We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:19-21

The Bible is the written and inspired Word of God, as the Apostle Peter says “For the prophecy (Bible) came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” This to me seems to be the dividing line in the Church today, those who accept the Bible as the Word of God, our authority. And those who reject the Bible as the Word of God. The Churches that typically reject the authority of scripture, are typically the one who fall away into worldliness and sin, which is what we are seeing today in the Church

Another point I want to make is how blessed we are in todays generation, to have the written Word of God with us. Many Christians throughout generations didn’t have a Bible, many Christians didn’t have the Word of God available to them in their native language, they had to rely upon someone else to read or interpret scripture for them. We in todays Church, not only have access to a Bible in our own language, but we have countless commentaries from Christians throughout centuries, we have access to the original language to get deeper context. I believe we have more resources today than any other generation in Church history

Yet despite these advantages, many still don’t read their Bibles or cherish Gods word at all. There is no excuse in todays world, you can download a free app with the Bible in multiple translations in several minutes, yet the majority have no interest in reading the Word of God. And others in the Church will totally reject the authority of the scripture given by God the Holy Spirit. There are Christians on social media pushing for the majority of the Bible is not relevant to the Church. Meanwhile if you go back in Church history, a man like William Tysdale willingly burned alive at the stake to translate the entire Bible in English. The Bible is the dividing line between the true and fake Church

As the Apostle Peter tells us under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit “So we have the prophetic word (Bible) confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light to shine in the dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your heart” The Word of God is alive and supernatural (Hebrews 4:12) it is the light that shines our path in this dark world (Psalm 119:105) To neglect the Bible is to neglect your sanctification

Jesus said “Man can’t live on bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4) If you are not feeding on the Word of God, you are starving your soul. As the Apostle Paul said “All scripture is God breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction, and righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16), Amen!

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 2 Peter 1:16-18

One of the reasons the Epistles of the Apostles is so valuable is to remember they were eyewitnesses to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Peter states here “We have not followed cunningly devised fables, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty” It’s important to remember the Apostles were not only filled with the Holy Spirit, but they lived with Christ for over 3 years! They were there to witness some of the most miraculous events in world history including the resurrection of Jesus Christ

This is one of the things that separates Christianity from all other religions, Christianity is historical, there are documented events throughout the life of Christ and the beginning of the Church. Christianity wasn’t just made up one day by some crazy cult leader, Christianity is factual and evidential, based on the greatest historical event that happened in human history, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. All the testimonies and eyewitnesses from the history of the Church, is strong evidential reason why you can believe Christianity is true

I think its interesting here the Apostle Peter is describing the events of the Transfiguration of Christ, as he recants when God the Father confirmed Christ as his son “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” Imagine standing there on the mountain, witnessing Moses and Elijah brought back, witnesses The Lord Jesus Christ revealed in his glorious state, hearing the words of our Heavenly Father thunder from the sky. And this was just one event Peter witnessed, as the Apostle Peter was there throughout Jesus ministry here on Earth until Christ ascended back to God the Father

As we talked about in the previous scriptures, the Apostle Peter not only testified that he was an eyewitness to all these events, he was also willing to die a horrific death for his faith. Some might say “Well religious fanatics die for their religion all the time” True, however the world killed Peter for his faith in Christ, Peter never harmed anyone for his faith. Peter was willing to be crucified on a Roman cross, than deny his Lord and the testimony that he provided. Peter never gained anything from this world for his faith and testimony, in fact he lost everything in this world for his faith in Christ, however Peter understood that Christ is everything

So as you read these scriptures this morning, ponder how the Apostles were eyewitnesses to our Lord Jesus Christ, and how they all were willing to die and suffer for their faith, Amen!

Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. 2 Peter 1: 12-15

When your number is called to be with The Lord, what legacy are you going to leave behind? Most importantly what work for Gods Kingdom will be present after your gone? Many people don’t want to think or talk about death, however it’s the grim reality for us all, our time here on Earth is temporary and short. As the psalmist said “Teach us to number our days, so we may have a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12) We need to prioritize our time remaining here on Earth, to fulfill Gods calling for our lives

This was the letter Peter was giving to the Church, he was coming to the end of his life. But notice Peter knew this because The Lord Jesus revealed the way Peter would eventually die for The Lord . The Bible tell us this “Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” (John 21:18-19) Jesus prophesied to Peter he was going to die for his service to Christ and also revealed what kind of death he would suffer, being crucified on a cross

As Peter says here “Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle (body), even as our Lord Jesus Christ has showed me” Think about that, Peter knew at the beginning of his ministry the price he was going to pay, yet he fulfilled his calling anyway. Peter knew there was no “Best Life Now” waiting for him, Peter knew death was awaiting him, however because of this , Peter served The Lord is urgency and importance, we should also!

Notice Peter words here “Moreover I will endeavor that you may be able after my decease (death) to have these things always in remembrance” Peter knew his time was short, and he wanted to make sure the Church remembered and learned everything he was taught by Christ himself. We as Christians should have this same urgency and goal, to teach the Church what we have learned from The Lord and leave a legacy of service and obedience. There is no time to be a lazy Christian, time is running short, and every day that passes by is a day closer for us returning home to The Lord

Church tradition teaches when it came time for Peter’s crucifixion, he requested to be crucified upside down because he didn’t feel worthy to die the same death as Christ. Even to Peters last breath, he loved and served The Lord, we should also have that same servant mentality in everything we do! Amen!

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10-11

I could imagine if the Apostle Peter spoke these words today, he would have alot of “hyper-grace” folks calling him a legalist or a heretic, but the Apostle Peter is speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, so Christians should listen to the Apostles teachings and understand how to apply this to our Christian walk. 

The Apostle Peter starts out by addressing the audience “brethren or brothers and sisters” meaning this teaching is for the Church, so if you are a Christian you should pay attention to what Peter is conveying here. Peter goes on to say “Give diligence or every effort, to make sure your calling and election is sure or confirmed” The sad reality is there are many people who are calling themselves Christians that have never been saved. Peter is challenging us to evaluate whether we have been truly regenerated by the Holy Spirit or not

This teaching may shock some people , some it may even anger, but its better to be angry with the Apostle or preacher, than to one day stand before The Lord and him state “Depart from me I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23) The scariest words in the Bible, as Jesus goes on to teach, there are many people who are doing works in the name of Jesus, they claim to be followers of Jesus, but Christ has no idea who they even are, how is this possible? 

Because as Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you will not enter the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3) Unless you are Born Again, unless you are baptized and regenerated by the Holy Spirit, you can’t be a child of God. You can’t remain dead in your sins and be alive in Christ (Ephesians 2) its one of the other, doing religious works for Christ won’t save you, there is nothing we can do to save ourselves, its only by faith alone, grace alone, and Christ alone that you can be saved

When you are Born Again, as Peter states “entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into an everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” The Lord is the only way to salvation, to eternal life, to Gods Kingdom. Are you producing fruits that are evidence of your conversion? (Matthew 7, Galatians 5) As Jesus said “A good tree will bear good fruit, and a bad tree will produce bad fruit” (Matthew 7) So what does your Christian walk look like? 

My question or challenge for you today, is do you remember the day of your salvation? Do you remember when Christ saved you? If you don’t remember when Christ saved you, are you sure you are really saved? If you feel drawn by the Father, if you feel convicted by the Holy Spirit, then call upon The Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved!

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9

So now that you have become saved, now that you have been convicted of your sin, you repented and put your faith in Jesus Christ, you now have become Born Again and baptized with the Holy Spirit, so now what? What do you do after you become a new creation in Christ? Well it’s a process of sanctification, the Holy Spirit living inside of you, and working in you, growing and transforming you

The Apostle Peter here describes the Christian walk, “Giving all diligence or reason, add to your faith virtue or patience , knowledge, godliness,kindness, and love” Notice Peter says you “add to your faith” in the Christian walk. You don’t just remain stagnant or the same as a Christian, you’re continually growing in Christ with the Holy Spirit living inside of you. As Peter says “make every effort”, the question is are you making any effort to grow in The Lord? Are you actually growing in Christ or are you at the same spot when you first became saved?

You might say, I don’t want to do any of these things, I want to be a lazy Christian and wait for the rapture to come. Notice what Peter says “If these things be in you and abound, they make you that you shall not be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” If you want to be fruitful for Christ, if you want God to use you to do amazing things, then you can’t be a lazy Christian and seek Christ with all your heart, mind, and soul. If you make no effort seeking The Lord by studying the scriptures, praying without ceasing, fellowshipping and serving the Church, then God has no use for you, because you are a wicked lazy servant 

It comes down to the root of the greatest commandment, “Love the Lord God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind” (Matthew 22:37) Do you actually do this? Do you really love Jesus with everything you are? If you do, then why doesn’t your life reflect this? If your life does reflect this, then you will see the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, the fruit being produced through you because of Christ

As Jesus said “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well” (Matthew 6:33) If you want to know what God’s will is for your life, Seek Christ, Seek The Kingdom, be led and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:1-4

As the Apostle Peter begins his second epistle, often times we like to skip over the introduction and get right into the heart of the text, however in these salutations there is alot of wisdom and revelation that is shared by the Holy Spirit that if we skim over it, we will miss it. First notice Peter , even though he is an Apostle of Christ, identifies himself as a servant of Christ also. We must all have this servant mentality to be a true disciple of Christ. As Jesus said “Whoever humbles themselves like a little child, is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18:4)

Then the Apostle Peter addresses the Christian community “To them that have obtained precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ” I don’t know if people realize how precious the gift of our salvation given by God is? When you truly understand how precious your faith in Christ is, this is evidence of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Many Christians who continually pursue the pleasures of this world, and when a trial or tribulation comes, they fall away, this is evidence they never understood the severity of their salvation. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast

( Ephesians 2:8-9)

Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ our Lord! We can obtain the peace of God when we have the knowledge of God through Christ our Lord and the Holy Spirit. When a Christian understands the salvation of their soul is secure this will bring them peace through any storm. As the Lord Jesus said “Don’t fear those who can kill the body, Fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in Hell” (Matthew 10:30) When you understand the depravity and severe condition of your soul, the gift of grace from God should bring you eternal peace

Peter goes on to say “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature” Think about that, as a Christian you are a partake of God’s divine nature, meaning the Holy Spirit is living inside of you, God is living inside of You! As the Apostle Paul said “The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead, is living inside of You” (Romans 8:11) You are not weak and defeated, you have the power of the living God living inside of You! Have the peace of God knowing you are His child, chosen and victorious, and will live forever in Jesus name Amen!

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:8-11

Satan has one agenda and that’s to destroy as many souls as possible, including yours! The Apostle Peter states “Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walks about, seeking whom he may devour” Satan and his demons are roaming the Earth right now looking for people to devour. This is why most ideas and agendas from this world are destructive for your soul, because they are from Satan, as he is called the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4)

Notice Peters first advice for us all “Be sober minded” we live in a world that celebrates intoxication. Alcohol abuse has become normalized, recently marijuana has become legalized, the majority of the world is under the intoxication of some drug or narcotic. This has made many in this world an easy target for Satan. Nobody ever makes good decisions intoxicated, and Satan is just counting on that. You will never hear the voice of God when your drug or high, you need to be sober minded, you need to be diligent and alert to the Holy Spirit. Sadly the world has fallen under the intoxication of the evil one, its like shooting fish in a barrel

As the Apostle Peter states “Resist Him” “Stand in the faith” Many people don’t want to resist the devil, he offers them some temporary pleasure and they rather gratify their flesh for a moment then save their souls for an eternity. As Jesus said “What does it profit you to gain the whole world and to lose your soul” (Mark 8:36) This doesn’t just mean money, this also means power and pleasures of this world that will damn your soul. None of those things will benefit you while you spend an eternity in Hell. Resist the devil and He will flee from you (James 4:7)

But you might say well I’m suffering here, this world is not fair, read the words of the Apostle Peter “after you have suffered a little while, make you perfect, establish, and strengthen you” Any suffering you experience in this world will be temporary, remember that. We must have an eternal perspective , don’t fall into the traps of Satan who is looking to devour you like a roaring lion. Stand strong in the faith, because by the grace of God, you have been called into eternal glory by our Lord Jesus Christ

To God be the glory , the power, the dominion , the honor, through our Lord Jesus Christ, forever and ever, Amen!

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Peter 5:1-4

As many of you know, I currently have the privilege of being a “Pastor” for a local Church in my area, I believe I was called by God to fulfill this calling and I take this with full seriousness and responsibility. The word “Pastor” actually derives from Latin meaning “Shepherd” So when your calling someone a Pastor , you are calling them a Shepherd of a Church, which is totally Biblical. As mentioned in my previous commentaries, God has designed order and structure to the Body of Christ, when we gather as Christians there is an order to the service

Peter begins this message with who his intended audience is, “The elders which are among You” these are the spiritual leaders of your Church community. So these instructions Peter is about to give under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is not just limited to your Pastor or Pastors for larger congregations. These instructions are instructed for everyone in your Church Body that is taking on a roll of leadership in some form. Which as mature Christians , we should all be stepping up as “elders” in some form, whether leading a Sunday School class, or Youth group, ect. 

As a leader in your Church community, this is a great calling and responsibility. View yourself as a Spiritual Shepherd. What duties does a Shepherd perform? They protect the flock from wolves, they feed the flock, they oversee the flock, and they guide and gather the flock. This is a very high calling by God, as with a Shepherd, you may have to lay down your physical life for the flock, this is the love you should have for your Church. A strong Church usually has strong elders, because they are overseeing the flock from danger or heresies.

I find verse 2 very interesting because alot of English translations say “Shepherd the flock of God” while others say “Feed the flock of God” The original Greek word there is “poimanate” which means many things Shepherd, Feed, Tend, rule, govern, if you want to know what the duties of a Pastor are, just look at this one Greek word and it will give you the details. The Pastor and the Elders are the Spiritual Shepherds of the Church. This is essential for any healthy Church. When a Church has no Pastor or mature elder group, they typically fall away because there is no one leading the flock

Peter makes a great point next “neither being lords over Gods heritage” Don’t abuse your position of authority as a Pastor or elder. There are some people who can’t handle any power or authority, once its given to them, they try to be a dictator and rule over the people. This is not your calling, a Shepherd is not to persecute its flock, the Shepherd is to guide and nurture the flock. This is another place where Church communities go wrong, a Pastor who wants to lord over their people, will end up scattering the flock

Finally I just want to end with a reminder from Peter “And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear” remember we are all under the authority and subjection to the Great Shepherd Jesus Christ. There is a chain of command, and you are not on the top, in order to be true Spiritual Shepherds for the Church, we need to be in total obedience and submission to the Great Shepherd Jesus Christ, ,Amen!

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4: 15-19

Are you ashamed of your Lord Jesus Christ? Millions , perhaps Billions of people identify their religion as Christian, but how many of them could you actually know are a Christian if they didn’t tell you? Have any of these people ever shared the gospel with you, or have you shared the gospel with any stranger lately? We claim to be unashamed of Jesus, however when it comes to talk about Jesus, we don’t. We are too afraid we might offend someone or lose a “friend”. This is being ashamed of your Lord and Savior

Jesus said “Anyone who is ashamed of me before others, I will be ashamed of you before my Father” (Luke 9:26, Matthew 10:33, Mark 8:38,Luke 12:9) Think about it, Jesus Christ died for you, not only did He suffered a horrendous death, but he was humiliated and persecuted in public for You, can you not suffer some humiliation or persecution for Christ?  You refuse to share the gospel with others because your afraid they might make fun of you, do you understand what your Lord suffered for you? Do you understand your importance of work as a disciple of Christ? 

The Apostle Peter says “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf” When you are mocked or persecuted for sharing Jesus Christ, you are bringing glory to God! Most Christians are too busy evaluating what is the cost for themselves if they do this or that, but as Jesus said “Anyone wants to be my disciple they must deny themselves, carry their cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24) If you are more worried if people are going to mock or laugh at you, you already failed as a disciple of Christ. 

The Apostle Peter goes on to say “For the time has come that judgment must begin at the house of God, and if it begins first with us, what shall the end be for them that do not obey the gospel of God” Some might say I’m being too harsh with my words, but even the Church will be judged on whether they are truly Born Again or not. And if God is going to judge even the Church, then how much worse will it be for those who rejected Christ? This is why its critical for us to fulfill the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) and share the gospel with everyone!

So if your not ashamed of Jesus Christ, what are you doing to bring him glory? Have you told anyone today about the good news of Jesus Christ and what he’s done for us? Don’t be ashamed of the One who was never ashamed of You! Amen!