Excerpts from 1 Peter

“,,,Blessed be the GOD and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you who are kept by the power of GOD through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than god that perishes, thought it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ…Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ… because it is written, ‘Be holy for I Am Holy’...knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious Blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He was indeed foreordained before the foundation of the world but was manifested in these last times for you…Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by GOD as precious, you also, as living stones are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to GOD through Jesus Christ…Honor all people, love the brotherhood. Fear GOD. Honor the king…For what credit is it if when you are beaten for your faults you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer if you take it patiently this is commendable before GOD. For to this you were called because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that you should follow His steps: ‘Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth’; who when He was reviled did not revile in return; when He suffered He did not threaten but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree that we having died to sins might live for righteousness–by whose stripes you were healed…And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you suffer for righteousness’ sake you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats nor be troubled.’ But sanctify the LORD GOD in your hearts and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of GOD, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil…Therefore since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased to sin that he should no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of GOD…But the end of all things is at hand, therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’ Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of GOD…For the time has now come for judgment to begin at the house of GOD; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the Gospel of GOD? Now ‘If the righteous one is scarcely saved where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?’ Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of GOD commit their souls to Him in doing good as to a faithful creator…’GOD resists the proud but give grace to the humble.’ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of GOD, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the GOD of all grace who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen…Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.”