First and Second Peter are grouped in what are called the General Epistles, written to the Church at large. The theme of First Peter is the refining and growth potential in our sufferings, 1Pe 1:3, 1Pe 1:6; 1Pe 2:2. This epistle was written to believers scattered by persecution throughout Asia Minor (1 Pe 1:1). The date was circa 64-65 A.D.—the beginning of Nero’s persecutions. First Peter is the best known and loved of these epistles, called by E.J. Goodspeed, “One of the most moving pieces of persecution literature.” This epistle is written to suffering believers, and is styled by Isaac Walton as, “affectionate, loving, lowly, and humble.” This epistle conveys an intense expectation of the Lord’s return as seen in 1Pe 1:5, 1Pe 1:7, 1Pe 1:13, 1Pe 2:12, 1Pe 4:13, 1Pe 4:17, 1Pe 5:1, 1Pe 5:4.
Gene Cunningham - October 27, 2019
PA 2019 Session 8
Worship of God is spiritual hunger for His Word. If you don't see God's Hand in your life then your faith is lacking (Heb 11:1, 6). "Rogue's Gallery" in Hebrews Chapter 11 -- O.T. believers exercising faith -- "out of weakness were made strong (Heb 11:32-34, 2 Cor 12). We need to run our race with endurance (Heb 12:1). We are the Joy Jesus had on the cross (Heb 12:2). Our greatest sin is doubt (Heb 12:1-2, Heb 11:6). Are you being trained by His discipline (Heb 12:5-11)? To those around us, we can either be a wellspring of living water or a defiler by bitterness (Heb 12:14-15). We have a birthright (Gal 3:29, Gal 4:6-7) but can trade eternity for time like Esau (Heb 12:16-17).
Scripture References: Hebrews 11:1-34, Galatians 4:6-7, Galatians 3:29, Hebrews 12:1-17
From Series: "An Appeal for Faithfulness in and Age of Apostasy"
On October 25th – 27th, 2019 Basic Training Bible Ministries and Abundant Life Church in Uniontown, PA presented “An Appeal for Faithfulness in an Age of Apostasy – The Five Warning Passages from The Book of Hebrews”. The theme comes from Hebrews 2:1 “Therefore, we must give more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.”