We all face disappointment at various seasons in our lives. But when that disappointment is left unaddressed, it can sometimes turn into disillusionment, and if we are not careful, we can find ourselves showing contempt toward God. In our passage this week Peter addresses a group of people who have done just that: scoffers.

On that first Easter morning, when everyone left and went back to their homes, Mary Magdalene stayed. She lingered. She waited. She wept. Outside the empty grave of Jesus, she was met by two angels – dressed “in white.” Mary refused to be comforted even by these heavenly messengers. Her heart was already set. She wanted Jesus. When Jesus did appear, she did not recognize him at first. And then he called her by name – Mary. And everything changed. Pastor Billy preaches on this powerful scene exploring what it means for our pursuit of Jesus today.

Some threats to our faith are as obvious as roaring lions but other threats are harder to spot. Peter places false teachers in the latter category. They are waterless springs, he says, offering life but unable to actually deliver. In the sermon this week Pastor Billy explores the false promises of these false teachers.

We welcome Pace Holbrooks, who is campus minister with Reformed University Fellowship at the University of Delaware to continue in our sermon series '2 Peter Everything We Need'.

In his second letter, Peter is deeply concerned with the internal threat presented by false teachers. These are corrupt leaders, who believe a fake gospel, that could divide or destroy good churches. Therefore, it’s important that Christians know the true gospel so they can smell the counterfeits when they arise. While the danger of false teaching is real, Peter is confident that God will deliver his people from false teachers with justice. This is the substance of this week’s sermon.

Does God primarily want us to be faithful or to be fruitful? In the sermon this week Pastor Billy explains that this is a false dilemma – we do not need to choose between being faithful to Jesus and being fruitful for Jesus. One leads to the other. In our passage, Peter invites Christians to experience again the “divine power” given to us in Christ and to live the abundant, fruitful life.

Isaiah 25:6-9 is the first mention of a great banquet at the end of history where God is the host. In our passage, Jesus is invited to comment on this event. With a little cultural background, we discover just how different and radical Jesus’ interpretation was compared to the ideas of his day. We will be invited to see ourselves in the parable Jesus told. While I think Cornerstone is to be commended for opening our property to the local community, it is my prayer that we would catch the enthusiasm of the servant in the parable, and perhaps see anywhere that there is still room around Jesus’ lavish banquet table, a table that is open to all.

As Peter concludes his letter he reminds us that the devil is real, that the Christian life is a battle, and that we need to, therefore, stand firm in the victory that Jesus already secured for us.

“Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.” Robert Robinson’s well-known hymn “Come Thou Fount” summarizes well the Christian life. Although we have been rescued by the cross and filled with the Spirit, our hearts are still prone to wander. In the sermon this week Pastor Billy explores the provision God has made for our wandering hearts.

We are often surprised when hard times come. Suffering tends to blindside us. Peter, though, tells us not be surprised when these things happen but rather to rejoice because God has a purpose for them in our lives.

In our passage last week, Pastor Billy talked about the hostility we all face – our flesh. Amid this challenge, we are to put off worldly behavior and desires. This week we will look at what we are to put on. Peter motivates the believer to be alert, to love deeply, to serve the Lord passionately, and to do everything for God’s glory. Sounds easy, but in this world of hostility and sin, not easily accomplished. Today we will seek encouragement from God’s word to help us do what the Lord requires!