Mad World: Don't Lose Hope

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with his blood: may grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. 1 Peter 1:1-2

We have been chosen by the foreknowledge of God.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4

Followers of Christ are different.

As a Christian we have different loyalties than those who don’t follow Christ.

As a Christian, we also have a different lifestyle.

As a Christian, we also have a different love.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9