Good morning! Today we begin our journey through 1 Peter. While the book of 1 Peter is only five chapters, there is a lot to cover. I know it won’t take 11 months to cover like it did to cover the book of Matthew, but this will be a journey that I hope you will join me on. Let us begin.
“1 This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ.
I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
May God give you more and more grace and peace.” – 1 Peter 1-2 NLT
For the past 11 months, we got to know about Peter and his relationship with Jesus Christ. Peter was the one who cut off a soldiers ear when they arrested Jesus in the garden. Peter is also the one Jesus rebuked and said, get behind me Satan, when Peter was attempting to alter the Divine plan. Peter is the one Jesus said, “Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it (Matthew 16:18).” Peter followed Christ, until his death on the cross.
When Jesus appeared to the disciples after he rose from the dead, he had the following conversation with Peter, “15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?[e]” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” – John 21:15-17 NLT
While the book of Acts is the foundational building of the church, 1 Peter is a letter of encouragement to the believers who had been scattered and face suffering or persecution because they are in the midst of a pagan (non-believers) land.
Peter is encouraging them, by reminding them that as believers they are God’s chosen and His spirit has made them Holy, nothing that they did on our own. And because they obeyed, they have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Today, that grace is also extended to us. As believers, we too are God’s chosen and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus. No one or anything can separate us from the love of Jesus Christ.
Sisters and brothers, remain encouraged and in Christ Jesus, trusting him to fulfill his promises to us all. Go throughout the day, secure in knowing Christ Jesus is your rock and your salvation, have no fear for you are secure in him.
Father God, we thank you for your amazing grace. We thank you for your unfailing love. Lord, your grace and mercy toward us is undeserved, but we are so grateful for you and what you have done for us. Lord, forgive us of our sins. Lord, touch us in ways that we can understand. Build us up in your word, so that we hear from you and know without a doubt that it is you. Lord, cover us with your hand and teach us compassion for others. Lord, wherever we lack spiritual growth, pour your Holy Spirit into those areas so that we may develop richly and perfectly in you. Lord, change us to be more like you. Give us more and more grace, and your peace. In Jesus name, amen.
Keep seeking! Keep trusting! Keep praying!
Check out our events page for our upcoming events near you or follow us on Facebook for more information.
If anyone has a prayer request, we would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to:
prayerrequest@maryewhiteministries.com
Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com
Copyright© 2019 Mary E. White Ministries
Mary E. White Ministries 