Sunday November 27, 2022

Sunday – November 27th – 2 Peter 1:12-13     -----     
 
2:12) These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed. They scoff at things they do not understand, and like animals, they will be destroyed.
13) Their destruction is their reward for the harm they have done. They love to indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight. They are a disgrace and a stain among you. They delight in deception even as they eat with you in your fellowship meals.
 
The Daily Walk Bible inspirational thought for today:
      WHY DO WE SPEND SO MUCH TIME FOCUSING ON THE CONCERNS OF THE WORLD WE’LL SOON LEAVE AND SO LITTLE TIME ON THE ETERNITY WE’RE HEADED FOR?*
 
     Happy and Holy Sunday to you! Our inspirational thought for today is a great word for this first Sunday in Advent. The writers of this thought are reminding us that while things of this life have some importance, they are collectively less then the importance of our relationship with God. Once we have insured our salvation and only then after we have a strategy in place to optimize our continued growth as a disciples should we begin thinking about sharing the gospel with others. Once in place then we can devote what time we might have left to focus on things of this world. When we get this priority out of order and place the worries and concerns of this world first, then our effectiveness diminishes substantially. Being spiritually recharged daily in Christ is what motives us and sustains us as a follower of Jesus. `       `       
 
     In our pick verses for today, Peter pulls out all the stops and holds nothing back in his assessment of the false teachers of his day. Remember for Peter, the other apostles, and first century evangelists, the eternal souls of each individual were who Jesus died for, and was within their calling to help people know the truth about God. They were willing to go to prison, be beaten, stand before kings and governmental authorities if that is what it took to advance the Gospel. You can easily see why those who came along offering cheap grace and false teachings were despised by the early church leaders. Peter is convinced that false teachers are sure to be destroyed as are wild beasts. It is the outcome of their basic nature to act selfishly and self-centered. Being dominated by their devil-inspired base instincts they lack true understanding of love, grace, and peace. Peter goes on to say that by contrast most wicked people chose to work under the cover of darkness so their exploits will not be exposed, however these false teachers are so boldly depraved that they practice their immorality in broad daylight. Their very presence will create a blemish on the good nature of the church and church family. Sadly, I wish I could say that all false teachers died off during the first century, but as long as Satan remains active there will be those who buy into his temptations and will help lead others away from God’s word, God’s way, God’s will, and God’s word.

Blessings
   Pastor Jim
Monday – November 28th – 2 Peter 2:14

*The Daily Walk Bible NLT: Explore God's Path to Life (p. 4217). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

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