Let us Affirm these three realities during our difficulties so that we excel for Christ.  I Peter 1 teaches us that believers to whom he was writing had trials and persecution just like we still do throughout the world. 1.  Believers Can be Scattered, yet they Can Feel Secure.  Verses 1-5 introduce the truth that no matter what happens to us on earth, we are secure in God's hands, or plan of the ages.  Does God know what is going on down here?  Does He know the pain or fears

Let us review prophetic passages that seem to teach that Christ's second coming would have been during the first century A.D.  These are especially confusing for us reading them 2000-3000 years after they were written. Verses that can be confusing: Matthew 10:23 - "You (disciples) will not have gone over the cities of Israel till the Son of Man be come. "   Matthew 16:28 - "There are some standing here which shall not taste death till the Son of Man comes into His kingdom." C

Consider Mark 4:33-41, 5:1-20 to review God's truths that help us trust Christ IN the storms. 1.  The Storms are Preparatory so that we are ready for "the other side"  (4:35; 5:1-9). Storms & all trials prepare us for greater ministry and awesome miracles, not just mansions in heaven one day.    Decapolis & Gadara are not pictures of heaven. 2.  The Storms are Normal, especially if Jesus in in your life-boat  (4:35-37). Get ready now.  Storms happen every day,

Let us review God's reminders to stir us up from Peter's letter, II Peter 3.  The closing verses give us a list of responses God expects from those who are stirred up.  Here are a few attitudes, actions, and characteristics that God calls us to. Chapter 3 is motivational in nature as Peter tells believers in verse one that his purpose is to stir them up by reminding them of truths they had already been taught by him and other apostles.  In summary, the text stirs us with trut