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"They Spoke From God" - The BIBLE

Dear Saints, Knowing who is speaking, you listen even if you can't see the person. Many of us do not take the Bible seriously because we have not come to believe in the One speaking.   "In 2022,   49% of Americans view the Bible as inspired by God , but not everything in it is to be taken literally. 29% say the Bible is a collection of fables, history, and moral precepts recorded by man. And 20% of Americans say it is the actual Word of God to be taken literally."- Gallup Poll.   The Bible, a "fable?" Only 20% believe that the Bible is the actual Word of God. It's the Will of God we need to heed. Some have written Will when they die. The family, through probate, carries out the Will to the last word by court order. You get nothing from the estate if your name is not in the Will. Is your name in the Lamb's Book of Life?   As we continue our study of 2 Peter, the apostle lays the foundation/source for life and living. Jesus countering Satan, said,  "I...

"Eyewitnesses of His Majesty" - Very Compelling!

Dear Saints, We are all eyewitnesses every day. We see things and observe events in our families, neighborhood, workplaces, community, states, countries, and the world. In fact, because of technologies (streaming, live TV) we are eyewitnesses of events that are so far away from us. Some of us were eyewitnesses via live TV when one of NASA shuttles blew up on launch. Peter and the other disciples were eyewitnesses of Jesus, the ultimate TRUTH. As we continue our study of 2 Peter, the apostle cements the truth he has passed on to the suffering pilgrims, his audience, and us. Let’s hear Peter: “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were  eyewitnesses of His majesty .  17  For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “ This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased .”  18  And we heard this voice ...

My Legacy, Your Legacy?

Dear Saints, What are you working hard to leave behind? We will all leave behind something after us. What is it for you and me?   The question is often answered with death in mind, and rightly so. But we do leave legacies in seasons of life, such as from one job to another, from child-rearing to empty nesting, from singleness to marriage, etc.   As we continue our study of 2 Peter, we encounter Peter reflecting on the urgency and reason for the legacy he is leaving behind for the suffering pilgrims. We must be doing the same as Apostle Peter.   Listen to Peter:   “12 Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. 13 And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live. 14 For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life,15 so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am...

Prove Your Christianity & Keep Growing

Dear Saints, Anyone can say that he believes in God and Christ. The Bible says even the “demons also believe and shudder.”   Years ago, Wendy’s fast food restaurant had a hilarious commercial by an elderly lady, Clara Peller. She advertised its burger, asking, “Where is the beef.” Wendy’s was implying our competitors, like McDonald’s, sell hamburgers with lots of buns, but when you look, you would not see much of a beef between the two buns.   As we continue our study of 2 Peter 1, apostle Peter asks his audience and us, “Where is the beef?” Show me you belong to Christ by your actions and behaviors. Remember, Peter has already made it clear that our faith in Christ is a gift of God by His grace, and we can not earn salvation. Yes, we have been saved, but where is evidence for growth in the character of Christ?   Here is Peter speaking:   “In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral exc...

His Divine Power For Godly Living

Dear  Saints, I need divine power, the power of the Holy Spirit, for today and living in these times when lies are declared truths, and there is no more right or wrong. Friends, we are in a messed-up world of wickedness. I desperately need the help of the Holy Spirit. I hope you do. As we continue our study of 2 Peter, apostle Peter reminds the suffering pilgrims of what they have already received for living godly in a messed up and corrupted world. Here is Peter speaking: " By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.   4  And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. 5  In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises...

Abundant Grace & Peace To You

Dear Saints, Looking for Grace and Peace?   Everyone in the whole world is looking for peace. There is so much unrest through natural disasters, shootings, hatred, and greed manifested in wars such as Russia/Ukraine, Sudan, mob violence by young people in the streets of Chicago/Los Angeles, and corrupt politicians stealing from the people impoverishing millions.   There's enough to rob us of peace, including broken relationships, family crises, financial problems, deaths, sickness, etc.   If you want peace, go to the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.   The lack of peace and its solution has existed since the world began. As we continue our 2 Peter studies, Apostle Peter speaking to his persecuted/suffering audience reminds/greets/prays for them as follows:   "Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord." 2 Peter 1:2. "In abundance?" Did you hear that?   You cannot buy both grace and peace. You can only receive grace an...

Introducing 2 Peter Epistle - Our Precious Faith

Dear Saints, “Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:” 2 Peter 1: 1   It’s the apostle Peter writing this letter. Simon Peter is the author contrary to some so-called scholarly debates of authorship.   More important is his view and description of himself as “a bondservant” of the Lord Jesus and an apprentice/apostle of Jesus Christ. A bondservant has no chance of getting released compared to an ordinary servant or employee.   We should desire to be bondservants and in love with our master Jesus Christ. We must not have the desire for any other master. Lord, please help me to stick with you. I do not ask for a release from serving you and your people and all people. Thank you for holding me and never letting me go as your bondservant.   Who is 2 Peter’s audience? All those “who have obtained [received] like precious faith with us.” This audi...