The Poplar Springs Baptist Church Podcast

A Study of 2 Peter 3

Picking up where we left off in 2 Peter, Pastor Tim explores how Peter urged believers to cling to their faith and stand firmly on the foundation of godly instruction.  Peter warned that as signs of Christ's return become more evident, there will be scoffers and challenges, but God will be faithful in His promises to see us through.  He concludes with discussing what God desires for all of us when we become Christians:  to grow in grace.

Reaction to the Word

From the Book of Nehemiah, this message explores the significance of the Word of God.  Preaching to the people who had been in exile and unable to hear God's Word, Ezra found that the people were attentive, worshipful and longing for greater understanding of what they were hearing.  They desired God's Word.  Through their worship, they reverenced God and the scriptures.  And, as they gained better understanding, they expressed their joy through tears.....tears of joy and tears of repentance.  There is much for us to learn from their response.  May we always give God's Word our attention, offer our worship to the Lord and have that joy in our heart that changes us from within.

A Study of 2 Peter 2 - False Teachers

Peter warned of false teachers.  He cautioned that God will judge those who know the truth, but misguide others, twisting the Word of God and exploiting people for their own benefit.  It is up to us to study and commit to memory scripture, so that we can have discernment and better understand God's teachings.  When leaders and teachers misuse scripture, we will know false teaching from Truth.

A Revelation from John

Wherever life may take us, whatever circumstances may come our way, we can always take comfort in knowing that God loves us.....even when we have felt unloved, or perhaps unlovable.  God gave His son, Jesus, proving His love for us.  Because of our relationship with Christ who bore our sins on the Cross, we can boldly come before our Heavenly Father with the assurance that He loves us unconditionally.  He will see us through this life and call us home into His presence.  You are loved today!  God loves you.  And the universal body of believers, the Church, loves you, too.  Thanks to our loving Father, we have so much to look forward to.

A Study of 2 Peter - Growing in the Word

God is not merely satisfied with people accepting His son, Jesus.  Yes, He gave His only son that all might be saved, but He desires an ongoing, deepening relationship with each and every one of us, too.  One of the ways we know Him more intimately is by growing in the Word.  The Bible, in many respects, is God's love letter to us.  It also enables us to discern false teaching.  And understanding God's Word is key to knowing how we are to live our lives to bring God glory and draw others unto Him.  Peter understood the significance of growing in the Word, as this message reveals.

Don't Trade the Eternal for the Temporary

Regrettable decisions.  We've all made them, haven't we?  As Pastor Tim revisits the story of Esau and Jacob, we are reminded not to trade the eternal for the temporary.

A Study of I Peter 5

Peter sought to build up the Church and encourage the people to serve the Lord.  He taught them to lead by example, to practice what they preached.  He promoted humility among the younger people, urging them to follow and serve.  He also encouraged vigilence, as our adversary is always on the prowl seeking to destroy.  Lastly, Peter turned his attention to showing love.  As we examine ourselves, let us always be seeking to find ways in which we as individuals and as a congregation can improve in these areas.

Forgiving the Way Jesus Forgives

The scribes and pharisees often sought to catch Jesus at fault or in error, but Jesus was sinless.  So when the adultress was brought before Jesus, the scribes and pharisees thought for certain they would find reason to accuse Him based on His response.  However, His words put them in their place, revealing their self-righteousness.  Let us be careful that we hate our own sins, not just those of others.  The woman who encountered Jesus on that day would never be the same.  May we forgive as Christ forgives.  May we love as Christ loves.

Heaven Rejoices!

Being born again is indescribable!  When we surrender our hearts to Christ and accept His gift of salvation, we are forever changed.  Even the Bible tells us that the angels rejoice over each soul that is saved from the fiery pits of hell.  If the angels rejoice, just imagine how much more our Father is pleased when we accept His son, Jesus.  Have you been saved?  Do you know where you will spend eternity?  Heed His call today.  There will be joy in the camp.  And you will be a new person in Christ Jesus!

What's the Difference?

Beyond our beliefs, what is the difference between Christians and nonbelievers (the lost)?  Scripture reminds us that believers have hope and faith in the Lord for this life and the next, but for nonbelievers life on this earth is as good as it gets.  It is important that we all place our trust and faith in Jesus.  Jesus will return one day, and it's the Father's Will that not one soul should perish but that all come to everlasting life.