Just because we can’t see Him doesn’t mean God is not at work.  He is working in the ordinary, insignificant, moments of the day-to-day.  We may not be able to discern how He is working until after-the-fact, if that's even possible, but He is.

Peter warned against false teachers and gave instructions for how Christians in Asia Minor should stand firm.  Because the churches who received Peter's letter followed his instruction, they continued to gather for worship and fellowship in the same way that we continue to do two millennia later.

Christ will return.  We are to wait patiently until He does.  But our waiting is active not passive.

In the historic examples Peter referred to, there was not only a lesson about judgment, there was also a lesson about rescue and salvation.  

The Bible is a gift that we should treasure and not neglect because God has given it to us for both our preservation and perseverance until Christ returns at the dawn of the new creation. 

Our striving to live godly lives is not in vain because Christ is risen!  (This sermon was given at our outdoor Easter Service at Blowing Springs in Bella Vista, Arkansas) 

“He cares for you” sums up the heart of the gospel.  God is not indifferent to our troubles; we are his concern. - Charles Cranfield

Peter says the sheep of Christ's Church have been entrusted to the elders who serve as His undershepherds.

Enduring persecution for the sake of Christ is a cause for joy, because the Lord is a faithful Creator who will send His Spirit to comfort those who suffer according to His will.