I read the book of 2 Peter this morning and wanted to share a few thoughts that came to my mind:

2 Peter 1:1
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

First thing that jumped out at me was Peter's introduction of himself.  Not a Christian or Christ follower, but a servant.  My first thought was, I wonder how many people in the church of America think of themselves as a servant?  Someone who serves under Christ.  Someone who does what is asked because you are his.  Then I began to ask myself, am I servant?  Am I willing to do whatever is asked of me?  If you or I was writing an introduction would we be able to write, Dean, a servant of Christ?

2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Second thought, that God the Father has given us everything we need to be Godly while on this planet.  Then why is it we constantly screw it up?  My opinion, we get so far from the Father.

2 Peter 2:1
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves.

Thirdly, we must pay attention to what is being taught.  I had a friend give me some advice on scripture that I disagreed with.  He had found a commentary to back up his beliefs.  The only problem with that, I can find a commentary to back up anything.  We must rely on god's word and God's Word alone.  People are quietly sneaking into churches and denying Christ.  Sad part, many are believing them.


2 Peter 3:3-7
First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. [4] They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." [5] But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. [6] By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. [7] By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

Lastly, Jesus will return, regardless of what the media and world says.  The majority question His return, but Jesus will return one day.  Are we ready?

4th of July Event
Had a interesting meeting with the Mayor and events coordinator of Easley this morning.  Seems a lot of vendors were upset that we gave everything away and they were down the street trying to sell the same stuff.  They have a legitimate complaint.  Here lies the problem.  Without all the vendors the event doesn't exist.  Without the event we don't have 12,000 people come through our parking lot.  They are asking us to help them make the event a success for everyone.  Basically, would we not give away everything.

I want to continue the event, yet I want to work with the city also.  I went to the mayor, city council, chief of police and fire chief asking them to let me know how we could assist them in any way.  They are now asking for our help.

Very good meeting with both sides sharing their point of view.  I understand their view completely.  Parted ways with me asking them to give me time to talk with the staff and pray about it.  I will cancel the event before trying to sell everything.  People are amazed when we give them hot dogs, drinks, cotton candy, snow cones and rides all for free. 

Sad when you think about it.  People are amazed when the church acts like the church!