We have a living hope for hard times.I Peter 1:3-5God has given us a “new birth”We have been born into two great things by God’s great mercy.A living hopeAn inheritancePart of this living hope is because of the inheritance that is promised for us.Our inheritance is reserved!We are guarded by God’s power through faith.This is why we greatly rejoice!I Peter 1:6-9Be joyful in the hope you have, even thought you are distressed.Peter is not ignoring the fact that Christians are suffering.“Momentary light affliction”Our tested faith is more valuable than gold.Our tested faith results in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.Endurance is paramount.As we continue to endure suffering and trials …I Peter 1:10-12We live during a privileged time.The prophets searched and inquired diligently about when the Christ would come.What a wonderful time to be living in!Even the angels desired to understand and see these times!Valuable lessons should be learnedYou can endure suffering.Because you have hopeBecause you have an eternal inheritanceBecause you have a genuine faith that is a tested faithBecause you’ve established salvation through sufferingBecause you are privileged to be living during these days of ChristLuke 23:35Here in Luke, Jesus begins His final instruction to His disciples with a question.Luke 9:1-6Did the disciples lack anything?Luke 22:36We need to recognize that we live in an unprecedented time and in an unusual country.What will you do if we are threatened also?We must not be surprised when hostility begins to intensify against Christians.Will we count it an honor to suffer such shameful treatment for the Lord?Will we change our beliefs or shrink in our faith as the pressure mounts against Christians?We must remain firm and endure because:We have a living hope.We have an eternal inheritance.We have a genuine faith that passes the test.We have obtained salvation through suffering.What a privilege to live during these days of Christ.Hallelujah what a Savior – what a hope for hard times!
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