Welcome to my site! It contains a wide variety of articles relating to the Christian life, the gospel, the Great Commission, discipleship, biblical cosmology, the new covenant, the church, and other important topics including summaries of recommended books. You will also find links to books I have written or am in the process of creating. I hope this content blesses and strengthens you on your discipleship journey with our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
You may be wondering why I call this site “Third Peter.” I am the third in a long line of Pete Becks, going back to my grandfather and extending to my grandson. While my father was alive, it was always necessary to call me “the third” to prevent confusion, since for some reason we all go by our middle name, Pete. Now there are two additional Pete Becks in the family to keep in order; hence – the website name. Since most Bible students know that the apostle Peter only wrote two books, hopefully the name sparks just a little interest.
I became a follower of Christ in 1971 during the height of the Jesus Revolution. My lovely wife is the one who shared the gospel with me. Together we have served the Lord since that time in one capacity or another.
My passion has always been Bible study, teaching, and the pursuit of God’s truth.
When the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to know and believe in the risen Lord Jesus as a young college student, my quest for truth was satisfied by the one who is called “The Truth.” He has been teaching us more about God, life, discipleship, and his creation from the Word of God ever since.
The longer I live, the more appreciation and awe I have for God’s written Word.
I have become more literal in my interpretation, except where the Bible makes it clear that we should regard a passage metaphorically or symbolically. We dare not take liberties when that is not the case. I believe that God says what he means and means what he says. I am not embarrassed by or make excuses for any part of the Bible, even if it disagrees with what is commonly accepted by most people.
God’s truth found in the Bible reigns supreme over every other voice, opinion, or declaration.
I agree with Paul, who wrote:
...Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about him, “You will be proved right in what you say, and you will win your case in court.” Romans 3:4 (NLT)
My prayer is that we will never stop learning or become what the Bible calls an “old wine skin” – hardened or closed and unable to receive or contain what God is currently doing or revealing to his church.
Sadly, sometimes the greatest opponents of God’s new move are those who were part of the previous work of God. This is the human condition from which we ask the Holy Spirit to deliver us.
And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.’ ” Luke 5:39 (NKJV)
The depth and breadth of the Bible are without limit. Knowing God better will be an eternal and glorious occupation for his people.
After serving for 34 years as pastor of the church we planted in Burlington, NC, in 2023 I retired from being the lead person, handing those responsibilities to my son-in-law. I continue to study, teach, and write and do what I can to support and help out in our small-group-based church and the body of Christ at large.
God has blessed my wife, Martha, and me with four exceptional children, ten amazing grands, and five great-grandchildren. We reside in Burlington, NC, our home for the last 36 years.
Pete Beck III
Bible Teacher and Author