The phrase “still standing” in the CPMA theme for this year infers that there have been those before us in the history of God’s people who have been enabled to stand without compromise. Even through the darkest times of history there have been countless, unknown individuals who tenaciously held of to the Word of God. Their faith, their stand led to the removing of man- made creeds and the uncovering of the glorious doctrine of the Holy Scriptures we stand upon today. So, we stand in this day as all the forces of hell are unleashed in Satan’s attack of deception and corruption of the “faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 1:3) 

We rejoice in the knowledge that The Church of God is still standing without compromise and that her destiny is sure. But what about myself, my loved ones, my fellow brothers and sisters in the faith? How can we as individuals be the kind of people who stand without compromise or as Jude expresses it, “contend for the faith”?

After exhorting believers to contend for the faith and detailing how to identify false teachers and deceivers, Jude does not begin by expressing to them how to expose or respond to deception. Rather, he directs them in living and growing in their fellowship with the Lord. “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 1:20-21) Jude encourages saints to build themselves up in the most holy faith. In this context, Jude is referring to the doctrine of the Word of God. We must not only know the doctrine, but it must show up in how we live. We must also pray in the Holy Ghost, not in the flesh. (Romans 8:26,27) Keeping ourselves in the love of God happens naturally as we pursue intentional obedience to the Word of God. Then we should be ever ready for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ as it represents the mercy which will deliver and save us from the coming wrath of God upon this rebellious world. (Romans 1:18; Romans 5:9)

As we follow these instructions by Jude, we shall be able to stand without compromise. Not only stand, but advance against the forces of evil, facing the dangers involved so long as we are built up in the faith, praying in the Spirit, keeping ourselves in the love of God and constantly looking for and remaining in readiness for our Savior’s return!

May the Lord bless you and keep you as you press on in your work for Christ and his church. Be encouraged in the Lord!  Jude 1:24 reminds us, we serve a mighty God who is able to keep us from falling and present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy!