Tuesday Together In The Word

DeeDees

In the letter of 1Peter we find Peter having much to say about suffering. He shows how it can be a way of serving the Lord, of sharing the faith and of being tested. The letter was written to Christians scattered all over the Northern part of Asia Minor. In this part of the Roman Empire many Christians had already suffered unfair treatment from people who did not believe in Jesus.

And they could expect to suffer even more.

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Peter was quick to offer encouragement. His letter reminds the readers that some of the Lord's

followers may have to go through times of hard testing. But this should make them glad, Peter declares, because it will stregthen their faith and bring them honor on the day when Jesus Christ returns (1:6,7).

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Peter reminds them that Christ suffered here on earth, and when his followers suffer for doing right they are sharing his sufferings (2.18-25; 4.12-19). In fact, Christians should expect to suffer for their faith (3.8-4,19).

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Sunday night in our service our pastor talked about the swine flu that

was spreading all over the world. He was teaching on Prophecy

in the Bible, and this disease was just the beginning of things to come.

He then said, "And it is going to get worse, things are going to get

very bad before the Rapture takes place."

God does not do anything instantly, he usually does them over a

period of time, and we become so use to them that it just seems

normal.

I don't know about you but I do not like to suffer, and I find no joy

in looking forward to what is coming on the earth.

But as Jesus said, "These things must needs be to confirm

scripture.

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Because of who God is and because of what God has done by raising Jesus Christ from death, Christians can have hope in the future. Just as Christ suffered before he received honor from God, so will Christians be tested by suffering before they receive honor when the Lord returns. Peter uses poetic language to reming his readers of what Christ had sone:

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Christ died once for our sins.

An innocent person died

for those who are guilty.

Christ did this

to bring you to God,

When his body

was put to death

and His Spirit

was made alive.

(3.18)