Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
…if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials …
Summary: “Why do people suffer?” is a question that has plagued humanity since the first campfire. The next question is, “Will God save me?” Somewhere in here is a question about godliness.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:9a — Good versus Godly”
… who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)—
Summary: How we judge others tells others about the standards we judge by.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:7b-8 — Right and Wrong”
… and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man,
Summary: The Bible gives us two definitions of righteousness. Understanding the difference between the two helps us to better understand the concept.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:7a — A Righteous Man”
… if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;
Summary: Is God mean? Are his judgments unfair? Does the fact that God is spirit have any impact on what the Bible tells us?
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:6 — Example 3, Part 4: Denouement”
… if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;
Summary: The example of Sodom and Gomorrah should be studied by all. It details a real-life example of why we should all want to avoid falling under God’s judgment.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:6 — Example 3, Part 3: Judgment”
… if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;
Summary: In between judgment and execution, there is another step. This story shows us how much attention God pays to the details.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:6 — Example 3, Part 2: God’s Mercy”
… if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;
Summary: Peter reveals how tolerant God is by reminding us of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:6 — Example 3 Part 1: Negotiations”
… if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others;
Summary: God provides both judgment and salvation. Our challenge is to trust God during the process.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:5 — Example 2: The Barn Boat”
For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment …
Summary: Peter gives us a peek into things we cannot see by telling us what happens in the spiritual realm.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:4 — Example 1: The Crazy Uncle”
Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
Summary: When injustice and wrong teaching seems to infiltrate the church, God is there. His words to us in Peter’s letter seem to say, “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:3a — Peter’s Parade”