Jude

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ…

But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life…

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Jude 3-4, 17-21, 24-25

by Luis Garcia

My Preaching Birthday

Hindsight is a valuable tool and gift. It’s amazing to see how far the Lord works in your life when you take a moment to look back at different milestones. On August 8th, 2012, I preached my first sermon in a main church service. Though I had preached multiple times in multiple venues, this was the first time on a Sunday morning. My good friend Matt Tague was the pastor at the time and privileged me with this opportunity. I am embarrassed by the many mistakes I did, but God still preached through me this morning. Matt taught me to mark the day, and remember it. Here I am almost half way through my second year at seminary, and I can’t believe how far away this time seems. God has and will continue to prove His faithfulness and grace in the many days to come. I appreciate my brother Matt for his support and wisdom, and I thank God for His love and glory. He is not finished with any of His children until His promise and grace have finished their wonder in our souls.

by Luis Garcia