2 Peter 1

Peter is awaiting his departure from this world as he writes this letter. Martyrdom is close, as the Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to him (v14). Peters love for those that have "received a faith as precious as ours" shines through in his desire remind us for all time of the truths that we must follow. Peter is very practical, and gives us a map to follow in our growth in the faith:

• Start with faith
• Add goodness
• Then knowledge
• Then self-control
• Then perseverance
• Then godliness
• Then brotherly kindness
• Then, love
• When you have all the above, keep increasing in them

So, we have a good checklist here to ensure we are constantly growing in our faith and love of Jesus. What is the impact of staying stagnant:

• We will become ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ
• We are nearsighted and blind
• We will have forgotten that we have been cleansed from our past sins

So Peter has written us this letter, and 2000 years later it is still as relevant. Peter reminds us of the Fathers words to Jesus:

"This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased"

Wouldn't you want to hear those words from your heavenly Father too? We can and will hear them, if we follow Peters instructions, and continue to grow in our faith and love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, how I desire to hear those words from your lips. That I am yours, that you love me, and you are well pleased with me. Help me to grow in my faith today by following the life map that Peter has laid before me.
Amen.

 Rob Gibson | Elder

Rob and his wonderful wife Helen were born in England, married in 1987. They moved to the USA in 1996, where they have lived since in California, Massachusetts, and Texas. They have 6 lovely children, Sarah, Claire, Nic, Laura, Jacqueline and Victoria, all of whom were homeschooled. Rob gave his life to the Lord in 1987, at the same time that Helen rededicated herself. Rob has been on a number of mission trips to Costa Rica, has led vacation Bible schools, soccer ministry, small groups, children’s and youth ministry, acted as lead program manager during the Hutto church plant, and is currently Chairman of the board of Directors at Camp Wilderness Ridge. Rob works at the Sears Call Center as Director of the Technical Solutions Group. Helen is an experienced homeschool mom, and is involved in children’s and small group ministry.