This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. I am writing to all who have been called by God; who live in the love of God the Father and the protection and safe care of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love" (1-2).

Prior to Jesus' resurrection, his brothers James and Jude did not believe in him, but this momentous, historical event brought about a radical transformation in them. For the rest of their lives they stood in awe of Jesus their Lord and walked with him in deep humility. This is another powerful argument that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead.

"My dear friends, I was doing my best to write to you about the salvation we share in common, when I felt the need of writing at once to encourage you to fight on for the faith which once and for all God has given to his holy people" (3).

Jude wanted to unpack all the wonders of our salvation in Jesus, but due to the lethal threat of false teaching, he pleaded with God's people to fight for the simple yet profound truths of the Gospel and that God's grace teaches us to say "No!" to sin.

"Keep on building each up in your most sacred faith. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and keep yourselves in the love of God … Show mercy toward those who have doubts; whose faith is wavering" (20-23).

For Jude the heart of our faith is: we are chosen and called; we live in the love of the Father and the safe care and protection of his precious Son who laid down his life for us; we have received mercy so must extend mercy; our faith is sacred so it reveals itself in holy living; we are empowered by the Holy Spirit and our trust and hope are in God's priceless and guaranteed promises. He ends with these words:

"Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to bring you faultless and joyful before his glorious presence; to the only God our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, might, and authority, from all ages past, and now, and forever and ever! Amen" (24-25).