(We are very excited to study 1 Peter with you. Please keep in mind that we are not experts on the Bible. We are studying 1 Peter for the first time with you. Therefore, if we write anything that you feel is incorrect, we ask that you share this with us. We want to make sure we are as accurate as possible. We also ask that you share your thoughts each week as well.)
Peter, whose name Jesus changed from Simon to Peter, was one of the 12 disciples. He did deny Jesus, but repented and became an Apostle. Peter wrote this letter to encourage Christians who are suffering. A lot of the Christians during that time were being persecuted for their belief in Jesus. These were new believers who were being forced to question their new faith. The purpose of this letter is hope.
Even nowadays, there are Christians being persecuted for their beliefs. However, we also have to remember that persecution and suffering can happen to any of us through any trials of life. Including autism. It's hard to remember during our suffering, persecutions and storms in life that this is not forever. We have something so much better in Eternity with Christ.
Below are some points that my Bible, Life Application Study Bible; New Living Translation, made in the footnotes that meant a lot to me.
* God will protect us and help us remain faithful during our trials.
* Trials teach us patience.
* Faith is tested during trials.
When I think about autism and the struggles we have dealt with over the years, I am so thankful for God's hand through it all. During the hard times, I couldn't see where he was taking us. I had no idea where we were going. All I knew was to remain faithful and he would guide me on where to go, what to do and how to help my child. My patience has been tested and made stronger. My faith has been tested and is the strongest it's ever been. 1 Peter 1-12 shows me to keep my eyes on eternity, have faith in God and how he will be there for me and to stand firm in my Christian beliefs.
Verse that meant the most to me:
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy. - 1 Peter 8
1 comment:
Thanks so much for leading us in this study, Nicole. I have been thinking about what you shared, especially about how Peter's name was Simon, but became Peter when he truly became an apostle. Many people in the Bible go through a name change as their destiny changes and aligns with God's plan for their lives. It made me think about myself, I am definitely not the same Jessica I was before I committed my life to Christ. I may not have changed my name officially but it does make me want to acknowledge this change a little more. When I make choices or want to behave in a certain way, I can think, "is this what Jessica 'child of the world' or Jessica 'daughter of the Most High God' would do?" This may help keep me more accountable to God, thanks for sharing this!
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