There are many more books written about the history of the people of God that are not included in our Bibles. The Dead Sea scrolls contain much of our scriptures, but also other writings such as the book of Enoch, which was not accepted into the canon of scripture.

The sad thing is that often these people do not know that they are deceived, they honestly believe the Lord has spoken to them, often through dreams. There are many Biblical references to dreams given by God, and He is still speaking through dreams today, He never changes!

We read about Sodom and Gomorrah. Many of us know that story, but few of us know that other cities were destroyed at the same time. The very nature of sin is that it has very few limits. When someone does something wrong, other people are affected directly and indirectly.

The angels must have known where the limits of their territory were. But they took a peek at what was beyond their limits. Of course the grass is always greener on the other side, and we often desire what is not ours. But we do not expect that of angels.

Punishing children and future generations is a deterrent for us. Many people would think twice about adultery, theft, murder, idolatry if they knew that their children would suffer as a result. Throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, God is telling us that sin is sin, and must be punished.

What an experience that must have been. We can imagine that every family vowed to tell what happened that night to their children and grandchildren. They set off toward their future with great enthusiasm, and with great riches that they had received as farewell gifts from their neighbours and employers.

Rarely do understaffed churches ask for any identification, or testimony from another church that these people have been good stewards of the faith, or even that they are believers. Sadly many churches have suffered because they unwittingly allowed the enemy access to their vulnerable members. We cannot be too careful.

I had a totally different idea of what I wanted to study, this month, but it was not coming together. After days of frustration I asked the Lord. He suggested Jude, a book I did not know well! I have never heard a sermon based on any verse from Jude!

What a short verse this is, but what a heartfelt blessing. Especially to a church group. Let us think today about what each word means. Jesus excelled in both showing mercy to thousands who called on Him, and taking pity on many who were diseased or handicapped. So must we.