Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do...
1 Peter 1:15-16
Welcome to CALLED Men’s Group! If you're looking to move forward in your faith, then this is the place for you! We are a group of men, called by God to understand who He is, who we are, and what we are CALLED to do for Him! We study the Bible & discuss together, find projects where we can give back, and encourage each other in spiritual growth!
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF CALLED:
- Bring a notebook and Bible along with you.
- Do the assignments. (These are not required to come to group, but you will get so much more out of it, if you study and put some work in through the week!)
- Be consistent. (You can come and go week-to-week as you please, but you will get the MOST out of CALLED if you are there every week that you possibly can be!)
- Be intentional about making friends. (Stick around afterward, show up early, strike up conversations. Make some friends that can walk alongside you in this journey of faith!)
Weekly Wednesdays: CALLED Men’s Group | Wednesday, March 3, 2026
Meeting# 08 of 11 | This Week’s Leader: Chad Huestis
INTRODUCTION: Welcome everyone, this is the eighth meeting of the Winter 2026 Semester for the Called
Men’s Growth Group.
Let’s take a moment to go around the room and introduce ourselves.
Tonight, we are conducting a SOAP study* of Jude. (*SOAP study: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
and Questions.)
Reminder: there is no specific prerequisites or formal “membership” required to attend. The purpose of
tonight is to come together, read and study God’s word, develop an understanding, grow in our faith and
have a friendly discussion. Please keep in mind that we are all in different places of our faith journey; we all
come from various backgrounds, have different points of view. It does not matter if you’ve been a believer
for 10 seconds, or 50 years; everyone is welcome; everyone has value; everyone has a voice.
If there are different points of view, we should not feel attacked or be hostile to one another; it is our
different points of view that add to the discussion. We came together tonight as friends and brothers in
Christ. And we should leave the same (as friends and brothers in Christ). Often there is no right or wrong
answer; just interpretation of scripture and even Biblical scholars don’t agree on everything; ultimately,
JESUS IS THE ANSWER.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY:
The Letter of Jude is one of the shortest books in the New Testament, but it is full of tension. The letter serves as a
"battle cry" from a time in the early Christian church when it was shifting from its beginning into a period of internal
ideological conflict.
1. Authorship
Jude, who was the brother of James and Jesus, was the author of this letter. Traditionally, the author identifies himself
as "Jude, a servant [ or slave] of Jesus Christ and a brother of James."
The Family Connection: In the cultural context of the 1st century, "James" almost certainly refers to James the
Just, the leader of the Jerusalem church and the brother of Jesus.
Humility in Writing: Interestingly, Jude does not claim the title of "brother of the Lord," which biblical scholars
believe is likely out of a sense of humility, preferring the title of "servant" or “slave” (Greek: doulos).
Timing: Most scholars date the letter between 60 AD and 80 AD, a time when the first generation of Apostles
were passing away and the Christian church was facing its first major "identity crisis."
2. The Recipient/Audience
Jude wrote this letter to a specific community of believers described as “dear friends.” Which leads most scholars to
believe that Jude knew his audience, and his audience most likely knew Jude.
Jude explicitly states that he intended to write a peaceful letter on "salvation we all share." However, he felt
compelled to pivot because of a specific threat. The infiltration of the church with false teachers. In the ancient
world, everyday society was full of philosophers and preachers who traveled from city to city. Some individuals were
entering Christian communities and using grace and forgiveness as a license to continue to sin. —essentially arguing
that because God is forgiving, moral boundaries and sinning no longer mattered.
3. Historical Significance
Jude provides a historical link to the family of Jesus. James was executed in 62 AD, and Jude became a key figure in the
Christian Church located in Jerusalem.
Jude’s historical significance is also tied to its relationship with 2 Peter. The two books are so similar that they prove
the existence of an early "warning system" or shared curriculum used by early leaders to protect scattered
congregations.
Doctrine -Formalized "The Faith" as a body of teaching.
Ethics -Countered the rise of lawlessness and sinfulness.
Theology / Ecclesiology-Defined the role of the leader as a "contender" for truth.
In the context of the Letter of Jude, ecclesiology is very important because Jude isn't talking about the church as a
physical building. He is emphasizing Ecclesiology by defining the boundaries of the community—deciding who belongs
to the assembly and who has disqualified themselves by their own decisions and actions.
PRAYER: This Week’s Prayer: Father God, we thank you for allowing us to come together tonight and study your
word. Lord, we thank you for Your Word. The Word is truth and guides our lives. Help us see through false teaching,
false promises, and any temptation. Help us stay true to you and Your Word. . In Jesus’ name – Amen
INTRODUCTION: Welcome everyone, this is the eighth meeting of the Winter 2026 Semester for the Called
Men’s Growth Group.
Let’s take a moment to go around the room and introduce ourselves.
Tonight, we are conducting a SOAP study* of Jude. (*SOAP study: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
and Questions.)
Reminder: there is no specific prerequisites or formal “membership” required to attend. The purpose of
tonight is to come together, read and study God’s word, develop an understanding, grow in our faith and
have a friendly discussion. Please keep in mind that we are all in different places of our faith journey; we all
come from various backgrounds, have different points of view. It does not matter if you’ve been a believer
for 10 seconds, or 50 years; everyone is welcome; everyone has value; everyone has a voice.
If there are different points of view, we should not feel attacked or be hostile to one another; it is our
different points of view that add to the discussion. We came together tonight as friends and brothers in
Christ. And we should leave the same (as friends and brothers in Christ). Often there is no right or wrong
answer; just interpretation of scripture and even Biblical scholars don’t agree on everything; ultimately,
JESUS IS THE ANSWER.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY:
The Letter of Jude is one of the shortest books in the New Testament, but it is full of tension. The letter serves as a
"battle cry" from a time in the early Christian church when it was shifting from its beginning into a period of internal
ideological conflict.
1. Authorship
Jude, who was the brother of James and Jesus, was the author of this letter. Traditionally, the author identifies himself
as "Jude, a servant [ or slave] of Jesus Christ and a brother of James."
The Family Connection: In the cultural context of the 1st century, "James" almost certainly refers to James the
Just, the leader of the Jerusalem church and the brother of Jesus.
Humility in Writing: Interestingly, Jude does not claim the title of "brother of the Lord," which biblical scholars
believe is likely out of a sense of humility, preferring the title of "servant" or “slave” (Greek: doulos).
Timing: Most scholars date the letter between 60 AD and 80 AD, a time when the first generation of Apostles
were passing away and the Christian church was facing its first major "identity crisis."
2. The Recipient/Audience
Jude wrote this letter to a specific community of believers described as “dear friends.” Which leads most scholars to
believe that Jude knew his audience, and his audience most likely knew Jude.
Jude explicitly states that he intended to write a peaceful letter on "salvation we all share." However, he felt
compelled to pivot because of a specific threat. The infiltration of the church with false teachers. In the ancient
world, everyday society was full of philosophers and preachers who traveled from city to city. Some individuals were
entering Christian communities and using grace and forgiveness as a license to continue to sin. —essentially arguing
that because God is forgiving, moral boundaries and sinning no longer mattered.
3. Historical Significance
Jude provides a historical link to the family of Jesus. James was executed in 62 AD, and Jude became a key figure in the
Christian Church located in Jerusalem.
Jude’s historical significance is also tied to its relationship with 2 Peter. The two books are so similar that they prove
the existence of an early "warning system" or shared curriculum used by early leaders to protect scattered
congregations.
Doctrine -Formalized "The Faith" as a body of teaching.
Ethics -Countered the rise of lawlessness and sinfulness.
Theology / Ecclesiology-Defined the role of the leader as a "contender" for truth.
In the context of the Letter of Jude, ecclesiology is very important because Jude isn't talking about the church as a
physical building. He is emphasizing Ecclesiology by defining the boundaries of the community—deciding who belongs
to the assembly and who has disqualified themselves by their own decisions and actions.
PRAYER: This Week’s Prayer: Father God, we thank you for allowing us to come together tonight and study your
word. Lord, we thank you for Your Word. The Word is truth and guides our lives. Help us see through false teaching,
false promises, and any temptation. Help us stay true to you and Your Word. . In Jesus’ name – Amen
Scripture - Read: Jude Verse 1-25
Observation, Application & Questions: (Identify/Discuss Among the Group)
Key verses and topics for discussion:
1. (Verses 1-16) Questions:
2. (Verses 17-25) Questions:
Jude tells the church exactly how to fight back. Notice it isn’t just by arguing; it’s by growing.
The Checklist:
1. Remember what the Apostles said (v. 17).
2. Build each other up in the faith (v. 20).
3. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit (v. 20).
4. Wait for the mercy of the Lord (v. 21).
5. Show Mercy to those who doubt (v. 22).
Question:
Read and Discuss:
(The message of Jude is centered on three core beliefs: defending the truth, the danger of false teachers, and God’s
power to keep us from falling. Read these aligning scriptures and discuss):
Other questions to explore:
1. (Verses 1-16) Questions:
- Jude calls himself a "slave of Jesus Christ." In our modern culture where we get to “be your own boss," how does the concept of being a slave or servant to Christ change the way we make daily decisions? - discuss
- Throughout this semester, each Book of the Bible has warned us to avoid false teaching. Why do we think that is? - discuss
- In Jude’s letter he said that he wanted to write a happy letter about salvation, but instead had to write about false teachers who sneaked in. What are some "sneaky" or subtle ways that worldly values (like greed or moral compromise) can start to feel "normal" in a church community today? - discuss
- Looking at the "metaphors of disappointment" in verses 12–13, have you ever followed a teaching or a lifestyle that promised "rain" (satisfaction) but ended up being an "empty cloud"? How did you realize it was empty? – if you are willing share with the group / discuss.
2. (Verses 17-25) Questions:
Jude tells the church exactly how to fight back. Notice it isn’t just by arguing; it’s by growing.
The Checklist:
1. Remember what the Apostles said (v. 17).
2. Build each other up in the faith (v. 20).
3. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit (v. 20).
4. Wait for the mercy of the Lord (v. 21).
5. Show Mercy to those who doubt (v. 22).
Question:
- Verse 22 says, "And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering." How can we balance "defending the faith" (being firm) with "showing mercy" (being kind) to someone who is struggling with their beliefs? - Discuss
Read and Discuss:
(The message of Jude is centered on three core beliefs: defending the truth, the danger of false teachers, and God’s
power to keep us from falling. Read these aligning scriptures and discuss):
- 2 Timothy 4:1-5
- 2 Peter 2:1-9
- Colossians 2:6-19
- 1 Peter 1:3-12
Other questions to explore:
- What was the context? What was going on at the time this was written?
- What and where is this happening?
- What makes what was happening meaningful?
- Is there anything special about the location (or locations)?
- Who is involved?
- How do they respond to God?
- What character traits do you notice about them?
- What is the significance of their involvement?
- What do you think is the key message?
- Did anything that surprised or stood out to you? What was it? Share with the group and discuss.
- Are there any key verses that stand out to you? Discuss among the group.
- Were there any repetitive words or themes that stood out to you? What were they?
- Is there anything that left you with more questions? What were they? Share with group, discuss, and research.
- Biggest takeaway?
Assignment:
monitor www.fv.church/events for more information about the next semester.
References/Acknowledgements:
Elements of today’s Bible study were referenced from:
1. NLT Courage for Life Men’s Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2023 Tyndale House Ministries
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation
https://www.tyndale.com/sites/courageforlifebible/
2. Life Application Bible Studies (1, 2 & 3 John), by Linda Chaffee Taylor, Rev. David R. Veerman, Dr. James C.
Galvin, Dr. Bruce B. Barton, and Daryl J. Lucas; copyright 1999, 2010 by Tyndale House Foundation.
3. Knowing the Bible (1, 2, and 3 John), by Michael LeFebvre, J.I. Packer, Dane C. Ortlund; copyright 2018 by
Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois.
4. ESV Study Bible, copyright 2008. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV); copyright 2001 by Crossway,
Wheaton, Illinois.
5. NIV Study Bible, Revolution, copyright 2011. The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV); copyright 1973,
1978, 1984, 2011 by Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. https://www.zondervan.com/p/niv-bibles-for-teens-
true-images-revolution/
6. NLT Parallel Study Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2011 Tyndale House Ministries
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation
7. HCSB/CSB The Apologetics Study Bible, copyright 2007. The Holy Bible, Holman Christian Standard Bible
(HCSB/CSB); copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holmon Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.
8. Life Application Bible Studies: 1 & 2 Timothy / Titus; copyright 1998, 2010 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.
9. https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-1-John.html
1. NLT Courage for Life Men’s Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2023 Tyndale House Ministries
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation
https://www.tyndale.com/sites/courageforlifebible/
2. Life Application Bible Studies (1, 2 & 3 John), by Linda Chaffee Taylor, Rev. David R. Veerman, Dr. James C.
Galvin, Dr. Bruce B. Barton, and Daryl J. Lucas; copyright 1999, 2010 by Tyndale House Foundation.
3. Knowing the Bible (1, 2, and 3 John), by Michael LeFebvre, J.I. Packer, Dane C. Ortlund; copyright 2018 by
Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois.
4. ESV Study Bible, copyright 2008. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV); copyright 2001 by Crossway,
Wheaton, Illinois.
5. NIV Study Bible, Revolution, copyright 2011. The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV); copyright 1973,
1978, 1984, 2011 by Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. https://www.zondervan.com/p/niv-bibles-for-teens-
true-images-revolution/
6. NLT Parallel Study Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2011 Tyndale House Ministries
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation
7. HCSB/CSB The Apologetics Study Bible, copyright 2007. The Holy Bible, Holman Christian Standard Bible
(HCSB/CSB); copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holmon Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.
8. Life Application Bible Studies: 1 & 2 Timothy / Titus; copyright 1998, 2010 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.
9. https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-1-John.html
Schedule:
January 2026:
_x_ 001, 01/14 1 John 1:1 – 10 + Introduction (Instructor: David Goodno)
_x_ 002, 01/21 1 John 2:1 – 29 (Instructor: David Goodno)
_x_ 003, 01/28 1 John 3:1 – 24 (Instructor: David Goodno)
February 2026:
_x_ 004, 02/04 1 John 4:1 – 21 (Instructor: Chad Huestis)
_x_ 005, 02/11 1 John 5:1 – 21 (Instructor: David Goodno)
_x_ 006, 02/18 2 John (1):1 – 13 + Introduction (Instructor: Chad Huestis)
_x_ 007, 02/25 3 John (1):1 – 15 + Introduction (Instructor: Chad Huestis)
March 2026:
_x_ 008, 03/04 Jude (1):1 – 25 + Introduction (Instructor: David Goodno)
__ 009, 03/11 Obadiah (1):1 – 21 + Introduction (Instructor: Chad Huestis)
__ 010, 03/18 Philemon (1):1 – 25 + Introduction* (Instructor: Tom Landis)
__ 011, 03/25 TBD (Instructor: Chad Huestis)*
*Last meeting, please monitor FV.church/events for more information about the next semester.
_x_ 001, 01/14 1 John 1:1 – 10 + Introduction (Instructor: David Goodno)
_x_ 002, 01/21 1 John 2:1 – 29 (Instructor: David Goodno)
_x_ 003, 01/28 1 John 3:1 – 24 (Instructor: David Goodno)
February 2026:
_x_ 004, 02/04 1 John 4:1 – 21 (Instructor: Chad Huestis)
_x_ 005, 02/11 1 John 5:1 – 21 (Instructor: David Goodno)
_x_ 006, 02/18 2 John (1):1 – 13 + Introduction (Instructor: Chad Huestis)
_x_ 007, 02/25 3 John (1):1 – 15 + Introduction (Instructor: Chad Huestis)
March 2026:
_x_ 008, 03/04 Jude (1):1 – 25 + Introduction (Instructor: David Goodno)
__ 009, 03/11 Obadiah (1):1 – 21 + Introduction (Instructor: Chad Huestis)
__ 010, 03/18 Philemon (1):1 – 25 + Introduction* (Instructor: Tom Landis)
__ 011, 03/25 TBD (Instructor: Chad Huestis)*
*Last meeting, please monitor FV.church/events for more information about the next semester.
