings.

In the latter part of the sermon, Pastor Allen turned to the exhortation given by Jude to the believers. He encouraged them to remember the warnings of the apostles and to build themselves up in the faith. He urged the church to pray in the Holy Spirit and keep themselves in God’s love, emphasizing that the key to standing firm in the faith is to rely on God’s mercy and grace. He also encouraged compassion for those struggling with doubts while confronting sin with the truth. The sermon concluded with the beautiful doxology from Jude 1:24-25, reminding the congregation that it is God who keeps them from stumbling and will present them faultless before His glory.

The sermon served as both a caution and an encouragement, calling believers to remain vigilant against false teachings and to be anchored in the truth of the gospel. Pastor Allen reminded the church to walk in the love and grace of God, holding firm to the faith once delivered to the saints.

This sermon was presented by Pastor Allen Victor at Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville.

#FalseTeachers #Discernment #FaithInChrist #StayTrue #GodsGrace #JudeLetter #ContendForTheFaith