Introduction
The series Hey Jude might well be a defining work and word for this humbled, seasoned, and watchful caretaker of human souls. Certainly, more than I imagined, and far more than I could have ever hoped for, this teaching from the tiny Book of Jude is as spiritually rich and relevant today as any text we have in the Bible. That is a heavy conclusion, and not one arrived to very easily or carelessly. Nonetheless, I stand on my conclusions based on (One) the strength of a biblically sound, reliable, and an exhaustive hermeneutical and interpretive process for the text of Jude. (Two), a world culture that is feeding itself on its own weak and innocent to satisfy an insatiable appetite for the desire and distortion to pleasure self, and the compulsion for power to use the human flesh for all manner of evil. (Three), an undeniable move of the Holy Spirit, leading and confronting me with the text, and a present-day revelation from the Holy Spirit of Jude’s text. I was led to Jude – I was tethered to Jude – and allowed to understand Jude. Finally, everything that I woke up to for the past three months screamed to me, Hey Jude, don’t make it bad – take a sad song and make it better. I am certain that I am not channeling my inner Beatle, and even more certain there is a present-day message and mission for you and I to receive and embrace.
It is very difficult to deny that we live in a global culture predominantly navigated by the heart of deception, the mind of evil, and an all-consuming will for the flesh. In smaller circles, very few among us are whom we think they are. In larger circles, most among us are precisely who we think they are. With the aid of demonic force all things true have been reassigned as a lie. And all things untrue have been reassigned as truth. The one exception left are those who hold fast to the Gospel of Christ Jesus, who believe the Word of God as their moral authority and path to God the Creator and eternal life in Christ Jesus. All of hell has risen against Christ, His Word and those who are true believers. The demonic and evil force against us is not metaphorical or figurative – it is literal and real. Jude will tell us how to prevail. To restate this conclusion in a more concise and simple definition I can use one word – narcissism. That one word represents and embodies one spirit – the spirit of the anti-Christ.
nar·cis·sism | ˈnärsəˌsiz(ə)m |
excessive interest in or admiration of oneself and one’s physical appearance and social approval; Psychology of selfishness, involving a sense of entitlement, a lack of empathy, and a need for recognition and admiration, as characterizing a personality type; Psychoanalysis self-centeredness arising from failure to distinguish the self from external objects and feelings, either in very emotionally immature personalities or as a feature or symptom of mental and emotional disorders.
[Origin/Etymology]
Early 19th century: via Latin from the Greek name Narkissos or Narcissus.
In Greek mythology, Narcissus (/nɑːrˈsɪsəs/; Ancient Greek: Νάρκισσος Nárkissos) was a hunter from Thespiae in Boeotia (modern day Karaburun) who was known for his beauty. According to Tzetzes, Narkissos rejected all romantic advances, eventually falling in love with his own reflection in a pool of water, staring at it for the remainder of his life. After he died, in his place sprouted a flower bearing his name.
The character of Narcissus is the origin of the term narcissism, a fixation with oneself. This quality, in turn, contributes to the definition of narcissistic personality disorder, a psychiatric condition marked by grandiosity, excessive need for attention and admiration, and an inability to empathize.
As I said earlier, Jude will expose us to the deceptions that exist, remind us of the darkness gone before us, warn us of the consequences of repeating the past, equip us to walk in right and righteousness, and finally, bless and empower us for the certainties of that which lies ahead. So, Reunion Church, it’s here that we are – and it’s there that we go. Hey Jude, may mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.
Dr. Stephen isaac
The Reunion Church
About Reunion Community Church
We are a Bible teaching Christian church in Peoria, AZ. We love God and teach His Truth. We invite you, your family and friends to join us on the faith journey, growing closer to one another, the Christian community of believers at Reunion, and most importantly with God. Read more about the timeless Truth we build our lives and faith in Christ on HERE.
We are conveniently located just off the 101 on 83rd Ave and Cactus Rd. Join us on Sunday mornings, Weds. evenings, and throughout the week at our small groups, meeting in homes around the Valley, including Surprise, Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, Goodyear, Litchfield, and more. Connect with us on Facebook and watch our live streaming service on YouTube.
