We are a diverse congregation, which means we need to answer one particular question: what is the best way for Christians from different cultural backgrounds to love one another — especially if we have different responses to the pandemic?
Peter outlines the first step of his new training program: start by making sure you are on the right track yourself.
For the second step in his training program, Peter gives Christians a simple, two-part way to test the truth.
Peter tells his friends that they will often be out-numbered by false teachers and false believers — but this does not mean that God’s plan has failed.
Peter gets into the details of how a false teacher is born, and what they look like when they are full grown.
Peter warns his friends not to let slick advertising lead them back into slavery.
Peter zooms back out to remind his friends of the big picture: no matter how dark things get, God’s plan is proceeding exactly as it should.
Peter closes his letters with a review and a summary: make every effort to be on your guard by making every effort to grow.
Asian Christians are under pressure from the Roman empire, and aren’t sure how to respond. Peter begins his answer by digging right down to the foundations of reality.
Asian Christians ask Peter for a cost/benefit analysis of their new citizenship in Christ. Peter begins with the benefits.
