Day 354 of the podcast, reading 1 Peter 1-5 NET, read along at:
https://netbible.org/bible/1+Peter+1-5/

This is day 354 of our journey.

Today we will read the first of two books written by the apostle Peter.  The end of Peter's ministry was spent as one of the leaders of the church in Rome.  While serving there, he learned about the persecution being faced by Christians in other provinces and wrote this letter to encourage them to remain faithful.  His message comes in three-parts.  First, live a holy life (putting behind you worldly things that you did when you were ignorant of the truth) and recognize that you are now a holy nation called to new life.  Next, live this holy life as an example to others and, in so doing, impress those that foolishly persecute Christians without cause.  Finally, he reminds the church that persecution is an expected part of the Christian life. After all, Christ, the Messiah, suffered persecution by a world that opposed his message and the hope that it brings...we, as his followers, will suffer that same persecution as well.  But take heart and remember this; Jesus will return (as he promised) and he will, once and for all, restore his people!

Join me in 1 Peter 1-5 and live for God as you endure hardship waiting for his return!

Key verses:

1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.  

1 Peter 3:15
But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.

1 Peter 4:19
So then let those who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator as they do good.  

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour.  

All Scriptures are from the NET.

Check out these links for more thoughts on the topic:

https://thebibleproject.com/explore/1-Peter/