Zephaniah, The Prophet's Calling

Zephaniah 1:1 The word of the Lord which came to Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.

Zephaniah was called to be a prophet during the reign of Judah’s last godly king, Josiah. His family lineage is traced back to his great grandfather, Hezekiah. This may indicate that Zephaniah descended from the royal bloodline in Judah. Since it is not expressly stated, we do not know. Furthermore, since this Hezekiah is not referred to as King Hezekiah, it seems less likely that this is in fact the case.

Apologetics: Who Made God?

An apologetic is a reasoned or reasonable answer to a question posed to those outside of Christendom to offer a valid explanation. It is derived from 1 Peter 3:15, which states, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”

Jude, God Alone

Jude 25 To God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

The final passage in Jude’s benediction shines the light perfectly and completely upon God. He ascribes to God a quaternity of attributes, extolling the Lord for His virtues; virtues which provide definition for His otherwise inscrutable character. There is very much we would not–and could not–know about the nature of God if He did not deign to share it with the sons of men.

Jude, Faultless

Jude 24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,

Jude concludes his epistle with a benediction, or blessing. As is appropriate for a Christian minister, his desire is to direct our undivided attention to God, where it properly belongs. The benediction begins with a presentation of Him, who is able to keep the saints from stumbling.

Jude, Fear Of Burning

Jude 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

Now we come to the second camp of people. In verse 22 we are instructed to have compassion on some, showing a distinction; that distinction being that there are those honestly doubting who just need loving, prayerful support to help them in time of need. Then there is another camp who needs to be saved with fear.