September 19, 2022 -- II Peter 3:17-18 -- Living as Light in a sin-darkened world

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
II Peter 3:17-18 ESV

How many personal questions do you get asked in a day? A dear friend might have the right to ask you questions, but strangers in our world ask weird things. Questions about political affiliations—and if your answer is not deemed acceptable the one asking you may well offer you a volley of his own unwelcome viewpoints. So much of our world’s discussion centres around sexuality and various expressions of it. Again, near strangers, such as bank tellers, might ask you to support their institution’s efforts at promoting one or another worldly cause. We live in a world of lawless people.

How can we grow in the grace of Jesus? The most basic and important answer: to know Jesus by His Word and through the worship of His great Name with fellow believers. Set apart time to pray. Here are a few suggestions that go beyond these foundational things.

When asked such personal and odd questions by near strangers, tell them of your devotion to Jesus Christ. Explain how His Spirit opens the wisdom of the Bible to you so that you know how to respond to the vagaries of the world, and, in fact, you are charting a path of purpose as you march towards an eternity in His presence. Sharing what you believe consolidates your faith and might open a doorway to others learning of His glory and grace.

Counter the questions of this world with your own, relevant questions. For example, today is Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. All of us face death: what do you think will happen to you when you die? What do you think is “out there” beyond this life? Listen respectfully. Then share your faith in Jesus Christ.

Dear Father in heaven as Your Word promises, let Your grace and peace be multiplied to Your people in the knowledge of God and Jesus—and this by the power of Your Spirt at work in us. Direct us by your Word and Spirit so that having escaped the corruption of the world we may be ever-more fruitful in the way of salvation. Mighty Father, in the strength of Your Spirit may we be bold witnesses for the work and glory of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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