11-17-2015 Vol. 12 Part 4 The Book of II Peter (2 Peter 2:1-11)

To Print Out The Lesson Click On The Title Below.

11-17-2015Vol. 12 Part 4 The Book of II Peter 

Proverbs 10:11-21

11  The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

12  Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.

13  Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.

14  Wise people store up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

15  The rich man's wealth is his strong city; The destruction of the poor is their poverty.

16  The labor of the righteous leads to life, The wages of the wicked to sin.

17  He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray.

18  Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool.

19  In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

20  The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little.

21  The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom.

Father God, give us discernment so we can reject false doctrine. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Book of II Peter 2:1-11 NKJV

Before I get started with this week’s lesson I need to correct a misstatement in last week’s lesson. This verse that I misread was called to my attention by my mother; Matthew 17:1 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves. I read this as John being Jesus half brother which isn’t the case although base on the New Testament we know that Jesus did have four brothers and at least two sisters. Do you see how we as humans can get pulled from the truth and head south on the trail of life? This is why we need to know Gods Word and study it constantly, because through reading and study the truth is revealed. This fits in perfectly with the second book of Peter, because this book is all about false teachers and doctrine that man has devised.

So here are some verses that support that Mary had other children after Jesus was born although she was a virgin before Jesus birth, but did not die as a virgin like so many believe. Let’s start out with this verse verifying that Mary did have marital relations with Joseph. Matthew 1:25 and did not know her (did not have marital relations) till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS. Mark 6:3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?" So they were offended at Him. John 2:12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days. (This verse separates his brothers from disciples, brethren, apostles, etc.) Galatians 1:19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother Jude 1:1 Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ: (Jude was a brother of James, who was one of the leaders in the early church. Both of these men were Jesus' half brothers.). Here is a list of other verses to look up pertaining to Mary having other children. Matthew 13:55-56; John 7:3-5;(speaks of Jesus half brothers); Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 9:5.

Along with the false doctrine that Mary died a virgin, there is doctrine out there that says she was sinless. She needed a Saviour just like you and me. Let’s go to Leviticus 12:1-8 (look up and read) which speaks of a sin offering for cleansing after women gave birth to a male or female child. Mary was practicing the law of God because she was a sinner just like every other human being with the exception of Jesus Christ our Saviour. This verse verifies this; Luke 2:22 Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. Mary needed a Saviour just like the rest of us do which is stated in Luke. Luke 1:46-47 And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord,  47  And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

So you see we need to read the Bible for the truth. Any time someone tells you not to read the Bible or a denomination has to teach you, beware, they may be hiding something from you and keeping you away from Jesus. If you truly want to know the truth, ask for Jesus help. Matthew 7:7-8  "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  8  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. So we need to grow in our faith and get grounded in the Word of God. Let’s see what Peter has in store for us in chapter two which starts out with destructive doctrines and the doom of false teachers.

1   But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you; Jesus had told the disciples that false teachers would come (Matthew 24:11; Mark 13:22-23). Peter had heard these words, and at this time he was seeing them come true and we also see them today. There are many in this world today that only teach the cotton candy gospel that brings no conviction or correction to the lives of the people they are to be shepherding. Just as false prophets had contradicted the true prophets in Old Testament times (see, for example, Jeremiah 23:16-40; Jeremiah 28:1-17), telling people only what they wanted to hear, so false teachers were twisting Christ's teachings and the words of his apostles.

Who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction; These teachers were belittling the significance of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. These teachers allowed and even encouraged all kinds of immorality, especially sexual sin. We must be careful to avoid false teachers today. Any book, DVD, tape/cd series, or TV message must be evaluated in the light of God's Word. Beware of special meanings or interpretations that belittle Christ and the Cross. False teachers will teach some true Doctrine, and then cleverly include false teaching with it. It is the introduction of false teaching alongside the True that makes it very subtle, and rescind/annul the Truth. All false teachers will bring eternal destruction upon their souls.

2  And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.

And many will follow their destructive ways; Peter states here that many will follow a wolf, and why is that? Is it because they are lazy and don’t want to read and study God’s Word for the truth; do they not care about their life beyond death; maybe they never heard of the Gospel; maybe they were taught not to believe? There are many reasons and this is why as a child of God we are commissioned to spread the true Gospel.

Because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed; Most people follow false teachers probably due to this more than anything else, and that is if someone is teaching, the audience believes they know what they are talking about. False teachers are viewed as professors of religion and that is what people want, religion. They don’t want to be told they are living a sinful life. In this way the truth is blasphemed.

3  By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; Covetousness simply put is to gain dishonestly. Covetousness is a grave sin, so wicked that Scriptures class it among the very gravest and grossest crimes (Ephesians 5:3). In Colossians 3:5 it is “idolatry,” while in 1Corinthians 6:10 it is set forth as excluding a man from heaven. Covetousness is the mark of cold-hearted worldliness.

So what was going on that Peter made such a statement? Could it be money? Teachers have a right to financial support (1Corintians 9:1-14; Galatians 6:6; 1Timothy 5:17-18), but is money the teacher's or church group's prime motivation? Before you send money to any cause, evaluate it carefully. Is the teacher or preacher clearly serving God or merely promoting his/her own interests? Will the person or organization use the money to promote valid ministry, or will it merely finance further promotions or extravagant lifestyles? If a teacher, preacher, or priest taught about how sinful we are because of the inherited sin nature, how many people would follow them? Without a following there is no money. As human beings we judge ourselves based on other human beings lifestyles not according to God’s precepts, therefore we like what is pleasant to our ears. We have false preachers on TV today that preach a sugar coated message to keep money coming in to support their extravagant lifestyle, so why wouldn’t it have been happening in Peter’s time? Is the leader offended when you ask for the scriptural backing behind his/her statements? Does he/she fudge on the facts when asked for evidence?

For a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber; What Peter is telling us here is that the judgment of false teachers does not go unnoticed by God. It may seem that way, but at some time in the future they will stand before Jesus and they will be condemned for eternity, unless they come to repentance by learning the truth.

4  For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment;

The point in this verse and the next few is, that if God punished the angels who revolted from Him, it is a fair conclusion that He will punish wicked people even though they were and are professors of religion and not the true Gospel.

Peter appeals, therefore, to the case of the angels that had revolted. Their former rank, dignity, nor their holiness, saved them from being thrust down to hell, and if God punished them so severely, then false teachers could not hope to escape. The revolting angels Peter is referring to here is undoubtedly the revolt in heaven referred to in Jude 1:6 And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day.

What Jude is referring to is when these revolting angels left their place in Heaven and cohabitated with the women of the earth before the flood. (Genesis 6:1-4) These angels are bound up someplace in the deep abyss and are awaiting final judgment which will result in being thrown in the Lake of Fire forever.

5  and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;

This verse is a continuation of verse 4 simply stating that God only saved 8 people during the flooding of the world. God wipe the people out of the ancient world due to their wickedness and the cohabitation of the revolting angels. God didn’t want any of this wickedness to go on any longer. Even though Noah preached righteousness to the people, they wouldn’t listen just like the people of Jesus and the Apostles time, and even today people don’t want to hear the true Gospel therefore they bring judgment upon themselves.

6  and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly;

Here is another example of ungodly people that God wiped off the face to this earth because they were practicing sodomy. The fate of Sodom and Gomorrah is used as a warning to those who reject the gospel (Mat_10:15; Mat_11:24; 2Pe_2:6; Jud_1:7). The sin of sodomy is an offense against nature, meaning anything sexual other than what God intended for procreation. If God wiped out Sodom and Gomorrah, then why won’t He do it again with what is going on in the world?

7  and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked

Lot is called “righteous,” because he preserved himself uncontaminated amidst the surrounding wickedness. As long as he lived in Sodom he maintained the character of an upright and holy man. The corruption of Sodom was open and shameless; and as Lot was compelled to see much of it, his heart was pained. The word “oppressed,” means that he was wearied or burdened; the crimes of those around him he found it hard to bear with.

8  (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)—

This verse is telling us that Lot was a righteous person, living in surroundings of sexual sinfulness, and his soul was tormented daily by the sinful acts that he saw and heard. Why then did he and his family continue to live there? Theologians contend it was to be an influence on the people around him, preach to them, try to get them to change their ways, to be a light in a dark city.

9  then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,

With the examples above, we can rest assure that if we place our faith in what Jesus did for us on the Cross he will deliver us from our temptations, sins, and corrupt surroundings just like He delivered Noah and Lot’s families, but the unjust will be preserved for judgment day.

10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries,

And especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness; This verse is a continuation of verse 9 in describing the unjust. They are those that walk after things of the world to satisfy the lust of their flesh.

And despise authority; They despise the authority of Jesus Christ and His way.

They are presumptuous, self-willed; They are arrogant, prideful, and have all the answers.

They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries; They have no fear of speaking out against the Gospel, Jesus, and God.

11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.

Whereas angels, who are greater in power and might; Meaning greater than mankind.

Do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord; Meaning angels just state the facts to God. They abhor all vulgar and violent language.

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth,

visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

All things were created through Him and for Him.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

The Lighthouse Full Gospel Church

Sinners Prayer; Pray this, and if you believe it with your heart, Jesus will save you!

“Lord Jesus I know I am a sinner.  I confess my sins to you; I am sorry for my sins; I repent (Meaning, desiring to turn from a sinful lifestyle.) of all my sins, and I am asking for your forgiveness.  I believe that only you can forgive sin.  I commit my life to you and ask you to come into my heart, direct, and take charge of my life.  I believe that you died to set me free from my sinful lifestyle and you rose from the dead to give me eternal life, and right now you are seated at the Right Hand of God Almighty. I believe you are the Son of God; the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and my Savior.”  I believe this and have faith you will make a new person out of me, by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and lead me in a new life. In Jesus name I pray Amen.” 

(John 3:16,17; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 5:11-14; 1:6-10) (Sin: Rom. 1:22-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-7)

11-11-2015 Vol. 12 Part 3 The Book of II Peter (2 Peter 1:12-21)

To Print Out The Lesson Click On The Title Below.

11-11-2015Vol. 12 Part 3 The Book of II Peter 

Proverbs 10:1-10

1  The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

2  Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death.

3  The LORD will not allow the righteous soul to famish, But He casts away the desire of the wicked.

4  He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.

5  He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.

6  Blessings are on the head of the righteous, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

7  The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot.

8  The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall.

9  He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known.

10  He who winks with the eye causes trouble, But a prating fool will fall.

Father God, open the eyes of our hearts so that we can walk in your ways. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Book of II Peter 1:12-21 NKJV

Last week we studied growing in grace; this lesson is about being grounded in our faith. If we don’t grow in our faith it is impossible to be grounded in it. Without deep roots in the Word of God we will wander and possibly forfeit our salvation. We will never lose our Salvation, but it is possible to forfeit it.

12  For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth.

For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things; Peter, in this phrase is reminding his audience and us not to let our guard down pertaining to the Gospel; Cross of Christ. You see in Peter’s time and also present time, we as humans wander in our faith in some fashion. It could be due to false teachers, preachers, ministers, priests, friends, family, etc. We are just the same as the Israelite’s, because there are things that happen in our life that will boost or cause us to drift in our faith. The Israelites would drift in their faith in God and start murmuring and complaining and then all of a sudden water would flow from a rock or quail would drop out of the sky. Then they were all about giving God praise and worship. These events would remind the Israelites who was in charge, and they would repent, but would eventually drift back to questioning and complaining, therefore always needing reminders to keep their faith in God. You see we don’t know the time span between the miracles the Israelites experienced, all we know is they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years and drifted away from God from time to time.

Peter is experiencing the same thing, and it also holds true for today. If we don’t keep the Word of God in front of us daily, we drift away. It is our human nature to do this and therefore we need to be constantly reminded in some manner to keep our faith in the Cross.

Let me refer back to an athlete or coach, outstanding coaches constantly review the basics of the sport with their teams, and good athletes can execute the fundamentals consistently well, but not without constant practice. The same holds true for Christians, they need constant reminders of the fundamentals of our faith and of how we came to believe in the first place. Don't allow yourself to be bored or impatient with messages on the basics of the Christian life. Instead, take the attitude of an athlete who continues to practice and refine the basics.

This message of reminders is throughout the NT to beware of false doctrine that man devises, so as to remain faithful. Colossians 2:6-8 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,  7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.  8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. Hebrews 13:8-9 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

Though you know and are established in the present truth; Peter is telling us that we know the message of the Cross that brought us to our knees at the foot of the Cross, so hang onto that truth that set us free and never forget it. John 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Colossians 2:6-7 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,  7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. That truth is Jesus Christ and all that He taught us. We are to abide in His Word to live, live eternally. Ezekiel 20:19 I am the LORD your God: Walk in My statutes, keep My judgments, and do them;

13  Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you,

Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent; What Peter is referring to here is his physical life; his earthly existence. Peter knows at some point in time he will trade in his earthly form for a glorified body.

To stir you up by reminding you; Peter along with the other Apostles of his day were commissioned to constantly remind others of weaker faith to remain faithful, because it is through faith we are saved not some religion. They wanted to keep the saved rooted in Jesus Christ.

14  knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.

Since Peter used the word, “shortly”, he may be referring to a message he receive via the Holy Spirit that his life was to end soon, in a fashion according to Jesus prediction given to him, that is recorded in John, but we really don’t know. John 21:18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish."

Peter was martyred by those that thought he was spreading false doctrine. It is hard for humans to believe in the spiritual realm. Our sin nature, that comes from the devil encourages us to believe in man fabricated doctrine.

15  Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.

Peter was so grounded in the Gospel that he reassures his listeners that through his writings, the Gospels, and the Book of Acts, they will have a constant reminder of the truth after his death.

16  For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

For we did not follow cunningly devised fables; In this verse Peter is telling us that he didn’t listen to false teachers or teachers of trickery. Did you catch the word, “we”? Do you know who he is referring to? Based on the last phrase of this verse it would be the other Apostles. Peter and the other Apostles were teaching the whole truth, and nothing but the truth according to God.

When we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; Peters messages that was delivered were all based on first hand observance because he was at Jesus side and was taught by the Master.

But were eyewitnesses of His majesty; Simply stating that Peter was with Jesus, taught by Jesus, was a witness to Jesus death and resurrection, and saw Jesus ascension to Heaven. Peter was also present on the mountain to witness the transfiguration. Matthew 17:1-8 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves;  2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.  3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.  4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."  5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"  6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.  7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, "Arise, and do not be afraid."  8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

Peter was rooted deeply in Jesus Christ and no one was going to pull him away from the truth. This is how we need to be as Christians, and the only way this will happen is if we read and study God’s Word and believe all that is in the Bible to live by, and not pick and choose verses from the Bible to live by. When a person picks and chooses, they do this so they can continue to live in sin. They are only Christians based on mind knowledge and not heart knowledge. You will know them by their speech and actions. Matthew 13:23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

17  For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

For He received from God the Father honor and glory; He meaning Jesus, received praise, honor, and glory from God the Father on the mountain.

When such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory; Meaning God’s voice of Excellence and Glory.

"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."; God spoke these words two times, once when Jesus was baptized and the other time on the mountain. They are repeated in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:5; Mark 1:11, Mark 9:7; Luke 3:22, Luke 9:35 If you look these verses up you will find that in all three accounts, of on the mountain, it is added, Hear Him! Hear him meaning God’s Word, the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. God is the final authority, not man! Abide in Jesus and all that He said.

18  And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain; Peter uses the term, “we” which includes Jesus, James, and John Jesus brother that were taken up on the mountain where Jesus conversed with Moses and Elijah. While this conversation transpired, a cloud overshadowed them and the voice of God came forth from the cloud. Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36

Peter is using this life experience that he had while he was with Jesus to assure his listeners that he wasn’t make things up pertaining to what he was teaching; he didn’t get his knowledge from false teachers, it wasn’t second hand information, but from his walk with the Son of God.

19  And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed; Verses 16-20 are strong statements on the inspiration of Scripture. Peter affirms that the Old Testament prophets wrote God's messages. He puts himself and the other apostles by using the word “we”, in the same category because they also proclaim God's truth. The Bible is not a collection of fables or human ideas about God. It is God's very words given through people to people. Peter emphasized his authority as an eyewitness as well as the God inspired authority of Scripture to prepare the way for his harsh words against the false teachers. If these wicked men were contradicting the apostles and the Bible, their message could not be from God, and that is why we need to know what the Bible says so that we can follow Jesus in word and deed.

So how do we verify what someone tells us? We need to look up verses to validate what is being proclaimed, which can be done on our own; or ask people to show you the verses for validation; get other people that are Bible wise and have them show you the verses of truth; ask people other than those that go to your church. The main point is that you get Bible verses and then read more than just one verse. Read several verses before and after the verse to make sure it is talking about what you want to validate. Sometimes you may have to read the chapter before and after. If you have a good study Bible it will have parallel verses you can look up also that are listed by the verses you have obtained. There is also Bible software that has search capabilities.

Which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place; What Peter is telling us here is that we live in a dark place, Jesus is the Light of the World, and we will receive eternal life if we will pick up our Bibles and Hear Him and believe all of God’s Word.

Until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; Christ is a "Morning Star," and when he returns, he will shine in his full glory. Until that day we have Scripture and the Holy Spirit to illuminate it for us and guide us as we seek the truth. Luke 1:78; Ephesians 5:14; Revelation 2:28; Revelation 22:16

20  knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,

21  for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Peter ends this Chapter with a statement that the Holy Bible is the inspired word of God through prophets and faithful men of God. The men of the Bible always started out or ended their God given message to the people with; thus saith the Lord GOD; says the LORD of hosts; or thus says the LORD. Modern day people say, I think this would be a good thing or let’s do this.

"The prophets and Apostles were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God" means that Scripture did not come from the creative work of the prophets' own invention or interpretation. God inspired the writers, so their message is authentic and reliable. God used the talents, education, and cultural background of each writer (they were not mindless robots); and God cooperated with the writers in such a way to ensure that the message he intended was faithfully communicated in the very words they wrote.

Many and most people try to claim that the Bible has no relevance today. They make claims it was for ancient times, but people are still the same as they were 2,000, 4,000, or 6,000 years ago. There is still murder, promiscuity, adultery, lying, stealing, cheating, deception, using Gods name in vain, praying to persons, places, and things (idolatry) other than Jesus, gossip, vulgar language, haughtiness, pride, persecution, justifying murder through abortion, homosexuality, etc., etc., etc. You can read about each of these throughout the Bible, so I ask you what is the difference and why doesn’t it pertain to current times?

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth,

visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

All things were created through Him and for Him.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

The Lighthouse Full Gospel Church

Sinners Prayer; Pray this, and if you believe it with your heart, Jesus will save you!

“Lord Jesus I know I am a sinner.  I confess my sins to you; I am sorry for my sins; I repent (Meaning, desiring to turn from a sinful lifestyle.) of all my sins, and I am asking for your forgiveness.  I believe that only you can forgive sin.  I commit my life to you and ask you to come into my heart, direct, and take charge of my life.  I believe that you died to set me free from my sinful lifestyle and you rose from the dead to give me eternal life, and right now you are seated at the Right Hand of God Almighty. I believe you are the Son of God; the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and my Savior.”  I believe this and have faith you will make a new person out of me, by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and lead me in a new life. In Jesus name I pray Amen.” 

(John 3:16,17; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 5:11-14; 1:6-10) (Sin: Rom. 1:22-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-7)

11-4-2015 Vol. 12 Part 2 The Book of II Peter (2 Peter 1:5-11)

To Print Out The Lesson Click On The Title Below.

11-4-2015Vol. 12 Part 2 The Book of II Peter 

Proverbs 9:10-18

10  "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11  For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.

12  If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you will bear it alone."

13  A foolish woman is clamorous; She is simple, and knows nothing.

14  For she sits at the door of her house, On a seat by the highest places of the city,

15  To call to those who pass by, Who go straight on their way:

16  "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here"; And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,

17  "Stolen water is sweet, And bread eaten in secret is pleasant."

18  But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of hell.

Father God, open our hearts to accept your chastening through the sanctification process so that we can become more holy and walk in your ways. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Book of II Peter 1:5-11 NKJV

Last week we left off with salvation and how a child of God receives the help of His divine nature through the Holy Spirit living within ones heart when they repent and commit their life to Jesus. With this lesson Peter is telling us how to remain faithful to God. It is no easy task with the world and fleshly desires tugging at one all the time especially when false teachers are spreading messages that are contrary to what God says, and Peter knew that and therefore gives us some tips on how to remain faithful to Jesus. We need to always bear in mind the Cross of Christ and why Jesus sacrificed his life for us. It was through His abundance of love for us that He died in our place so that all we have to do is repent and accept this act of love by faith to be saved. So as we go through this second book of Peter, keep in mind the reason Peter wrote it, and that being, the lies of false teachers.

5  But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,

But also for this very reason; What is this reason Peter speaks of here in this verse? If you go back to last week’s lesson it was talking about the Grace of God that one receives when they repent and accept Jesus into their life. So the reason is referring to Salvation.

Giving all diligence; Diligence is something we do when we want to learn something; to hone our skills so that we are better at accomplishing a task; to remain faithful to an organization. The definition of diligence is, steady application in business of any kind; constant effort to accomplish what is undertaken; exertion of body or mind without unnecessary delay or sloth; due attention; industrious. Olympic athletes’ are diligent in their quest to be the best.

Add to your faith virtue; Faith is referring to Jesus and to remain faithful to Him in all that we say and do. Being committed to follow Him in all that we do, it was the Holy Spirit that brought us to the foot of the Cross in repentance of our sinfulness, and we must remain faithful to Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us. So Peter is telling his audience to add virtue to their faith, virtue meaning strength, strength in leading a moral lifestyle to be an example to those around us; the practice of moral duties and the abstaining from fleshly desires of the world, or a conformity of life and conversation to the moral laws of God.

Virtue may be, and in many instances must be, distinguished from religion. The practice of moral duties merely from motives of convenience, or from obligation, or from regard to upbringing, heritage, or custom, is virtue of religion, not God. The practice of moral duties from sincere love to God and his laws, is virtue of God and religion.

To virtue knowledge; To this virtue/strength we are to add knowledge to our lives. It is through God’s Word that we gain knowledge about His moral laws that will help us stay on the straight and narrow pathway. With salvation comes the desire to learn all that one can about what is in the Bible.

When I realized I was a sinner, and was leading a life to satisfy my desires, I recognized I was practicing religion not commands of Jesus. I then repented and gave my heart to Jesus, and all of a sudden I had a desire to read and learn more about God’s Word, and that desire still exists today. This is the knowledge Peter is speaking of, wisdom of the Bible.

6  to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,

To knowledge self-control; In the KJV temperance is used instead of self-control, both meaning the same thing. How does self-control fit into salvation? Why do we need self-control, don’t we have the Grace of God? It is because we still have the sin nature in our DNA, just because we are saved that doesn’t mean that we will never sin anymore; it is because of the sin nature that we need an abundance of self-control. A child of God will sin, but not intentionally. He will have a slip of the tongue or do something that is wrong from time to time, but not meditated sin. When a saved person sins unintentionally they will be convicted by the Holy Spirit within and then they will ask Jesus to forgive them immediately. Sometimes this conviction from the Holy Spirit will take place as soon as the sin is committed and sometimes hours or days later. No matter when the conviction happens the individual will repent. So the self-control comes into play for the child of God to have control of their actions, speech, thoughts, etc. at all times. The Holy Spirit is there to keep us on the straight and narrow which is called sanctification through grace.

An athlete exercises self-control to obtain a trophy and Christians are to exercise self-control to obtain the Crown of Glory. 1 Corinthians 9:25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

We also need self-control to ward off the messages of false teachers. Sometimes these messages can appeal to our emotions, but we must reject them if they go against the Word of God. Messages like prosperity messages. When money and wealth are mentioned, it pricks our ears, but we are to be content with what God provides us with. Paul also teaches about false teachers in 1 Timothy Chapter 6 and stated this to his listeners; 1 Timothy 6:6-9 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.  9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. Listening to false teachers will draw a person away from God.

To self-control perseverance; With adding virtue, self-control, and knowledge then we are better capable of handling perseverance. It is because of our knowledge, that we have in our sight the Crown of Glory. At times staying faithful can be a struggle with the world tugging at your emotions or false prophets delivering messages that contradict God’s Word. It is because of false teachers that we need to have knowledge of what the Bible says, because then we can reject them and remain faithful to Jesus.

To perseverance godliness; With the gift of Grace we are to grow spiritually to resemble Christ and serve others. God wants to produce his character in us. But to do this, he demands our discipline and effort. As we obey Christ, who guides us by his Spirit, we will not only develop self-control in our conduct, but also with respect to our emotions.

7  to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

Once again Peter brings us back to the second greatest commandment of God, Love. How can anyone read the Bible and not love their neighbor, spouse, children, people of different color, etc.? Why is Peter throwing this in here, I thought this book was about false teachers and preachers? It all gets tied together with two words, “sin nature”. The sin nature causes hatred in this world via jealousy, greed, lying, homosexuality, deception by false teachers, pride, arrogance, haughty, bigotry, etc., but what do people really dislike? The person or the persons point of views. If we stop and really think about this, the answer would be people’s beliefs and point of views. How can we dislike something that God has created? People are the way they are because of their parents and the environment they are raised in. As a newborn baby we are all the same, but through growth we are shaped and molded into other people’s image and not God’s. So as Christians we are to love the person, but hate their sinfulness. Peter and all the other Apostles preach kindness and love that is magnified when a person is Born Again. We are to love one another just like we love a newborn baby. If a Christian can love without partiality, they will be walking in Jesus image. John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. Hebrews 13:1-2 Let brotherly love continue.  2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 2 John 1:5 And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. 1 John 3:14-18 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.  15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.  16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  17 But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?  18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.  1John 2:8-10; 1John 3:23

8  For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For if these things are yours and abound; This phrase is referring to all the points Peter has just pointed out to us. These things are not easy because of our humanism. It takes daily work to abide in these, and by doing and not just knowing, we will be walking in Jesus image. The more we practice these things in our daily life, we will abound in God’s grace.

You will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; Peter is telling us here that by practicing these things God will reward us for acting upon the knowledge we gained from His Word.

9  For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness; Peter is bringing us to the fact that he is addressing followers of Jesus; true believers; Born Again Christians. The things these false teachers were preaching, was pulling the believers away from the truth of the Gospel. They were being blinded by the words of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

This can happen so quickly when a person has never read the Bible and they think they know what is in the Bible. Some people are taught about God using manmade material instead of using the Bible. They have their own interpretation of what it takes to be a good person. Man’s point of view of a good person is totally different than God’s viewpoint.

I will use myself as an example of how I viewed myself as a good person and thought I was going to Heaven before I was saved. When I was in grade school every Wednesday after school we went to the church hall for CCD lessons (Catholic religious lessons). We were studying the Sacraments of the Catholic Church and the person teaching the lesson made a statement that if a person kept the sacraments they would be sure to go to Heaven. I took this statement to heart and believed it, but  after living 57 years of believing this and that I was a good person, I picked up the Bible in 2007 with a curiosity of what it contained. After reading the NT, I went in search of the verses that supported the sacraments. I couldn’t find any, but found this; John 3:3-6 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"  5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. This devastated my beliefs and as a result I prayed the Sinners Prayer (that is below) in 2008 giving my life to Jesus because I wanted to live a life based on God’s word and not man’s word. So you see how we can be pulled away from God and not even know it! This can even happen to people that are saved; the next phrase tells us that. This is why it is so important to read and study the Bible so that one can discern the TRUTH.

And has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins; These people that Peter is writing to are saved people, but with the false teachings being preached they were drifting away from their first love, Jesus. Peter is warning them to search their memory banks and revive their passion for Christ as it was when they were first saved. They were becoming spiritually blind and taking their eyes off of the Cross and what Jesus did for them. They were being ruled by the sin nature they inherited from Adam via the Devil. Satan loves to pull Children of God back to his side of the fence.

10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;

11  for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Peter wanted to stir up the complacent believers who had listened to the false teachers and believed that because salvation is not based on good deeds they could live any way they wanted. If you truly belong to the Lord, Peter wrote, your hard work will prove it. If you're not working to develop the qualities listed in verses 5-7 above, you may not belong to him. If you are the Lord's, and your hard work backs up your claim to be chosen by God, you will be able to resist the lure of false teaching or glamorous sin and be accepted into the Kingdom of God. Just because a person says a prayer or does a ritual it doesn’t mean they are saved. Has there been a change in your lifestyle that says you are saved? Has your love for Jesus changed? What does your life say about your faith? Are you growing in Grace?

Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth,

visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

All things were created through Him and for Him.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,

unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

Bill Wiesbrock https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn

The Lighthouse Full Gospel Church

Sinners Prayer; Pray this, and if you believe it with your heart, Jesus will save you!

“Lord Jesus I know I am a sinner.  I confess my sins to you; I am sorry for my sins; I repent (Meaning, desiring to turn from a sinful lifestyle.) of all my sins, and I am asking for your forgiveness.  I believe that only you can forgive sin.  I commit my life to you and ask you to come into my heart, direct, and take charge of my life.  I believe that you died to set me free from my sinful lifestyle and you rose from the dead to give me eternal life, and right now you are seated at the Right Hand of God Almighty. I believe you are the Son of God; the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and my Savior.”  I believe this and have faith you will make a new person out of me, by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and lead me in a new life. In Jesus name I pray Amen.” 

(John 3:16,17; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 John 5:11-14; 1:6-10) (Sin: Rom. 1:22-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-7)