Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church

How can we know that the Bible is truly God's Word? In 2 Peter 1:16–21, we discover that Scripture is not merely a collection of human religious writings but God's inspired word, written through human authors guided by the Holy Spirit. This message explores how the Bible talks about the Bible. It looks at how the New Testament views the Old Testament, and how the New Testament books were quickly recognized as words from God. The message also focuses on the challenge of circular reasoning. Ultimately, Peter directs believers away from chasing extraordinary spiritual experiences and toward the enduring certainty of God's written Word. Rather than searching for signs, dreams, or mystical encounters, we are encouraged to treasure, trust, and study the Scriptures God has already given us.

When dealing with the claims of skeptics and scoffers, Peter puts his stake in the glorious return of Jesus. Skepticism may seem like a new and sophisticated way of thinking, but it has been around for centuries. Following Peter's example, we should find our confidence in the fact that Jesus really is coming back one day in full glory and power. If we're struggling to believe this, we can look to Jesus' transfiguration as a foreshadowing of the end-times glory of Christ.

We need reminders to help us actively remember who God is and what he has done. In this way, the truth gradually becomes implanted in our minds and keeps us from straying from the basics of the faith. Pastor Rick draws out four reminders from this passage: 1) the gospel is central, 2) get rooted in the truth, 3) life is short, and 4) help others follow Jesus.

The church has the responsibility of holding the keys to the kingdom. In application of this, church membership is an affirmation of one's faith and holds believers accountable to the church body. By nature, membership is an active status of commitment and service to one another in the church.

Continuing last week's study, we explored how Peter views good works as evidence of our salvation. We should find assurance in our present obedience to God, seeing the goodness in our progress and spiritual growth.

Lack of assurance is a common struggle for believers, but we should find hope in the fact that assurance is possible and commanded by Scripture. Our assurance does not rest in the magnitude of our faith, but in the surety of God's unfailing promises.

Peter teaches that Christian godliness begins not with self-improvement but with Christ’s righteousness covering us. Because believers are declared righteous, innocent, and pure in Christ, they can pursue practical holiness from a new identity rather than from guilt. Yet growth is not automatic: Christians must “make every effort” to develop virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. This growth is achievable because God has already given believers everything necessary for life and godliness through his power, promises, Spirit, Word, and church. Far from being restrictive, obedience frees Christians from the corruption and slavery of sinful desire in this world

This message addresses the dangers of comparing ourselves to others, especially through social media. While comparison is not always wrong—and can even help us recognize strengths, weaknesses, and examples worth following—it becomes destructive when it produces envy, pride, or feelings of inadequacy. Peter’s readers may have struggled with similar insecurities: they lacked knowledge, faced false teaching, feared losing apostolic leadership, and may have felt spiritually inferior. Yet Peter begins his letter by reminding them that they have received a faith of “equal standing” with the apostles. Their equality does not come from equal accomplishments, gifts, experiences, or influence, but from the righteousness of Jesus Christ given to every believer. The answer to our inadequacy is therefore not proving that we measure up to others, but resting in Christ’s sufficiency. Instead of obsessing over what others have, Christians can remember what they already possess in Christ: his goodness, righteousness, and acceptance. 

Psalm 19 reveals a God who desires to be known. His glory is displayed through His work, His Word, and His Son. Creation declares the majesty and power of its Creator, while Scripture brings clarity, revealing God’s character and calling us to joyful obedience. Yet encountering God’s perfection also exposes our own sin and need for redemption. The God who reveals Himself through creation and speaks through His Word has drawn even nearer through Jesus Christ. He is not merely a distant Creator, but our personal Rock and Redeemer who came to rescue us from sin. This sermon invites us to see God’s glory, treasure His Word, and trust in Christ—the God who has graciously come near.

Psalm 67 reveals that God’s blessings are never meant to end with us. At the heart of this missions-focused psalm is a call for all nations to “be glad and sing for joy.” This sermon explores three important questions: How has God blessed us? Why has He blessed us? And how should we respond? God reveals Himself, pursues us with grace, and faithfully provides for His people—not simply for our comfort, but so that His saving power might be known throughout the earth. As recipients of God’s abundant grace, believers are called to turn blessing into worship, proclamation, and mission. The central message is clear: God’s blessing displays God’s power in God’s people to advance God’s fame.