PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS INCREASING

Peter addresses one of his epistle to those believers who are

pilgrims in a world that is growing increasingly hostile to those

anointed by God. Knowing that his readers will be facing more

persecution than ever before, Peter writes this letter to give them a divine perspective on these trials so that they will be able to endure them without wavering in their faith. They should not be surprised at their ordeal, because Jesus also suffered and died and they should count it a privilege to share in the sufferings of Christ. He goes on to exhort them to be sure their hardships are not being caused by their own

wrongdoings, but rather for their Christian testimony. Peter wants all of us to not be overcome with attitudes of bitterness and anxiety, but instead replace those negative feelings with

confidence in God. By standing firm in the grace of God through faith, we’ll all be able to endure the fiery trials that all of us are sure to face. Yes, you’ve got to fight for your faith, and Paul told Timothy that if you don’t, you’ll suffer shipwreck in your ability to believe God.

1 Tim. 1:18b,19 MSG says, “All those prayers are coming

together now so you will do this well, fearless in your struggle,

keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we’re in. There are some, you know, who by relaxing their grip and thinking anything goes have made a thorough mess of their faith.”

A stern warning is given in Heb. 3:12, “Beware, brethren, lest

there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” In this verse faith that has been shipwrecked is called “an evil heart of unbelief.”

The Message? Bible says, “So watch your step, friends. Make

sure there’s no evil unbelief lying around that will trip you up and throw you off course, diverting you from the living God.”

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