Things Continuing As They Are

⁴ They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” II Peter 3:4

Brothers and sisters, it is extremely dark and quit where I am staying this morning. The silence of the house is only broken by the slight noise of a heater vent blowing. I am the only one awake and it would seem that all is quiet in the world. However, I know this is not true.

In other countries there are wars and rumors of wars. In our country there are wars on the streets and there are wars in people’s homes. In some places people are sleeping only because of the fatigue that comes with their war.

Despite all of this, people wrongly think that “things will always continue as they are.” Yes, in quit moments like this people think we will live here forever. But what does the Bible teach?

In our focal text we are taught just the opposite. God says, there will be a day when this world will come to its present end. God’s judgment is coming (II Peter 3:7). Yes, scoffers proclaim, we have heard all this before, but pay attention, things continue as they are. But God’s Word says, it will come to an end in God’s timing.

Scripture gives us the reason why things continue as they are. God say’s, “I am patient on your account,” (II Peter 3:9). Our God in His kindness, mercy, and grace waits for people to repent and follow Him (Romans 2:4).

As I sit here in this quiet room reading the Word of God, I am so thankful that God patiently waited for me to repent and follow Him. I am praising Him for revealing who He is to me and I am worshipping the God who saves.

Friend’s, if there is peace between you and God this day, give Him praise because things are not as they seem. This morning I am asking God, how can I serve Him in this new day that He has given me.

II Peter 3:14-18 offers instruction for this day:

1. Live a separated life that is focused on living for Him, 3:14.
2. Be thankful for all we have because of His kindness and patience, 3:15.
3. Reject those who reject and twist the Word of God, 3:17.
4. Grow in God’s grace and in His knowledge by investing in His Word and work, 3:18.

Dear Friends, I hear noise now coming out of the darkness. I hear the worship of birds singing, in my mind, “Jesus, thank you for saving my life. Glory to His name.”

The Truth Be Told (II Peter 2)

¹⁶ For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  II Peter 1:16

Brothers and sisters, how blessed we are in that God led others to tell us the truth about Jesus! Those who told us the truth gave us the truth as is revealed in God’s Word. I am so eternally thankful that God gave the Word, preserved the Word, and delivered the Word into my heart and mind.

I am also thankful that God reveals, in His Word, that there will be those will not tell the truth. According to II Peter 2, these are false teachers who teach falsely for the purpose of exploiting people for their own sinful gain. Without this truth, I might have been led to believe that every Bible teacher is telling the truth. But we find, in our text for today, that there are false teachers in the world.

In our text for the day, the Bible teaches us two things about false teachers. God reveals their end and their evil.

The end of false teachers will come in the judgment fire of Hell, 2:4-9.

Consider with me those who have already died in their sin. According to Scripture they are in chains of gloomy darkness awaiting the final judgment. These are in torment knowing that eternal wrath awaits.

The evil of false teachers reaches to the masses in humanity, 2:10-22.

The Bible reveals that all who follow these teachers will face their same end. The Bible reveals that all who follow these teachers will live blasphemous lives. Such people believe the lie that they are free, but they are in deep bondage. The end of such people is eternally heartbreaking.

Friends, the truth has been told and it is wonderful for those who have come to embrace the knowledge of the truth. But, at the same time, the truth is heartbreaking for all who embrace the lies of false teaching.

As I ponder what I have read, I find myself crying out to God, please keep me in the truth and please empower me to lead others to the truth!!! May God grant this pray to each of us every day!!!

Through the Knowledge of Him (II Peter 1)

³ His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, II Peter 1:3.

Brothers and sisters, can I ask you a very personal question? I ask that you would not be upset by my question. My question comes out of a I Timothy 1:5 “heart of love” for you. Here is the question, what are you currently passionate about?

I ask this question because it is the question I am currently asking myself. I am asking this question because God intends for me to be passionate about Him without being distracted by worldly passions. This battle of passions is ongoing in one’s life as long as a person lives.

Here in II Peter 1, God’s man, Peter writes about the life of faith a person receives by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross (II Peter 1:2-3). Peter writes of all that God grants to His people so that they may have a life of godliness. This life is freeing and this life is full if we are passionate about Him.

Friend’s, take a moment and read the previous sentence again. This life is freeing and this life is full if we are passionate about Him. According to Peter, the more you grow in knowing Him the greater impact your life will have for Him in this world.

Peter is an example of this. This man “Simon, Peter, became a slave of Jesus, set aside to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ.” (II Peter 1:1). Peter’s given name was Simon, before Christ. He was a fisherman by trade, but then he came to know Jesus and because Peter the brother who fished for men.

All of this happened because Peter knew Him. Brothers and sisters, I want to know Him more and more. The more I know Him the greater His light shines through me in this dark world.

This is why I asked the question I asked. Without knowing Him one will live his or her life simply doing life with no greater purpose. Let me challenge you to passionately seek to know Him better and better.

The Lord is Faithful (II Thessalonians 3)

”But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” II Thessalonians 3:3

It is true, but the Lord is faithful. It could happen, but the Lord is faithful. I see it coming, but the Lord is faithful. It’s been here before, but the Lord is faithful.

Brothers and sisters, do you want to know what the “it” is? The “it’s” are the trials, tribulations, and temptations of life.

As Paul wraps up his second letter to this faithful church, he turns his attention, under God’s inspiration, to both prayer and instruction. Paul asks for the church to pray for him, Vs:1-5. His prayer was with clear wisdom as he asked that the gospel would touch the world, that his team would be delivered from wicked people, and that the people’s hearts would be directed always to God’s love and steadfastness.

Paul also instructed the church in the way that they should be living as Christ followers, Vs: 6-15.

In complete honesty I needed to be reminded of the truth that God is faithful. My circumstance is not that I doubt Him. I am certain of who He is and I am committed to Hebrews 10:23 which says, “hold fast your confession of faith.” For me, the “it” caught me off guard and I needed to put up the shield of faith that says, Satan you are a liar and flesh there is no need to fear.

Friend’s God has taught us, whatever state we are in to be content, Phil. 4:11.

Here in II Thessalonians 3 we see the prayer and instruction of God through the writing of a brother who had endured many “It’s.”

Let us, the people of God, follow Paul’s example in taking every thought captive to both obedience and faith in Jesus Christ (II Cor. 10:3-5). When we do we can pray effectively and we can help others to follow Him.

In His Time (II Thessalonians 2)

”For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under Heaven,” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

It was Solomon who God inspired to write that there is a time for every matter under Heaven. After having experienced my 56 Thanksgiving on the earth, I would amen this truth. Someone has said, “time stands still for no one.” We know this is true, but we also know something else. God has said that we can live for Him effectively doing His will in our time (Ecclesiastes 3:11-13).

This truth has been working in me for over a week. Last Friday night I spoke on this topic at our Student Lock-In. This morning our Scripture reading has me continuing to consider these matters.

The people who made up the church at Thessalonica were living effectively for God (I Thess. 1:7-10). They were both reaching people and developing people in Christ despite the afflictions of suffering they were facing (II Thess. 1:4-6). As they were living in their time, fear suddenly gripped them as word came, from false teachers, that The Day of the Lord had come and they had missed it (II Thess. 1-2).

These wonderful saints of God were now being distracted from their time. I am sure you understand that there can be countless distractions in our lives. Here Paul calms their fears by pointing them to the truth (II Thess. 2:3-11).

Please take the time to read what God gave Paul for their time and our time. Here is a simply outline I used last week:

1. Notice the signs of the times, Vs: 4-7.
   • The world will be in chaos called rebellion before the Lord returns.
   • The world will be asking for one to come and bring peace to the chaos.
   • The world will be introduced to the Antichrist who leads in Satan’s power.
   • The world will no longer be blessed with the influence of the Holy Spirit.
2. Notice the serious of the times, Vs:7-11.
   • Darkness will be increasing.
   • Darkness will take charge.
   • Deception will prevail in people’s hearts.
   • Destruction will be both earthly and eternal.

Brothers and sisters, these things cause us to wake up and take seriously the time we are alive on the earth. Here is what God keeps revealing to me. Keith, don’t be alarmed at what is happening. Be alert and be active for me. This is your time to live for me!!!

So, on this Black Friday (shopping day in America) make it a bright Friday as you let your light shine for Him. This is our time!!!

Thanking Jesus on Thanksgiving Day (II Thessalonians 1)

”To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power,” II Thessalonians 1:11.

Brothers and sisters, Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours. This very day it may seem as if you have little to be thankful for on the earth. However, there is more to see than most can see. Last week, at this time, I was in Africa packing my bags to return to the states. As I prepared to leave I had read this passage of Scripture. A few days earlier I had taught this text at our marriage conference.

In the session I focused on “doing what is right despite what we see.” Here in II Thessalonians one Paul gave thanks for the increasing faith and love of those brothers and sisters, Vs: 2-3. He also reminded them of the coming Day of the Lord when He, the Righteous Judge would repay with justice all mankind for their deeds.

As I thought about the Day of the Lord, I realized how thankful I am that Jesus opened my eyes and how Jesus changed by life. I am thankful that Jesus came to my unrighteous life and caused me to be born again to a righteous life. I have, as well as you, so much to thank Him for in my life.

Yes, I can thank Him for a warm bed, clothes of all kinds, a vehicle to drive, a family to love, food on my table, and countless other earthly blessings. But, I choose to thank Him, this day, for the eternal blessings all Christ followers will receive on the day of His coming for each of us!

Brothers and sisters, be thankful, there is an eternity filled with reasons to do so!!!

I love you each, in Jesus!!!

The Blessing of Serving Others While We Wait (I Thessalonians 5)

”For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Thessalonians 5:9.

I don’t know if you are this way, but I am. I do not like to wait in line anywhere. Yes, I may not outwardly evidence it, but inside I want to get through the line so that I can do what I have on my agenda. This morning, I was deeply challenged by God to consider the blessings that come with waiting.

These blessings were revealed to my mind and heart from I Thessalonians 5. If you have not read this chapter, pause and do so now.

This chapter is the next step in God’s teaching about The Day of the Lord (His Second Coming). This truth is revealed in its coming and its consequences. This truth is also revealed in the comfort God’s people receive in knowing that we (who are saved) will never experience His wrath. We will experience the wonderful of Heaven for eternity.

Most who read I Thessalonians 5, focus on the first 11 verses with great care (and we should), but the last 17 verses we skim over (and we should not). In these verses we find out how we are to live as we wait for His return.

As I read these verses, I discovered the beauty of life in the waiting line. Here are three tasks we are to do as we wait in the line of eternity:

1. I am to respect and follow those who lead me as we wait in this life together.

Yes, I am to serve pastors, deacons, and lay leaders in the church. I am also to respect those God has placed in leadership in our world. I am to also pray for them.

2. I am to be united with the people of God in peace as we seek to serve Him faithfully.

3. I am to fulfill my role in the body of Christ as outlined in Vs: 14-22.

Take time this morning to pray through all the wonderful directives of this text. They are wonderful and be assured they will change your focus as you wait in line for His Second Coming.

For example let me take one of the imperatives and walk it through, “encourage the faint hearted.” In the lines of life there are people far more stressed and far more stretched for time than you and I. As we sit there or stand there in line, strike up a conversation and find out who the person is beside you and what is going on in their life. Give them a word from the Word and then ask to pray for them. In this way we are fulfilling God’s purpose in the waiting line of life.

I pray God’s greatest blessings in your life as you wait in line today!!!

Living a Thankful Life (I Thessalonians 4)

”and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands as we instructed you,” I Thessalonians 4:11.

As each of you know, this is the week of Thanksgiving (American holiday) where on Thursday we will gather and celebrate the goodness of God in His mercy and kindness in our lives. Sherry and I love this holiday because it gives us time to gather with family and with extended family to reconnect, reflect, and rejoice in His goodness.

In anticipation of this day, God has been so gracious and giving us His Word. Today we are in I Thessalonians 4 where Paul teaches the brothers and sisters to both live for and look for God. Consider both these directives with me.

1. Christ followers are to more and more live for the Lord, 4:1-12.

This loving Savior has given us a new life and has given us a new way to live. We live as people separated unto Him. This life leads us down a path of sexual purity and personal holiness. This life recoils from sin and rejoices in love. This life is lived with joy in obeying the Lord Jesus.

As a person lives this life, it is a life that is described as being quiet (lifting up Jesus) and busy with the work God has assigned each of us.

Friend’s let us be thankful for the life God has given and provided for us. For me personally, it is a joy to wake up each morning beside my wife of 31 plus years. It is a joy to have four adult children and a growing grandson. It is a joy to not be in prison and it is an honor to have an assignment from God. It is a joy to be able to work for the King of Kings. It is a joy to minister to others. The joy of our Lord changes every ordinary day into a miracle day.

2. Christ followers are to more and more look for the return of the Lord, 4:13-18.

Friend’s our Lord could return this very day. The signs ( I Thessalonians 5) are all around us. This day I rejoice in knowing that when He comes, my family will be caught up together to meet Him in the clouds. This day, I look forward to the moment when eternity begins for the people of God.

Here in I Thessalonians 4, we read about the moment when He comes. The Bible says there will be, “a cry from Heaven, a voice from Heaven, and a trumpet sound from Heaven.”

This cry will be the Lord’s voice calling brothers and sisters from the graves, John 5:25-26. This voice will be the same voice John heard in Revelation 1:12-16. This trumpet will be Heavens call to break camp (Numbers 10:1-11) for the Lord is calling us home.

Oh how much we the people of God have to be thankful for this week. Yes, it may be a week of trial for many, but these light momentary afflictions do not compare to what awaits us (II Cor. 4:16-18). Rejoice my brothers and sisters, our redemption draws night.

People who Love Each Other (I Thessalonians 3)

”And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you.” I Thessalonians 3:12

The closer one gets to Christ the more he or she both feels and expresses the love of Christ. While in Malawi last week, God spoke clearly to me about people who have this love. Yes, it is true that there are many kinds of love in the world, however the love of Christ in us and flowing through us cannot be compared or even explained to its heights and depths.

We see this love in the relationship of a pastor and his flock in I Thessalonians 2:17-3:13. Take a moment if you have not already and read Paul’s Words to the church. Here are four loving things that take place when the love of Christ is flowing into and through your life:

1. Distance between you and others does not diminish your love. 2:17.

Paul had been pulled away from the church, but he had not been pulled away from the people he loved. God’s love spans time and distance.

2. Others successes bless your life more than your own. 2:19.

Paul was rejoicing in knowing that his brothers and sisters were growing in faith. His true joy came as they were blessed. Friend’s this is a love that all of us need to grow in.

3. You will do whatever it takes to support those you love. 3:1-4.

Paul was so concerned for the church that he sent his best coworker to minister to their needs. Timothy came to the church to both establish (foundational teaching) and encourage (elevate faith) their walk with Christ. When Timothy returned he shared the good news of their faith.

4. You will do battle with the enemy on their behalf. 3:5-13

Paul knew that Satan was both a hinderance and a tempter. Paul’s prayers were for them and his prayers were directed to Jesus for their blessing in battle.

Friend’s, as I consider these things, I realize that the love of Christ leads us to not only love this way, but to be loved this way. Last week I fell on my knees before God and began to thank Him for all the people who have loved our family for these 56 years of my life. Oh the joy that I had in that prayer meeting in Malawi.

Let me encourage you to take time to consider God’s love this day. Take time to lean into praying for all those who are praying for you. Also take a few minutes and read I John 4:7-12 for deeper insight into a people who love each other.

I love you brothers and sisters!!!

Healthy Christ-Centered Ministry (I Thessalonians 2)

”So being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you were so dear to us,” I Thessalonians 2:8.

When I consider our Lord and Savior’s ministry I find myself in awe of His all-in life. According to Scripture, Jesus emptied Himself for our sakes (Philippians 2:5-9). Jesus gave His life as a ransom for our lives (Mark 10:45). While it is certain that no person can match His all in commitment, it is certain that we can posses, in Christ, a healthy Christ-Centered Ministry.

Here in I Thessalonians 2, Paul writes about the healthy Christ-Centered Ministry God had blessed him to live out. Because of Jesus, there was fruit in Paul’s life. Paul writes of his ministry success under three headings.

1. Paul’s team was bold in the gospel despite the cost, Vs: 1-8.

As we read those verses we discover that Paul’s goal was to please God. Paul’s strategy was to lovingly share the truth with all people because Christ’s love flowed to him and through him into the lives of the people he met. Brothers and sisters, let us please God and let us love others as God loves us.

2. Paul’s team shared the gospel without cost, Vs: 9-10.

During the short time the team served in this city, they did not collect offerings to fund their ministry, these labored day and night in the market place sharing the gospel as they worked. Oh what a key insight we have here. It is in the market place where effective ministry happens. We work side by side with people who need the Lord and we have the gospel for them without cost.

3. Paul’s team strengthen those they reached with the gospel, Vs: 11-16.

Let us not overlook the need of exhorting and encouraging the body of Christ. Ministry does not end in the baptismal pool, it has just begun as we commit ourselves to the work of teaching, developing, and sending those we reach. A healthy Christ-Centered Ministry loves evangelism as well as discipleship. Friend’s let us give ourselves to both.

Question: Are you healthy as a Christian? If so, praise Him and continue to be exhorted and encouraged in a local body of believers and continue to reach those without Him. If not, start today by partnering with a local church in your area that is healthy in Christ.