It doesn’t make sense to most Christians to think that any Christian, anywhere, might find themselves trapped in the ministry of a false or abusive leader. “Do they believe in the diety of Jesus? What do you mean, “Trapped”? How can you be “trapped” in any church?! Just leave!!!” But to anyone who has ever been sucked into such a dark ministry, under such fallen leaders, trapped is exactly the word that describes the deathly grip that ungodly leaders seek to gain over those whom they mis-lead. Since I first published a few essays based on the book of Jude in 2008, I’ve received many comments and been contacted privately by Christians who have suffered under the ministry of false/abusive leaders, or are even presently involved in such abusive ministries. And honestly, my eyes have been opened. I’m not alone, nor was I ever alone when I wondered if my particular situation in an abusive church was completely isolated. Just as the wolves circled the spiritual fires of the early church, probing for opportunities to exploit the Bride of Christ, so the wolves prowl today–looking for a place to creep in and steal what rightfully belongs to Christ alone–the loyalty of His people.
If you would like to access my short devotional writings from the book of Jude, please go to the “Archives” section on the right hand side of this page, and click on “May 2008.” Beginning at the bottom of that page, you’ll find a series of writings from the book of Jude. Please feel free to contact me for any further discussion, or just for an opportunity to discuss the issue with complete discretion on my part! As I’ve begun to preach a (very) short series on the book of Jude, I realized the perhaps some may want to take a closer look at some of the verses that I don’t plan on spending very much time on in my sermons (like verses 5-10). It’s not that these aren’t critical verses to the book, or fascinating and edifying to the believer…I’m just not going to take as much time on them this time around.
Blessings, Ken
downtownpastor