From 2 Peter we see some of the same mindsets in our culture today.

Many lack faith in the promise of God that the son of God will come again.

Peter takes on the challenge to rebuke those scoffers who were “losing faith” that Jesus is coming again.

Peter said those who do scoff are a part of the evidence the Lord is coming.

“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (2 Peter 3:3-4)

Notice the outflow from this flawed point of view; “Since Jesus has not come back, yet it means to me that He is never coming back.”

Some people said, “I am not concerned about judgment;” I will eat, drink and be merry now, because that really is all society can give us.

These unlearned scoffers declare “all things continue;” as they were from the beginning of the creation!”

If you believe this, it is not a big step to go ahead and eat, drink and be merry. For tomorrow, we die.

Peter quickly points to the flood that took place in the days of Noah. It was by the word of God He placed limitations on the seas and oceans, creating dry ground, thus giving man a world to live and thrive in. Yet, they remained “willingly ignorant.”

Ignorance is not being stupid, it is remaining “unlearned.” So that world perished. God saved only Noah and his family, because Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Noah walked with God in the cool of the evening.

“Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.” (2 Peter 3:6)

Christmas is now about three weeks away.

There are approximately 7 billion human beings on this planet, with many different beliefs.

I, for one, am a Christian. I met Jesus Christ when I was 9 years old.

My family puts up a tree, and we light it with a bunch of lights. We enjoy the music of the season, and some of the standard Christmas programs.

However, we also remind our generations this was the coming of the “long awaited” son of God.

We unwrap too many gifts, and eat way too much food. Yet, our hearts are lit up with warmth and joy.

Jesus Christ was born in a stable, and was wrapped in swaddling clothes.

He was far from home — much further than anyone really understood. The son of God on a mission to save a world even though He had to give up his place at God’s right hand, and turn his life over “to and for” mankind.

God’s witness, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear ye Him.”

Merry Christmas Winchester, and all Clark County.

Tom Hall is pastor of Church of the Living God.