Revelation 6:2

Revelation 6:1

GRACE

Grace

 2 Peter lets us know exactly what Grace is and how it works and continues to work through God's Devine Nature.  

2 Peter 1:2

2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

Grace can be multiplied, so we now understand that it was bestowed upon each of us “once.” This occurred when we first recognized Jesus as our savior and repented of our sins. At that moment, God’s divine power granted us all the blessings that pertain to life and godliness.

2 Peter 1:3

3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Through his divine power (his plan), he has bestowed upon us magnificent and precious promises (through the knowledge of Jesus), with which we may (or may not) participate in God’s divine nature, becoming conquerors.

2 Peter 1:4

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

VVerse 5 further explains that we are to add to these promises. We can add virtues and knowledge.

2 Peter 1:5

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

In verse 6, we are instructed to add Temperance, Patience, and Godliness.

2 Peter 1:6

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

Verse 7 also suggests adding brotherly kindness and charity..

2 Peter 1:7

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

Verse 8 explains the reason behind these additions to the promises. It states that these additions enhance your ability to execute the plan of Grace. Furthermore, it emphasizes that if you don’t apply your expanded knowledge of the plan of Grace through actions, you can become barren and unproductive.

2 Peter 1:8

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 9 delves into the fate of those who have received the plan of Grace and promises, but fail to incorporate these blessings into their lives. It also reaffirms that the plan of Grace is bestowed upon individuals for their past transgressions, as well as being extended to their subsequent actions.

2 Peter 1:9

9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Verse 10 warns us that the plan of Grace won’t safeguard us if we’re not diligent about incorporating these additions and neglect our faith, calling, and election. However, if we remain vigilant, we won’t fall from the plan of Grace through God’s divine power.

2 Peter 1:10

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 

Verse 11 provides the rationale behind the additions and concludes this section of Peter’s passage with a note of hope, asserting that “for so” implies “because if you add these things and don’t neglect them,” you will gain access to the everlasting Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

 2 Peter 1:11

11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 KJV

Ecclesiastes 1:9 KJV 

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. 

As a young man, I began my life with the assumption that my parents had provided me with all the knowledge and understanding I needed to live life to its fullest. At the age of 18, I had accepted the notion that I was a man and that my purpose was to venture into the world and make my way until the coming of the Lord to take away His bride. This was my personal perspective, shaped by my limited understanding of life.

Under the teachings I received as a child and adolescent, I was prepared to lead a modest and short life until that auspicious day when Jesus would return. The year I heard this message was 1969. I had been taught that Jesus’ return, which was anticipated to happen in about 10 years or 1979, was imminent. 

At least, that’s what I had believed I had been taught! In later years, I asked my father why he had taught about the early arrival of the Lord, and he adamantly denied ever having done so. I was astounded! I was certain that he had taught it or had agreed that Jesus would return soon. However, I knew my father was not a liar and didn’t exaggerate when he was serious. Therefore, I firmly believe that he never taught a specific or precise date for Jesus’ return.

I reflected on what he had shared and soon realized that I had already acquired knowledge about the impending arrival of Jesus through other ministers. My conclusions had been drawn from the teachings of various ministers I had listened to throughout my 18 years in the Body of Christ. While I had been a self-directed student, influenced by the fervor of their teachings, I had neglected to dedicate time to study and failed to ask pertinent questions about those teachings from my local minister.  

Armed with limited understanding and an abundance of information, I made the decision to identify as a man. My emotions were intense, and my determination to forge my own path as an independent individual was palpable. 

My driving thoughts and aspirations were shaped by several key ideologies. At the age of 18, I had graduated from high school and was eager to secure a job. I had previously worked part-time at a local gas station since I was 16, believing I had the necessary skills to make a living. Additionally, I held religious beliefs that taught me I had approximately 10 to 12 years before the arrival of the Lord (I wholeheartedly embraced this notion). To achieve happiness and fulfillment, I desired a wife and two children to accompany me to heaven. Recognizing the imminent arrival of Jesus, I felt compelled to prioritize my life and make the most of my time.

That was all I needed—that was my sole objective. At that moment, I didn’t require anything else; I was content with this profound understanding. Then, I met the girl with whom I wanted to spend my short life at a church meeting, which our church provides for its members. I was certain she had had the same upbringing as I had and never bothered to inquire about her aspirations. Consequently, it was highly probable that she shared the same belief that Jesus was coming very soon, and we should collectively strive towards our similar objectives. I made the error of assuming that she thought…just like me.

We were married, and I dedicated my life to making her and me happy and comfortable until that glorious day of Jesus’ arrival. We resided in Bloomington, Indiana, for approximately two years before relocating to my wife’s hometown of Memphis, Tennessee.

Four years later, I found myself returning to Bloomington, Indiana, on a chilly day in early 1977. I was alone, without my wife, my baby son, a job, and no assurance that Jesus would return within the next two years.

Ecclesiastes 1:9, in the King James Version, proclaims that nothing is novel under the sun. Every human experience has been repeated throughout history. This concept is further emphasized in Hebrews 4:15, where it is stated that we all face temptations in a common manner, just as Jesus did.

Hebrews 4:15 KJV 

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 

We are all given this world to live in, with our own unique circumstances. Since it is shared by so many people, there is nothing that you and I have been tempted with that is different or special in any way, shape, or form.  

Each of us has been blessed with the tools and abilities to discover Christ. We possess the freedom of choice, the power to question and gather knowledge, the instinct for survival, and the drive to achieve our goals. We are also filled with curiosity to seek the meaning of life and a yearning for a greater power beyond ourselves.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 KJV tells us that “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be and that which is done is that which shall be done”.  There are others who have endured similar challenges and trials. We are not unique in our struggles; we have a mediator who understands our feelings and emotions that accompany these afflictions.

Most of our problems related to temptations and testing stem from our upbringing and emotional state. This, coupled with our ego, lack of humility, and misunderstanding of our place in the world, impacts those we share our lives with.

The error I committed was self-inflicted. My fear was that the Lord would not return. My desire was to live a good life before His return. I am certain that there are others who pursued similar goals. While I doubt that many have endured the same trials as I have, there are others who have shared similar trials and can relate to my life.  

The question that immediately comes to mind is: Who should we blame? The most honest answer is that we should only blame ourselves!

I should have sought my father’s wisdom on the coming of the Lord. If I had grasped his teachings better, I might have taken a different path to build my life. That single question could have prevented me from immense pain and suffering. This is the simplest explanation for my failure, and it’s the most accurate. I acknowledge that other factors influenced my thinking and decisions, but the truth remains: I neglected my responsibility and was driven by emotions and desires.  

After overcoming the self-created problems, I’ve faced numerous temptations. These experiences have transformed me into a better person, instilling in me patience and endurance through the teachings of the Lord. I’ve rediscovered my true roots, grounded in the Lord’s teachings. Throughout these trials, God has been my constant companion. I’ve learned to trust in His word and diligently watch, praying for His guidance. Additionally, I’ve found solace and strength in my brothers and sisters in Christ, who have shared similar experiences. Without the Lord, I am nothing, and I’m committed to dedicating my entire life to Him.    

II have also learned that my premise about the Lord’s return to take away His Bride remains true!

I am still searching for the return of my Lord!

Written by: Charles E Cohenour Jr.

Standard's by which to live

Proverbs 2:1 KJV 

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 

Proverbs 2:2 KJV 

So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 

Proverbs 2:3 KJV 

Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 

Proverbs 2:4 KJV 

If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 

Proverbs 2:5 KJV 

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 

Proverbs 2:6 KJV 

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 

Proverbs 2:7 KJV 

He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 

Proverbs 2:8 KJV 

He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. 

Proverbs 2:9 KJV 

Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. 

Proverbs 2:6 holds the key to understanding these verses: For the Lord gives wisdom!

The Lord has an established communication branch that He works through. This branch is found in the following passage:  

Romans 10:14 KJV 

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 

Romans 10:15 KJV 

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 

To hear the Words of Wisdom, they must emanate from a divine preacher, sent by God. The preacher’s responsibility is to impart the “understanding” of the wisdom conveyed when you listen to these words. Similarly, through the minister, you receive knowledge and the ability to seek further knowledge.

From these scriptures, we can deduce that a man can acquire knowledge and understanding through his own study. However, wisdom comes from a preacher. Therefore, we must have a church, and attending church is essential to attain wisdom and fulfill all that God has to offer.

Written by Charles Cohenour Jr.