Rejoice in the Lord...Always!

2 Peter 2:17-22 . . . . Peter has several warnings about the harmful effects of false teachings and how false teachers can enslave you. Empty promises cannot satisfy the soul. True Freedom is being bound by Christ. Inspect what dominates your life. Are you a slave of sin or of righteousness? Don't let sin become a habit. Repent, confess, and seek God's help to free you from a corrupt spirit. Find a new life in Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 2:10b-16 . . . . Peter is clearly telling us what can happen when we let desire control our lives. Some of the attributes of a person in this condition include boldness, arrogance, being self-willed, slanderous, and following their animal instincts. They carouse in broad daylight, contaminate their community, delight in deception, and seduce people, while they try to look like Christians. They are motivated by greed and have gone astray. Peter's WARNING: These habits can become a lifestyle before you know it. The ANSWER: Let the Holy Spirit convict you to repent. Submit your desires to Jesus Christ, confess your hidden sins, find someone who needs help and help them!

Many of us go through a time when our world is shaken. Here's a message from the book of Psalms 46 that can help comfort you. There are 5 messages I want you to remember. In times of trouble: (vs. 1-3) There is a refuge (God). He gives us strength in calamity. (vs. 4-5) There is a river, the Holy Spirit, that will always be with you. (v. 6) There is a rage, but God speaks and all rage melts away. ((vs. 7-9) There is retribution. God will make things right. ( vs. 10-11) There is rest. God is with you. Remember this passage that Paul wrote: Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

2nd Peter 2:1-3 . . . . . In these verses, Peter reminds us that false teachers will come and that they will preach what they think people want to hear rather than the truth of Jesus Christ. Peter tells us several traits of false teachers you need to understand. There are many references in he Bible about false prophets. We need to know how to recognize the traits of false teachers as well as how they can lead people in the wrong direction. This world is a mess! But the Bible is God's Word and it is our guide that was written by people under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Remember, the object of our faith is Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. Test everything against the truth of God's Word.

2nd Peter 1:16-21 . . . . This is sermon #5 in our study of 2nd Peter, a small but very important book in the Holy Bible. Here are three main points in these verses: 1) Your faith is built on eyewitness truth, not clever myths (vs. 16-18). 2) The written Word is more reliable truth than personal experience (vs. 19). 3) Scripture is inspired truth by God. It is not the imagination of man (vs. 20-21). The Bible is an anchor that will hold. The written word is like a lighthouse on a rough coast. It guides you to safe harbor. What can you do? Pass the Word of God, the Bible, to your children and grandchildren for generational salvation.

2nd Peter 1:12-15 . . . . . In these verses, Peter gives us four main ideas to ponder. 1.) My life has a purpose. 2.) I must remind myself and others of core truths and values. 3.) I must have the right perspective on my mortality. 4.) I must have persistence to fulfill my purpose beyond my life. Peter wants the Christ followers to remember "these things". How do you spend your time? Spiritually or worldly? We need to be reminded of the truth because Satan always attacks the truth. Death is certain and may come sooner than you think. How will you be eulogized? According to your earthly life or your faith life? Make your greatest legacy your faith in Jesus Christ!

2nd Peter 2:10-11 . . . . In the book of 2nd Peter, he is leaving a legacy for the Christ-followers. These two verses are packed with guidance. God's calling and election give us a sure foundation. God sent Jesus Christ to help us escape sin. Peter tells us that spiritual diligence keeps us from spiritual disaster. We should walk in the spirit, not the flesh. Faithfulness leads to a glorious welcome home into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Even though it is a short book, 2nd Peter is very relevant to all.

2nd Peter 1:5-9 . . . . Peter tells us that there are many things we need to add to our faith. Virtue, Knowledge, Self-Control, Perseverance, Godliness, Brotherly Kindness, and Love. By adding these things to your faith you will be more like Jesus and become a useful and effective Christian, bearing fruit for God's Kingdom.

2nd Peter 1:1-4 . . . . In these verses Peter tells us several things that Jesus gives us by His divine power. As Christ followers we receive a new identity and the perfect righteousness of Christ. We also receive grace and mercy. Jesus gives us everything we need to live in the corruption of this world caused by evil. Therefore, we truly do receive grace and peace through Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!

Colossians 4:7-18 . . . ."Living Examples"

This is the last lesson that we will study in the book of Colossians. Paul wrote this letter to those in Colosse while he was in prison. He knew that the Christ followers needed examples of what it takes to carry the Word to others and persevere in hard times. We need good examples, also. In these verses there are eleven people who provided examples for those times as well as for us today. We all can be good examples to others in their walk with Christ. Take note of what Paul tells us in these passages.