Blemishes

Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion. These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. Jude 11-13





Gracious! These folks don't know what kind of trouble they're in. They are along for the ride, and they wanna take you for a ride on their beautiful balloon. Some are unbelievers. Like Cain, they never had a clue what God's plan really is, so they bring the work of their own hands as evidence of belonging to the Family (Gen 4:3-8; Heb 11:4; I John 3:12). They will learn that their human works are not sufficient. Some are believers in reversionism, like Balaam (Num 31:16; 2 Pet 2:15; Rev 2:14), who knew he belonged to God, but for money was not just willing, but eager to call down curses on the Israelites. His own donkey made a fool out of him. Some are just rebels, like Korah (Num 16:1-3, 31-35), who rejected the authority of Moses (God's appointed representative) and very quickly paid the ultimate penalty for his arrogance. These are all imposters within the Church, assembling with you, joining in your fellowships, taking the Lord's Supper with you, unafraid and unashamed. They are hot air, following the going trend. Unproductive branches or dead in their sins. They froth and roil with false doctrine and phony religiosity. Those who know the truth of the Word of God will not be taken in by these side-show clowns, but the newborns of the flock might be misled, and the worldlings are totally confused by these arrogant apostates, thinking they actually represent the Church. Just stand firm, brethren. God knows all about them, and their reward awaits.