Jeff Stevens

It is an important message to understand just how seriously God views the ungodly. Specifically, those who secretly bring destructive heresies into the church. But this is not just a message about judgment, it is a Gospel message. One that shows us that even in judgment God loves His own so much that He saves them to Himself! This is Good News!

The contemporary church could really use this lesson. The church as become soft on standing against false teachers for the fear of being called judgmental. Heresies are dangerous and destructive to the church. We must stand firm against those who do not teach the gospel as it was brought by Jesus Christ and taught by the Apostles.

Peter gives us a very important lesson based on his experience at the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. That the things that he is preaching are not based on myths but on his eyewitness testimony of seeing Jesus in the fullness of His glory! We can also be sure because of the prophetic word that has been given to us by God. So, the answer to our question after Peter calls us to live holy and effective for the gospel is: Yes. Yes, we can be sure!

Peter give us two imperatives in this lesson. Live a godly life; and live an effective life. And he is so convicted by these, that he promises the church that he will continue to remind them of these until the day he dies. It is a good day to ask yourself if you are being diligent in the faith and are effective for the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Chad shares a message about biblical persistence. "We can persist because Christ first persisted." This is a great lesson that is applicable to all believers and their walk with Jesus!

It is because of the precious and magnificent promises of our God that we become partakers of the divine nature. This is an amazing picture of how much we are loved by the Lord and how He glorifies Himself through the work of Jesus Christ.

We are called by Peter to, "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God." This is such a fitting message considering the assassination of Charlie Kirk this past week. The Devil truly does prowl looking to devour the weak. The real question is how do believers stand firm in the faith in light of the evil that is around us!

It is a very important mission to shepherd the flock of God. The calling is one that should drive a man to yearn for God's wisdom while exemplifying a humble spirit. As a church we should be praying for our elders, their call, their qualifications and the mission.

Peter returns to the topic of suffering. He is very clear that believers are going to deal with fiery trials that will test our faith. The real question is if through these trials, will you entrust your soul to our faithful Creator?

Peter's call here is for the church to love one another and to be hospitable. Believers receive gifts in order to serve in the church. And those gifts should be used to show Christ's love. The handling of the Word and the gifts of service are ways in which we show glory to God through Jesus Christ!