STAYING TRUE WHEN EVERYTHING IS CHANGING – Following Jesus From the Edges.

Following Jesus from the Edges

Staying True When Everything Around You Is Changing

Pastor Calvin Cook

July 6, 2026

Press Pause. Amidst a busy weekend, schedule, and things that needed crossed off the to do list, I pressed pause. Didn’t realize I was doing it but thankful I gave in to something that I encourage but never do myself to just be present.

I had dinner Saturday evening with two brothers in Christ, and I am thankful for the time. Our conversation really wasn’t intense or resolving any situation just being present with each other. As our conversation proceeded it almost was like flashing back 200 years to the Wesley style of class meetings as the subject changed to what you are reading in scripture. Sharing what God had been speaking through the holy scriptures.

It brings me to the place this morning to share two scriptures over the last couple of days that have been speaking to me. One of the scriptures has been resonating and resurfacing over the last couple of weeks.

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’ But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” — Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)

The core lesson speaking to me is about making good choices and seeking to follow Jesus regardless of what is crashing down around you. To continue to take the high road and not refuse to follow where God is leading you to.

The second is the book of Jude.

This one-chapter book in the new testament right before Revelation really packs a punch. The great thing for me is that I read Jude not because I was searching for some answer, preparing a sermon or a Bible study, just opening the Bible and reading and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak.

Here are two of the verses that spoke to me:

“But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” — Jude 20-21

Is this the ancient practice that Jeremiah was speaking about?  The direction and guidance are almost overwhelming. “building yourself up in the most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, and keeping yourself in love with God.”

Earlier in Jude there is warnings and direction: a  warning against false teaching  calling believers to stand firm, he reminds us who we are. We are called, loved, and kept. What a comforting place to begin. Our confidence is not found in our own strength but in God’s faithful love that holds us securely in Christ.

The world is full of competing voices. Every day we are encouraged to believe that truth is whatever feels right in the moment. Jude lovingly reminds believers that there is a faith worth holding onto—a faith that has been entrusted to God’s people and is centered on Jesus Christ. Thinking on the words from Jeremiah, “we are standing at the crossroads.”

Standing firm does not mean becoming harsh or argumentative. Jude tells us to build ourselves up in our faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, remain in God’s love, and show mercy to others. Truth and grace always belong together.

As I reflect on Jude, I am reminded that our greatest need today is not to invent a new faith but to faithfully live the one Christ has already given us. In a changing world, Jesus remains the same. His truth is still true. His mercy is still available. His love is still sufficient.

Today, remember who you are. You are called. You are loved. You are kept. Stand firmly in Christ, walk humbly with Him, and extend His mercy to everyone you meet.