This morning I herd a message from a brother named, Jerry. Jerry spoke about living your life as if Christ's return is any moment. A message which fit right into the series iLife I am currently preaching.
2 Peter 3:1-13 says,
"1Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
3First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
8But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.[a]
11Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.[b]That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness."
If we are living in expectation of the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus then we need to be ever mindful of these 6 principles laid out by the Apostle Peter:
1. Remember: The words spoken by the prophets - We must spend time in the word of God; Reading it, Studying it, memorizing it, applying it and living it!
2. Return: Jesus is coming back - This time as Judge of the living and the dead. Are you living in a manor that His return is something that you look forward to or that you will dread. We need to deal with this now
3. Reject: Reject the Mockers - We live in a time where many mock the Living Word of God as found in the Bible. We should expect it, over look it and pray for them as we ask God to use us in a mighty way.
4. Recall: Recall the Flood - This is a call to look at the examples that God has given us in the past, that though He is patient the day will come when God will again pour out His wrath upon a sin-filled world.
5. Reserved: The world is Reserved for Fire - God has already ordained the method of His judgment. Everything will be destroyed by fire. What is in-store for your destiny?
6. Repent: Turn to God While You Can - When Christ returns it will be too late. Jesus Christ, who was born in a stable to a virgin mother, grew into a man of wisdom and stature, lived a life free of sin as an example to all mankind, was crucified upon the Cross at Calvary, laid in a borrowed tomb, rose on the 3rd day and ascended to the right hand of the Father, paid the price for your sins that you may have a relationship with the God and Creator of the Universe. Will you accept Him?
In conclusion Jerry said we must:
Run the Race: 2 Peter 3:17-18
"Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."
- How will your life be different TODAY?
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