JOHN 21:20–25 A believer’s death is meant to glorify God. Scripture plainly tells us that Jesus spoke of Peter’s death as the way he would honor God. Yet we often forget this. We tend to think only life and activity glorify Christ, and we see death merely as the end of usefulness. Scripture teaches otherwise. … Continue reading How can a Christian glorify God in death?
Peter
Love Made Useful
John 21:15–17 Three times Jesus commands Peter, “Feed my flock.” This repeated charge restores Peter to apostolic service after his fall and teaches a lasting lesson to the whole church: love for Christ is proven by usefulness to others. True devotion is not loud profession, impulsive zeal, or dramatic action, but steady, patient, sacrificial care … Continue reading Love Made Useful
A Love that is Born of Grace
JOHN 21:15–17 A true Christian loves Christ because of who He is and what He has done. Jesus suffered in our place and died for us. By His blood He has freed us from the guilt, power, and penalty of sin. He has forgiven all our sins. He called us by His Spirit to repentance … Continue reading A Love that is Born of Grace
The Gaze that Brings Us Home
Luke 22:55–62 Luke alone records the moment after Peter’s third denial when “the Lord turned and looked at Peter.” Even surrounded by enemies and facing unjust suffering and death, Jesus still fixed His eyes on His failing disciple. It was a look filled not with anger, but with sorrowful mercy—a silent sermon Peter never forgot. … Continue reading The Gaze that Brings Us Home
The Slow Drift to Denial
Luke 22:55–62 Peter’s fall shows how quietly and gradually a believer can slip into grievous sin. The Gospel writers mark each step. First, he trusted in himself—confident that even if others fell away, he never would. Second, he neglected prayer; when Christ urged him to pray against temptation, he slept instead. Third, he wavered—fighting, fleeing, … Continue reading The Slow Drift to Denial
Because You Love Jesus…
Jack Miller served for years as a writer, pastor, seminary professor, and missionary. He constantly and uncomfortably asked probing questions of those who read his books. Here’s one that fits well with this Sunday's sermon text (John 21:1-23) from his book Outgrowing the Ingrown Church: Have you done a single good deed recently simply because … Continue reading Because You Love Jesus…
When You Have Fallen in Your Spiritual Journey – A Prayer of Confession & Renewal
Good and gracious Lord, we praise and thank You that our moral failings do not take You by surprise. You told Peter he would deny you three times before the rooster crowed. Forgive us for the ways that we have denied You by loving the approval of others more than Yours. Grant us renewed boldness … Continue reading When You Have Fallen in Your Spiritual Journey – A Prayer of Confession & Renewal
The Only Power that The Powerless Possess – Acts 12
The Only Power that The Powerless Possess - Vespers Guide I. A CRISIS: A fledgling church faces a crisis (12:1-4) Herod arrests, persecutes and kills church leaders. A crisis rocks the fledgling church: James is beheaded. Peter is imprisoned. Why? In order to appease and curry favor of a group of powerful religious leaders. II. … Continue reading The Only Power that The Powerless Possess – Acts 12
When God’s Plan Doesn’t Jive with Ours
Our Vespers Worship Guide through Acts 11 At times God's plan and agenda doesn't jive with ours. This study sets forth how we naturally respond and how the Lord leads us to embrace His agenda and plan. Here are several lessons we learn from this important chapter in the life of the early church. God … Continue reading When God’s Plan Doesn’t Jive with Ours
Linking People with People to Fulfill God’s Purposes
The title of this post served as the original motto for the group that started Trinity Church. This focus has resulted in one of our hallmark strengths being relationships. Last night at Wednesday Vespers we studied and prayed through Acts 10. In it you see the Lord going to extreme measures to link people with … Continue reading Linking People with People to Fulfill God’s Purposes
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