In This You Greatly Rejoice
IN THIS YOU GREATLY REJOICE
Join your Calvary Chapel family today (Sunday, April 12, 2026) at 10:00 a.m. in the main sanctuary or online via our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness). We will come together to exalt Jesus, build one another up in love, and be equipped to share the gospel as we continue our in-depth study of 1 Peter 1:6-9.
Peter wrote his letter to Christians scattered throughout the Roman Empire. Their lives had been upended when Caesar Nero, in a drunken rage, almost burned Rome to the ground. When the dust settled and questions were asked, Nero decided to blame the one group everyone hated, the church of Jesus Christ.
The Apostle knew the cost, the pain, the constant criticism and persecution the church had to endure, sometimes while they gritted their teeth, unwilling to say anything that would embarrass Christ, the church, and themselves.
Yet even though many Christians understood what was happening and why, they didn’t say anything that could cause the crowd to cast dispersions on the name of Christ because of their actions. They were literally between a rock and a hard place. And to make matters worse, there were persecutions, imprisonments, and an increasing number of Christians being murdered by being thrown into the gladiator arena.
Therefore, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Peter encouraged the church by reminding them of their future inheritance, guaranteed by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He shifted their focus from persecution to what awaited them in heaven: a city, a mansion, and a glorified body.
Next, he told them that the suffering they were experiencing would last only a little while, that God would refine their faith, and that they would emerge stronger than before. All of it would be for His glory and their ultimate good.
It is a blessing to understand that all trials, troubles, persecution, and suffering that can lead to one’s demise are under the watchful eye of the Father of all comfort, who brings His people through the fire purer and stronger, ready to continue fighting the good fight of faith.
In His strong love, Pastor
Join your Calvary Chapel family today (Sunday, April 12, 2026) at 10:00 a.m. in the main sanctuary or online via our website (www.calvaryinv.com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness). We will come together to exalt Jesus, build one another up in love, and be equipped to share the gospel as we continue our in-depth study of 1 Peter 1:6-9.
Peter wrote his letter to Christians scattered throughout the Roman Empire. Their lives had been upended when Caesar Nero, in a drunken rage, almost burned Rome to the ground. When the dust settled and questions were asked, Nero decided to blame the one group everyone hated, the church of Jesus Christ.
The Apostle knew the cost, the pain, the constant criticism and persecution the church had to endure, sometimes while they gritted their teeth, unwilling to say anything that would embarrass Christ, the church, and themselves.
Yet even though many Christians understood what was happening and why, they didn’t say anything that could cause the crowd to cast dispersions on the name of Christ because of their actions. They were literally between a rock and a hard place. And to make matters worse, there were persecutions, imprisonments, and an increasing number of Christians being murdered by being thrown into the gladiator arena.
Therefore, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Peter encouraged the church by reminding them of their future inheritance, guaranteed by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He shifted their focus from persecution to what awaited them in heaven: a city, a mansion, and a glorified body.
Next, he told them that the suffering they were experiencing would last only a little while, that God would refine their faith, and that they would emerge stronger than before. All of it would be for His glory and their ultimate good.
It is a blessing to understand that all trials, troubles, persecution, and suffering that can lead to one’s demise are under the watchful eye of the Father of all comfort, who brings His people through the fire purer and stronger, ready to continue fighting the good fight of faith.
In His strong love, Pastor
Recent
Archive
2026
February
March
2025
January
February
March
April
June
August
2024
January
March
June
No Comments