12th February 2026

12th February 2026


Pray (ACts) 


Read (Jude 1v11-13) 


Message (Scott Woodburn) 


Jude had finished speaking about Cain, Balaam and Korah but he had still more to say about the false teachers. They were like hidden reefs of coral which could shipwreck a Christian (v12a). They attended fellowship meals (love feasts) without any fear - we might say they had no shame (v12b). They were shepherds who fed themselves and let the sheep starve (v12c). They were like clouds which promised water for the thirsty but were soon blown away without rain (v12d). 


They were like uprooted trees which provided no fruit in late autumn, twice dead - dead because they gave no harvest and dead because they had no root (v12e). They were like a restless wild wave of the sea which only produced the foam of their own shame (v13). They were like wandering stars who followed their own course and could not be trusted to lead (v13b).


In the heat of the moment we may struggle to believe it, but those who oppose Christ will not win. Jude says that the Lord has reserved “the gloom of utter darkness” for those who seek to harm and destroy His church (v13c).


What should we make of this? A couple of things. Firstly, we do not receive this teaching with arrogance. We do not point and sneer at the false teachers. If we have escaped hell it is only by the grace of God and by the blood of Christ. Secondly, if our fellowships go through times of trouble and disruption caused by those who oppose Christ, we have absolutely no mandate to “fight fire with fire”. If someone lies about you, you do not lie in return. If someone seeks to destroy your reputation, you may speak only truth about them. If your fellowship is disturbed by a wolf among the sheep, trust the Lord to fight the battle.


Finally, be confident that evil will not win. Jude pronounces woe upon the false teachers and it will surely be woe upon woe for the opponents of Christ. The Lord will keep His church to the end, she will persevere and not one of Christ’s people will be lost. Today we may face the lies of the enemy and weep when those whom we love turn against us but sleep in the knowledge that Christ knows the truth. In this world we will have trouble but we keep walking safe in the knowledge that Christ Himself will acknowledge us before the Father. Stand firm for He is coming soon.      


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q96 What is the Lord’s Supper? The Lord’s Supper is a Sacrament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine, according to Christ’s appointment, his death is showed forth; and the worthy receivers are, not after a corporal and carnal manner, but by faith, made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace.
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