Stand Firm!

Stand Firm!

This Sunday we begin a study through the book of 1 Peter.   I want to whet the appetite of your soul for what is in front of us. This disciple who had once denied any relationship with the Lord now offers a letter telling his readers how to stand firm.  He writes to a church facing the daily possibility of persecution.   What is his counsel?  He reminds them of the same truth that had impacted his life and taught him to stand firm.   He reminds them of the gospel that had transformed this brash, bold, fickle man into a man who would stand firm while “sharing in the sufferings of Christ.” Many of you are walking through varied measures of suffering this very week.  We have experienced in our own congregation the pain of sickness, the pain of financial hardship, the pain of ridicule and the pain of death.   Peter teaches us how to stand firm in an unstable world.  He teaches us how to live a life full of hope in the midst of hardship.  He encourages us and exhorts us to live in light of the reality that “after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Peter so powerfully reminds us that the gospel of Jesus Christ not only saves us, it empowers us to live holy lives. It enables us to withstand the hardships of this world and it grants us hope for eternal life. I would encourage you to take the time to read through the book (in one sitting if possible) between now and Sunday and pray the Lord would use this powerful letter in our lives for His glory! – Pastor Steve