We welcome everyone who has come to Barrie for our Young Adult Weekend. It is especially encouraging to have Jay, Linda and Jacob Manimtim among us, and of course Jay is our speaker today. The subject of the weekend is something every Christian needs, “A Closer Walk.”

Jude, who was likely the brother of Jesus Christ, had unique insight into this, as one would expect a brother to have. He didn’t brag about his family connection, nor did he act superior to those who had never met Him. In his short New Testament letter, Jude urged us to draw closer to the Lord, and thus avoid the destructiveness of those who would try to harm Christ’s people.

In Jude 20-21 he encourages us to do three things. First, “build yourselves up on your most holy faith.” Like one who renovates and extends a well-built structure, so we should do the things that would shape and grow our faith higher, stronger. Second, he tells us to “pray in the Holy Spirit.” Time spent in prayer to God, with the Spirit’s help, draws us nearer to Him, producing a bond of strength and closeness that shapes our entire existence. It is impressive to read of the prayer life of Jesus. “He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God” (Lk.6L12). “He arose and went out and departed to a lonely place, and was praying there” (Mk.1:35). Third, Jude recommends, “keep yourselves in the love of God.” That is, we are to carefully watch ourselves that we remain in the sphere of Fatherly protection, the realm in which God can bless his obedient children.

A closer walk is available to us, but it takes determination and time. Carve it out for yourself.

– Tim Johnson