Welcome to In the Field Audio Bible , a podcast where scripture comes alive in the stillness of our hearts and minds . I'm Christie , your host for this episode , and today, we're stepping into the rich and timeless words of the second epistle of Peter , chapter 3 . A chapter that feels as urgent and relevant today as when it was first written .
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Visit us today and make it a meaningful part of your walk with God . Picture this" the Apostle Peter , nearing the end of his life , writes with the urgency of a man who knows his time is short . His voice is steady , but his heart is on fire .
He reaches out not just to the believers of his day , but across the centuries , to you and me , reminding us of truths that can anchor our lives in uncertain times . He begins with a call to remember the words spoken by the prophets in the command of our Lord .
He knows how easy it is for us to forget , to get caught up in the busyness of life and to lose sight of the bigger picture . But Peter is insistent . God's promises are not forgotten , even when they seem delayed . And then he speaks of the scoffers , the doubters who mock the idea of Jesus returning , claiming everything just goes on as it always has .
Peter , with the wisdom of a seasoned guide , reminds us of the flood , a time when God's promises of judgment and salvation became real . He warns us that the next time won't be with water but with fire , as God renews and restores creation . But here's the heart of Peter's message , a truth that reveals the depths of God's love .
He says the Lord is not slow in keeping His promise , as some understand slowness . Instead , he is patient with you , not wanting anyone to perish , but everyone to come to repentance . Can you hear the tenderness in those words ? God's delay isn't forgetfulness , it's mercy .
And finally , peter shifts our focus forward to the promise of a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness will dwell . But he doesn't leave us gazing into the distance . He asks us what kind of people should we be as we wait ? Peter's answer is clear . Should we be as we wait ?
Peter's answer is clear Live holy and godly lives , striving for peace and growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord . So as we step into this chapter together , let Peter's words stir in your heart .
Imagine yourself receiving this letter , not as an ancient relic , but as a personal message from a loving mentor who longs to see you live a life of purpose and hope . I hope you have your favorite cup of tea or coffee . Sit back , listen and enjoy this reading of the Second Epistle of Peter , Chapter 3 . The Second Epistle of Peter , Chapter 3 .
Dear friends , this is now my second letter to you . I have written both of them as reminders . I want to encourage you to think in a way that is pure . I want you to remember the words the Holy Prophet spoke in the past . Remember the command our Lord and Savior gave through your apostles .
Most of all , here is what you must understand In the last days , people will make fun of the truth . They will laugh at it . They will follow their own evil desires . They will say where is this return he promised ? Everything goes on in the same way it has since our people of long ago died .
In fact , it has continued this way since God first created everything . Long ago , god's word brought the heavens into being . His word separated the earth from the waters and the waters surrounded it . But these people forget things like that on purpose . The waters also flooded the world of that time , and so they destroyed the world .
By God's word , the heavens and earth of today are being reserved for fire . They are being kept for the day when God will judge . Then ungodly people will be destroyed . Dear friends , here is one thing you must not forget . With the Lord , a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day . The Lord is not slow to keep his promise .
He is not slow in the way some people understand it . Instead , he is patient with you . He doesn't want anyone to be destroyed . He is patient with you . He doesn't want anyone to be destroyed . Instead , he wants all people to turn away from their sins . But the day of the Lord will come like a thief . The heavens will disappear with a roar .
Fire will destroy everything in them . God will judge the earth and everything done in it . So everything will be destroyed in this way . And what kind of people should you be ? You should lead holy and godly lives . Live like this , this as you look forward to the day of God . Living like this will make the day come more quickly .
On that day , fire will destroy the heavens . Its heat will melt everything in them , but we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth . Godliness will live there . All this is in keeping with God's promise . Dear friends , I know you are looking forward to this , so try your best to be found pure and without blame . Be at peace with God .
Remember that while our Lord is waiting patiently to return , people are being saved . Our dear brother Paul also wrote to you about this . God made him wise to write as he did . Paul writes the same way . In all his letters he speaks about what I have just told you . His letters include some things that are hard to understand .
People who don't know better and aren't firm in the faith twist what he says . They twist the other scriptures too , so they will be destroyed . Dear friends , you have already been warned about this , so be on your guard . Then you won't be led astray by people who don't obey the law . Instead , you will remain safe .
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior , Jesus Christ . Glory belongs to Him , both now and forever . Amen .