Kept for Christ: Contend for the Faith

 Are you ready to defend what matters most?

In April 2022, Jacob Kingsley was enjoying a Cincinnati Reds game with his wife and their 11-month-old son, Shepherd. Shepherd was strapped to Jacob’s chest, happily sipping from his bottle. As they sat near the field, Jacob’s wife nervously asked, “Are you watching for foul balls?” Confidently, Jacob replied, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”

Moments later, a foul ball came screaming their way. With one hand still holding Shepherd’s bottle, Jacob snatched the ball out of the air with the other. The crowd erupted. Social media dubbed him a legend. Shepherd? He didn’t even flinch—he just kept drinking. Jacob was ready. He knew his role, and he acted quickly to protect what mattered most.

That’s the image we need as we step into the book of Jude.

In a time of subtle deception and creeping compromise, Christians are called to a similar kind of readiness—not just to passively believe the Gospel, but to actively protect and preserve it. Jude’s urgent letter calls us to stay alert, rooted in King Jesus, and ready to defend the faith when it’s under threat.

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A Timely Warning for Today’s Church

Jude, the brother of James and a servant of Jesus, originally set out to write a letter celebrating the joy of salvation. But a greater need arose—false teachers had quietly slipped into the church, twisting God’s grace and undermining the authority of Jesus. Instead of encouragement, Jude had to write a warning.

And here’s the striking part: The threat was not from the outside world—but from within.

This is a sobering reminder. We often fixate on cultural opposition, but the most dangerous distortions of the Gospel arise inside the Church. That’s why Jude’s message is just as urgent today as it was in the first century.

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Three Truths to Help Us Defend the Faith

Jude 1:1–4 gives us three essential truths for defending the faith.

1. Know Who You Are (vv. 1–2)

Identity comes before action. Jude introduces himself with humility—not as the brother of Jesus, but as His servant. He writes to believers who are:

• Called by God – not because of their initiative, but because of God’s grace.

• Loved by the Father – their value doesn’t come from performance, but from His covenant love.

• Kept for Jesus – protected and preserved by God for His Kingdom.

If we truly know who we are—citizens of God’s Kingdom—then we’ll be motivated to defend what truly matters. We are not just spectators in the faith; we are participants in God’s mission.

2. Understand the Urgency (v. 3)

Jude had hoped to write a joyful letter, but instead, he felt compelled to issue a warning. The truth of the Gospel—the once-for-all message about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection—was under attack.

Defending the faith isn’t just about correcting error. It’s about living faithfully. Our lives must reflect the truth of the Gospel. If we don’t stand firm in it, others may be misled and miss the Kingdom.

This “faith” is not merely personal opinion—it’s the shared, unchanging truth handed down from Jesus to the apostles, and to us through Scripture. That’s why we must defend it with clarity, conviction, and compassion.

3. Recognize the Threat (v. 4)

Jude says ungodly people had wormed their way into the church. They weren’t easily noticed because they used familiar language. But they twisted God’s grace into permission for sin, and they denied the authority of Jesus—even while speaking about Him.

We must be discerning. Many false teachings sound spiritual, quote Scripture, and appear biblical—but they deny God’s holiness, excuse sin, and make the Gospel about us rather than King Jesus.

As one preacher once said, “The most dangerous teaching often uses the most Scripture—but never explains it.” If we aren’t deeply familiar with the true Gospel, we’ll fall for clever counterfeits.

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The Call to Courage

Just like Jacob Kingsley reached out to protect his son with speed and precision, we are called to protect the Gospel—not with fear or aggression, but with a deep love for the truth and for others.

Ask yourself:

• Do I know the core truths of the faith well enough to live them?

• Am I grounded in Scripture so I can recognize error?

• Where am I tempted to misuse grace or soften the truth?

Let’s be clear: defending the faith isn’t just for pastors and theologians. It’s for all of us who have been called, loved, and kept by Christ. We are part of God’s defense line in this generation.

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Final Challenge

Pray that God would raise up faithful defenders of the faith—men and women who live with courage, clarity, and compassion. Commit yourself to faithfully following Jesus, not just in belief, but in practice.

The urgency that compelled Jude to write still rings true today. There are people in the Church—today—who twist Scripture for personal gain and lead others astray. Be alert. Stay rooted in the truth. Live the Gospel.

Know the truth. Live the truth. Defend the faith.

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Prayer Response:

• Thank God for the Gospel and the faith you have because of it.

• Ask God to strengthen your understanding and resolve.

• Commit to faithfully following Jesus and standing for His truth.

Let’s not merely be church attenders or students of Scripture. Let’s be guardians of the faith—ready to act, bold in love, and unshakably grounded in King Jesus.

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“Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else…”

— Jude 1:3, NLT

Let’s take Jude’s words seriously. We are saved, yes—but we are also kept for Christ and called to contend for the faith.

Stay alert. Stay rooted. Stay ready.

Clarity: What Is My Political Obligation?

This is the fourth installment of the Clarity blog series, where I am helping us build a Christian worldview to navigate a few of life’s toughest topics. So far, we’ve explored spiritual warfare (relying on God to stand firm), the Bible’s trustworthiness (our foundation for truth), and how science and faith complement each other (tools for understanding God’s world). Now, we turn to a realm that often stirs tension: politics. The question I am seeking to answer is: What is my political obligation? 

The answer to this question is rooted in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (NLT) 

We engage the political process not as citizens of this world but as citizens of God’s Kingdom, in a way that honors King Jesus.

The Lens of Our Worldview

Imagine wearing glasses with blue-tinted lenses. Everything you see—trees, sky, people—takes on a blue hue. You can’t perceive reality as it truly is unless you swap the lenses. Our worldview works the same way. It’s the lens through which we interpret life—meaning, morality, decisions. A Christian worldview, shaped by faith in Jesus, colors how we see purpose, relationships, and even politics. Others might view the world through naturalism, Buddhism, or another lens, leading to vastly different conclusions. The key question is: What lenses are we wearing? Are they aligned with God’s wisdom, or molded by the culture around us?

In this series, we’ve emphasized that Christians use the Bible to construct a worldview that makes sense of the world. With competing voices vying for our attention, Scripture offers a firm foundation—including for something as messy as politics. 

Why do I think it is important to address politics in this series? 

First, it’s a discipleship issue. As Kaitlyn Schiess argues in The Liturgy of Politics, we must ask: Are we being shaped by the Holy Spirit and Scripture, or by a political ideology? 

Second, politics is unavoidable—we live in this world, and we have been given a voice. This means we need wisdom in the best way to use that voice. Our task when it comes to politics is to discern how to bless our communities while representing Jesus well. I won’t tell you how to vote—that’s between you and God, approached prayerfully. But I do want to emphasize the reality that how engage in politics isn’t trivial; it’s a reflection of our faith.

Defining Politics Broadly

Politics isn’t just elections or government. It’s the activities, actions, and policies that govern a community—how power, resources, and decisions about laws and justice are handled. This means that politics isn’t only about voting or debating, it also includes how we shape our families, neighborhoods, and society. For Christians, it also about living out Kingdom values right now. So, how do we do that? 

I believe it starts by remembering who we are.

Christians as Exiles

In 1 Peter 2:11-17, Peter calls believers “exiles” and “foreigners.” What this truth points to is that we are citizens of the Kingdom of heaven called to live as representatives in the world. Our primary allegiance isn’t to any nation but to King Jesus and his We can’t have a divided allegiance! 

Jesus warned in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters.” This means my U. S. Citizenship  (or yours, wherever you are) is secondary to my citizenship in God’s Kingdom. Our mission isn’t to “take back” a country for God but to make disciples. This mission is a slow, transformative process that shapes people’s worldviews. I think this is a crucial point to remember: Politics can’t forge a “Christian” nation; only disciple-making can.

Peter offers practical guidance for exiles:

• Live Honorably (v. 12): We represent Jesus, seeking to bless our communities—voting, working, befriending—living in ways that honor him, even if that leads to us being misunderstood or maligned.
• Submit to Authorities (v. 13): We respect human institutions, not because we always agree, but because Jesus teaches us to. We trust God’s ultimate rule, avoiding needless rebellion and violence. One of the reasons we submit to authorities is because Followers of Jesus will sooner or later clash the laws of the State, so we shouldn’t provide additional excuses for the State to use the sword against us (This is basically what Paul is arguing in Romans 13).
• Use Freedom Wisely (v. 16): Christian freedom isn’t license to defy the laws of the land but empowerment to serve God and respect the State.

In the oppressive Roman Empire, Peter urged submission and respect, not defiance. Christians built pockets of heaven amid darkness of Rome. How can we do the same today?

Prayer: Our Greatest Political Act

Paul teaches about Christians political responsibility in 1 Timothy 2:1-3. In this passage Paul teaches us that prayer is our primary form of political engagement. In a Roman world where Christians had little power, Paul told Timothy to teach the church to pray—for leaders, for peace, for godliness. Why? So we can live “peaceful and quiet lives” (v. 2) and so people “can be saved” (v. 4). Our prayers aren’t about crafting a nation to our liking but about opening doors for God’s Kingdom to grow. 

I think it is also important to remember that prayer isn’t passive—it’s active work. I think too often we fall into the trap of thinking prayer of prayer as a way to give God our thoughts and worries, but we have to get to work to make things happen. That is not the case! Prayer is the work that all of us are called to do, and through it God works in this world. Prayer is also how we wear God’s armor in spiritual warfare, how Paul sought support for evangelism, and how we engage politics. Alongside making disciples, prayer is our most potent political tool.

Representing King Jesus

Colossians 3:17 ties it together: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” We are called to represent King Jesus in a world that is mostly ignorant about him, so we need wisdom on how to do it. 

Yes, Jesus flipped tables in the Temple, but we are not called to flip tables . For Jesus, flipping tables was a prophetic act, not a tantrum—God’s judgment on a corrupt system. John the Baptist’s fiery calls to repentance targeted covenant people who knew better, not a secular culture. 

As we seek to represent Jesus, we can’t assume our society knows the Bible, the nature of sin, or the love of God. Our political engagement—conversations, votes, actions—must reflect Jesus’ love, grace, and mercy, rather than just engaging in a culture war to uphold “biblical values.”

The Big Idea: Citizens of Heaven

Here’s the heart of it: We engage the political process not as citizens of this world but as citizens of God’s Kingdom, in a way that honors King Jesus. Like the exiles in Babylon (Jeremiah 29), we seek our community’s welfare—blessing, not cursing—while praying for leaders and opportunities to share the Gospel. Winning elections matters less than living faithfully.

Your Challenge

Ask yourself: How can I engage in politics in ways that glorify God and reflect Jesus’ character? I believe it is more vital to embody love, compassion, and integrity than to win a debate or an election. Reflect on the importance of representing King Jesus in everything you say and do daily—let it shape your words, votes, and actions.

Tying It to Our Worldview

Our Clarity series seeks to build a lens for life. Spiritual warfare taught reliance on God; the Bible gave us truth; science and faith showed us complementary tools. Now, politics reveals our identity as Kingdom citizens. We don’t disengage or conform—we participate as exiles, praying and living for Jesus’ glory.

Closing Prayer

• Thank God for the hope we have in Jesus.
• Ask for wisdom to follow Him in all things, including politics.
• Commit to being a citizen of God’s Kingdom, blessing the world around you.

We’re here to worship, hear God, and respond. If you’ve got questions or feel the Spirit nudging you to follow Jesus, let’s talk. For all of us, prayer is our starting point—let’s honor King Jesus together.

Life Patterns: Living as Citizens of Heaven

Philippians 1:27–30

Have you ever stepped off a plane in a foreign country and instantly felt out of place? Maybe the language sounded unfamiliar, the food smelled strange, or the customs felt completely different. You weren’t unwelcome—you just didn’t belong.

Now imagine pulling out your passport. That small blue booklet instantly identifies you as a citizen of another nation. It shapes how others see you—and maybe even how you see yourself. You’re not just a visitor. You’re a representative.

This is the image the apostle Paul wants us to carry in Philippians 1:27–30. He reminds us that as followers of Jesus, we are citizens of heaven. We might live in this world, but we don’t quite fit in. Our values, our hopes, our loyalties—they come from somewhere else. And just like a passport, our identity in Christ should influence how we live, love, and respond to the world around us.

A Heavenly Identity in a World That Feels Foreign

Paul wrote Philippians while in prison, thanking the church for their support and offering encouragement. In chapter 1, he shares how—even behind bars—the Gospel is advancing. Then, in verses 27–30, he gives practical instruction. If we belong to God’s Kingdom, then we must live like it.

Paul outlines three patterns that shape the life of a heavenly citizen:

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1. Loyalty — Living a Life Worthy of the Gospel (v. 27)

Paul urges believers to “live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.” This isn’t about living perfectly—it’s about living faithfully. Loyalty to Jesus shapes our daily choices. It means living in a way that reflects our allegiance to Him and standing united with others in His kingdom.

That loyalty also means we strive together for the Gospel. We’re not solo agents—we’re a team, a body, a church family. Whether it’s praying, teaching, giving, serving, or inviting others to know Jesus, we all have a role to play. That’s what loyalty looks like in action.

“No one can serve two masters…” (Matthew 6:24) reminds us that loyalty is a daily decision. Money, comfort, politics, success—any of these can claim our allegiance. But as citizens of heaven, our hearts must belong first to King Jesus.

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2. Courage — Standing Firm in the Face of Opposition (v. 28)

Paul doesn’t sugarcoat it: living as citizens of heaven invites resistance. Whether it’s cultural pushback, strained relationships, or spiritual attack, courage will be required. But courage isn’t bravado—it’s quiet confidence rooted in knowing who we are and whose we are.

Our courage serves as a sign. It tells the world that the Kingdom of God is real. And it tells us that we’re on the right path.

Think of Rosa Parks. In 1955, her refusal to give up her bus seat wasn’t loud, but it was powerful. Her stand sparked a movement because she knew who she was. In the same way, when we stand firm in faith, we point people to the hope of Jesus.

Want to grow in courage? Start with community. Courage isn’t cultivated in isolation—it grows in relationships. That’s why the local church is essential. We need one another to pray, encourage, and walk with us through life’s trials.

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3. Awareness — Recognizing That Suffering Is Part of the Journey (vv. 29–30)

Paul tells us that suffering is part of the Christian life. That’s not always what we want to hear, but it’s the truth. Jesus suffered, and those who follow Him can expect the same. But suffering isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign that we’re in the race.

Picture a marathon runner at mile 20, muscles burning and lungs gasping. That pain isn’t a sign to quit—it’s proof they’re still running. Likewise, when we face hardship for our faith, it’s not because we’ve lost our way. It might be because we’re exactly where God wants us to be.

We’re not alone in this. We run in the company of faithful men and women who have gone before us. We’re part of a “great cloud of witnesses” who model what it means to live with enduring faith.

“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God…” (Romans 8:28). 

Trust that even your pain can serve God’s purpose.

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Living the Difference

Paul’s challenge is simple but profound: Live as citizens of heaven. Let your life be a visible testimony that following Jesus makes a real difference. Let your loyalty, courage, and awareness shine like a lighthouse in a stormy sea—steady, faithful, and pointing others toward hope.

Our lives are often the clearest evidence of the Gospel people will ever see. Will they see the Kingdom of Heaven in us?

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A Challenge for the Week

Everything starts with prayer. This week, ask God to help you find and form a community of fellow citizens—people who will support, challenge, and walk with you in faith. Many of us try to follow Jesus alone, but we were never meant to. We need each other.

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A Final Thought

“There are moments when our greatest act of faith is to remain faithful. Faith is not always the way out of the crisis—but faith gives us strength and confidence to see every challenge and crisis through to the end.”

— Erwin McManus, Stand Against the Wind

This is what these three patterns—loyalty, courage, and awareness—lead to: faithfulness. Steady, resilient, enduring faithfulness to King Jesus.

Let’s live like we belong to the Kingdom of Heaven—because we do.