Grace and peace to you, beloved brethren, in the name of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May His mercy, love, and strength be multiplied to you.

We write to you as those chosen by God, elect through faith in Christ Jesus—though you have not seen Him with your eyes, yet you have believed because of the testimony handed down through the holy Scriptures and by the apostles of our Lord. Blessed are you who believe without seeing, for yours is the reward of eternal life.

Beloved, we know the days in which we live are evil and heavy with trials. We are despised, mocked, and counted as nothing by the world. Yet in Him we possess everything, for the kingdom is not of this world but of Christ who reigns forever. To the unbelieving, He shall come as a thief in the night, but to us, His chosen, He will appear to fulfill His promise—to gather us to Himself for all eternity.

• To those in the cities who worship God faithfully: stand firm, the Lord sees you and will not forget your labor of love.
• To those enduring persecution: be strong, for your suffering is but for a little while, and the crown of life awaits you.
• To those in villages and remote places: you are not forgotten; your reward is with Him who searches every heart. Hold fast to Him who will never abandon you.

Brethren, these are the last days. Many have grown cold in love. Ambition and the pursuit of wealth have become idols; pride has lifted men against one another; division and self-worship are everywhere. But you, beloved, are not of the world. Walk in the Spirit of God, who binds us together in the bond of peace and love. Let not differences in knowledge divide you, for knowledge puffs up but love builds up. Faith in Christ is sufficient, for salvation is found in Him alone.

Therefore, put away all malice, rivalry, and division. Embrace one another in love that transcends the walls of our assemblies, for the Lord knows those who are His. Let the church of Christ be known not by strife, but by the love of God shining through His people.

Now, beloved, if the Lord grants it, we shall meet in this present life; but if not, we shall surely meet in the age to come when we shall see His face and dwell with Him forever. Until then, worship the Lord in spirit and truth, knowing that His presence is among you even now.

Encourage one another with these words. Counsel one another in love. Stand firm in the faith.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, both now and forever.

In Christ’s love,
Believers