We Have A Firm Hope In Christ

 For many decades, the west has been spared much of the persecution that has been the norm throughout almost 2000 years of Church history. The 'normal Christian life' of recent years, is far more accurately labelled the 'abnormal' Christian life. Down through centuries of time, Bible-believing Christians have been hunted down, brutally persecuted, frequently killed, as Charlie Kirk was, and treated abominably, for righteousness sake.
 We Have A Firm Hope In Christ and the expectation of His return to take us to be with Himself, and so in this verse, we find Peter offering comfort, encouragement, courage, and instruction, to all who endure suffering for the sake of Christ.
 The inevitable consequences of the responsibility we bear, as sons and daughters of God, is animosity from those that are dead in their sins. Just as they hated Christ without a cause, so the unsaved will hate us too. without a cause. However, it is by doing right that we may silence the ignorance of foolish men and women, and suffering according to the will of God, will bring honor to His name.
 Let us recognize that the normal Christian life in this fallen world, will inevitably result in persecution and pain. Jesus Himself warned that in this world we will have trials and tribulation, but we are not to be fearful, for He has overcome the world and we are victorious in Him. Let us, therefore, entrust our souls to our faithful Creator, by doing what is right. This will bring glory to His name and may contribute to a lost sinner being snatched from the jaws of hell.
1 Peter 4:19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You that by faith, we have been identified with the Lord Jesus Christ, and have become Your children. Father, we entrust our lives into Your hands, knowing that for Christ's sake, we will be hated. Thank You that You sent Christ into the world to go to the Cross, and to suffer on our account. Give us the grace to endure suffering for His name's sake, and may our lives be witnesses to Your goodness and grace, in a world that is lying in the grasp of evil. Into Your hands we commit our souls, and thank You, Father, that our citizenship is in heaven. But while we are on earth, may we walk in spirit and truth, and live lives that are pleasing to You. In Jesus' name we Pray, AMEN.