65 - The Book Of Jude - Audio King James Version JUDE This short letter reminds believers that there is an urgent need always to keep to the doctrines and practices taught by Christ and the Apostles, as now revealed in the Scriptures. Jude, Brother of James the brother of the James who was a step-brother of Jesus. Jesus, Jude, James, Simon and Joses had all been brought up in the home of Mary and Joseph, at Nazareth in Galilee. During the ministry of Jesus in Galilee, his brothers did not believe on him, although he was the Messiah and Saviour, being the Son of God and not of Joseph (see John 7:5). After his resurrection, however, they became faithful followers. Jude, Servant of Jesus Christ Now Jude wrote as “a servant (slave) of Jesus Christ”. In writing to fellow-believers he says they are “sanctified … preserved” (v.1). This means that they were set apart, separated and distinct from the beliefs and practices of the world around them. They will be preserved as God’s people, his “saints” through Jesus Christ, if they remain true to their calling. They will look for mercy at the return of Christ if they have been faithful. He reminded his readers of Old Testament examples of false teachers and of the judgements reserved for such (v 5-15). Against such apostasy true saints, such as Enoch (v 14), had spoken out. The Importance of the Truth The need to keep to the original gospel as taught in the Scriptures is underlined in this letter. It is particularly apt, coming as it does almost at the end of the Bible. Those who guard the truth and try to live by its principles can look for mercy and eternal life at the time of Christ’s return. They will form the faultless “Bride” to be presented on that day (v 24). Judah, Man of Praise! Jude’s name can also be written as Judah —a name which means ‘praise’. It is fitting, therefore, that the letter ends in a doxology of praise: “To the only wise God our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen” (v 25). To give God glory and praise is the ultimate purpose to which God’s saints are called. Credits: http://scourby.com by Alexander Scourby narration of the King James. Litchfield Associates ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8HJ2TQ6Gs8

This is Eswatini’s (Swaziland’s) best known cultural event, and has a more open feel than the Incwala. In this eight-day ceremony, young girls cut reeds, present them to the Queen Mother (Indlovukazi) – ostensibly to repair the windbreak around her royal residence – and then dance in celebration. Up to 40,000 girls take part, dressed up in brightly coloured attired – making it one of the biggest and most spectacular cultural events in Africa. The proper festivities kick off on day six, when dancing gets under way in the afternoon. Each group drops their reeds outside the Queen Mother’s quarters then moves to the main arena, where they dance and sing their songs. The dancing continues on day seven, when the king is present. This is the main day that most visitors attend. Each regiment dances before him in turn. Little can prepare you for the sheer scale of the pageantry, with column upon column of girls advancing like vast ululating centipedes across the parade grounds of Ludzidzini, each dissolving in turn into the pulsating mass of bodies around the royal kraal. Up close, it’s an almost overwhelming immersion in noise and colour, as the girls stamp, sing and sway in step, anklets rattling, naked flesh and dazzling costume blurring into a living, chanting kaleidoscope. The warrior escorts, adorned with cow tails and clutching knob-stick and shield, are sternly intent on their duties and seem contemptuous of tourists, but the girls are all smiles. It’s Eswatini’s biggest holiday and, after days of tramping the hillsides, cutting reeds and camping out, they’re determined to party. Today the Umhlanga is as well attended as ever. Indeed cultural historians marvel at how its ever-increasing popularity in Eswatini defies the apparent decline of traditional culture elsewhere. It offers the visitor a unique experience. There are no special visitor arrangements – except for a special grandstand to accommodate visiting dignitaries – but simply turn up at Ludzidizini and follow the crowds (Day 7 is the main day). Police will direct you where to go, and where to park. The event takes place around the last week of August / first week of September in the Lobamba area, next to the Ezulwini Valley. The dates for the 2019 Umhlanga Reed Dance have now been confirmed. The festival will start on Tuesday 27th August, with day 7 (main day) falling on Monday 2nd September. Tourists visiting the annual Reed Dance are allowed to take photographs on Days 6 and 7 (main day) – as the maidens walk to deliver the reeds to the Royal Residence, and then as they dance in the main arena. Photography at other times is restricted to accredited members of the media, who can check the Media Accreditation section on this page for further information. Reed D ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=668Nkkvejdc