1 Peter

Peter wrote this letter to believers in Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles, and encouraged them to grow in their faith. He reminded them they were saved, they are being saved (sanctification), and they will be fully saved when Christ comes again. He called them to holiness, and to stay faithful in the midst of persecution and suffering for Christ. As Christians, we have a living hope inside us and our foundation is in the Living Stone, the foundation that believers are being built upon, Jesus. Our faith works its way out in our lives as we submit to authorities and as our families reflect the goodness of God. He encouraged believers to live for God even as we suffer for being a Christian. He ended his letter with a note to church elders with a reminder that they too will answer to the Chief Shepherd of the whole flock, Jesus. Then Peter gave some closing words to the church in 5:6-7, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." Peter then ends with a blessing of peace to all those who are in Christ Jesus.