Questions for Reflection – Study of 2 Peter

Posted on January 2, 2014 by Mark Shields

The second letter of Peter written around 60 A.D. is a warning against false teachers. Great emphasis is made on the Word of God and the certainty of a future eternal reward if we follow the Truth. False teaching can be resisted by focusing on the scriptures.

The scripture also tells us there will be a second coming. This should make us want to always be prepared by practicing our faith day in and day out. Over the next few weeks, I will be posting about practicing our faith and will use the questions below to help focus on each passage.

2 Peter 1:1-11
What has God done for us? For what purpose? Through whom? How should we respond to God’s work for us?

2 Peter 1:12-21
What is Peter’s purpose in writing this letter? From what does a Christian gain spiritual knowledge? How can you know whether the interpretation of Scripture given by various writers is true?

2 Peter 2:1-9
Characterize false prophets – how extensive is their influence? What will be the fate of such persons? How do you feel about ungodly people “getting away with” evil?

2 Peter 2:10-22
Describe the type of person affected by false teaching. How can you resist false teaching?  What is so attractive about evil that pulls a person back?

2 Peter 3:1-10
To what characteristics of God does Peter appeal? To what historical event? When will the day of the Lord come? How? With what result?

2 Peter 3:10-18
In what ways do lives of holiness and godliness hasten the kingdom’s coming? How can you maintain your Christian stability? What would you like to be doing when the Lord returns?

The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.
 
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

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Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times

Photo Credit
Google Images

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Preparing for the New Year

Posted on January 1, 2014 by Mark Shields

The journey through Song of Songs was completed yesterday and it has provided some good spiritual food in preparation for the New Year. In 2014, we should constantly pray for and be aware of ways to help each other. Here’s a poem with this in mind: We Pray.

As we prepare and pray, here is another poem written to inspire seeking our best friend throughout this year: Seek Him.

Lord, we pray for Your guidance, Your direction for each day in helping us be at our best and following You.  We also ask for the desire to plant Your Word in our hearts and for opportunities to pass Your Light to others.

Photo Credit
Google Images

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This is Just the Beginning

Posted on December 31, 2013 by Mark Shields

The year 2013 has been a great journey and now we look forward to 2014

After Christmas, we sometimes have a little bit of a letdown. There was this big buildup for a couple of months and now it’s all over … or is it? Really, it’s just beginning and Christmas can launch us into an exciting New Year!

Last Sunday at the church I attend, the message was titled “This is Just the Beginning”.  Pastor Brandon Frenzel brought the message to us with some great points in bold. Below each point are some notes in blue print I took while listening.

Christ the King
At Christmas, we are reminded that God is with us as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. In Psalm 45:5-9, we are told that God’s throne last forever.

Seized by the Power of a Great Affection
In Ephesians 2:4-5, we are told that because of His great love for us, we are made alive. God never gives up on us. We may have to reassess things as we look back on 2013 but we can come back stronger in 2014 with new confidence in the fact that God is with us.

Jesus Changes Everything
Jesus changed everything upside down and it’s all in our favor. In Romans 8:37-39, we read that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Jesus stepped in and all of a sudden, God is with us and the rules have changed to make things easier for us.

Everything will be Alright
In Matthew 6:25-34, we can gain optimism for the future because if we seek first His kingdom, there will always be help.

We are just about to put the year 2013 into our memories. Some memories may have been good ones that we will cherish forever and others may have been bad memories that we would rather forget. No matter what, we can rest assured that 2014 can be better than 2013 if we prepare each day with God; having a time set aside to plan and pray for a productive day. Then day by day, we can be thankful for Jesus and lean on the grace of God; making course corrections along the way with confidence in these words: I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13

Next weekend, Pastor Steve will bring the message “God’s Vision for His Creation”. If you are not able to attend your local church service (traveling, health condition, weather, etc), I invite you to this link of the podcast where you can listen/watch each sermon message.

Have a Happy New Year!

Photo Credit
Google Images

Outline of Sermon

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Your Best Friend

Posted on December 30, 2013 by Mark Shields

Your best friend understands your need, always pulls for you, and is there during your time of need; giving you a life of excitement, adventure, and everlasting joy. Your best friend brings out the best in you, sees you as extremely important, and is a part of your team. You can have the best conversation with your best friend and no words are spoken. Your best friend is Jesus and with Jesus in your life there is peace and joy forever. Here’s a song with these thoughts in mind: The More I Seek You – Kari Jobe.



I asked for water, God gave an ocean. I asked for a flower, God gave a garden. I asked for a friend, God gave me Jesus.

 

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Spiritual Union

Posted on December 29, 2013 by Mark Shields

The girl affirms her faithfulness to her beloved and as explained in Song of Songs 7-8 , she wants to spend time together with him to discuss the future, plan, and receive inspiration. Communion with Christ is what all believers should desire; beginning each day with Him and seeking Him diligently throughout the day. Their souls like vineyards flourish in the presence of the Son. The soul is nourished and like tender grapes appearing in the new season, fruit in their faith grows to glorify Him.

A relationship endures due to a commitment and desire to serve one another. Like the relationship between Christ and the church, long-lasting healthy relationships are filled with favorite activities with each other. They look forward to spending time together. There is a passion for building a life together that stays steady because they are better tied together; one personality feeds off of the strengths of the other. Any weaknesses are diluted by a major strength of the other or by help just as the Holy Spirit helps in the church.

This Day with God, clear a path to life with enthusiasm, passion, and peace of mind. Take a few minutes to think about some great moments of this past year. Be renewed by thinking of this upcoming year as a new beginning to create amazing new moments with God.

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