Sermons
Sermons from Bay Vista Baptist ChurchWe Are NOT Alone!
As Peter wraps up his letter to the church under fire, he reminds the believers that they are not alone. The family of faith provides us support, remind us of Christ’s truth, and help us share in the peace of God.
The Refreshing
Peter encourages his readers one final time, with a reminder that God has promised to perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish His people. We can rejoice that, though God, we will ultimately stand victorious.
The Roaring Lion
Peter follows up his individual admonitions to the shepherds and the flock, he reminds us that we need to always be on guard against the enemy. He uses the image of a roaring lion to drive home the seriousness of this enemy, but also encourages us to stand firm against him.
Following the Shepherds
After his admonition to the elders, Peter speaks with the rest of the believers, encouraging them to be led by humility and complete dependence upon God.
Shepherding the Flock
Peter turns his attention from the churches at large to speak to the “elders,” the leaders of those churches. His admonition to them is also an expectation that church members should have of their leaders.
Judgment Is Coming
Judgment is not just a concept for other people, in the future; it applies to us in the present. Peter tells his readers that judgment on earth is a real possibility, and that commitment to God is the best way to endure it.
Suffering as a Saint
Peter wrote to Christians about facing suffering; these Christians were about to be blamed for the burning of Rome under Nero. He told them that suffering for the sake of the gospel helps to purify believers and glorify God’s name.
The End Is Near
Nearly every Christian has felt that Jesus will return in their lifetime. Even if He does not return in our lifetime, though, we are each one day closer to the end of our ability to live for Him. What should we be doing as we look toward the “near” return of Christ?
Dead to Self
Our culture values the strong self, the person who pulled themselves up by their own boot straps. However, Peter encourages us by telling us that, by denying ourselves, we can have victory over sin and a testimony that will get the attention of a self-focused world.
Our Hope Is Built on Nothing Less
Peter encourages his readers to be zealous in their hope, and to be ready to give a defense for their hope. Like them, we also should be fearless in living, defending, and sharing our hope with others.