PART 1
Early Christians suffered greatly through persecution. They were being persecuted only because they were followers of Jesus yet, it was a kind of privilege to be treated this way. They were treated badly just as their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was treated. We all suffer for different reasons but for believers, suffering because of and for Christ is not only an honor and privilege, but it also produces a strong faith that is full of hope. Imagine you and I, and all believers and followers of Christ, being persecuted because we belong to the Creator of all things.
Amen
PART 2
Peter the Christian, shepherded Jews who had converted to Christianity, and not to a denomination. Peter was indeed the rock on which the true church would be built but this true church was and still is, all believers and followers of Christ
When Jesus referred to Peter as being the rock that the church would be built upon, He was referring to a church that consisted of believers from many different backgrounds and Christian faith groups, and not any one or any particular denomination. Remember, the true church started with the conversion of a few Jews and then focused on the conversion of those living in many, different gentile nations.
Amen