Tough & Tender

SERIES DESCRIPTION

June 5, 2022 • 2 Peter, Jude

Jesus’ friend Peter and Jesus’ half-brother Jude lived long enough to see the early Christian church face some tremendous challenges from within and from without. Driven by love, they wrote two short and similar letters packed with tough love and tender compassion, letters that God wanted us to read today. In the 21st century, Jesus’ followers still face tremendous challenges from within and from outside of their walls. How will we remain faithful? How will we not compromise? How will we find joy in a messed-up world. Peter and Jude know, and they can’t wait to tell us.

Next Level

June 5, 2022 • Pastor Tim • 2 Peter 1:1–11

Peter kicks off his letter with a reminder of (1) who we are in Christ and (2) what we are called to become through Christ. We already have divine power, precious promises, and the calling of God over our lives. That is why this apostle urges us to “make every effort” to grow in our faith, adding more virtue and knowledge and love as the days pass, all in light of the day when we see King Jesus face to face.

Certain

June 12, 2022 • Pastor Tim • 2 Peter 1:12–21

One of life’s scarier realities is uncertainty. When you are uncertain about your health, your grades, your parents’ marriage, or your own relationship. That doubt can rob us of confidence, joy, and peace. Perhaps that’s why God’s Spirit moved men long ago to write divine words on ancient scrolls, leaving behind a Book “more certain” than anything else in the world.

Beware

June 19, 2022 • Pastor Jim • 2 Peter 2

Peter spends an entire chapter warning his friends about the “false teachers” that would show up in their church. With scathing analysis, he labels them “arrogant,” “experts in greed,” and “dogs” that lick up their own vomit. Why would the man who just encouraged us to be kind and loving say such things (and encourage modern Christian to feel the same way)? This chapter has the answer.

Like 1,000 Years

June 26, 2022 • Pastor Bill • 2 Peter 3:1–9

Why does this broken planet keep on spinning? If Jesus promised to return to put an end to our pain, why isn’t he back yet? Why does he allow us to continue to hurt? Peter gives us perspective on this essential questions for our faith.

Almost There

July 3, 2022 • Pastor Tim • 2 Peter 3:10–13

One day, Jesus will show up unannounced, abruptly ending the pain, suffering, and darkness of this world as he brings a new home, a new reality, and a new future where everything is right and good. In light of that day, what should we do? How should we live? Peter urges us towards godliness in holiness as we eagerly await for Jesus to return.

Guard & Grow

July 10, 2022 • Zach Flunker • 2 Peter 3:14–18

In his final recorded words in the Bible, Peter offers his fellow Christians two overarching commands—Guard and grow. Be on your guard against all that opposes the the truth of the Word. Grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. This is the wisest way to live as we prepare to see our Savior’s face.

Fight For The Faith

July 17, 2022 • Pastor Tim • Jude 1–19

Jude, the half-brother of Jesus, longed to celebrate God’s salvation with his fellow brothers and sisters in the faith. “But I had to write” and tell you to fight! Jude begins. His change-of-course is a blunt reminder that we live in a mixed up world that requires vigilance, courage, and caution. We might wish we could simply share the good news of God’s love week after week, but the real world requires more. “I had to” write so that the Church is ready to fight.

God Is Able

July 24, 2022 • Pastor Bill • Jude 20–25

In light of all of the opposition, all of our doubts, and all of our internal ugliness, how will we move forward with joy? Jude knows. “God is able.” God is able to keep us from falling away from Jesus. God is able to present us without fault by the blood of Jesus. When you are afraid, remember that God is able!

922 Ministries (St. Peter & The CORE)

A Study of 2 Peter & Jude