1 Peter 1:3-9, Common English Bible

Life is about following the path that God has designed for us.  Following this path leads to a life of JOY that is often inexpressible! Joy is the evidence of the Holy Spirit being is us.  Joy is a promise from God about the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Joy is our response to struggle, anxiety, disappointment and even disagreement.

Peter appears to be speaking to a crowd living in a hostile culture.  Many scholars have suggested that the form of this letter is to invite people to remember their baptism.  In baptism, we are given the gift of an infusion of the Holy Spirit.  With the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we receive this instrument of joy and the Holy Spirit leads us to…

Celebrate in times of crisis!

“You now rejoice in this hope, even if it’s necessary for you to be distressed for a short time by various trials.” 1 Peter 1:6

Rejoice in being restored!

“Although you’ve never seen him, you love him. Even though you don’t see him now, you trust him and so rejoice with a glorious joy that is too much for words.” 1 Peter 1:8

Hear the W.O.W., the Words of Wisdom,

“Jesus joy cannot be taken away!”