• Lesson Six in the Connect360 unit “Find Us Faithful: Standing Firm in Our Faith” focuses on 2 Peter 1:16-21

Can you imagine making a declaration of fact about events that haven’t happened yet?

That’s exactly what the Old Testament prophets did. For doing so, many of them suffered and were rejected by their own people.

Yet, they obediently declared a message from God that would be proven years or even centuries later.

In fact, the only way to know if a prophecy is true is to wait and see if it happens (Deuteronomy 18:21–22).

Thankfully, the prophecies we see in the Old Testament do, in fact, come true. Why is this important?

It is internal proof the Bible is true. Let’s look at two specific examples.

First, in Daniel 7, Daniel received and wrote down a prophetic vision that reveals “the most comprehensive and details prophecy of future events to be found anywhere in the Old Testament.”

He described in detail the rise and fall of four great empires from around 600 B.C. to around A.D. 500: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome, plus a fifth which represents the ultimately victorious kingdom of God in Jesus Christ.

This vision parallels Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the giant statue from Daniel 2.

Daniel 11 spoke with such specific detail about a 200-year section of this history that some secular historians claimed it was a forgery, written years after the events occurred.

However, the style of writing and other internal clues prove it was written during the time of Daniel and the incredible accuracy of the prophecies are nothing short of miraculous.

A second example of prophetic validation comes from Psalm 22.

In this Messianic Psalm, David described things clearly present at the cross of Jesus: disjointed bones, dry mouth and tongue, pierced hands and feet, emaciated body and divided garments won by casting lots.

David wrote these words nearly 600 years before crucifixion was invented. And look at the specificity with which he mentioned them dividing up and casting lots for Jesus’ clothing.

Remarkably, these specific things happened as Jesus hung on the cross.

I point out these two prophecies for a couple of reasons.

First, the things prophesied in them happened centuries later.

We have existing manuscripts containing the prophecies dated before the events occurred, meaning the prophecies could not have been written in hindsight.

Second, these are actions outside the control of those who might want the prophecy to be fulfilled.

The disciples could not orchestrate the events of Jesus’ crucifixion to happen as they did, even if they had wanted to.

It was divinely orchestrated.

In today’s passage, Peter spoke about the prophetic word he had experienced and that his readers can experience as well.

He encourages them to “pay attention” (1:9) and look for the day when things foretold begin to come about. He uses the prophetic nature of God’s word to encourage them to trust in it and to recognize its validity for their lives.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson Five in the Connect360 unit “Find Us Faithful: Standing Firm in Our Faith” focuses on 2 Peter 1:16-21

Divine inspiration is the most important doctrine regarding the Bible. Without it, nothing else matters.

If the Bible is not God’s word, and only man’s creation, then it has no lasting authority and no inherent power.

The Bible, however, is clear: it is God’s divinely inspired word.

Paul said the same to young Timothy, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

But what is “divine inspiration?” Some think that means the Holy Spirit literally told the men every word to write. “For” (for) “God” (God) “so” (so) “loved” (loved). …” They view the writers like robots, merely following the dictate of the Spirit. Yet, Peter gave a different picture.

In verse 21 of today’s passage he said, “Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

The Greek implies the co-laboring of the two parties to advance and produce fruit.

The fact that it is divine, inspired by the Spirit of God, also means it is without error.

The God of truth will not reveal error to his chosen writers.

Psalm 119:160 says, “The entirety of your word is truth” (CSB), and Jesus himself prayed, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17).

God’s word stands above all others as the foundation of truth, yet it also stands above all others in internal and external credibility.

We believe by faith, but thankfully, God has given us proof to reinforce our faith foundation.

We can allow these to strengthen our reliance on God’s word and our conviction to base our decisions on its authority. They should most definitely not be taken for granted.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson Four in the Connect360 unit “Find Us Faithful: Standing Firm in Our Faith” focuses on 2 Peter 1:12-15

Although Peter’s readers believed and trusted in God, they still needed to be reminded to live in the Spirit.

Since the things of this world are visible, audible and tangible, they often distract us from the invisible, spiritual and immaterial things of God.

As humans, we see clearer with our eyes than we perceive in our spirits. We hear louder with our ears than in our thoughts. We feel more concretely with our hands than in our hearts. We walk better with our feet than in his will.

But we are not without spiritual discernment.

These bodies are just tents that house our spirits. It may take more intentionality and awareness to perceive, understand and sense the spiritual things of God while we are living in this world, but they are the only things that will last.

Second Corinthians 4:18 says, “We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

So, we cannot let ourselves get complacent or idle regarding spiritual things.

No matter how great our relationships and lives on this earth seem, there will never be a more important relationship than the one that will last forever.

We will never have a more fulfilling or longer-lasting relationship than the one with our Creator, Father, Lord and Savior.

Mark 12:30 says, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

Only God can love and care for us perfectly. So, we should feed and nurture our relationship with him more than any other and strive to grow closer to him every day.

James 4:8a says, “Come close to God and he will come close to you.”

We can see, hear and know him better by doing several different things. By reading God’s word, we gain knowledge and understanding of who he is and how to walk with him.

We should be like Job, who said, “I have not failed the command of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12).

Then, by praying, we learn to communicate with him, rely on him and hear his voice.

Colossians 4:2 says, “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.”

But even when we are not sitting down to read the Bible or directly talking with the Lord, he is with us as we go about our day.

So, by being aware of his presence, we will see what he is trying to show us and recognize him as he works in our lives.

Psalm 105:4 (ESV) says, “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson Three in the Connect360 unit “Find Us Faithful: Standing Firm in Our Faith” focuses on 2 Peter 1:8-11

Two words in this verse, calling and choice, are the subject of a great deal of discussion, debate and even dissension among Baptists and Protestants in general.

That being the case, we must look at verse 10 within the original purpose of Peter’s writing— to counter false teachers and to bring understanding regarding the coming of Christ.

Believers in that day, as well as our day, need to verify their claim that they are indeed called and chosen.

But notice what this verse doesn’t say. The early believers were not instructed to observe the people around them and try to separate them into the saved and the unsaved (sheep and goats).

That could be a tempting adventure, especially considering the number of false teachers within their midst.

Yet, these brothers are to be “all the more diligent to make certain about his calling and choosing you!”

The verse begins in a plural sense (brothers) but quickly becomes personal (you). When she was only 4 years old, my granddaughter had a cap with the initials TCOYMYOB on the front.

I could not figure out what they stood for, so she finally told me. Take care of yourself, mind your own business!

While the Christian life is certainly not intended to be lived solo, making sure of your relationship to God is both personal and primary.

Our calling and choosing comes from God. Then we must respond, and further, walk in a manner worthy of that calling (Ephesians 4:1).

A real estate transaction requires carefully prepared documents to ensure that all the particulars are correct and that all parties receive a fair and just settlement.

Realtors, closing agents, and even attorneys read each word to verify the accuracy of the transaction before the contract is executed. The I’s are dotted, and the T’s are crossed with care.

Peter challenged his readers to have this same kind of diligence in knowing their relationship with Christ is settled and secure. One preacher exclaimed, “Be sure you know who you know so you can know that you know!”

When you fly with a commercial airline, you receive instructions from the flight attendant to put your oxygen mask on first in case of emergency. Then you are ready to help your children and loved ones with you on the plane.

Likewise, once we are assured of our calling and choosing, then we are ready to support others as they endeavor to walk in a worthy manner. We must be assured of our relationship with God—that is paramount!

Notice the promise for the faithful practice of godly virtues. You will never stumble.

While the useless and unfruitful block the path, your steps will be counted, measured, steady and sure.

You will not fall behind as you march with God’s army. You will not be tripped up by false teachers or those who want to see you fail.

The encouragement of your inward assurance leads you to the fruitful practice of blessing others.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson Two in the Connect360 unit “Find Us Faithful: Standing Firm in Our Faith” focuses on 2 Peter 1:5-8

Though salvation and the promise of eternal life may seem like the goal, these are just the first tastes of forever with the Lord.

We have entered into a glorious new relationship, and belief in Jesus is only the beginning. When we put our faith in him, he seals us with his Spirit and enables us to partake in his divine nature (1:4).

But we do not automatically reflect all his traits the moment we become Christians.

Just as the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) are characteristics that he produces within us, so are the supplemental principles of faith.

But we cannot be passive just because these traits come from him. Being a partaker of his divine nature means we must participate.

We are required to give all we have to this relationship, making every effort to be spiritually healthy.

So, with a good foundation of faith, we can begin building and growing.

The first trait we should add to our faith is virtue. This word is translated as “excellence” in verse three when referring to God.

So, virtue is a divine attribute that we cannot attain on our own, a goodness that excels basic human goodness.

The classical Greek word meant “a god-like ability to perform heroic deeds.” Goodness that comes from God stands out above all other goodness and can be obtained only with the help of the one who possesses it to begin with.

So, if we want goodness that exceeds what we can attain on our own, we need to let God show us how to be morally excellent by being attentive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

But we can also understand the kind of goodness that excels the world’s by adding knowledge to our virtue.

Reading God’s word teaches us what he calls good and bad, right and wrong.

We can only obey what we know, so this is important.

But the Bible also reveals the type of goodness the Lord possesses. Seeing it demonstrated helps us understand how to follow him better.

So, we learn his ways by listening to his teachings and paying attention to his character. Knowledge added to virtue only makes us more virtuous and faithful as we see the world through his eyes and rely more on him.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson One in the Connect360 unit “Find Us Faithful: Standing Firm in Our Faith” focuses on 2 Peter 1:1-4

When we know Jesus as Christ, Savior and Lord, we receive all his precious promises.

As we grow in our knowledge of him, we will begin to look more like him and less like the world.

John 1:12–13 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God (NASB).”

As God’s children, we share his characteristics and have escaped the world’s corruption, which is caused by our sinful nature.

Children share traits with their parents. Some are a product of nature because we are born with them.

Physically, we could look like them, or we may share certain personality traits.

Then, other characteristics come through a growing and nurturing relationship.

As we spend time with our parents, watching and listening to them, we begin walking, talking and doing things the way they do.

As God’s children, we partake in his divine nature. But the more time we spend with him listening and following him, the less we will look like the world and the more we will be like him.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1) and receive the gifts the Father longs to give his children.

First Corinthians 2:12 says, “Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God.” So, take hold of his precious promise.

We gave our children gift cards in their Christmas stockings this year.

The girls spent their cards quickly. But the boys could not decide and ended up walking out of the store with the cards in their pockets and nothing in their hands.

All four thankfully received their cards, but until they purchased something with them, our gift was wasted. We paid the price for nothing.

Receiving Jesus is no different. He paid for the sins of every person in the world. Your life has already been bought. So, what will you do with his purchase? Will you live for the One who died for you? Will you claim the promises he has for those who call Jesus their Savior? He is offering you everything pertaining to life and godliness. Will you take it and use it for his good pleasure?

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson Fourteen in the Connect360 unit “Ambassadors for Christ: The Ministry of Reconciliation” focuses on 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

In 2 Corinthians 5:14, Paul began by stating, “For Christ’s love compels us.” The phrase encapsulates the deep motivation behind the ministry of reconciliation.

The love of Christ is not just a theological idea; it is a living, breathing force that drives believers to action.

Paul’s personal testimony about the transforming power of Christ’s love was rooted in the knowledge Christ died for all people, reconciling them to God.

The apostle further explained the love of Christ compels believers to live “for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

It is a sacrificial love—shown in Christ’s death and resurrection—that becomes the central push behind the Christian’s desire to share the message of reconciliation with others.

Moreover, Paul’s use of the term “compels” (Greek, sunechō) speaks to a deep inner driving force, one that controls andmotivates the believer’s every action.

The compulsion comes not from external pressure or obligation but from a heart transformed by God’s love.

The experience of God’s love is so profound, it compels believers to step into the world as ambassadors, representing Christ’s message of hope to a broken and desperate world.

The motivation is also rooted in the theological understanding that humanity is estranged from God due to sin, and the only means of reconciliation is through Jesus Christ.

Paul wrote in Romans 5:10 that “while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son.”

This passage (Romans 5:10–11) reinforces the reality that God’s love is not contingent upon human worthiness but is agracious initiative from God to restore the broken relationship. The Christian response to unmerited grace is a desire toshare the message of reconciliation with others, inviting them into the same restored relationship with God.

Experiencing God’s love profoundly and personally changes us forever.

Christ’s love toward us draws our response to him. Christ’s love in us spurs us to care about others. Christ love through us stirs others to know and embrace him.

 To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

Farming as a metaphor emphasizes the importance of patient cultivation. Just as a farmer must sow seeds and tend to them with care, disciple making involves nurturing new believers in their faith.

The work of disciple making is not instantaneous. It is a process of growth that takes time and care.

Just as a farmer cannot rush the growth of a crop, neither can a disciple maker rush the spiritual development of a believer.

The apostle Paul’s analogy highlights the collaborative nature of disciple making— different individuals may be involvedin various stages of the process, but it is God who causes the growth.

In Matthew 13:3–9, 18–23, Jesus told the Parable of the Sower, where he compared the gospel to a seed that is sown ondistinct types of soil. Some of the seeds fall on rocky ground and do not take root, while other seeds fall on good soil andproduce a great harvest.

This parable illustrates the importance of the soil—the hearts of those who hear the message of the gospel.

The work of farming, therefore, involves not only sowing the seed (the gospel) but also cultivating the soil (the hearts of the hearers) through prayer, teaching and discipleship.

In John 4:34–38, Jesus further emphasized the harvest metaphor when he spoke to his disciples about the spiritual harvest that is ready to be gathered.

He compared the labor of disciple making to the work of farming, calling his disciples to join in reaping what others have sown.

Evangelism is a cooperative task—one that involves sowing the seed of the gospel, nurturing the relationships and then reaping the fruits of God’s labor in due season.

But remember … without a season of sowing, a season of harvest is not possible.

 To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson Twelve in the Connect360 unit “Proclaim the Good News” focuses on Mark 1:1-4; Luke 4:42-44; Acts 5:42; 11:19-21

The “good news,” often referred to as the gospel, is the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The foundational textsof Mark, Luke and Acts highlight the centrality of this proclamation in the early church and the ministry of Jesus.

In Mark 1:1–4, the gospel introduced as the “beginning of the good news of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,” fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament.

John the Baptist’s role in preparing the way for Jesus is also emphasized, as John called people to repentance in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

Similarly, in Luke 4:42–44, Jesus himself proclaimed the good news as he traveled from town to town, teaching andhealing.

Jesus’ mission was clear. He came to preach the kingdom of God, and he emphasized that his proclamation wasessential to the work of God.

In Acts 5:42, we see that the early church continued his mission: “Day after day, in the temple and from house to house,they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”

This passage illustrates the ongoing commitment of the early followers of Jesus to proclaim the good news, despite opposition and persecution.

The essence of the good news, as detailed in the New Testament, is summarized in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Matthew 4:23–25 and 9:35–38 recount how Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in the regional synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing the sick of various diseases.

These acts were not only physical but also spiritual demonstrations of the good news that Jesus proclaimed: the kingdom of God had come near, and through Jesus, humanity could experience healing—both physically and spiritually.

Isaiah 53:4–6 speaks prophetically of the suffering servant who would bear the sins of the world, providing a framework for understanding why the good news is indeed “good.” Jesus’ life and sacrifice fulfilled in prophecy,showing that the suffering servant came to take away the sins of the people and reconcile them to God.

The core of the good news is Jesus came to restore humanity’s broken relationship with God, offering forgiveness and eternal life through his death and resurrection.

The good news is the message of hope and redemption. It declares that through Jesus, people can be forgiven, freed from the bondage of sin and given new life.

This message is not just for a select group but is meant to be shared with everyone, regardless of their past, their social status, or their position in society.

Jesus’ invitation to the kingdom is all-encompassing, offering a restored relationship with the Creator to all who believe in him.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson Eleven in the Connect360 unit “Discipleship and Ministry Leadership” focuses on Luke 6:12-16; 8:1; 9:1-6; 10:1-17

Jesus’ model of discipleship deliberately was structured to prepare the apostles with leadership skills necessary to establish the church.

In Luke 6:13, we read that Jesus “chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.”

The term apostle signifies a commissioned leader who is sent with authority and a mission. Jesus’ investment in the apostles went beyond teaching them spiritual truths—it was a comprehensive leadership development process.

Through his ministry, he prepared them to lead the early Church by modeling leadership, teaching them how to serve and providing them with opportunities for direct ministry experience.

One of the key elements of Jesus’ leadership development strategy was his personal example.

In Luke 22:27, Jesus asked his disciples: “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not theone who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”

Jesus’ humility and servant leadership style were core components of his discipleship process.

The apostles were not merely taught concepts; they were shown through Jesus’ example how to lead with humility, sacrifice and service.

Furthermore, in passages such as Matthew 16:18–20, Jesus emphasizes the authority he is allocating to his disciples as leaders in the kingdom of God.

He said, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (16:19).

Jesus’ declaration indicated the apostles were not merely followers of Jesus, but also future leaders of the Church, entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the early Christian community.

The transfer of kingdom leadership from Jesus to his apostles was a pivotal moment, and Jesus ensured that his disciples were thoroughly prepared for the responsibility.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson Ten in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church” focuses on 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17; Hebrews 5:11-13; Romans 16:17-18.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17, the apostle Paul underscored the importance of foundational doctrines in the life of abeliever.

Paul wrote that “God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth” (2:13).

The truth of the gospel is central to salvation and sanctification. Believers are called to stand firm and hold fast tothe teachings they have received (2:15).

Teaching provides the foundation for spiritual growth. Through greater knowledge of God via sound doctrine, believers are sanctified, grow in holiness and are conformed to the image of Christ

In Hebrews 5:11–13, the author addressed the lack of spiritual maturity in the recipients of the letter.

The author lamented they should have progressed beyond basic teachings to deeper truths but were still in need ofelementary doctrine.

The author explained that “anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching aboutrighteousness” (5:13).

This highlights the necessity of progressing from foundational doctrines to more advanced understanding, which iscrucial for spiritual growth. To know God fully, believers must not only receive the basic tenets of the faith, but alsomature in their understanding of God’s will as revealed in Scripture.

Romans 16:17–18 warns believers against those who promote division and teach contrary to the doctrine that has been handed down.

The apostle Paul exhorted Christians to “watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned” (16:17).

False teachers distort the gospel, and their influence can hinder spiritual growth.

It is essential believers be grounded in sound doctrine, so they can identify and reject teachings that are not in line with the truth of Scripture.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson Nine in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church” focuses on John 15:6-10; Hebrews 12:10; Acts 13:2-3; Colossians 4:2-4.

Foundational Habits of Discipleship

Bible study serves as the bedrock of spiritual growth. Engaging with Scripture not only deepens one’sunderstanding of God’s nature, but also fosters a personal relationship with him.

Regular study of the Bible equips individuals with knowledge and wisdom, enabling them to navigate life’s challenges. Systematic study methods encourage believers to observe, interpret and apply biblical texts actively.

This practice cultivates critical thinking and allows individuals to discover personal insights, which can lead totransformative experiences in their spiritual lives.

Prayer is another foundational habit that profoundly influences spiritual development. It is through prayer thatindividuals communicate with God, express their thoughts and feelings, and seek guidance.

Philippians 4:6 states: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, withthanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Moreover, various forms of prayer—such as intercessory prayer, contemplative prayer and corporate prayer—enhance spiritual growth by encouraging individuals to engage with God and the community.

These practices not only strengthen one’s faith, but also foster a sense of belonging within the body of believers.

Worship is integral to spiritual disciplines, as it focuses on honoring and glorifying God. Engaging in corporate worship, as emphasized in Hebrews 10:24–25, encourages believers to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.”

Worship creates a communal atmosphere where individuals can experience God’s presence collectively, reinforcing their faith. Personal worship through music, art or nature can lead to profound spiritual experiences.

Engaging in worship helps believers express gratitude, reflect on God’s goodness and realign their priorities,thereby facilitating deeper spiritual growth.

Serving others embodies the principle of love and is a crucial aspect of spiritual development. Jesus exemplifiedthis through his life, teaching that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).

By serving, individuals not only obey Christ’s command, but also experience the joy of putting others beforethemselves. Acts of service can take many forms, from leading in the congregation to volunteering in local communities to participating in global missions.

Engaging in service cultivates empathy, humility and a sense of purpose, all of which are vital components ofspiritual maturity.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.