Redeemer Bible Church Santa Barbara

A tragic component of false teaching and teachers is the very real vulnerability of potential victims. Pastor Peter writes with a heavy burden for such potential victims — might they include us?

We have to wade through some murky waters this morning as Peter lays out the basis for the assured judgment of the false teachers. Yet, as always, we read and respond with Gospel hope.

After boldly asserting that God’s truth is certain because of the nature of the Bible’s true prophets, Peter warns of the ubiquitous false prophet/teacher. If all this seems disconnected from our lives today, we need to think again.

Peter reminds his readers, and us, of his incredible experience with Jesus at His transfiguration. This encounter, its significance, its witnesses, and related Old Testament prophecies converge to give us certainty about our future.

Two basic realities merge this morning: the objective truthfulness of our Faith and the subjective practice of our Faith. They are connected, and both matter.

Peter’s confidence in God’s gracious saving sovereignty in no way negated his embrace of personal responsibility. Can leaning into this tension help us day-by-day in confirming our calling and election?

Second Peter is said to be the most neglected New Testament book. Various reasons are cited, but if true, this is sad. 2 Peter is a gold mine of practical insight and instruction, especially for dark days like ours. Let’s dive in this morning and be reminded!

Some of us look with wonder and terror as it seems the very fabric of our nation is coming apart at the seams. We need solutions. We need answers. To whom will we go?

Imagine Moses, after years of exile in the desert, being called to lead God’s people out of bondage. We can understand his concerns, questions, and fears, right? But Yahweh’s message represented a paradigm shift for Moses, for the people of Israel, and for us today.

This most familiar of all the Psalms has yielded comfort to millions throughout history. Its assurances are particularly powerful in these troubled days.