Sometimes when reading the letter from Jude we become distracted by his references to fallen angels and Michael disputing with Satan over the body of Moses. But the real theme of this small book of the Bible is warning. Jude is warning the Church about “ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (verse 4)

The Book of Jude is well placed, located just before the Revelation which prophesies of the End Times. Jude could easily have been speaking to the Church just before the End Times. In fact, he appears to have been speaking to the Church today.

Today, we have Christian ministers seeking unity with Islamic clerics in what has become known as “Chrislam.” There is no wrong in speaking to or evangelizing Muslims, but one well known minister has apologized to Muslims. “Before we ‘shake your hand’ . . . , we ask forgiveness of the All-Merciful One and of the Muslim community around the world.” Friends, the “All-Merciful One” is a title given to Allah. How can a Christian ask for forgiveness from Allah?

To say that our Holy God is the same as Allah is to “deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” To say there are many ways to God is to “deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” There is “one God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:6)

While looking for a church to visit while on vacation, I came across a Baptist church (supposedly conservative) that had a “drum circle” one night every week. By the way, drums are not mentioned in the Word of God in connection with the Tabernacle or the Temple or the Church. What is a drum circle? This is where self-described Christians sit in a circle and a pagan tempo is beat on the instrument until the participants “find their inner self” or go into a self-induced trance, whichever comes first.

I had a Christian minister tell me if he changed the “worship service” to eliminate the suggestive dancing that was evoked by the music played during the service, he would lose half his congregation. So, are we choosing to please the worshipper over the One who we have come to worship?

More and more churches are running head-long in their effort to not confront sin and to conform to the world with their “feel good” messages and entertainment mindsets. In the desire to build up attendance, the modernists “have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit.” (verse 11) Of course, it is not really modern. Jude spoke of it 2000 years ago. The mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel, which is powerful on its own to bring everlasting joy – not just feel good thoughts and entertainment.

Please forgive the rant. I am deeply concerned for the Church of the Lord Jesus. The small Book of Jude very aptly describes many churches in these last times.