“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19, NIV)
In this important passage, Peter explains the ultimate source of his writings. He did not merely repeat cunningly devised fables when he taught majestic things about the Lord Jesus Christ, but was himself an “eyewitness” of His glory and personally heard the very voice of God on the Mount of Transfiguration (v. 16-18). The three chosen disciples witnessed His prophesied glory and heard God speak of Christ’s pleasing Sonship. There could be no doubt of God’s special plan for His Son. As eyewitnesses, they bore the responsibility of bearing witness to the facts.
But he downplayed the importance of his own personal testimony, even though it was a firsthand account and quite important, and he knew it was absolutely correct. The “something completely reliable,” he recommended, however, which outshines any human testimony, was the written Word of God, for the Transfiguration confirmed numerous Old Testament prophecies concerning Christ. Prophecies already fulfilled multiply our confidence in the rest of Scripture.
Oral or written testimony of human observers, no matter how trustworthy they may be, is still subject to human error, and not “inerrant” in the same way as Scripture. Christians must always remember that the written Word of God is more certain than personal memories or impressions. The experiences we have must never be viewed as validating God’s Word. Rather, God’s Word validates our experiences. The early church only had a few portions of the New Testament in those days of beginning, but thankfully, we have it all, and have ready access to it. Peter recognized it as superior to any personal testimony. How much more should we deem it trustworthy and authoritative?
Make it a habit to read a portion of it everyday.
It will do your heart good like a medicine.
Have a Blessed Week
Pastor Bob
About Pastor Bob
About Me:
I have pastored four different churches over the past forty years.
I have the best wife in the world, four wonderful children all "following in His footsteps," and and eight wonderful grand children.
I'm happy! I'm Blessed!
Interests:
God is number one in my life. Followed by my family.
My other interests are
American and World history,
the French Language,
Italian food,
Carpentry,
Traveling and
Viewing the beauties of nature, as well as working out at the gym.
Favorite Movies:
Some of my favorite movies are
Ben Hur,
The Ten Commandments,
Casablanca,
Gone With the Wind,
Apocalypse Now,
Schindler’s List and not the least
Narnia.
Favorite Music:
My two favorite Christian artists are
John Tesh and Steven Curtis Chapman.
I like the voice of Josh Groban
the style of Abba
the mood music of pianist Floyd Cramer and
I like to listen to Classical music while driving my car.
I like some western music as well.
Recently I listened to some of the exceptionally great music and
by Mannheim Steamroller.
Favorite Books:
The book that influences my life the most is the Bible and the second book that influenced my life the most was John Bunyan's "Pilgrim Progress."
My favorite author is Norman Geisler.
I am a non-recovering book-a-holic I presently have five books on the go not to mention the other dozen (bargain basement) books on my shelf that I have yet to crack open and indulge in.
Life is good because God is good.
I believe that "The Best Is Yet To Be!"
If you have any questions regarding the Christian life, I would be only too glad to try to help.
In His Great Name!
Pastor Bob
As I See It
The Perfect Light
In this important passage, Peter explains the ultimate source of his writings. He did not merely repeat cunningly devised fables when he taught majestic things about the Lord Jesus Christ, but was himself an “eyewitness” of His glory and personally heard the very voice of God on the Mount of Transfiguration (v. 16-18). The three chosen disciples witnessed His prophesied glory and heard God speak of Christ’s pleasing Sonship. There could be no doubt of God’s special plan for His Son. As eyewitnesses, they bore the responsibility of bearing witness to the facts.
But he downplayed the importance of his own personal testimony, even though it was a firsthand account and quite important, and he knew it was absolutely correct. The “something completely reliable,” he recommended, however, which outshines any human testimony, was the written Word of God, for the Transfiguration confirmed numerous Old Testament prophecies concerning Christ. Prophecies already fulfilled multiply our confidence in the rest of Scripture.
Oral or written testimony of human observers, no matter how trustworthy they may be, is still subject to human error, and not “inerrant” in the same way as Scripture. Christians must always remember that the written Word of God is more certain than personal memories or impressions. The experiences we have must never be viewed as validating God’s Word. Rather, God’s Word validates our experiences. The early church only had a few portions of the New Testament in those days of beginning, but thankfully, we have it all, and have ready access to it. Peter recognized it as superior to any personal testimony. How much more should we deem it trustworthy and authoritative?
Make it a habit to read a portion of it everyday.
It will do your heart good like a medicine.
Have a Blessed Week
Pastor Bob
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About Pastor Bob
About Me: I have pastored four different churches over the past forty years. I have the best wife in the world, four wonderful children all "following in His footsteps," and and eight wonderful grand children. I'm happy! I'm Blessed! Interests: God is number one in my life. Followed by my family. My other interests are American and World history, the French Language, Italian food, Carpentry, Traveling and Viewing the beauties of nature, as well as working out at the gym. Favorite Movies: Some of my favorite movies are Ben Hur, The Ten Commandments, Casablanca, Gone With the Wind, Apocalypse Now, Schindler’s List and not the least Narnia. Favorite Music: My two favorite Christian artists are John Tesh and Steven Curtis Chapman. I like the voice of Josh Groban the style of Abba the mood music of pianist Floyd Cramer and I like to listen to Classical music while driving my car. I like some western music as well. Recently I listened to some of the exceptionally great music and by Mannheim Steamroller. Favorite Books: The book that influences my life the most is the Bible and the second book that influenced my life the most was John Bunyan's "Pilgrim Progress." My favorite author is Norman Geisler. I am a non-recovering book-a-holic I presently have five books on the go not to mention the other dozen (bargain basement) books on my shelf that I have yet to crack open and indulge in. Life is good because God is good. I believe that "The Best Is Yet To Be!" If you have any questions regarding the Christian life, I would be only too glad to try to help. In His Great Name! Pastor Bob