Introduction: There are a lot of skeptics today who do not believe the Bible is the Word of God. Have you talked with anyone lately? What would you say? Can you “defend” what you believe?

Peter, as an older man, wants to “stir up” our remembrance on why we should embrace the Word of God. He pointed out three reasons why we should be able to “Stand Our Ground” when it comes to the holy Scriptures.

1) The Solid CREDIBILITY of the Eyewitnesses!—“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). Either it is true or it is not! If it is, and it is—there are dire consequences for not believing.

From a logical, analytical and human perspective, even if it was not true—what are the repercussions for believing the reliability of the Bible; i.e. living a better life morally, relationally, mentally, emotionally and finally and more importantly, spiritually?

But the evidence and proof is overwhelming. These men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16) were CREDIBLE as they proved the authenticity of the Scriptures by laying down their life through martyrdom. Would you be willing to die for something you did not really believe?

2) The Miraculous SOVEREIGNTY of a Living God!—“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:17-18). Can you imagine the experience that Peter and the selected disciples had with Jesus Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17; Mark 9)?

However, as exhilarating as that must have been, Peter—filled with great wisdom and under the unction of the Holy Spirit—recognized that the “MORE SURE WORD of PROPHECY”; i.e. the holy Scriptures, stood head and shoulders above his personal experiences. Please think about that. Don’t overlook it. Apply it today.

3) The Undeniable AUDACITY of the Overwhelming Fulfillment of Bible PROPHECY!—“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:19-20). Check out the multiple, pinpointed accuracy of fulfilled BIBLICAL PROPHECY (over 300 with Jesus’ first coming), which have already been fulfilled, not to mention the futuristic anticipation of the RAPTURE, TRIBULATION, ARMAGEDDON, CHRIST’S SECOND COMING, MILLENNIUM, and the NEW JERUSALEM. Jesus will come again! There is hope for both now and the future because of His “PRESENCE and PROMISES”!

Contrary to false teaching, the phrase, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation,” simply means there is a correct way to interpret Bible Prophecy which can be understood by all with the proper method of interpretation.

4) The Serious URGENCY on the Edge of ETERNITY!—“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). Eternity is too long to be wrong! To reject the Word of God and ultimately the Son of God will result in being eternally lost and doomed forever in the lake of fire.Refuting the lies that just mere men wrote what they wanted to (errors), Peter clarified that these men were “moved” (φέρω)—carried by the Holy Spirit; i.e. like a sailboat would be pushed along by the wind.

Conclusion: Multiple MANUSCRIPT evidences (Dead Sea Scrolls), ARCHAEOLOGICAL artifacts, and PROPHETICAL fulfillments provide solid evidence that we can trust the BIBLE as the Word of GOD. Therefore, “Learn it. Love it. Live it”!

Storms are coming on the horizon. Is your life built upon the solid ROCK or the sinking SAND?

1. Where are some references in regards to the Trinity? (Eph 2:18) – “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen” (2Cor13:14).

“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:9-11).

Clearly these Scriptures confirm the biblical doctrine of the Trinity. Please note: The trinity does NOT teach that there are THREE different Gods; instead, it reveals that there is ONE GOD in three different persons – roles – all being co-equal in power and authority!

*God the Father is addressed by our Lord Jesus – God the Son – though they are co-equal. “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” (Matt 6:9). This is called the model prayer.

*God the Son is our “Great High Priest” who ever lives to intercede for us. “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Rom 8:34).

Jesus Christ’s High Priestly prayer is found in John Chapter 17 where He prays for Himself, His disciples, and all believers.  

*God the Holy Spirit helps us to pray. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Rom 8:26-27).

These selected verses verify the different roles played by the Trinity in the matter of prayer for the CHRISTian.

Conclusion: Last but not least, the Great Commission alludes to the Trinity. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matt 28:18).

1. Being In Christ sends old things away! (2 Cor 5:17) – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Once born again, the old condemning penalty for sin passes away. Gone…. never to be remembered anymore. The lake of fire is no longer in view! Whereas, the gift of God is now New!

2. Being In Christ doesn’t mean that some old things won’t try to come back! (Gal 5:16-24) – “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”

Obviously even though the flesh has been dealt with by the mighty cross of Jesus Christ, its underlying tentacles try to resurface. Howbeit, one fatal blow by the Holy Spirit renders it inoperative.

3. Being In Christ means that one day all old things will pass away, but things will be made New! (Rev 21:1-7) – “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea…..”

Somewhere in the future there is going to be a passing away of the old earth as we know it, but a creating of a new heaven and a new earth. How is God going to do it? Only He knows. Can’t wait!

Introduction: Imagine….working with God! Jonah learned that you can not RUN “from” God…. you cannot RUN “over” the Lord, but you can RUN “with” God.

1. What does it mean to be a co-laborer? (1Cor 3:9) – “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” Are you working with the Lord?

2. Who gets the reward? (1Cor 3:8) – “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.” God rewards those who serve Him (John 12:26).

3. When will the rewards come? (1Cor 3:11-16) – “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!

1. Be GLAD with CERTAINTY! (Rom 12:12) – “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.”

Do you see first of all, “rejoicing in hope”? That means be glad with certainty! We have hope because God is the God of all hope! Have you lost hope? You can be certain that Jesus knows our every need.

2. Be Patient thru ADVERSITY! (Rom 12:12) – “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.”

This is a great word. “Patient in tribulation.” The word patient means here “stand your ground” thru trouble and trials.
Instead of falling down, we are to “stand our ground”! Are you standing or falling?

Introduction: How can we have confidence going into the New Year? Here are 3 secrets to share with others who are going into the New Year.

1. Confident in spite of the Unexpectable! (Josh 3:4) – “Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.”

Even though we do not know what to expect, we can have confidence that our God has already been there. He knows what is going to happen from the beginning to the end.

That should bring a sense of Peace in our hearts. Does it yours?

2. Assurance with the Unchangeable! (Josh 1:8) – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

Some things do not CHANGE! The Bible is the same; Jesus Christ is the same. Therefore living in a world of changes, this should bring security to our hearts because of its promises. 

3. Faithful and Unfearful! (Josh 1:9) – “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

If our God is for us who can be against us?

Conclusion: These three secrets are the way to going into the New Year without fear!

Are you going to be fearful or faithful?

Introduction: 2024 is here…. Happy New Year! But truthfully, without our Lord’s guidance and blessing, 2024 will be in vain.

So, the following is a New Year’s prescription for a great year: 

1. Where can we find SATISFACTION in the New Year? (Psa 37:4; John 7:17) – “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.”

Remember. Obedience always brings Blessings! That is where we will find fulfillment in life, which results in a satisfying life. Have you discovered that truth?

2. Where can we find DIRECTION for the New Year? (Rom 8:14; Psa 37:23) – “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”

Going in the right direction is important wouldn’t you say? Well, how then can we know we are going in the right direction? The answer is by the Spirit of God. And don’t forget, to add the Word of God. 

Are you headed in the right direction this New Year? Do you need to follow God’s GPS system?

3. Where can we find RESTORATION in the New Year? (Psa 23:3; Gal 6:1) – “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

The ministry of RESTORATION is greatly needed in our day. While many profess to be saved, it becomes obvious that they are not walking in the will of God. Therefore, confession and restoration must take place.

Do you know anybody that needs restoring?

4. Where can we find RECONCILIATION in the New Year? (2Cor 5:18-20) – “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

Jesus has called us to be agents of reconciliation. How are you doing? Go and help others to be reconciled. 

Conclusion: What do you think of this New Year’s Prescription?

Try it. You will like it!

1. Relational changes
2. Financial changes

Read Hebrews 12:14-15:

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”

Wrongdoing, bitter feelings, and separation plagues too many families, including CHRISTians. Forgiveness is desperately needed. Grace definitely needs to be extended. Love is greatly lacking. All of these emotional issues are not problematic in themselves when being discussed. The problem is learning to “let go” or “hold on”!

Jesus gives us the cure for this sinful disease. (Isa 1:18, 1John 1:9, Eph 4:32)

Here are some selective New Testament passages:

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (2Cor 9:6-8).

Introduction: How is your prayer life? The New Year is right around the corner, and with it brings new expectations. What can we pray for in the New Year? 

Here are a few suggestions:

1. How about New Vision? (Hab 2:1-4) – “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

God has the BIG picture in mind. He has the much more…but often He will give His Vision before the Provision. Habakkuk needed a word from the Lord. Do you?

Remember. He did not have the full revelation of Scripture in his day, whereas, we do. Study the Word. Find insight from the Bible concerning the Will of God. 

2. How about a New Provision? (Phil 4:19) – “For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Where our Lord guides, He provides. Are you trusting Him?

Conclusion: What about it? New Vision? New Provisions? New Decisions? 

Why not make these your prayer for 2024?

Introduction: Are you going to expect “less than heaven’s best” in 2024? Or are you going to trust Jesus for “Much More in 2024?”

Where can we pray and trust our Lord for “More in 2024”?

1. More Faith! (James 1:2-4; 1Pet 1:6,7) – “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Who doesn’t need more faith in 2024? Are you a candidate? Truthfully, every Christian could use alittle more faith….faith in the area of finances? family? future? friends?

Why not trust the Lord for an open door of more faith in 2024?

2. More Grace! (James 4:6) – “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

Grace is greatly needed. Without God’s amazing grace, available grace, and abounding grace we would be sunk and worthless.

But because of His Grace being in Place we can run the Race….Grace to forgive….Grace to let go of hurts and pain….Grace to move on without being bitten with bitterness….Grace to show love when it is not deserved….Grace to rise above the stench of the world….Grace to persevere when you feel like quitting…..Grace to stay focused when things are blurry…..Grace to stay humble when goals are accomplished….Grace to war against principalities and powers…..Grace to pray for others. Oh the GRACE of GOD that is GREATER than all our sins!!!

3. More Opportunities with an Open Door in 2024! (2Cor 2:12; Acts 14:27; 1Cor 16:9) – “Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord.”

“And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.”

“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”

One dear lady who lived in an assisted living home used to say to this Pastor every time seeing her, “Prayer is the Key to heaven, but FAITH unlocks the door”!

Conclusion: Are you looking for an OPEN DOOR in 2024? Besides these mentioned in this brief devotion, a DOOR of more FAITH, more GRACE, and more OPPORTUNITIES, what DOORS will be set before you in 2024?