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Few people want to go back to horse and buggy days; but we often wish for old-fashioned values –when people were kind, when drug abuse and violence were rare, and when families were intact. Times have changed! Sadly, in every age, people attack ethical norms–both inside and outside of the church. The Bible tells us to expect and reject values that contradict God’s word. Jude, Jesus’ half-brother, wrote this: Remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit within them.” To counter twisted ideas of freedom, Jude says, “You, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.” Jude says show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy, but do it with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Jude is confident that as we do these things, God will keep us from falling away. He will bring us with great joy into his glorious presence. Biblical values are well worth preserving.
