Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is Salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2Pe 3:14-18)
As we wrap up this series, having covered the general epistles, and most of the New Testament, other than Mark and Luke's Gospels, our final view of Peter's final message gives us encouragement and exhortation to look to eternal things, not temporary things. To be steadfast in our study of the Word of GOD that we may grow and mature in Christ, to be constant in our prayers to hear from GOD, and to consistent in our love and care for one another as we continue this journey, as strangers and pilgrims, foreigners in this world, but fellow saints with all who are in Christ, and all who have gone on before us to be with Jesus. With our feet firmly planted on the foundation of Christ and His Word, and having the mind of Christ, we bear one another's burdens and provoke one another to good works, while reaching out to others that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory, until He is done with us.
GOD has called, commanded, and commissioned His people to be His ministers, His servants, His ambassadors, and His witnesses. We are to go out into this lost and dying world with the Word of righteousness and reconciliation, equipped and empowered to speak the Truth in love, and with the Word fitly spoken, proclaim His love, mercy, and grace to all those GOD sends our way and in our path. We are to love one another as He loved us, with charity and as members one of another, not just in the four walls of our meetinghouse, but wherever GOD'S people are doing the will of GOD and the work of the Kingdom. We are to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ as we go and proclaim in the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit the Good News of reconciliation with the Father through repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ alone, that those who hear might believe and in believing that He is the Christ they might have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet