Notes of Faith September 25, 2024
The Roaring Twenties
Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be...? 2 Peter 3:11
The world decided to party it up in the 1920s. The Great War was over, and everyone was caught up in flappers, talkies, gangsters, speakeasies, bootleggers, jazz, new-fangled radios, and novel dances. But the mood didn’t last. The Roaring Twenties ran right into the Great Depression.
One hundred years later in the 2020s, it’s still hard to predict the twists and turns of the times. But the Lord has given us insights into the future. Much of the Bible is predictive prophecy. When we study these passages, it contributes to our Christian growth and godliness. We look around at the times, we look ahead at the prophecies, and we ask ourselves, “How should I then live?”
The apostle Peter said, “And so since everything around us is going to melt away, what holy, godly lives we should be living! You should look forward to that day and hurry it along…. Looking forward to God’s promise of new heavens and a new earth” (2 Peter 3:11-13, TLB).
The best evidence that the Lord’s return has really gotten hold of us is when we occupy till He come, do business for God, buy up the opportunities.
Vance Havner
2 Peter 3:10-13
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.
11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t like gifts or rewards. We seek them from our first understanding of doing what someone wants and receiving that reward. It could be a thank you, a pat on the back, a paycheck, a raise, or a special gift from a friend. But the best reward of all is for believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and receiving blessings beyond your imagination, things that God has prepared for those that love Him and are obedient to His commands. Do not be fooled. God will not be mocked. You may think that you are pleasing to God…examine yourself, repent of your sin, and yes, you will be forgiven, if you truly have a repentant heart. Pursue the holiness of God. Seek to do His will in all things. Your reward is waiting for you…
Pastor Dale