Are We Ready?

1 Peter 1:1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

The Apostle Peter wrote this letter to Christians who had been scattered throughout the region. These Christians had suffered, and were suffering, at the hands of Romans, Jews, both strangers and family members. This letter was meant to be a letter of hope during difficult times. These Christians were running for their lives, being displaced from their homes, and being discriminated against for their faith. This still happens today in many places around the world. In our country, we have yet to experience this sort of persecution; and as a result, the church has a very weak testimony for Jesus. Our attempts to "fit in" has caused much compromise for the sake of "winning them". Many local churches are preaching a watered down version of the Gospel. We have allowed a worldly mentality to permeate our congregations; and we have been drawn into friendship with the world through prosperity preaching that feeds the flesh and our corrupt desires. Sadly, the church today is setting itself up for great pain when the world, and our country, finally make that sharp turn toward the persecution of anyone who is a true follower of Jesus. It will serve us well to read Peter's letter to the pilgrims and sojourners of his day, and be reminded, today, that this is not our home. Our citizenship has been changed by the One who gave His life for us. We, as born again followers of Jesus, need to reevaluate our walk with Him. We need to be reminded of who we are in Jesus, and what that will cost us, if we are truly living for Him, and walking according to His Word. It will mean persecution, rejection, and at some point could even cost us our lives. The comfortable life we live today is on course to be a very uncomfortable one. However, if we have Jesus, we know that no matter what happens, we have hope. It may very well be that God will allow strong persecution to come so that we will wake up and go out, as He commanded, to boldly tell others about Jesus who loves them and gave His life for them. I only have one question to ask..."Are we ready?"

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).