“Final Words of First Importance”

March 19, 2023 - Sunday 10:00 AM CST

2 Peter 1:10-15

10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and choosing sure; for in doing these things, you will never stumble;

11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. 

12 Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been strengthened in the truth which is present with you.

13 I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder,

14 knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has indicated to me.

15 And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.

 

Referenced Scripture:

John 21:18-19a

 

Quotes:

“God’s grace should not lead to moral relaxation but intense effort.”  Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner 

 

“Weep not for me, but  for yourselves. The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, through the  mediation of His blessed Son, receives me, though a sinner. We shall  meet to sing the new song, and remain everlastingly happy.” - John Bunyan 

 

“I am going into eternity; and it is sweet to me to think of  eternity; the endlessness of it makes it sweet. But oh! What shall I say  of the future of the wicked! The thought is too dreadful!” - David Brainerd 

 

“Stay with me, for God's sake; I cannot bear to be left alone , O Lord, help me! O God, what have I done to suffer so much? What will become of me hereafter? I would give worlds if I had them, that The Age of Reason had never been published. O Lord, help me! Christ, help me! No, don't leave; stay with me! Send even a child to stay with me; for I am on the edge of hell here alone. If ever the Devil had an agent, I have been that one.” - Thomas Payne 

 

"I have swallowed nothing but smoke. I have intoxicated myself with the incense that turned my head. I am abandoned by God and man.” Then he said to his doctor: I will give you half of what I am worth if you will give me six months of life." When he was told this was not possible, he said “Then I shall die and go to hell!”And then his nurse said: “For all the money in Europe I wouldn’t want to see another unbeliever die! All night long he cried for forgiveness.” - Voltaire