I Peter: Encouragement and Hope in a worthwhile endeavor!!

December 22nd, I Peter

       I've said this before, but it feels like it bears repeating...these letters were written to those who were new in a new faith. In a place that valued things of old and like today didn't value people who change things up a bit and upset apple carts. Family members who didn't understand your new thing, a society that worshipped Caesar and a hundred other gods, but not this Jesus who died and is rumored to come back to life...you even drink blood and eat flesh to remember this event...what kind of weirdo's are you?
       I Peter 1:3 "Praise  be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. kept in heaven for you." Put that under your christmas tree!!
       1:13b "set your hope fully on the grace to be given when Jesus Christ is revealed."
       Chapter 2: Jesus is a living stone, a cornerstone, and we are living stones in a spiritual house. We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation a people belonging to God that we could declare the praise of God who has called us out of darkness into wonderful light...remember who you are and whose you are. This new thing you are walking into will cast fear and doubt and anxiety into your heart...
       4:12 "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange was happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." for Isaiah 26:8 "His name and His renown is the desire of our hearts."
       In the end 5:10-11 "And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To Him be the power and glory forever and ever Amen!!"