Transcript:
Intro – Here is Bill Shade with today’s “Moment from God’s Word”.
Message – 1 Peter 5:10, 11
All the way through his first epistle, Peter has been speaking encouragement to suffering believers. Now as he closes his letter he prays a prayer for them. Perhaps it is the prayer we all should be praying for that part of the church that is suffering right now more than most of us can imagine. And before I read Peter’s prayer, let me ask you, have you been praying daily for your suffering brothers and sisters? While you are listening, some of them are dying. So Peter prays this prayer: Now the God of all grace, (enough grace to endure whatever we are going through) who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while (not forever), make you perfect (literally “restore you”), stablish (make you resolute) strengthen (a word that speaks especially of spiritual strength), settle you (that is lay a firm base under your feet). Note, Peter does not pray that they might be removed from the suffering, only that in it, they will prevail, and then he closes with the words To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Whatever we may suffer, God is in control, He will get glory to Himself as we prevail, and He will one day assume His dominion forever and ever. That ought to encourage us no matter what we may suffer. Amen.
Closing – This is Kile Smith. You have been listening to Bible Teacher and author, Dr. Bill Shade, Director of Advanced Studies for Source of Light Ministries International. Our college-recognized, three-year, Bible Institute curriculum is now available online. We invite you to visit us on the Web at advancedbiblicalstudies.net – that’s advancedbiblicalstudies.net and begin a systematic study of God’s Word today.