Episode 988
What If The End Times Are Really About New Beginnings?
The salient point of today's discussion centers on the concept of divine timing as elucidated in 2nd Peter 3:8-13. We delve into the profound understanding that, in the realm of the divine, time is not measured in the same manner as it is in our human experience; rather, one day can equate to a thousand years. This passage conveys a message of hope, emphasizing that God's patience is not indicative of delay but rather an opportunity for transformation and growth. We reflect on the importance of living a holy life amidst uncertainty and the necessity of actively participating in the creation of a more just and loving world. As we engage with these themes, we encourage our listeners to consider small actionable steps they can take to foster positive change in their own lives.
The dialogue presented herein delves into the intricate theological insights derived from the reading of 2nd Peter 3:8-13, as interpreted through the lens of the Message version. Dr. Brad Miller articulates a significant theme concerning the relativity of time as perceived by the divine compared to human understanding. He posits that God's timing is inherently different from our own, where what may appear as delay is, in fact, a manifestation of divine compassion, offering humanity ample opportunity for reflection and transformation. This exposition challenges listeners to reframe their anxieties surrounding life's uncertainties and to adopt a perspective steeped in patience and faith.
Furthermore, Dr. Miller's narrative is interwoven with personal reflections, particularly his experiences as a cancer survivor, which serve to illustrate the profound impact that a diagnosis can have on one’s perception of time. He introduces the concept of 'cancer time,' which underscores the urgency and significance of each moment, thus advocating for a conscious engagement with life. The discussion progresses to highlight the necessity of hope in shaping our present reality, urging individuals to actively participate in the creation of a more just and loving world rather than succumbing to passive anticipation for future events. By encouraging listeners to undertake small, impactful actions, Dr. Miller reinforces the notion that transformative change can indeed stem from seemingly minor efforts, thereby fostering an environment of collective growth and understanding.
Takeaways:
- In this episode, we explore the concept of divine timing as articulated in 2nd Peter, where one day is equated to a thousand years in God's perspective.
- We emphasize the importance of patience and understanding in the process of personal growth, particularly when faced with challenges such as illness.
- The discussion encourages listeners to actively participate in the creation of a just and loving world, rather than passively awaiting future promises.
- We reflect on the necessity of living a holy life daily, especially in light of the transient nature of earthly existence.
- The podcast invites us to consider the hope that shapes our present actions, rather than simply waiting for an apocalyptic future.
- We conclude with a call to action, urging individuals to take small steps towards making positive changes in their own lives.
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
- Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
- A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
- A prayer for your day.
A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.
You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".
Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.
Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)
Transcript
Hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.
Speaker A:In a bit I will read the New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
Speaker A:The reading is understandable.
Speaker A:I use the message version relatable.
Speaker A:Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with steps you can take.
Speaker A:We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by Daily.com which is the home of your free personal Bible Study Guide, the ABC1, 23 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A: lionaires a million people by: Speaker A:You can help by saving and subscribing to the podcast and tagging your friends.
Speaker A:Here's today's reading and we are reading.
Speaker B:Today from 2nd Peter 3, 8, 13 from the message the Day the Sky.
Speaker A:Will Collapse don't overlook the obvious here, friends.
Speaker B:With God, one day is as good as a thousand years.
Speaker A:A thousand years as a day.
Speaker B:God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness.
Speaker B:He is restraining himself on account of you holding back the end because he doesn't want anyone lost.
Speaker B:He's giving everyone space and time to change.
Speaker B:But when the day of God's judgment does come, it will be unannounced, like a thief.
Speaker B:The sky will collapse with a thunderous bang, everything disintegrating into a raging inferno, Earth and all its works exposed to the scrutiny of judgment.
Speaker B:Since everything here today might be well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life daily?
Speaker B:Expect the day of God eager for its arrival.
Speaker B:The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day, but we'll hardly notice.
Speaker B:We'll be looking up the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new Earth, all landscaped with righteousness.
Speaker B:Well, my good friends, Dr. Brad Miller here, we're going to talk today about this passage here, about finding joy and even in uncertain times.
Speaker B:And my wife and I were walking as we owe you almost every day and and we coming up on our 34th anniversary, we're talking about how it seems like time flies sometimes and and some days marriage seems like an eternity, and sometimes it seems like just a day or two and just a blink of an eye.
Speaker B:It can vary, can't it?
Speaker B:And here's what I want to share with you is that time is relative.
Speaker B:And as we look here at this passage from 2nd Peter 3, 8, 13, it's a powerful Message for folks about the perspective of time.
Speaker B:And you may think this text is all about, you know, the day of God's judgment.
Speaker B:It sounds pretty heavy, but I want you to stick with me here for just a few minutes.
Speaker B:There's some really hopeful stuff here.
Speaker B:Here's three points to ponder.
Speaker B:It's about divine time, not our time.
Speaker B:You know, as someone who works with cancer patients, I'm a cancer survivor myself.
Speaker B:Time becomes relative and it becomes kind of different in a way.
Speaker B:Sometimes we even call it cancer time.
Speaker B:When you get that cancer diagnosis, you give a different view of time and Peter, because we think about our finiteness here on earth and relative to the cancer.
Speaker B:And Peter here is talking about with God, one day as good as a thousand years.
Speaker B:That's not just about literal time.
Speaker B:It's about trusting God's divine timing.
Speaker B:Just like my wife and I watched our three children grow up to be wonderful adults.
Speaker B:It can't be rushed.
Speaker B:It has to be appropriate to time growth.
Speaker B:Time takes the exact appropriate time.
Speaker B:Some things can't be rushed.
Speaker B:Here's another point.
Speaker B:It's about changes, about growth, not fear.
Speaker B:This passage mentions God holding back the end, not to scare us, but to give us everyone quote, space and time to change.
Speaker B:This reminds me when I worked with my children growing up and playing sports, other things that growth happens in times.
Speaker B:And I like to follow sports teams here and where I live in Indianapolis, the Pacers and the Colts and the Fever.
Speaker B:And sometimes they go through rebuilding years, you know, because they may not have a winning record, but they're trying to build toward the future.
Speaker B:It's about having patience and time.
Speaker B:Sometimes it's not about the immediate win, but about the bigger picture, the long term term vision.
Speaker B:Here's another point to ponder that hope shapes our present.
Speaker B:This text here talks about the new heavens and new earth.
Speaker B:But here's the progressive take on that.
Speaker B:This isn't just about waiting for some apocalyptic event.
Speaker B:It's about actively participating in creating a better world right now.
Speaker B:Just like when you, you know, people who hike a lot and walk in the woods, we talk about leave no trace.
Speaker B:That is, you know, don't take things out of the woods or whatever.
Speaker B:Don't cause any damage or harm.
Speaker B:Take only pictures and leave only footprints.
Speaker B:They say preserve the beauty for future generations.
Speaker B:Here's your action step.
Speaker B:Choose one small way you can help create a new earth in your own life.
Speaker B:Maybe it's by reducing your own wastefulness in life.
Speaker B:Or it's speaking up for justice or showing kindness to someone who's different than you remember.
Speaker B:Big changes happen with small steps.
Speaker B:We're going to pray here in just a minute, but I want you to know we have got a resource for you.
Speaker B:It's called the Daily Bible.
Speaker B:It's called the it's called the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Method.
Speaker B:You pick it up at our website, voiceofgod daily.com let's pray.
Speaker B:God, you're the source of all love and time and help us remember that transformation doesn't always follow our schedule.
Speaker B:Give us patience when change seems slow.
Speaker B:Encourage to be agents of positive change in our world.
Speaker B:Help us see hope not as passive waiting, but as active participation in creating a more just and loving world.
Speaker B:Remind us that every small act of kindness, every stand for justice, every moment of care for our earth matters.
Speaker B:Thank you for giving us space to grow to change.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker A:My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
Speaker A:The Daily Bible Refresh is completely listener supported.
Speaker A: years among million people by: Speaker A:I would be so grateful if you would go to voiceofgodddaily.com and share your gift of any amount.
Speaker A:Thanks much.
Speaker A:My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.
Speaker A:Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love Love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.
