Near the end of 2008, the Pew Research center surveyed 2905 adults and found that most Christians say that non-Christian faiths can lead to salvation. More specifically they found that “A majority of American Christians (52%) think that at least some non-Christian faiths can lead to eternal life.”

In 2009 George Barna surveyed 1,871 self-described Christians who agree that “the Christian God is an all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of the universe who rules the world today.” 67% of those people believe that Satan is merely a symbol of evil, not a being that actually exists. 67% also believed that the Holy Spirit is merely a symbol of God’s power or presence but is not a living entity.

Happy Trials To You 1 Peter 1:1-9 Bethel Mennonite Church August 20, 2011 - JB Bryant “I believe the chief dangers in the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell.” William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army (1829-1912)

Map of Asia Minor Happy Trials To You (1 Peter 1:1-9)

Map of Asia Minor Happy Trials To You (1 Peter 1:1-9) 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia

Happy Trials To You (1 Peter 1:1-9) To those 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. 6 You Were Chosen To Obey To Be Cleansed Verse 2

Happy Trials To You (1 Peter 1:1-9) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven 7 You Were Chosen To Obey To Be Cleansed You Are Born Again Into A Living Hope To get an Inheritance Verses 3-4

Happy Trials To You (1 Peter 1:1-9) For you who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 8 You Were Chosen To Obey To Be Cleansed You Are Born Again Into A Living Hope To get an Inheritance You Are Protected By God’s Power Through Faith For Salvation Verse 5

Happy Trials To You (1 Peter 1:1-9) In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 9 You Were Chosen To Obey To Be Cleansed You Are Born Again Into A Living Hope To get an Inheritance You Are Protected By God’s Power Through Faith For Salvation You Greatly Rejoice In Difficult Times To Prove Your Faith You Will Receive Praise, Glory, & Honor Verses 6-7

Happy Trials To You (1 Peter 1:1-9) and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 10 You Were Chosen To Obey To Be Cleansed You Are Born Again Into A Living Hope To get an Inheritance You Are Protected By God’s Power Through Faith For Salvation You Greatly Rejoice In Difficult Times To Prove Your Faith You Will Receive Praise, Glory, & Honor Your Salvation Verses 8-9

Happy Trials To You (1 Peter 1:1-9) Let me tell you About My Salvation God chose me to obey Him and be made clean by Jesus’ sacrifice. He gave me a new birth into a hope that is as alive as Jesus is! I have an inheritance waiting for me now. I am protected by God’s power through my faith for my salvation. Even in tough times, I rejoice deeply. Doing this shows that my faith is as pure as 24k gold. Because of this, in the end I will receive praise, glory, and honor from God Himself as He gives me the salvation that has been waiting for me. 11 You Were Chosen To Obey To Be Cleansed You Are Born Again Into A Living Hope To get an Inheritance You Are Protected By God’s Power Through Faith For Salvation You Greatly Rejoice In Difficult Times To Prove Your Faith You Will Receive Praise, Glory, & Honor Your Salvation

Happy Trials to You (1 Peter 1:1-9) 5 Things To Do This Week Rewrite the Bible to yourself (Suggestions: 1 Peter, 1 John, Ephesians). Remember trials that God has already brought you through. Praise Him for them! If you are currently experiencing trials, praise Him for whatever He’s doing through them! Learn to communicate the wonders of your own salvation. Tell it to someone.