2 Peter 1, Part 6

 Steadfastness 

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins."

Welcome to our study on 2 Peter 1. We have been in this for some time and will continue all the way through 2 Peter, chapter 1. So far, we went through the greetings and the "For this very reason" or the reason we need to listen to what Peter is telling us here. Last time we talked about self-control. If you are following along, I hope you are, it looks like this.

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness,

We discussed why, faith, virtue, knowledge, and self-control. If you missed anything up to now you can go back in the archives and get caught up if you so choose. Today, we are going to talk about steadfastness.

Now just recently, we did a message about "Standing Firm." As a matter of fact, it was Sunday 9/11. Not planned that way. I did not even realize it until I started working on this message. However, some of this may sound familiar to some of you but I going to try to fit it into the context here of what Peter is talking about.

This really is a message that you really need to fully get. A message that is going to become more accurate as time goes on. A message that you, as a child of God, not only can, you need to stand firm. Or live your life in steadfastness. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His Word is the same yesterday today and forever. Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever. Stand firm.

Steadfastness = the quality of being resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering: "no side wins without steadfastness in the face of adversity"

Society and God used to agree on vast many things. Society removed God, or tries to remove God daily, and has changed and become eviler and eviler as time goes on. Now of course I understand this.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, "Romans 3:23

And this.

"All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death." 1 John 5:17

And the one some holier-than-thou Christians really need to get.

"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." 1 John 1:8-10

This is the whole reason you need to have Jesus in your life. Without Him, none of this is even possible. Along with that, if you do not have Him, His Word, and the Spirit of God in you, you can and will fall for the lies, and you can and will, live your life in the flesh and die in the flesh.

Even though the world has changed. He has not. What was once all agreed upon as sin is now ok. In some cases, not only is it ok but according to the world, it should be and is, celebrated and protected. Guess what? It is still a sin. It is still against God. As a child of God, you have to stand firm. You have to have steadfastness. Will the world and some in it hate you? Yes! Yes, they will. Even some of those you love will come to hate you. Look here.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours." John 15:18-20

I will stand firm. Even though society says all these things, even though some of our "churches" have started to get away from the Bible and have started to accept some sins as normal and acceptable, we cannot. We must be careful, as children of God.

"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority." Colossians 2:8-10

Steadfastness? Does it go against the world? Yup. Will you be hated? Yup. Will it become more and more difficult as time goes on? Yes. This is Jesus speaking here.

"Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved" Matthew 10:21-22

James, brother of Jesus, puts it this way.

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12

I have to share this one. My oldest daughter, Selina, gave me a Bible Cover one year following my accident. I was in a head-on car crash and in a wheelchair and, well, some of you know the story. But she got me this cover and this is what it says on it.

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

If you are trying to "be" a Christian, and live according to the world, you are going to fail. Oh, you may receive praise and glory from mankind, and even fellow "Christians" but this does not mean you will be accepted by God. Without Jesus, you cannot ever have a remote chance to be blessed and go to heaven. Look what Jesus tells us about worldly approval and gain.

"For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?"

The world may hate you. They may tell you, you are wrong. They may say to you that you are the one with the problem. They call right wrong and wrong right. However, you are not of the world. You are a blood-bought, Spirit-filled, grace-covered, child of God.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

Do not give up. Have steadfastness in your life. Stand firm in what you know God says and wants you to do. Do not fall for the lies. Do not choose the world over God. The end of the world is coming. Choose life, not death. Only then can you do this.

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,"

Godliness? That is what we will be talking about next time. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

If you want to tell me, comment, questions, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Book of Acts, Chapter 27

 Chapter 27,

Paul Sails for Rome

1  And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. 2 And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica. 3 The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for. 4 And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us. 5 And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7 We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone. 8 Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea.

9 Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.

The Storm at Sea

13 Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. 14 But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. 15 And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship's boat. 17 After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along. 18 Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. 19 And on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.

21 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. 26 But we must run aground on some island.”

27 When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28 So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms. 29 And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go.

33 As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. 36 Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) 38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

The Shipwreck

39 Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. 40 So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. 41 But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. 42 The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, 44 and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.

2 Peter 1, Part 5

 Self-control 

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-11

Welcome to our study on 2nd Peter, chapter 1. We are currently walking through this passage.

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control,"

The last time we talked about true knowledge, is actually wisdom. It is the knowledge of God's wisdom and the ability to apply it in your life. One of the ways we can and need to apply it is through "self-control."

What is self-control?

"The ability to manage one's impulses, emotions, and behaviors to achieve long-term goals"

What does the Bible say about self-control?

"A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls." Proverbs 25:28

Picture rage. Anger. Lashing out and destroying things. What happens after? You are left with broken pieces and hurt loved ones. Ever get so mad you start yelling and saying things you know will be hurtful? You are saying those things to hurt on purpose. Have you ever destroyed the object of your anger? A phone, remote, car even, whatever? Congrats, you took your vengeance out on it and it is no more. But then? It is not more. What did you actually achieve?

I remember one time my truck kept breaking down. Over and over. I would think it was fixed, 4 times, by the way, only to break down in minutes. I could have got out and punched the truck. I would have a broken hand, and I would still have a truck that would not work. I could have taken a bat to it. Thought about it. Not going to lie. But then what would have happened? I would not have a truck at all. Trust me, it was all I could do to just pray about it and give it to God.

Look here at what Titus 1:7-8 says

"For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined." Titus 1:8

Who was Titus? Titus was one of at least two younger men that Paul discipled and was an early church leader, a trusted companion of the Apostle Paul, and a faithful servant of the Lord. Titus was a Gentile, like us, saved by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus.

A little bit later, in Titus chapter 2, he tells older men, older women, and young men to have self-control. Starting in verse 11, we read this.

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

It is impossible for you to have self-control, without God. We are creatures of the flesh. We all do the deeds of the flesh. These are the things we crave. We desire. Remember,

"For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:6-8

Therefore?

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

Why? Because of what it can produce.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

Life is far too short to live with hate and anger. Impulsiveness and reckless living can and will wreck your life. If you can learn to let that go, and give it to God, you will start being more and more able to live peacefully and start receiving more of the fruit of the Spirit, instead of the works of the flesh.

"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21

These are the things your flesh desire. The things your earthly, flesh-based, secular friends and family see as normal and fun. Desirable even. Without God, you did and will again. You cannot receive the fruit of the Spirit, without the Spirit.

"A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back." Proverbs 29:11

We are no longer to live in the flesh. We have been made new, and we are to walk in the Spirit. Here is something for you to keep in mind. Why is it even more important for you, as a child of God, to be wise and in control of yourself? You are an example. You are the light. Look here at what Paul says.

"But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:27

Do you want to be called a hypocrite? Are you a hypocrite? Are you good at quoting the Bible and telling others how they should live, yet you live as you will? Are you quick to point out others' sins and ignore your own? This is not how we should live.

If you supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, then, and only then, will you be able to truly stand firm. Then and only then, will you have true steadfastness in your walk with God. This is what we will be discussing next time.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

If you want to tell me, comment, questions, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, God's love, and the Holy Ghost's communion be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!!

Book of Acts, Chapter 26

 Chapter 26

Paul's Defense Before Agrippa

1 So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:

2 “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

4 “My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. 5 They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, 7 to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! 8 Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?

9 “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

Paul Tells of His Conversion

12 “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

24 And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. 26 For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”

30 Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 31 And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

2 Peter 1, Part 4

 Virtue WITH Knowledge

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-11

Hello, welcome today. Today we are continuing our series on 2 Peter 1. We have already discussed "For this reason," Faith, and Virtue. Today we are going to talk about the importance of joining virtue and knowledge together. Remember, Virtue is defined like this.

"Behavior showing high moral standards."

However, you really must be a careful child of God. You must be conscientious to add to this, knowledge. The knowledge we are going to discuss today is Wisdom. Not just knowledge as to what God says, but the wisdom of applying it to our lives. If not? You could very well end up just like the Scribes and Pharisees of the time. Jesus said this about them.

“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach but do not practice." Matthew 23:2-3

This is the religious folks. The holier-than-know crowd. Jesus said.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." Matthew 23:27-28

If there was any doubt about how He felt about folks like this? He said it clearly here.

"You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44

Why? They appeared to live virtuously. Right? They had the appearance of living high moral standards. Right? But Jesus said this about them.

"They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others." Matthew 23:5-7

They had knowledge. They knew the scriptures backward and forward. They could quote them word for word. They appeared to be living virtuously. Here in lies the problem. They did not have wisdom.

Knowledge? "Facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject:"

Wisdom? "The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise:"

Knowledge is great. Knowledge is important. However, wisdom is knowing how to apply that knowledge. The religious people of this time used the knowledge of scripture, in a way to elevate themselves. To put them in a position over others and to control society for their benefit. This is not Godly wisdom. Look what Jesus told His disciples, AKA you, when someone asked Him how to be the greatest in His Kindom.

"A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors."

This included the religious leaders of the day

"But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become the youngest and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at the table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves." Luke 22:24-27

Jesus was saying this.

"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-27

We need to acquire Godly Wisdom. Read His Word. Pray to Him. Spend time with Him. Forget the Wisdom of the world.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." James 1:5

True wisdom comes only from God.

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;" Proverbs 2:6

Then, you can truly have wisdom, which is truly beneficial for knowledge to apply to your virtuous living. We should be living the way God's Word tells us.

"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love," Ephesians 4:2

Only then, once we have stopped seeking out and trying to learn from the creature, can we truly start learning from the Creator of all that is. Once we have learned and accepted, that Jesus is Lord. He is God, and He came and died for us. Only after we say this prayer.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believe He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

After we are adopted into the family and we pick up His Word, His guidebook for our lives, and we start obtaining true Godly wisdom and knowledge, can we even think about having self-control. See look here.

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control,"

There is a BIG difference between walking in the flesh and walking in the Spirit with self-control. This is what we will be discussing next time.

"Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." James 3:13-18

Forget about the wisdom of the world. The Bible says we should become a fool in the eyes of the world to become wise in the eyes of God. Do this, and then you will have a chance to gain some self-control and resist the temptations that are common to all mankind.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Book of Acts, Chapter 25

 Chapter 25

Paul Appeals to Caesar

1 Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. 4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. 5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.”

6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. 7 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. 8 Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” 9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar, you have appealed; to Caesar, you shall go.”

Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice

13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. 14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix, 15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. 17 So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. 19 Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20 Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. 21 But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.” 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “you will hear him.”

23 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

2 Peter 1, Part 3

 Faith and virtue

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-11

Now, this is a mouthful I know. Again, there is a wealth of information in this passage that will take some time to break down, and fully examine. Let's start with this.

"For this very reason,"

For what reason? I hope you have been with us from the beginning, but if you haven't, you can always read the archives. "For this reason" is talking about what we discussed last time. Because of Jesus, we are grace-covered, peace-filled, blood-bought, children of God. We are no longer slaves to sin and death but have received the gift of salvation into eternal life with God Himself. Now read that again.

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,"

What is virtue? "Behavior showing high moral standards."

Now I know that some of you may be thinking "Who's moral standards?" I mean, let's be honest. This keeps changing. What was once considered sin and wrong is now ok? It's 2022 you know? That is why you must, as a child of God, seek HIS moral standards. Not the world.

Yes, the world used to see pornography as wrong and modesty as a virtue. Take a look at Tic Toc and other social media. Now we have VERY underage girls dancing and showing their bodies for likes and followers. The world used to see abortion as what it was, horrendous murder of the most innocent. Now we are nearly at civil war over the High Court overturning Roe vs Wade. The world used to see marriage as a Holy Union between one man and one woman. Now? Anything goes. From Homosexuality to marrying oneself, to pets, and all other debaucheries. Look around at what is popular today. Drug use, excessive drinking, promiscuous sex, and the kind of uninhibited activity that happens daily, and sometimes on social media for all to see.

God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. What was sin then, is sin now, and will kill you quicker at that. Seek God's moral standards. Putting others before yourself. Love. Kindness.

"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love," Ephesians 4:2

We should be.

"Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." Colossians 3:13

How do we differentiate between what is Godly and what is worldly, if there is any doubt?

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8

How do you know? This. {Holding up the Bible} This will tell you. This will keep you. This will love you if you read it and love it back. This is the living word of the living and true God. No. There are no contradictions. No there are no mistakes. No, it was not written by men to control society. No, it must not change to "keep up with the times." It is what it is. Absolute and the final truth in all things.

Here is the danger of not reading this. {Holding up the Bible} You can, and in so many cases, you will, believe lies. They will mask it with the word "compassion."

What do I mean? God says, "Thou Shalt Not Murder." The world says, "But wait, what if little Suzy is minding her own business, and some old evil guy rapes her? She should not be punished "with a child for the rest of her life." What if that old evil guy is her own Father? It is compassionate to say, that we have the ability to 'correct' that mistake and end her pregnancy. As a matter of fact, for whatever reason, it should be a woman's right to choose what to do with her body. Right?"

God says Homosexuality is Sin. The world says, "How can a long-term, loving, kind, relationship be evil? And while we are at it, why can't these two marry. Is it not compassionate to want 'equality.' After all, People in black robes, in the Highest Court of the land said it is a "Right." Oh, and is it not compassionate that they should hear what they are doing is wrong? So shut up about it already."

Jesus says, there is only one way to get to Heaven, and that is? Through Him. The world says, "That is a narrow-minded, exclusive, and even hate-filled, ignorant view. Compassion tells us that all religions are equal and that people can believe whatever they want. Your 'Truth' is no better than anyone else's 'truth'. So keep your 'version' of truth to yourself."

It is compassion that says, we cannot call sin for what it is, sin? Compassion tells us we must live and let live? Compassion tells us we must allow anyone to "associate" as whatever they want. Compassion tells us that not only do we now have to accept sin, but we must honor, celebrate, and even protect, sin? Compassion tells us that if something is offensive to someone, we must change it or ban it?

Look in the news today. Someone becomes offended, and the entire history is erased. Flags banned. TV shows banned. Merchandise banned. Speech silenced. Religion is attacked at an ever-growing rate. God mocked and Jesus denounced. Children of God attacked personally, financially, and yes, even physically.

While this is all going on, some very good people, {in a worldly sense} are standing, cheering, and applauding, because they have been taught, that this is right and just. Compassion. If it "feels" right and just, then it must be right and just. If it "FEELS" good, then do it. Compassion. And if you disagree, then you will be seen as a troublemaker. You will be seen as a problem. You will have to be dealt with. Why? Because compassion tells us this.

This {Holding up the Bible} This is your barometer. Your measuring stick. This is your test. What does this say about this or that? This is what God says. This is the truth. It does not matter what society says. This is what you should believe and follow. This is your life guide. Your flashlight in the dark world in which we live. This is how we can,

""For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,"

This is how we learn to add knowledge to it.

"and virtue with knowledge,"

More on that next time.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

If you want to tell me, comment, questions, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen. 2 Corinthians 13

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!!

Book of Acts, Chapter 24

 Chapter 24

Paul Before Felix at Caesarea

1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul. 2 And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying:

“Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation, 3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But, to detain you no further, I beg you in your kindness to hear us briefly. 5 For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to find out from him about everything of which we accuse him.”

9 The Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.

10 And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”

Paul Kept in Custody

22 But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 Then he gave orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty, and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending to his needs.

24 After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. 27 When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

2 Peter 1, Part 2

 We are freed, blessed, and obligated. 

Hello, welcome today. Today we will be continuing our in-depth study of Peter's letter to the Jewish Christians, and as we discussed last time, this includes us, in 2 Peter 1. I encourage you to read all of 2 Peter 1 for yourself if you have not yet, but we will be concentrating on 2 Peter 1:3-4

"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire." 2 Peter 1:3-4

I know that is a really long sentence packed full of information there. It is also very good news, and we should take it as such. Let's start at the beginning.

"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness,"

Who? God. Who? Jesus. Who? The Holy Spirit. They are all three, yet they are all one. Here is a really short message about the Trinity.

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." Genesis 1:1-2

In the beginning, is God, and as we read in 2, His Spirit. Where was Jesus?

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was at the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made." John 1:1-3

Then?

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

Jesus, Himself told us plainly.

"Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." John 8:58

Where do we come in? And if there is still any doubt in your mind.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” John 14:15-21

Then in verse 23, we read this.

“If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him."

First Jesus kept saying "I" When talking about the Holy Spirit. He said "I" Then in verse 23? Read that again. "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and WE will come to him and make OUR home with him." What is He saying? Remember, OUR means three or more. Jesus said WE will make OUR abode with him. The very real person Jesus, the very real person Holy Spirit, and even God Himself will live in us.

This is the "divine power," a better "life." As a matter of fact, Jesus even tells us this.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. " John 10:10

This is the "divine power," a better "life." This is "godliness,"

Not because of us. There is nothing we can do to achieve this. This is all about God. All about Jesus. Where do we learn to become closer to God, and learn more about who Jesus really is? The Holy Spirit.

"through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises,"

It is ONLY through Him that we can receive His promises. There is no other way. No religion can save you. No good work can save you. No amount of anything, without Jesus, can do anything for you. Simply put,

"And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." 1 John 5:12

If you leave out God, how do you imagine being able to come to God? Even Isaiah told us who Jesus will be. He said this.

"For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

We all know John 3 16-18

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God."

Simply put, WHOEVER, ANYONE, EVERYONE, all-inclusive. Anyone that accepts Jesus is adopted into the family of God and into Salvation. WHOEVER, ANYONE, EVERYONE, that does not accept Jesus, does not make it to heaven. He who has the Son has life, and he who does not have the Son has not. It is only through Him

"so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

Paul puts it this way in his letter to the Romans.

"For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact, the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness." Romans 8:7-10

If you want the assurance of "salvation," "blessings," "divine power," and a better "life," with ANY hope to have any kind of "godliness," it is only through Jesus and the knowledge of God's Word. There is no other way.

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

If you want to tell me, comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus IS the Lord of all!