19th February 2026

19th February 2026


Pray (ACts) 


Read (Jude 1v22-23) 


Message (Scott Woodburn) 


As we wait for Christ's return we also have a responsibility to others. In these last days there will be those who know doubt fuelled by the lies of the false teachers. Will Christ return? Did Jesus die for me? Will I stand on the last day? To those wrestling with such questions of doubt we are to show mercy. Others will have bought into the lies of the enemy that we are to snatch them from the fire (v23a). In other words they are in great spiritual danger and we are to do our best to pluck from the flames of hell.


Finally we may encounter those who seem far from the grace of God. They have believed the lies and live in direct opposition to the Gospel. We are to be merciful to such individuals whilst at the same time "hating even the garment stained by the flesh" (v23b). What does Jude mean? Show mercy to the sinner but hate sin. Be careful that you too are not enticed by the schemes of the enemy. Show mercy but keep your guard up!


It is clear that Jude doesn't believe the last times to be an era of peace and happiness for the Christian church. I suspect we have been lulled into a false sense of security over the past 100 years or so. Christianity seemed to be in a prominent position in the Western world and we probably believed that it would never be any different. We have been fools. 


Satan continues to rage against the church for he knows his time is short. Brothers and sisters may we wake from our slumber. These are not days of peace but days of war. Put on the full armour of God and contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints.   


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q102 What do we pray for in the second petition? In the second petition, which is, Thy kingdom come,” we pray, that Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed; and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced, ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it; and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.
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