Lecture: Jude and Creating Unity in the Midst of Chaos

This was a keynote lecture based on the short letter of Jude delivered at the 2021 annual **Faithbuilders of the Northwest** conference held in Tacoma, Washington, at the **Lakeview church of Christ** as a collective work of many congregations of the Pacific Northwest. The theme of the conference: “That They May All be One” (John 17:21).

As one of the smallest documents of the whole Bible, Jude’s communique seems more known for its opening statement of contending for the faith (Jude 3). It is often been the source text for a battle cry of spiritual warfare. However, Jude provides his own exegetical application of this exhortation in verses 17–23. It has a quite different tone than how it is often applied.

17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. 

Jude 17–23 (English Standard Version)

In this keynote lecture, I call on all Christian believers to apply this passage.