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Good morning, Church.

My name is Anna Ray and I am the Executive and Ministry Assistant for the Institute.

And this morning we'll be reading 1 Peter 1-12.

Peter and Apostle of Jesus Christ,

to those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia,

Cappadocia, Asia and Bethidia.

According to the foreknowledge of God the Father in the sanctification of the Spirit,

for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with His blood,

may grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

according to His great mercy He has caused us to be born again to a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading,

kept in heaven for you,

who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you rejoice though now for a little while, if necessary,

you have been grieved by various trials,

so that the tested genuineness of your faith,

more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire,

...