The circumstances of Peter's ministry now provide him opportunity to leave his flock with words to remember in his absence. Following the example of Jesus, who commissioned him and all the church to go and make disciples in Matthew 28, Peter gives his hearers marching orders which likewise will provide direction to the church after he has died. The death of the apostles might have been the end of the Christian church if God had not ordained Spirit fueled means of survival in the post-apostolic era. This book and the rest of the New Testament is that means coupled with the indwelling Spirit that would fortify the church of Jesus Christ to stand and expand for as many generations as He would tarry. (3:1) Peter indicates that this is the second such letter he has written to encourage the church along these lines. If Peter is referencing his letter we have recently studied (I Peter), than his audience is the churches of Asia Minor. However, it may well be that Peter wrote more frequently to various churches. At this time he is likely writing from prison, toward the end of his life and ministry. The apostle makes good use of the few days and months and the network of missionaries who carry his letters. By these means, Peter documents the solid bedrock of the faith and its applications which wold prove sufficient to preserve and equip the church for thousands of years. Today, let us lean closer with rapt attention to hear the last words of our forerunner in the faith. Given his calling to interpret and apply the Gospel and our situation surrounded by challenges to our faith, a sober church should treasure every word...

In Genesis 26, the trajectory of events begins with turmoil that eventually gives way to gracious provision and covenant reassurance. These themes are marked by the naming of wells – Esek: (quarreling), Sitnah (hostility), Rehoboth (broad places), and Shibah (oath). These themes of Isaac's experience in Gerar are now playing themselves out in his family. The generational aspects of covenant succession are in view as we witness “esek” and “sitnah” in the home. In chapter 26, verses 34 & 35 signal a shift in the record from the account of Isaac's influence in the land to a behind the scenes look at his family. In our text today, there is no hero to root for save the providence of God. It is the sovereign hand of Yahweh, the true covenant keeper, that holds the promises of redemption together in spite of the efforts of four individuals threatening to upset the entire plan as each pursues his own self interests. The Apostle Paul reveals the purpose of these texts in Romans 9:8-13 when he writes: “...it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring...” Later he continues explaining why these events played out as they did: “...in order that God's purpose of election might continue not because of works, but because of Him who calls...”. Do any in Isaac's family validate themselves in this story? Certainly not. What we glean from Genesis 27 is salvation is by grace through faith alone. It becomes all the more clear, there is surely no one deserving & no one who could secure his salvation apart from Christ alone...

The letter of First Peter opens & closes with salutations appropriate for the encouragement of a body of believers facing trying times (1:2b) “...may grace and peace be multiplied to you” (5:14b) “...peace to all of you who are in Christ.” Other key features reinforce the apostle's purpose in writing. Perhaps the most succinct theme verse of the epistle is found in (4:19) “Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” This verse providers the imperative/command, the surrounding passages, while the surrounding passages are brimming with reasons we can trust our souls to our Creator. Even as Peter employs the analogy of exile and pilgrimage in addressing outposts of believers in a pagan culture, he continually refers to the absolute certainty gleaned from the word and work of God in salvation. (1:3-5) (18-21) Our imperishable inheritance, (1:23-25) The forever Word of God, (2:6-7) Jesus Christ our cornerstone, (3:21-22) The resurrection & ascension, (5:10-11) The personal and specific intentions of God for His church through suffering. This concluding certainty reference can serve as an outline for the entire book...

The biography of Abraham closes in Genesis 25 after a lengthy record of trial and blessing in the life of this pivotal patriarch of the faith. Abraham's legacy will continue however, through his family lines. At the end of his days, several themes which have followed his life story, and will accompany the ongoing story of redemption, are prominent. First: the unmistakable sovereign hand of God preserving His covenant promises against all odds is obvious and powerfully evident. Second: the distinction between efforts according to flesh and the seed born through promise (Gal 4:22-23) is featured. Third: the stage is set in the providence of God – even through the faith-lacking-sins of the fathers, for the earliest covenant promise to Abraham to be fulfilled. Gen 12 declares of Abraham that God will make of him a great nation and will give him a great name, and through him all the families of the earth would be blessed. Gen 25 anticipates future fulfillment of these promises as nations are born from Abraham's sons, even those according to the flesh. The purposes of God in redemption (in spite of a 4th major theme: The persistent conflict between the 'seed of the woman' and ' the seed of the serpent') will continue to unfold far beyond the lifespan of Abraham and these purposes will be accomplished ultimately through the Son of Abraham according to a fifth theme: the birth of the significant Son yet to come...