The Letter of Jude

1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.  BackgroundWriter: Jude (“Judas” Half-brother of Jesus and brother of Jesus)Date: Unknown (65-80 AD) Two Main Themes:1.     To expose false teachers in the church2.     To encourage believers to contend earnestly for the faith and finish strong Examples of those who did not contend for the faith1.     Israelites in the wilderness (v.5)2.     Angels who rebelled with Satan (v.6)3.     People in Sodom and Gomorrah (v.7) Contend for your faith by depending on God’s work (v.1-2, 24-25)1.     Called2.     Beloved (Sanctified)3.     Preserved