BULLETIN 34 -St.PETER

Peter Was central in the organisation of the new Christianity as the first Pope of Rome. But he was martyred at Rome during the huge crackdown on the Christians by the Roman authorities. Due to Peter's historical importance this is a follow on from Bulletin 33, showing his pleas for endurance during a period of severe trial and an expectation of early divine relief. It was at a time when it was assumed that Jesus would return shortly to rectify the situation rather than for Romans themselves to rise to the disastrous situation; it took many years for that to occur.

2 Peter 3:13-18 says13, Nevertheless we, according to his promises, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace without spot and blameless. 15 and consider that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation - as also from our beloved brother Paul, according to his wisdom given him, has written to you,16 as also in all the epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the scriptures.

17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to Him be the glory both now and forever, Amen

We have a few conciliatory words in 2 Peter 2:9-129 The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgement.10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanliness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, 11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption.

It is unfortunate that much of these abuses and ignorance are still happening in the twenty-first century, though it is seldom reported in the media. In a number of countries where a lack of tolerance to religious practices occurs, not only Afghanistan, there is a huge need for real improvements achieved by the will of the people. Let us pray for this to occur.

Amen.

srd