Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 147

(2 Peter Part 21):

2 Peter 3:18 - But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

If I were to pick one verse in the bible, this is the verse I would pick as to what would be the message for believers today. Though we have a multitude of things that we like to do in reference to the Lord, the things that we know are important, at least to us, grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That's a command!

The creed of the early church:

To Him be the glory both now and forever, and the conclusion: Amen. The word amen comes from the same Hebrew word AMEIN that means so be it of a truth.

This is all I have to share from Peter's letters. Peter was pretty intense. He had some pretty factual blatant things to say about the condition of the church. And you get the sense that he was interested in one thing, how teachings can come into the church and take believers away from growing spiritually.

No wonder Satan transforms himself into as angel of light and gets us into this horizontal stuff. Growth is not physical. Growth is spiritual. That doesn't mean there cannot be more physical people in number. But that's not the focus, and that should not be the motivation. It should be the spiritual maturity of those people who are saved and prepared to go be with the Lord.

This is all I have to share from Peter's letters. I'll be going through 1 John next. Lord willing. It gets even more intense in 1 John, the test of salvation, as he's very aware that you can get a hundred people in a room that say they're believers, talk the same thing, and all look alike, and all act alike, but when John gets through with you, you wonder if you're even saved.

He's a very polemic writer. He's very controversial. In other words, "Whatever John says, I wouldn't say to people at church because I know that the people will get offended!"

Blessings to you all in Christ!

(2 Peter Part 20):

2 Peter 3:17 - Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

The word stedfastness, and the word unstable in Verse 16 mean the same thing in reference. Your stedfastness is your solid maturity. But if you follow false doctrine, it will make you unstable, and expose you to all kinds of spiritual problems.

It says beware. So be watching for yourself, guard yourself, lest you be led away, and you fall from your own stedfastness. It has nothing to do with salvation. It has to do with maturity. It has to do with firmness, solidity in Christ.

(2 Peter Part 19):

2 Peter 3:16 - As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

As also in all his epistles, or letters, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (or literally twist), as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

He's telling them that the apostle Paul has taught these very same things that I am telling you. But even though a lot of things that he says are hard to understand, and they which are unlearned, and the root word is the word for disciple. The word disciple means a learner. They are unlearned, un-discipled, and unstable, which means not solid with respect to the faith.

And the word wrest (STREBLOUSIN) is the word twist. It's interesting that it is the word used for putting prisoners on the stretching board. You tie their wrists, and you tie their ankles, and you crank it so they twist and stretch out until they confess. He says people who are unlearned, who are unstable. They twist Paul's teachings, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Now I hope I am not at fault, or ever have been at fault, in trying to make someone feel like they've missed out because they don't take time to study the word. But it's an encouragement that we try to give to others, when we say become solid with respect to the faith, understand what God's word says. Learn so that you're not caught up in false doctrine, and so that you can become solid in respect to the faith.

Our motive should be to get all the information out there so that we as believers can learn God's word together. And the things that are hard to understand, we can learn, we can become solid in respect to the faith.

(2 Peter Part 18):

2 Peter 3:11 - Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner, or kind of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

Two things:

Holy conversation, conversation (ANASTROPHAIS) means way of life in the Greek text. It's an old English word that means your holy way of life. The word holy (HAGIOS) means separated. It's the same word used for saint, sanctified, and sanctification. And the word godliness means reverence towards God. So, if all these things are going to burn, what should your separated lifestyle be, and your reverence towards God, at His coming and His judgment?

Hi Gigi.

I had to go back a little further in my profile to reach out to Giannis.

I used to be able to search the pages but that's no longer available.

Hi Brother Giannis.

Haven't heard from you in a while.

How are you doing?

Thank you Gigi,

Hope all is well with you and your family. I am glad they had their trip with no issues coming back home.

God bless,

RLW

Dear Free,

I often think about that verse Jesus said for us to be wise as serpents and innocent (peaceable, guileless, with proper motives, and simple faith) as doves. I do find that being as a dove easier also than being wise as serpents. I think that this wisdom is Spirit given awareness of the wiles of the evil one and of wicked ways of unbelievers who come against us. We are to be wise in this way so that we can discern when someone has evil intent towards us or others we are with (i.e. our children, friends, etc.) God wants us to be equipped to enter into the fray with confidence and trust in our Lord to be our helper, champion, guard, and deliverer from such snares. But often times it is that we are naive as opposed to being innocent as doves. Naive has to deo with lacking wisdom and knowledge, but innocence has to do with the attitude of our heart and the fruits of the Spirit working in us.

I am hoping you will gain victory in these circumstances that you are facing of late. I face similar things. some of my siblings I can trust, but others are full of evil ways and have a life outlook and lifestyle that conflicts with the righteousness of Christ and the godly way we are to conduct ourselves. We are not to plot evil as the enemy does, nor try to be deceptive with others or try to entrap others. These are all ways of the "serpent", the evil one and the evil in ungodly people. So, our approach should be winsome towards others mostly, but at times we need to stand against those who oppose Christ and speak the truth how God has revealed it in the Word boldly, with courage, and love. We may have to say things that displease those who oppose us and Christ, and defend against mistreatment and wicked ideas these people may foist upon us. But in the end, we are to come away confident that we have fought in the Spirit, who is stronger than any evil being, wicked person, or destructive mindset we may face in such situations.

Been thinking of Giannis,

Haven't heard from him for a while.

Giannis, I hope you are doing well and still with us here. I would love to hear from you as your contributions are always helpful.

Ronald,

I was thinking of you also. Glad to hear from you and I hope you are well.

Thanks brother, I am here, just have not felt compelled to reply or post. I read the posts most everyday, enjoying Jesse's, and your replies. Maybe you can post on the gap you spoke of. Genesis is a wonderful book, as they all are.

I enjoyed your post on your business life, I have had an interesting work life but I am now in my 70's, but I have been bless with great heath.

Be well and God bless.

RLW

Hi Brother Ronald.

Just checking in on you.

Hope all is well.

God bless.

Hi Brother Chris.

Just checking in on you big Brother.

Gen.2. 4

"Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come."

The day is fixed by the Spirit which is in accordance with the Law of the Spirit so time frames applied to earth, for example geological time runs in obedience to the the word. Not so with man or with host of heaven. God garnished heavens with stars, "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth."(Ps.33.6) By his word stars die and the resultant supernova reaches our night sky millennia later. It is dead yet it seeds and create new stars. In short time is what God has determined and the Stars accordingly arranges time to work in whichever way it is directed. Thus we read in John's gospel,"Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come."( John 7.30) Meanwhile Satan works with darkness. Darkness was on the deep and it cannot understand God's ways or come to light.

Yet God in his mercy by sending his Son to the world introduced truth and grace that he did not allow the Israelites. The Decalogue or Ten determined they as a nation shall not enter into the rest of God. "Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you."(Num.14.28). Our motives are 'as though spoken in my ears' . For this reason the malefactor on the cross found grace while Pharaoh and King of Babylon did not. God instead hardened their hearts.(Jer.51.44) "And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah,"Isa.13.19). Have you wondered why God put two of the most foolish people at two of the most powerful nations? God shall shame the foolish who dare not accept truth when given opportunity.They have been deceived by flim flam of their leaders. One is a rogue, a bully and the other a soulless grasper. God has lined them up for their fall.

My discussion about the predestination, the following scripture was presented:

Back to the parable of the 10 virgins, Matthew 25:1-12Matthew 25:1-12 (KJV)

Some time ago it was shared with me that if a person understands the natural then they can relate it to the spiritual.

The virgins not having enough oil is symbolic of they didn't put in the work to make it and now want to take from someone else, when they had ample time to trim their own lamp, especially since the bridegroom's appearing was delayed. The virgins were going to a wedding, and they appeared to have brought what they needed but they didn't do the work to be fully prepared to attend the wedding, it seems somehow they weren't willing to do what it would take to be prepared to attend the wedding. it's like coming to work without a uniform, they're not going to place you behind the counter, right?

So, based on the natural events about a wedding in today's time, and scripture indicates that there is nothing new under sun. The questions I ask:

Were not the 10 virgins expecting to attend a wedding?

Were not the 10 virgins wanting the wedding to take place? [Jealous with a capital "J:"]

Were they expecting the bridegroom not to show up for some reason? [bride wasn't a virgin?][other gossip?]

Were the 10 virgins not wanting to be there? [Haters?]

Were the 10 virgins hoping that the bridegroom would change his mind, and perhaps consider one of them? if so, no need to trim a lamp, right? [Reluctant]

Were the 20 virgins in total there to support the impending marriage or did some have some other personal agendas?

By the 10 not trimming their lamps they made it about themselves (self got in the way, again?),

When people get together, especially weddings and funerals there is USUALLY drama...

We can note that the old scriptures testify to drama concerning a marriage, when a man wakes up the next morning and finds out that he married someone other than who he intended to marry. Genesis 29:23-25 (KJV)

It was asked of me: Firstly what do you exactly mean with, some are from God and some are not? Do you mean that some are predestinated to believe and others no?

We live in a fallen unperfect world, I believe God wants us to have this understanding that things are not what they seem. It is written:

"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 2 Timothy 2:19 KJV

God knows all those who belong to Him, from each generation since he created man and his kind. I believe it comes down to who really loves God, because God is love. It is written:

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15 KJV

Even when I read God's word I am humbled and search and inquire within myself, like a self assessment or self evaluation to discover if I am keeping God's commandments. It's a personal salvation only between a believer and God. Since it is written:

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV

A person or believer knows himself or herself no one else can judge someone else based on God's law about someone else's own personal salvation, because it is written:

"And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;" Acts 15:8 KJV

God knows the heart of every man, and that includes woman.

The kingjamesbibleoneline.org website is a good place to search scriptures about God knowing the heart of man, discernment, judgement and love. Even though God can enable someone to discern character of another the scripture supports love and compassion towards those that are lost at the same time it calls believers to be an example of love and compassion towards all. Scripture doesn't support believers being indifferent towards believers and non-believers.

Dear co-heirs, many thanks GiGi for a quick reply. And Bennymkje I can also see a reply from you, even if it was to someone else you wrote.

Because it is completely impossible to go an increasing way if we do not obey Jesus Christ. Then we understand that He has the last word and we must hurry and get clarity on where we fell from. Hallelujah The Lord is so good to me. As always, He shows me a way out, whether among people and I appreciate that. But His word is what solves a case. Now you will hear: This morning I opened my Bible as always, since I am early retired I have time for that. And seek Him. I just pray that "there are straight pipes" go straight up to God. He gives an answer to accusation, I believe that. 1 Corintians 13, as you mentioned GiGi. Everything written there shows us the mind of Christ. The "room" we are talking about is here. Mark 4:24-25 So it is proven that we must be careful with what we hear and also what we say, and of course about what we think. That we must be simple as doves and sneaky as snakes. Simple yes, but cunning as a snake I can't do very well. Since we are also dead in Christ, we are alive in the spirit. We notice that when we testify about Him. It is completely boiling with love and the people around discover and feel Jesus' care through us. So we want to live with Him in this way.

Then the Lord Jesus must help me and get through in my fight with my people I have around me. That we have the patience of an Angel and that He teaches us when we should move on. Away from what I get hung up on. As I have clearly done in this question. Thank you for the intercessions of all of you, may we all walk in the light of Christ so that the light we have in our hearts always shines for the outcast, the weary, those who do not have Jesus, the bitter, the downtrodden, the disappointed and the wounded, the sick and the poor, the grieving, the homeless and for peace for Jerusalem and that Israel is saved. Amen in Jesus Christ holy name.Stay stro

Gen.2.6 "The face"

There is a definite distinction between the face and the heart of man. You look at an object with your eyes but in order to understand you need see as it is.This is processes elsewhere in your brain. This analogy helps us understand why the heart need total space in order to process what God intends with the man. Knowledge of the holy is understanding. The light of knowledge in the face of Jesus Christ does not give a working knowledge of the Word become flesh as we see in the case of the two disciples on their way to Emmaus. "And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them./But their eyes were holden that they should not know him."(Lk.24.15-16) They recognized him by breaking of bread. When Jesus walked, "And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit." Mt.14.26 Man has had problem with the Son whether in human likeness or as a Deity. If disciples had problem what of man who thinks of a career selling Jesus for fame and money? God knows them and their end is marked for destruction. "but thine eyes are upon the haughty, that thou mayest bring them down." (2 Sam.22.28). I rest in the holiness of God when I see violence and roguery set off by nations that God shall catch them in their own devices. The world framed by God shall be Christocentric and He shall be the head and the body of the church sanctified by 'thy truth' ( Jn 17.17)

I also rest by serving the word for the glory of the Lord. Those who refuse the truth are like Cain under judgment. Cast from the face of the Lord he lived among men; neither did he see the Lord; he had his face from the son of perdition. "And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him./And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden."(Gen.4.15-16)

Meditations-Gen.2.6 'the whole face'

But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.'

In the first chapter the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the water and it is a continuous act. In the divine Will the Spirit of God like the wind is never still. It blows where it listeth, 'and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh'. Jesus referred to the new creation. Let us look at the sequence. The will of God when set moving has consequences. "The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled."(Ps.76.16) The Psalm refers to the parting of the sea and it is the result of the divine word of God. Moses only had to obey, "But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it." The word was already spoken before the earth was formed. (Exod.14.16) Before Joshua in likewise the river Jordan shall part. Here we have continuationism, So shall be in the end times, "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it." The Will of God working with face of the waters shall not be left high and dry but prosper in the thing, "but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Isa.55.11;Rev.20.13) The Son shall round it off for the glory of the Father. It is thus we look at the mist working in obedience to the divine Will. No half measures with the Son. So the whole heart of man has a face. The Spirit gives what the face signifies spiritually:'to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Before the Spirit set to work the earth was void and without form. Now the earth bears the fulness of God in the face. This is what worlds framed by the word of God would mean. (Heb.11.3)

Adam eating of the fruit, was a single act of self-will. The act was under Cessationism. But continationism took over. Fath without works makes these labels the work of reprobate minds.

Meditations- Gen.2.7-8 "Perfect"

"And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed".

The garden is not planted in a vacuum, nor as an Experiment but in perfect amity continuing where the will of the Father finishes and where the Son begins are seamless. so we are shown several parallels. " But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground." The earth responds to God who sends the rains because man is placed in the world of His choosing. God formed man, after our image and after our likeness.

The Covenant moves from invisible to the visible. The face explains it. In vv.7-8 we read the interaction: God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. This is from heaven while the mist going up from the earth creates a face. In Gen.1.2 the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. This face where God can work with and man can respond sets the heart of man a spiritual space. God alone is good. " He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works."(Ps.33.15)

Heart of man was perfect till iniquity was found in him. Compare the case of the prince of Tyrus. "Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee." (Ezek.28.15) God created Adam perfect and it was 'in our ways'.He was created 'after our image and after our likeness.' See the subtle difference? Prince of Tyrus was perfect but it was in 'thy ways' he ended up being iniquitous. He became the son of perdition.

Heart of Adam was perfect and in disobedience he fell. So Adam would only beget children 'in his image' "and begat a son in his own likeness, and after his image;"(Gen.5.3)

Correction: Unless we abide in Christ we cannot have any worthwhile fruits.

On second thoughts I shall clarify my comment ;

Jesus Christ who of God has wisdom. So I believe the ministry of Jesus Christ reconcile me to his Father. Unless we abide in Christ we cannot have no worthwhile fruits. Heavens are higher than our ways. The Isaiah quote when applied to us is right in our fellowship with our Saviour Lord. Three heavens do not go their separate ways but makes body, soul and spirit blameless before God. It is what entering into the rest of God means. Without faith and without working with Christ what are we? 6-6-6. Sons of perdition.

The everlasting Covenant between God and the Son all heresies we see in the name of Christianity are the result of imposter churches. So the Covenant they turned into Creationism vs. Darwinism controversy. Those who are supposed to be pastoring are conducting themselves as blind guides. So what is to be understood spiritually they read it as mysticism; Instead of being led by the Spirit they are hair-splitting with cessationism vs continuationism. Such controversies than reading the word of God by the light of the Spirit is what Satan brought into churches. So without relying on the Spirit what are sacred , like pearls when given are are treated as suspect. Gematria is nothing to do with my posts on the numbers as tags. Ignoramuses accuse the guardrails set up by the Holy Spirit by numbers as being Cabbalistic. Oh no Jesus chose 12 disciples and later the Apostles would find replacement for Judas Iscariot because it was ordained by the Law of the Spirit. Thus Seven days presented in the book of Genesis has nothing to do a week.

Good evening Free,

I agree that we as believers need to guard our hearts from pride and judgment, especially towards others who profess Christ. We make room in our hearts for others in the faith when we think the best of them, believe their testimony, and pray for them to continue to grow up in the Lord as we, ourselves must continue to do.

It is God who know the heart of those who profess Jesus. And, he knows one's own heart perfectly, whereas each believer knows themselves partially and often erroneously. We can do as David did and cry out to God to search our hearts AND reveal the wicked ways that reside within us. We also should follow Jesus' teaching that one should take the plank out of our own eye before we approach someone to remove the speck we see in theirs. us

Inevitable, we will meet some who profess Jesus that we cannot agree on in crucial ways concerning the essential doctrines of the "faith" (which is Scriptural beliefs)which was delivered to us in Scripture. We may have to limit our association with some who profess Jesus but deny doctrines we believe and which we think are dangerous, heretical, and misleading to immature believers. But we should always check our doctrine up to the Scriptures to be sure that we are truly walking in the truth of Scripture, as Paul urges believers to do in Timothy, (I believe) who profess Jesus being careful to not break any "tender reed" in the profession of another. Love covers a multitude of sins, (in Peter) and we should adopt what 1 Chorinthians 13 says concerning the qualities our love should possess.

Have a good day in your side of the globe, Free. We are about to sit down to dinner, so I'll stop for now.

Richard,

Pt. 2

I wish that every child of believing parents would never stray from Christ. But our three sons have, and some of my siblings have done so. In the churches I have attended, I have noticed the same thing as you, either the congregation as a whole was very elderly and so, there were very few children, teens, and young adults who regularly attended and were involved in the life of the congregation or there were many parents with young children (in churches with more contemporary worship) and larger teen groups, but young adults were fairly awol. I think this trend has been happening for decades, but it is more evident now for several reasons:

1) There are fewer and fewer Christian believers in our generation than in past generations. the U.S. is becoming less Christian with each generation.

2) Many long-standing traditional congregations have become mostly elderly-even though these believers raised their children up in the church.

3) A good percentage of children of believing parents do not attend church once they reach adulthood and move away from home. Many do return when to church when they are married with children.

4) Compared to generations of Baby Boomer and older, there are far fewer children being born in our country. The "pool" of young children to be reached for Christ is becoming smaller and smaller.

5) Back when I was growing up, most people I encountered were Christian and attended church. This was a cultural thing in the U.S. in the 50's and 60's. But the 60's counterculture changed the culture to a more and more secular culture with each new generation. So fewer and fewer children are being raised by Christian parents.

How sad this is in our country which was first settled mostly by Christians seeking to begin a new life in a wide open continent that afforded religious freedom, land to acquire, and unlimited opportunities for one to make a living. May God let His light shine forth in the darkness in the U.S. more than ever.

4)

Please follow me through this thought experiment, comments appreciated.....

As Christians, we often refer to Matthew 21:21 and the casting of the mountain into the sea when talking of faith. In this context, the the mountain in question is a problem or obstacle in our lives. But what is Jesus Himself were the mountain Psalm 118:22 which we all at times "cast off." It's only after we find ourselves drowning in the depths of despair Psalm 71:20 that we meet with Him again Psalm 138:8 right where we placed Him. Micah 7:19 Only this time, He appears more glorious than ever, John 6:29 for we see Him from a different perspective, just as He intended. Matthew 13:13-17 And when we see Him as He is, we shall be changed and we shall be like Him. 1 John 3:2

Hello Richard,

I pray you are doing well today.

I was one who was brought up in the church by believing parents with many siblings. There were families on every block for a mile radius that attended our church. So, my childhood experience was one where I did not know much of what was believed by those outside of my denomination. I began to learn a bit more through high school and college about what some other believers believed. However, for so many years of my life I thought that most believers believed what has been considered "orthodox" beliefs-those doctrines that have historically been considered correct. In the last 20 years I have had more exposure to the various doctrines taught by many denominations and this has opened my eyes to many ideas that i had never heard of before. Now I do not take it for granted that most believers adhere to the same doctrines. I have had to study the differences between many concepts where there are several approaches at odds with one another and to decide which aligns with Scripture the best.

As you said, many can be brought up in the church and not develop a strong personal relationship with Jesus. I did from a very early age, so there was not a time where I can remember not believing in Jesus and the gospel. I never had anything like a personal "experience" of conversion because I was not without Christ and then came to Him. I always remember being in Him.

And also, you said that many brought up in the church and, like me, always believing, may not have as keen of a mindset of how depraved we are and how much we need to be saved from our own sin. I can say that, because I do not remember being lost, the Holy Spirit did help me as an adult to come to understand the depth of my sinfulness which led me to a deeper appreciation of how Jesus saved me and how hopeless i, or anyone is, without the working of the Holy Spirit to regenerate us to faith in Jesus.

See Pt. 2

(2 Peter Part 17):

2 Peter 3:1 - This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you;

Notice that he is designating this as the second one. Notice that he is doing the writing. And thirdly, the word now is literally the word already. Already I am writing unto you. So, it came right behind the first letter. In both, that is, both letters, which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

The word pure is the word sincere. But in Greek, what it means is you pour a substance into a clear glass, and you hold it up to the sun to see if there's any impurities in it. Sincerity, as far as the Greek standpoint, as far as the biblical, is that you're able to stand in the light and be transparent. It's sincere, not a put on. It's not phony. He says in both which I stir up your sincere minds by way of remembrance.

2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us.

The word longsuffering (MAKROTHUMEI) means patience, slow in reaction. Actually, God hasn't delayed. He's not being irresponsible. He's not late. What He's doing is He's holding back judgment so that people can come to know Christ. He's not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

So, it's not another day for us to live in the flesh in the world. It's another day for people to come to repentance, and to come to know Christ. That's the only reason why we're still here.

(2 Peter Part 16b):

2 Peter 2:19 Continued

Two things:

When the word overcome, which is the word for victory, when it is presented about a believer, it's in the Perfect Tense. In 1 John 4:4, John's been talking about the spirit of antichrist in the world, and he says you are of God little children, and you have overcome them. Not should. You have already. Because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.

1 John 5:4 says, for whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. Again, has overcome, Perfect Tense.

And also, in the book of Revelation, in Chapters 2 and 3, the seven letters to the churches in Asia, to each church the Lord gives His warning and says to them, to the one who overcome, that is, the sins and problems in the church, I will give them the crown of life. To each one He says that.

Well, that's the way it reads in English, to the one who overcomes. It sounds like it's a challenge. But it's literally a Present Participle in the Greek. To the ones who are already overcoming. It's not a challenge. The point of the true believers that are within these fellowships, they are already overcoming. And they are the ones who will respond to what Christ had to say in His warnings. The people who do not belong to Christ will not.

(2 Peter Part 16a):

2 Peter 2:19 - While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption:

This word servant in the Greek text is the word slave (Doulos). They promise liberty. Satan doesn't want you to have this sin, so go get it! But they themselves, the false teachers, are slaves to corruption. They can't cease from sin. So, they're pulling others in their direction.

And then the concept, and this is a very interesting concept: For of whom a man is overcome, of the same he is brought into bondage.

Is something overcoming you? Are you a slave to something? In 1 Corinthians Chapter 6, Paul said I have liberty to do all things. I am not under the law. But he says I will not do that which will bring me under its power. Obsessions, addictions, it won't bring me under its power.

Now what is interesting for a believer, and this is a Christian, a born-again believer, the bible never presents overcoming as a challenge that we have to earn.

(2 Peter Part 15b):

2 Peter 2:13 Continued

Their celebrations:

Spots they are and blemishes. Those are phrases that are used for sacrificial animals. In order for an animal to be received for sacrifice, they had to be without spot or blemish. Peter, in 1 Peter Chapter 1 says, Jesus was a lamb that was slain. He was without spot and without blemish.

But they are spots and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; In the early church, they used to have what are called love feasts. And they would get together and have dinner together. And then after dinner, they would have communion.

And Paul talked about this in 1 Corinthians Chapter 11, where people were actually taking the communion elements, the bread and the wine, and they just included that in their meal. And Paul said some are sick, some are weak, and some have even died in God's judgment, because you did not discern that those elements represented the Lord's body. A very serious thing!