The Crisis of Casual Christianity

2 pet 1:1-4

• are “options” the most highly regarded/prized thing in our lives? (ie. option to go to church, option to accept Jesus…)
• Maybe we don’t know what we actually have?
• Maybe we didn’t know that so much was available to us?
• Maybe we have been trying to be godly with limited success?
• Maybe we’re unaware of how to experience godly life change?

• The glories of the person’s of Christ’s…
  • is a faith that is: not our own, not by our own effort, not of differing quality
  • righteousness and perfection of Christ as saviour
  • abundance of peace and grace; you need to prioritize your faith
    • but only available through knowledge of God and of Jesus as Lord
    • the knowledge we speak of isn’t of facts; this is EXPERIENTIAL knowledge we’re talking about
  • Christian-life isn’t auto-pilot; requires participation in Christ
• The greatness of Christ’s power…
  • but do you treat this “faith” as fire insurance (set it, forget it, leave it for when things actually happen)?
  • essentials of Christian life: we need life and godliness
    • can’t have one without the other
    • you require KNOWLEDGE of him who called us!
  • to reject the godliness is to place your hope in jeopardy
  • can’t have life and godliness without appetite for Jesus
    • lack of appetite to meet with other Christians can indicate lack of appetite for everything related to Christ
• The grace of Christ’s promises are precious…
  • His promises are only helpful if you ENGAGE
  • HOW do we be more Christ-like?
    • there’s more to the concept of change than just His love
    • through “these” (v4): his own glory and goodness…so we can PARTICIPATE
      • PARTICIPATION: the only way to be like Christ
• Find a promise in the scriptures and challenge yourself to live it!!!