2 Peter 3:1-7 (NRSV)
Scoffers doubt God's message
This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you; in them I am trying to arouse your sincere intention by reminding you that you should remember the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken through your apostles. First of all you must understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts and saying, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!" They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago and an earth was formed out of water and by means of water, through which the world of that time was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the godless.
This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you; in them I am trying to arouse your sincere intention by reminding you that you should remember the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken through your apostles. First of all you must understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts and saying, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!" They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago and an earth was formed out of water and by means of water, through which the world of that time was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the godless.
Reflection
Some people live to argue and other's argue to learn and understand. It's important to be able to designate the needs of each. When we speak of God's coming in Jesus Christ in the past, present and future, it seems to pull up disputes in faith. Depending on the reference point of the individual you are speaking with, you may have someone who desires to learn, someone who is curious or you may have someone who scoffs at what you say. But what you have to say is the same message. A bit of persuastion may help but too much sometimes just leads to an arguement which usually doesn't help.
In this try to "arouse sincere intention" and move on. We believe in Christ's coming and stand by this belief in faith, hope and love. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, when you and I are scoffed at or ridiculed for our beliefs, teach me how to say the words that need to be said and walk away in love... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen
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