But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

Jude 1

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.  Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. v20-23

Jude (half-brother of Jesus), writes primarily to warn us about false/apostate teachers. Such false/apostate teachers exist in the church today (and seem to be growing in influence) so it is highly relevant that we can identify such teachers - we must prevent the spread of their teaching both in our own life and in the church-at-large.

Based on Jude's letter, John MacArthur provides us guidance about how to identify such teachers - giving us a list of characteristics or a "Profile of an Apostate"*:

1. Ungodly (v. 4) 
2. Morally perverted (v. 4) 
3. Deny Christ (v. 4) 
4. Defile the flesh (v. 8) 
5. Rebellious (v. 8) 
6. Revile holy angels (v. 8) 
7. Dreamers (v. 10) 
8. Ignorant (v. 10) 
9. Corrupted (v. 10) 
10. Grumblers (v. 16) 
11. Fault-finders (v. 16) 
12. Self-seeking (v. 16) 
13. Arrogant speakers (v. 16) 
14. Flatterers (v. 16) 
15. Mockers (v. 18) 
16. Cause division (v. 19) 
17. Worldly minded (v. 19) 
18. Without the Spirit (v. 19)

*The MacArthur Study Bible, by John MacArthur (Nashville: Word Publishing, 1997) 1987. © 1993 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  MacArthur, John F.. The MacArthur Bible Commentary (Kindle Locations 64614-64633). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. 

As Jude closes his letter, he not not only encourages us to build up our faith, to be patient for the Lord's return, and to full of grace and mercy for everyone; on this latter encouragement, even the false/apostate teachers are deserving of God's grace and mercy if we can find ways to reach them and if they reject their false/apostate teachings and return to Truth.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have blessed me with incredible grace and mercy.  I am grateful.  I am not deserving of such love.  I sin daily...worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Luke 6

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. v36

This is often difficult for me as I can be arrogant, judgemental, and harsh. Yet I am thankful that over time, God has helped me be more patient and merciful with, and forgiving of others.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are that You not only came to rescue me but You are ALWAYS with me and You hear and respond to my cries - thank You Jesus!  Thank You for molding me into someone more like You.  I am grateful!  Yet I am undeserving because I know that daily I miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.