Glory to God!

Have you ever asked God “why?” Or “Why God?” “Why me?” Why did this happen? Why did they have to leave me so early? Why God do the wicked prosper and the poor go on oppressed? Why did you allow the middle passage and our ancestors to suffer? Why is there division in the Church? Why can’t politicians get their stuff together and serve the people? I can go on and on. The reality is that as far as we see in scripture God rarely if ever answers the question of Why. We can however find in God’s wisdom a common thread of rezoning behind all that God does and all that God allows. Here is the common denominator in all that God does and all that God allows. It’s always ends with God receiving glory. Even if we don’t see it at the time. Even if its extreme evil, at some point God is going to get glory out of it. And when he is glorified we should be satisfied. So why did God allow this... (Play Back)

Jude's Message and Context

1. You didn’t Fall

After all, that Jude has just revealed to the church and this great falling away he closes with the benediction and doxology of hope letting them know that falling is optional. You don’t have to fall, not in the sense of falling away from God. Because we have a God who is able. God is Able. This same word used here for Able is the same word used elsewhere in the NT as power. (Able Run Here)

God’s ability is not the end however, but it’s what he is willing to do. He is able to keep you from falling/stumbling. It was God…(Run)

2. You’ll look Faultless

God not only can and will keep you from falling away but God also makes it possible to stand before God faultless. The beauty of this presentation is that first of all in brings us an awareness of our own inability to be faultless. Or in other words it should remind us that we are not perfect by ourselves but it is God who perfects us. Our inability makes room for his ability. Our sin makes room for his grace. So when you stand before your God, God is not going to see what you did, because at some point you messed up and that’s a fault. He isn’t going to see what you said because at some point you lied and that’s a fault. God isn’t going to see who what you were, because at some point you failed, and that’s a fault. No matter what it is you did God isn’t going to see it. He is going to see you faultless. (Imagine a courtroom setting)

My favorite part of this presentation in God’s glory isn’t just that we are seen as faultless, but also because we have great joy when we are there.

3. He’s Glorious Forever

• To the Only Wise God our Savior, [through Jesus Christ]

• Be glory and majesty

• Dominion and Power

• Both now and forever

Michael Jordan received a 4 minute standing ovation. All because he played basketball.

Charlie Chapman received in 1974 at the Academy Awards received a 12 minute standing ovation. All because he made a movie

Jose Placido Domingo the Spanish opera singer performed Otello in Vienna Austria in 1991 received and 101 curtain calls and a 80 minute standing ovation. Just because he sang.

Dustin Luke and his group. 80 minutes and 34 seconds. 2014 All because he wanted to break the record.