June 29
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1 PETER 1
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. – 1 Peter 1:1-9
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1 PETER 1- BORN AGAIN TO A LIVING HOPE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Those who are chosen by Christ are sanctified and given the Holy Spirit
It is the presence of God in them who gave them gifts when they believed
May all those who are elect be able to live the new lives they were given
It is the Lord who granted them a bounty of undeserved favors & blessings
Because of the sacrifice on the cross of Jesus and his resurrection
We are assured of eternal life even though we meet endless tribulations.
Even though you haven’t really laid eyes on Jesus Christ, you love him
This also is a gift from the Lord so we can receive all that the Spirit gives
While we were still sinners, he committed to save us and have life eternal
We were promised a life where we will be able to praise God forever
We have been born again to a living hope so we can rejoice with joy
Let the testing of your faith be more precious than silver or gold.
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REFLECTION
• What does it mean to be born again to a living hope?