Knowing and Growing in Christ: Trusting His Word, Hoping in His Return
From Pastor Robert
A Review of 2 Peter
Peter wrote his second letter knowing his death was near (1:14). He wanted believers to hold on to the gospel after he was gone. The letter is one long argument for two ways to live and two ways to lead. Optimize for eternity and godliness, because false teachers and influencers are real. They distract and discourage us from following Jesus wholeheartedly.
Grow in what God has given. God's divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Christ (1:3). So Peter urges us to make every effort to add virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love to our faith (1:5-7). These qualities do not earn salvation. They confirm that God's call on us is real (1:10).
Trust the Word. Peter did not follow cleverly devised myths. He was an eyewitness of Christ's majesty on the mountain (1:16-18). Old Testament prophecy came as men were carried along by the Holy Spirit (1:21). Where Scripture speaks, God speaks, so let's pay careful attention. God's word is a lamp that guides us through a dark, broken world.
Beware false teachers. Chapter 2 warns that destructive heresies will rise up inside the church. These false influencers and teachers will exploit people and turn grace into license. God knows how to rescue the godly and hold the unrighteous for judgment (2:9). The greedy, self-centered way of Balaam leads people astray. So ask of every video, blog, post, or teaching: Does this lead me closer to Jesus? Does it help me love God and my neighbor more?
Wait actively with holy patience. Scoffers will ask, "Where is the promise of his coming?" (3:3-4). Peter answers that the Lord is not slow. God is patient, not wishing that any of them should perish, but that all should reach repentance (3:9). The day of the Lord will come like a thief, so we should live holy and godly lives (3:11).
Peter closes with a command: "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (3:18).
What is your next step?
Reread 2 Peter this week. Thank God for taking the initiative in grace. Ask God to help you grow in grace. Make a specific effortful response with Christ’s help.
Choose whom you will follow. Read Scripture daily, pursue godliness, and test every voice against God's word.
If you have not trusted Christ, his patience is an invitation. Turn from self and sin, believe that Jesus is who he claims to be, and begin to follow him.
Share the gospel with one person while God's patience still gives time.
Resources: Some short articles and a couple of longer, thought provoking ones.
Bourne Again (On our identity in Christ)
The Best Apologetic Is You (On habits, feelings, and practices that lead to beliefs)
Opportunities to Serve
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE)
God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom.
Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there’s a place for you to serve in our children’s ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support. Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org
Volunteering in the Children’s Ministry
Volunteering in the children’s ministry is a great way to know others at High Pointe and to serve parents. Reach out to Erin Wyman for specific details and to get started on our child protecting screening steps.
Life at High Pointe
Want to know what’s happening at High Pointe? Check out our weekly announcements and upcoming events to stay informed and connected with the life of our church!
Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:
October 18 | Luke 19:28-48 | The Arrival of the Humble King | Pastor Juan Sanchez
October 25 | Luke 20:1-21:4 | Opposition to the King | Pastor Juan Sanchez
November 1 | Luke 20:18-21:4 | Questioning Jesus | Pastor Juan Sanchez
November 8 | Luke 21:5-38 | The Destruction of the Temple | Pastor Juan Sanchez
November 15 | Luke 21:39-65 | The Last Supper Jesus on Trial | Pastor Juan Sanchez
Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Gospel Partner of the Month: The Association of Churches for Missions and Evangelism (ACME)
We are one of the founding churches of ACME. ACME exists to unite and mobilize like-minded churches to fund pastors, church planters, missionaries, and other projects around the world.
ACME is a fellowship of likeminded churches that share the same convictions: (1) Expositional Preaching, (2) Historic Baptist Ecclesiology, (3) Elder-led Congregationalism, (4) One, Unified Assembly (no multiple services or campuses), (5) Reformed Soteriology, (6) Meaningful Membership and Discipline, (7) Biblically Oriented Public Worship, and (8) Church-centered Missions and Evangelism.
To learn more, visit ACME online.
On-Call Pastor
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.
