The Hope of His Coming. 11 Peter 3:3-15a

Our focus has been "A Call to Holy Living" for the month May. Take a look below for a quick recap of what we've already learned...

Lesson I " A Living Hope" we learned to hold on to our living hope in Jesus during difficult times, to remember that our troubles in this world are not compared to the eternal life and eternal hope we have in Him, and that He offers us something far better in the Future.

Lesson II "Equipped for Godliness" we learned that God has already provided us with all that we need to live godly lives, and as Christians we should learn how to use and show the resources that God has given us, and to live the way God wants us to live.  

Lesson III "Serving One Another" we learned as Christians we all have been given various spiritual gifts and we should use our gifts effectively to serve one another, without complaining, and with love in our hearts.

This Weeks Lesson "The Hope of His Coming"  As a reminder of words that have already been spoken Peter wrote a Second Letter. Peter tells us that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts. They will live in open rebellion against God, Jesus, His followers, and they will do whatever they want for their personal pleasure and ambition. They will reject God's past judgments, promises, and the return of Jesus. They do not believe that God created the world, they deliberately ignore the fact that by the Word of God heavens existed long ago and an earth was formed and that back in the days of Noah God brought judgment on the sinners by a great flood. Unbelievers ignore that fact. 

By the Word, the world was created. By the Word, the prophets spoke words of warning and coming judgment. God's judgment this time will not come by water but by fire the godless will have no place in the Kingdom because they refuse to love and worship God. Peter also say not to ignore this one fact that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some may think, He is patient not wanting us to perish, but all to come to repentance. The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night "unexpectedly" so we should always live holy lives waiting on the day of the Lord found without spot or blemish, but to be found by Him in peace.

Planted By God

LET GOD PLANT YOU

A seed doesn’t just need water in order to grow, it needs the right amount of everything.  It needs the right amount of water, soil, sunlight, and love.  A seed doesn’t get to choose it’s own soil, the gardener does.  When it comes to church membership, every believer must be planted somewhere in order to grow and blossom.  However, you don’t choose where you are planted, God does.  He chooses the conducive environment that is perfect for you and your family. You don’t just need good preaching or a great kids program.  You need a conducive environment that’s perfect for your optimum growth and spiritual development.  God is the gardener and where He plants you, you will prosper.  Where He plants you, you will be challenged.  Where He plants you, you will blossom and spread your wings to soar.  That conducive environment will bring out the best in you and you will in turn give your best back to it.  Are you growing?  Are you blossoming?  Are you soaring?  Are you being challenged? Is your life producing visible results?  If not, you must ask yourself if whether you have been planted by God or if you have chosen your own soil.  When you plant yourself, you develop weeds and your life doesn’t produce much.  Pray for God to plant you and you will begin to grow and blossom for the glory of God.

“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.” (Isaiah 61:3 NLT)


Prayer: Father, I pray You direct me to the church that is the right environment for me and my family.  I want to be all that You have called me to be.  Lead me and guide me to where You want me to be planted.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.