Wednesday, January 14, 2015

There are three more questions in the study approach we are using to begin our study of 2nd Peter. First, where was Peter as he wrote this letter? There are a number of possibilities. In 1st Peter he writes from Babylon. Some consider this to be the famous city of antiquity. Others believe it was used by Christians to refer to Rome. Peter’s second letter refers to his approaching death, which took place in Rome. That’s why many believe he was in Rome when he wrote these two letters close to the end of his life. Second, when did Peter write this letter? Most would put the date at about 65-67 AD. \Third, in answer to the “How” question, I chose to focus on the application of what you find in the letter which could be made anywhere in the world and at any time since it was written. Its message is very relevant to our day. It seems to me that to experience and give expression to the Christian life you need to recognize it is a God thing! If God isn’t making your experience of Christianity happen it will never be what God intended it to be. If you try to express to others what the Christian life is all about without God empowering the message and enlightening the minds of those who hear it, nothing of significance will happen. That’s why Peter emphasizes: having a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ’s person, plan, provision and promise is essential to living victoriously as a Christian. Let’s pursue this point as we continue our study in the days ahead.