PASTOR'S CORNER

  1 Peter 1:10-12 Jesus said, “But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” Matt 13:16-17  This is what Peter wants us to understand  in this portion of his letter.  Peter opens with the comfort of our salvations future reward. (v5)  Peter reminds us that we must endure salvations present adversity . (v9)  Peter elevates our salvation by reminding us of salvations rich prophetic past . (v12)  Peter says in (v9), “Receiving the end of your faith…the salvation of your souls.”  The word “end” does not mean the final point of your journey.  It’s referring to…. a goal, aim, or purpose ; and the ultimate purpose of our faith is the “salvation of our souls”  This final salvation of our soul includes the redemption of the body and our souls being in the presence of Christ.   Peter is saying the presen

  1 Peter 1:6-12 Suffering is the birthplace of Joy.  One would think that would be rather strange and morbid  to say that suffering produces joy.  Now!  Pain and suffering are not in themselves good; they are the result of a fallen world.  In spite of the evils of persecution, pain, and hardship, God providentially brings about good results.  Sam Storms said, “Joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering, it is the presence of God.”  What do we know about trials and sufferings?  They are necessary to humble us and turn our attention from self to God.  They are distressing, painful, and difficult; they are not delightful or easy to endure.  They come in different forms, at different times and for difference durations.  They prove the genuineness of our faith, as Peter demonstrates here in the text of Scripture.   But, what does Peter say here? Trials and suffering are refining us as we wait for this promise that he previously spoke of.  Though, we don’t rejoice over our suff