July 29, 2018 | Kyle Brenon | 1 Peter 1:1-19

This week we begin our brand-new sermon series through the book of 1 Peter. Peter writes this letter primarily to encourage Gentile believers who were being persecuted by the Greeks and Romans as they were exiled and scattered throughout Asia Minor (modern day Turkey).

Around 62-63 A.D., during the reign of Nero, the early Church was suffering political, social and religious persecution (as well as physical). Peter writes this letter to encourage them to keep the faith and to stand firm in the midst of their trial. While the majority of us here have not suffered physical persecution, there is quite a bit we can learn from Peter’s encouragement to the early church, as well as the methods in which we are called to affect those around us. Throughout this series we will see what tremendous value there is in remembering who we are, the reason for our suffering, and the future hope to which we are called!

1 Peter 1:6-9 “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. “