People thought they knew who Jesus was when He was venturing out around the Sea of Galilee and down into the area surrounding Jerusalem. “We know who He is! He’s the carpenter’s son from Nazareth. He’s the boy that grew up in our synagogue and community.” However, they were sadly mistaken. He was no more the carpenter’s son than I am a child of George Washington.

In our text today, we’ll explore the story of Jesus after He fed the 5,000 and how they went in search for Him the next day. They believed Him to be the Messiah and were hoping that his miraculous feeding was their clue that He was ushering in the Day of the Lord, and they wanted more of the manna from heaven which He could share.

Jesus, though He spent much of His time around the Sea of Galilee and would often be found sailing in a vessel across the waters, also had a keen understanding of who He was. And true to Himself, He becomes our hero, not only for the moment or the day, but for eternity.

In our final message on 2 Peter, we’ll discover that the end is near, and judgment is coming. How we will stand before the judgment seat is impacted on how we live in the present. Don’t buy into the lies that are being told around the world that “You’ve got all the time you need. So, live it up, and satisfy your desires, there’s plenty of time before Christ comes again, if He’s really coming.” Instead, you ought to live a life of holiness, righteousness and peace.

We live in a world where counterfeit preachers and teachers run rampant. Some are on your televisions in the morning, some are on the radio in your car, many have popular books on the bestseller list, and many creep their way into the church. In the second chapter of 2 Peter, the Apostle reminds the ancient church (and the modern church) to be on guard against these teachers. They are deceptive and subtle, yet as dangerous as roaring lions.

In our text in 2 Peter chapter 1, we will discover that the Word of God isn’t just some fairytale to believe. It isn’t a myth filled with mystery and intrigue. Rather, the Word of God is actually that, the very Word of God. It has a way of changing lives and redeeming souls that no other book or study can. Peter writes not simply from life’s experiences, instead, he writes from inspiration from the Holy Spirit.

As we open the second letter of Peter today, we’ll discover that we must intentionally make every effort to grow in our faith. Christians must always be striving against the currents in this life. The tide of the temptations and deceptions in this world can sweep us away.

In our walk with Christ, we are challenged to finish strong in our faith, even in the midst of chaos and persecution. Peter wants us to know that it is through the wonderful Grace of Jesus that enables us to overcome and finish strong. Today, we will be wrapping up our study through the book of 1 Peter. You’ve made it this far, let’s finish strong together.

Ever since Adam and Eve’s rebellion in the garden, our world has been stained by the affects of sin. What started out as paradise in the presence of God has turned into a struggle. From our first breath until our last, we will struggle to create a life free from the pains of suffering. In fact, everything in our being fights against any type of suffering, discomfort and pain. 

The person who comes to know Christ Jesus as Lord is changed from their former sinful self to reflect more the image of Christ in the manner in which they live. As Peter continues his challenge to his readers to prepare themselves for persecution because of their faith, he wants them to understand an important reason why: they no longer look or act like the world.