This past Sunday, our Lead Pastor, Ben Johnson, preached a message entitled "What Kind of People Ought We Be?" Pastor Ben encouraged us to live with eternity in view, drawing from 2 Peter 3:8–14 and God's promise of a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. He reminded us that while the Lord is patient, His return is certain, calling us to respond by living lives that reflect His heart. Pastor Ben highlighted three key characteristics every believer should pursue: being holy, set apart for God; hopeful, confidently looking forward to Christ's return and His promises; and ready, making every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him. This message challenges us to live faithfully today as we eagerly anticipate the day when God makes everything new.
✍️ Notes Title: What Kind of People Ought We Be? – Ben Johnson
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives… as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 2 Peter 3:8-14 (NIV)
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13 (NIV)
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:1-5 (NIV)
The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ Acts 2:20-21 (NIV)
1. Holy “You ought to live holy and godly lives...” For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. Deuteronomy 7:6 (NIV)
2. Hopeful “… as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” “…we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”
3. Ready “… make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”
