October 17, 2021 | Sunday Morning
Speaker: Pastor Brian Hill
Description
Many people peddle philosophies and religions. Most are dependent on fabricated stories, fables and myths. The Bible is different! Peter tells his readers that the apostles’ prophecy about the Lord’s return is based on first-hand, eyewitness testimony. Peter was one of the disciples who saw, heard and was present for Jesus’ transfiguration.
Peter emphasized that the apostles had declared to his readers the future coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in power (the second coming). This proclamation was not based on myths or fictitious stories, but rather on their own eyewitness testimony.
Peter, along with James and John, had been eyewitnesses at Jesus’ transfiguration. The Gospel writers link the transfiguration with Jesus’ kingdom. So, for Peter, Jesus’ return to rule and reign is certain because he had already seen it.
Peter explained that he was not only an eyewitness, but they also heard God’s voice from heaven affirm Jesus’ sonship and his ministry. Both of these affirmations have prophetic implications.
In addition to seeing and hearing what transpired, Peter and the other two were physically present with Jesus on the sacred mountain. This fixes the transfiguration in the real time and space of human history. It is not a myth! He was there and experienced it.
Jesus, God’s Incarnate Word, is reliable – he will return. In our next message, we will look at God’s Inspired Word, the Bible, and see that it too is reliable.