High Theology Equals High Doxology! The More We Know Of Who God Is, And What His Word Teaches, The More We Will Worship And Be In Awe Of Him!
The Acts Church
The 2nd Letter Of Peter
Peter is again writing to the same group of people as he wrote to in 1 Peter, which are those chosen of God who are exiles. The theme of this epistle is different from the theme of his first epistle. Peter is encouraging his audience to study, know, and stand on the Word of God because false teachers and false prophets will be all around them, trying to destroy the church. This truth is the same with us, as we today, are to stand on the authority of God’s Word and contend for the faith. Peter closes this epistle by exhorting all believers to grow in the grace and knowledge Jesus Christ and this is done through the study of His sacred Scriptures.
Shawn Owens
Pastor Shawn Owens dedicates part of his study time to make notes easy to read, and thorough for anyone who cannot attend in person. Pastor Shawn desires for these notes help you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Regeneration or being “born again” precedes faith. Regeneration is a supernatural act from God and not by our flesh. The Holy Spirit invades the souls of the elect and changes the disposition of their minds, souls, and wills toward the things God which they previously hated. He removes the heart of stone and gives them a heart of flesh. The one who was dead in sins and trespasses is raised to spiritual life. It is a sovereign act of God. In regeneration we are changed and are new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is not turning over a new leaf, but a life changing event by the supernatural work of God. The one who previously hated God and was hostile now begins to have affection and love for Christ. We are as passive in our spiritual birth as we are in a natural birth. Being born again or regenerated is initiated and performed by God and God alone. In the parable of the sower in Luke 8:4-15, there are 4 different soils mentioned. This is the state of the hearts prior to hearing the Word of God which is the seed in this parable. How did the good soil become good soil before hearing and receiving the Word of God? The good soil is good because God had tilled and cultivated the soil in regeneration. He prepared and changed the soil to be ready to receive the Gospel with gladness and sincerity. When the heart that has been regenerated (good soil) hears the Word of God and the Gospel (the seed), faith springs forth and results in salvation and justification.
If one doesn’t believe that Jesus is God, then they don’t believe in the Jesus of the Bible. If one doesn’t accept the Son as God as He truly is, they can’t have the Father or eternal life. Knowing and believing Jesus is God is a necessity to true faith. If Jesus is not God, then He was born in original sin and unable to save us. If Jesus is not God, then He wouldn’t have precious unblemished blood to redeem His people. If Jesus is not God, then a creature would be attempting to rescue fallen rebel creatures. Jesus is God and came to save and purchase His church (Acts 20:28) The doctrine of the Trinity is vital to the Christian faith. For every Christian, we have been saved, rescued, and redeemed by our only Savior and God, the great I AM!!!!!
Growing in grace is not measured by time, involvement in church activities, or feelings, but is rather measured in light of the knowledge one has of God which is then applied practically in our lives. We have a peace that surpasses all comprehension and a grace that’s amazing, let us grow in the knowledge of those things and of our God!!! Higher theology = higher doxology!!
He called us not because of our merit, actions, or righteousness, but by His own GLORY and EXCELLENCE!
Those who are chosen from before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:3-6) have a promise of God for salvation and glorification (Romans 8:29-30). It is these to which He has set His love upon, that He effectually calls. By His divine power He causes them to be born again and to become partakers of the divine nature of God as He indwells them with the Holy Spirit which is a seal (Ephesians 1:13-14)(Ephesians 4:30) and a help throughout life. In this divine act of mercy and power, He transforms us and rescues us from the power and corruption of sin and by His indwelling presence in us, leads us to sanctification and conformity to the image of God, to which the elect have been predestined (Romans 8:29). Throughout this life He has by His power and Spirit granted us all things for life and godliness due to partaking of His divine nature by His divine power (2 Peter 1:3-4). This will be seen at its fullest in eternity as we will be a partaker of the Divine forever and ever as we are dwelling with Him and have a body that is in conformity with the body of His glory (Phil 3:20-21)(1 John 3:1-2). This end for His people is a result of His divine power, His mercy, His grace, His precious and magnificent promises, His glory, and His excellence!!
Peter wants the church to be able to recall all the things he has taught them after his death to defend the faith, the church, and God.
Peter did follow or proclaim tales, myths, or fables when he declared the power and the coming of God. What he had proclaimed was truth as he was an eyewitness of the majesty of God. Peter did not die for a tale that was not true, but rather died as a martyr for God and the truth of God.