Just in time for Easter: Don’t you just love the Christians in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia? Who? You know, the Christians Peter writes to in his 1st letter. They are Christians who are suffering. In fact, every chapter addresses suffering – specifically for their faith in Jesus. But even though this letter is soaking in suffering it also is reveling in rejoicing. That is because these former pagans previously had zero hope in the afterlife; however, now that they have come to salvation in Jesus, they know exactly where they are going when they leave this life. The resurrection of Jesus has changed EVERYTHING because they are going to heaven.
Peter gives them hope and encouragement when he writes, “But you are a chosen race, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy”. (I Peter 2:9-10). The people of God have a home with God. AND all of this is because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Read about joyful Christians in the midst of suffering – all because of their home in heaven (I Peter 1:3-9). Then listen to Because He Lives. Finish it off by looking in the spiritual mirror to see if you are like the Christians in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia in your hope.
1 Peter 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.