Podcasts about in peter

Peter is GRIEVED that Jesus has to ask him the same question 3 times in a row. I don't think he's mad at Jesus. I think Peter is grieved at himself; that the 3x question was needed for his own benefit.          In the church, the best LEADERS are the best LOVERS of God. So, Peter had to get this right with the Lord. In Peter's case, it is the BROKEN who make the best witnesses for the Lord.https://youtu.be/1tGUgrtzLiw

In Peter's second sermon in Acts 3, he admonishes his audience to humble themselves, realize who Jesus really was, admit their guilt, repent of their sins, and realize the future hope that awaits them.  And so we too need to hear those very same admonishments today.

 It has always been so – but it is more obvious today – how meaningless life is in the ultimate sense.  More than ever before people are living for the here and now.  With this thought in mind we can relate to the words of the prophet Habakkuk.      In today's ch. 2 where he says of his decadent nation, “Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own … and loads himself with pledges.”[v.6] It is so in today's ‘have it now' society in the western world – pledging payment sometime later and almost always forever in debt. A question is asked in v.13, “Behold, is it not from the LORD of hosts that people labour merely for fire, and nations weary themselves for nothing.”     Once again God's prophet reminds his people (and us the readers) that God is behind the scenes and knows all – and has the ultimate control. People labour “merely for fire” – to provide heat in time of cold, to cook their food – and light in the darkness.  Few had any long term view of life, they had then and have now, no idea of God's vision as stated in the very next verse.  “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.”   Any vision people have could be described as ‘tunnel vision' –that of having fixed objects of thought – unable to see the larger perspective, Job's ‘friends' suffered from this.  As we read Peter's 1st epistle we particularly noticed his reference to “when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared.” [3 v.20] Noah and his sons laboured for 100 long years while around them was total godlessness (Gen. 6 v.5). Peter sees their salvation in the ark as it was was riding on the flood waters as a type of baptism; he writes, “Baptism which corresponds to this (the flood), now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience …” [v.21]  Baptism cleanses the conscience and provides a new start, with a new vision ‘nothingness' is swept away – and replaced by the anticipation of participation in the glory that is coming. In Peter's time God's judgements were looming over Israel, Jerusalem was doomed for rejecting the Messiah, and Peter warns, “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded …”  [4 v.7] – the very opposite attitude to those who ”weary themselves for nothing.”   Let us all heed Peter's words, living with a real sense of purpose in our hearts “by the strength that God supplies – in order that in everything God may be glorified  through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” [v.11]

In Peter's second letter, the apostle writes to encourage the church to confirm their calling and election by exercising the divine power given to them for life and godliness. Peter warns them against false teachers who claim Christ but in reality are self-glorifying and treacherous, exploiting the church in their greed with made-up stories. Finally, Peter encourages the church to patiently await Christ's second coming, for the judgment of the wicked is sure. Since this is a short epistle we'll have a double dose of Isaiah, reading chapters 52-53, wherein the suffering servant is pierced because of our rebellion and crushed because of our iniquities, but we are healed by his wounds.2 Peter 1 - 1:13 . 2 Peter 2 - 4:59 . 2 Peter 3 - 9:42 . Isaiah 52 - 13:44 . Isaiah 53 - 17:09 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

If you knew your time on earth was short, what would you do? Go see the Great Wall of China? Surf Teahupoʻo? In Peter's mind, knowing our time is short should lead us to pursue greater love — for God and for others. If you need to experience God's love, join us for this message in 1 Peter 4!

John 21:14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. 15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs."16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. 18 "Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish." 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me." Today we look a little closer at the three do you love Me statements and what they mean to us in practical terms of what we need to do and how we need to live in light of these questions. Peter is like us in that he is not willing to totally commit to something unless we are sure WE can pull it off. So, Jesus gives a prophecy of how Peter will die. He tells Peter that he will live to be an old man and then they will put him on a cross. That he will glorify God through his death. That is just like God to let us know, yes you have failed, yes you are hesitant to fully commit now because of your failure, but I am going to use you anyway. Also, I want to let you know that when it comes time to stand up for me, you will not fail, you will not make the same mistake again and you will ultimately do the will of God as you are supposed to when it really counts. 2Co 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. Joh 20:19,26 John said that this was the third post-resurrection appearance "to the disciples" (i.e., the apostles, cf. 20:19-23, 26-29). Chronologically this was at least Jesus' seventh post-resurrection appearance (cf. 20:11-18; Matt. 28:8-10; 1 Cor. 15:5; Luke 24:13-32; John 20:19-23, 26-29). Nevertheless it was the third appearance to the disciples, and the third appearance to the disciples that John recorded. John viewed this appearance as further proof of Jesus' resurrection. Perhaps he viewed it as completing a full complement of testimonies since he drew attention to its being the third appearance to the disciples. The number three in Scripture sometimes connotes fullness or completeness (e.g., the three Persons of the Trinity). However by calling this appearance a "manifestation" (Gr. ephanerothe, cf. v. 1) John indicated that he also viewed it as a revelation of Jesus' true character. So far Jesus had reminded these disciples of lessons that He had taught them previously that were important for them to remember in view of their mission. He had also set the stage for an even more important lesson that would follow. I believe there are lessons to be learned from this miracle in the light of its similarity to the great fish harvest of Luke 5. Because of the fishing miracle in Luke 5, Peter and the other disciples came to see Jesus (and themselves) in a whole new light. There, Peter realizes he is not worthy to be in the same boat with Jesus. In John 21, Peter and the others are once again awed by our Lord and His works. In both texts, these professional fishermen were not able to catch anything on their own, even though they were laboring in the area of their expertise. Jesus taught them that He is the source of their success, He is the One Who, when obeyed, makes men fruitful fishermen. In Luke 5, the disciples were called to leave their fishing boats and to become “fishers of men” (5:10). I believe that John 21:1-14 is a reaffirmation of that original call. The disciples are all waiting around, wondering what to do with their lives. I believe that by means of this miracle Jesus reiterates and reinforces their original call, which came in Luke 5. There are some interesting differences in these accounts as well—and lessons to be learned from them. The most obvious (and probably the most important) difference is that in Luke 5, Jesus was in the boat. In John 21, Jesus is on the shore. You may think I am pressing the limits of this story, but there is a lesson here: “Jesus is able to guide, to provide for, and to watch over His disciples just as well (better?) from a distance, as He is able to care for them “up close and personal.” From 100 yards away, Jesus knew they had caught no fish. From 100 yards away, Jesus could guide them to an abundance of fish. Even before they saw Him, Jesus was prepared to provide for their needs. He had breakfast “on the table,” so to speak, when they arrived on shore. Were the disciples uneasy about Jesus going away, about Jesus leaving them to return to His Father? Such fears are unfounded. He is just as able to care for them when He is in heaven as He was to care for them while He was on earth. I think this was a significant part of the lesson He wanted them to learn. That is why this story is included here -- to teach us that in the work of evangelizing, whether through mass evangelism or individual witnessing, God himself is working with us and will supply far more than we ever dreamed. Both of these accounts refer to Peter as "Simon Peter." Recall that when the Spirit of God uses the name "Simon" Peter, the natural Peter, the one with whom we feel a kinship, the Peter in us all, is in view. And three times, Jesus is going to ask Peter the same question, or at least, we think it’s the same question, but as we’ll see as we move through this there’s actually a subtle shift in this question that we can’t see in our English Bibles, right? It’s a rich picture of how intimately Jesus knows His friend, Peter, and by implication, how He knows us. So, not only the guilt of, “Oh, I failed, and I didn’t respond well,” but, “Let me restore you to a place of usability that’s far beyond your wildest imagination.” We need to keep this in mind as well, especially those of us who are very aware of our own sins, and how we have failed… No matter how great a person is, he may fall (cf. 1 Cor. 10:12).[i] Would you begin to understand that nothing you will ever done will make Him love you more, -and nothing you have ever done will make Him love you less. And when you start there, I believe the prayer thing is going to take care of itself.” But we’re all in this performance quota, “I have to do this before God will look on me favorably.” He could not have demonstrated His love more profoundly than He already has. Why would He then change that conditionally based upon our works? So the motivation is, “I love you, and I want to respond well to you.” Not, “I need to pray more, I need to be more faithful, I shouldn’t have done that.” What a terrible way to live the Christian life. Ultimately, that performance mindset that you’re talking about is legalism. It’s an attempt to self-justify and we have to come back and say do we believe that Christ has paid it all, and that we’re accepted not because of what we do, - but because of what He has done? And Peter had to realize that as well. As we pick up this account in John’s Gospel, Jesus has just finished cooking breakfast for His friends, and He’s about to have a conversation with Peter. to follow Christ as maybe we have promised to do. Jesus is in the business of restoration. I am inclined to understand verses 1-14 in terms of evangelism—being fishers of men. But it is not enough to simply bring a lost sinner to faith in Jesus Christ; that person should also be discipled, and thus brought to maturity in Christ. This seems to be implicit in the Great Commission: Lu 24:33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Mr. 16:7 "But go, tell His disciples--and Peter--that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you." Jesus is not seeking to correct (or even rebuke) Peter here for his three-fold denial. Jesus personally revealed Himself to Peter, probably before He appeared to the disciples as a group (1 Corinthians 15:5; Luke 24:34; Mark 16:7). I believe it is there that our Lord dealt with Peter’s three-fold denial, and forgave him. In our text, Peter is eager to be with our Lord. I believe this is because Peter’s sins have already been confronted and forgiven, and thus he has already been restored to fellowship with the Master I am not even inclined to see this text as Peter’s restoration to leadership. There are some scholars who hold that Peter was restored to fellowship in his private interview with Jesus, and that this incident is his public restoration to leadership. I see the emphasis of this passage falling on humble service, not on leadership, per se.????????? this passage is more about love than about leadership. Love for Jesus is demonstrated by faithfully caring for His sheep. So, too, when we care for the sheep whom our Lord loves, and for whom He gave His life, we show our love for the Shepherd. caution should be exercised in making too much of the two different words for “love” which are employed in this text. The two verbs are agapao and phileo. The first two times Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him, the word for love is agapao. The third time Jesus asks, He employs the term phileo. Every time Peter responds to Jesus’ question, indicating his love, he employs the word phileo. The distinctions that some make between these two terms may hold true in some cases, and for some authors. They do not seem to hold true for John, who often uses different terms for the same concept. When commentators do seek to emphasize the distinctions between the two Greek words John uses, they do not agree as to what the meaning and emphasis of these terms are. We should keep in mind that when Jesus spoke to Peter and asked him these three questions, He spoke not in Greek (the language in which the Gospel of John is written), but in Aramaic, the language spoken by the Jews of that day. The change in words may have some significance, but I hardly think it is the key to understanding the passage. Jesus began by addressing Peter as Simon the son of Jonas. In the Gospels, Jesus addressed Peter this way on only the most important occasions. These were his call to follow Jesus (1:42), his confession of Jesus as the Son of God (Matt. 16:17), and as he slept in Gethsemane (Mark 14:37).???????????? When Jesus addressed Peter this way here, Peter probably realized that what Jesus was about to say to him was extremely important. "His [Peter's] actions had shown that Peter had not wanted a crucified Lord. But Jesus was crucified. How did Peter's devotion stand in the light of this? Was he ready to love Jesus as he was, and not as Peter wished him to be?" His will is content with following. His work is compelled by love. His way is committed to God. And his work, or his will is content with following, but his words are about Jesus. Number one, his work is compelled by love. A real committed Christian operates on the basis of his love for the Lord. Two, his way is controlled by God. He has learned how to give his life totally to God and trust Him for it. His will is content with following. He's happy to do what Jesus leads him to do. Fourth, his words are concerning Jesus. His work is compelled by love. His way is controlled by God. His will is content with following. And his words are concerned with Jesus. A committed Christian operates on the basis of his love for the Lord. 15 ¶ So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." Each question begins with Simon, son of John. It’s funny to me that He names him Peter, but He never calls him Peter but one time. At least, it’s only recorded one time that He calls him Peter. He still calls him Simon. I think it has to do with the person of him before the Holy Spirit indwells him because in Acts he’ll be known primarily as Peter. But now, Jesus still calls him Simon. Called Him Simon Peter every time something important occurred. Original calling, garden of gethsemane, and now. Peter had denied that he was one of Jesus' disciples and that he even knew Jesus three times. Thus Jesus' question was reasonable. He wanted Peter to think about just how strong his love for Jesus really was. "There can be little doubt but that the whole scene is meant to show us Peter as completely restored to his position of leadership. . . . It is further worth noting that the one thing about which Jesus questioned Peter prior to commissioning him to tend the flock was love. This is the basic qualification for Christian service. Other qualities may be desirable, but love is completely indispensable (cf. 1 Cor. 13:1-3)." Our Lord’s addition of the words, “more than these do,” really got to the heart of the matter. Our Lord’s prediction of Peter’s denials came in the midst of Peter’s confident boasting that even if all the others denied Jesus, he certainly would not. In other words, Peter was claiming a higher level of devotion than the rest. Jesus is simply asking him to re-evaluate his boastful claim. And this Peter did. Peter could truthfully affirm that he did love Jesus, but he would not go so far as to claim that his love was greater than that of his fellow-disciples. He also speaks of his love in terms of the Savior’s assessment of it: “Yes, Lord, You know I love You.” To this our Lord replied, “Feed My lambs.” There is some discussion over what Jesus means here. The verse could be translated (and understood) in several ways. (1) “Peter, do you love me more than these fish, more than this boat and the nets, and the things which represent your life of a fisherman?” (2) “Peter, do you love Me more than you love these men?” (3) “Peter, do you love me more than these men do?” But a comparison of these two accounts reveals that what he means is, "Do you love me more than these men love me?" Before he denied Jesus, Peter had inferred that he loved Jesus much more than they. "All men will forsake you, Lord, but I will lay down my life for you," he had said. Clearly he regards himself as more faithful and more committed than the others, whom he expected would desert the Lord in a time of danger. Thus Jesus addresses these words to him, "Do you love me more than these?" When we bring that into our context, taken together, “Peter, now that you’ve denied me three times, remember I told you you’d deny me? Now that you’ve denied me three times, can you tell me that you love me more than these people love me?” That’s the question He’s posing to him. And Peter is saying, “Look, Lord you knew I was going to deny you three times, you know if I love you or not, Lord.” Now, Peter is starting to develop a fuller Christology. This Jesus Christ knows everything about him. And He knows everything about him now. That’s why it grieved him, I think. Three times, “Lord, you know I love you. You know everything.” Peter has learned some painful but necessary lessons. He does not judge himself in relationship to the others, but reads his own heart and replies, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." He makes no mention of the others. Here is a great lesson on how we are to look at others. Peter indicates he has learned to read his Lord's mind better. In the Garden of Gethsemane he felt that his love for Jesus required that he assault the enemies of his Lord, but here he learns that he is responsible to feed the sheep of Jesus. That is the correct manifestation of love. Jesus responded graciously by giving Peter a command, Tend My lambs” This is an PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE. All three of these statements are the same grammatical form. Note that Christ gives Peter a new commission: he is now a shepherd (pastor) besides being a fisher of men. (See 1 Peter 5.) He is now to shepherd the lambs and sheep and feed them the Word of God. All Christians are expected to be fishers of men (soul-winners), but some have been called into the special ministry of shepherding the flock. What good is it to win the lost if there is no church where they might be fed and cared for? When Peter sinned, he did not lose his Sonship, but he did fall away from his discipleship. For this reason Christ repeated His call, “Follow Me.” Christ also confronts Peter with the cross (v. 18), indicating that Peter would one day be crucified himself. (See 2 Peter 1:12–14.) Before we can follow Christ, we must take up the cross. When you recall that earlier Peter tried to keep Christ from the cross, this commandment takes on new meaning (Matt. 16:21–28).[ii] He told Peter to tend (Gr. boske, feed) His lambs (Gr. arnia). Previously Jesus had referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd (10:14). Now he was committing the care of His flock to this disciple who had failed Him miserably in the past. Jesus had formerly called Peter to be a fisher of men, an essentially evangelistic ministry (Matt. 4:19). Now he was broadening this calling to include being a shepherd of sheep, a pastoral ministry. The image, however, changes from that of the fisherman to that of the shepherd. Peter was to minister both as an evangelist (catching the fish) and a pastor (shepherding the flock). It is unfortunate when we divorce these two because they should go together. Pastors ought to evangelize (2 Tim. 4:5) and then shepherd the people they have won so that they mature in the Lord. Here is the chief work of a shepherd. Jesus says to Peter, "Feed my lambs"; "Tend my sheep"; "Feed my sheep." Three aspects of feeding are suggested here: "Feed my lambs." Teach the children. Do not wait for them to grow up. Teach children from the Word what life is all about. Peter was grieved because Jesus found it necessary to ask virtually the same question three times. I do not like to be asked the same question repeatedly. I conclude that either the person asking the question wasn’t paying attention (this could not be the case with Jesus), or that my answer was not acceptable or credible. The three-fold repetition must have registered with Peter as being related to his three-fold denial. Peter was grieved because he realized that the bold and even arrogant claims he had made proved to be empty. Peter is not distressed with Jesus; he is grieved over his own sin. Jesus is not attempting to shame Peter; he is seeking to reaffirm his call to service. Did Jesus question Peter about his love for Him three times? Then note that three times Jesus instructed Peter to care for His sheep. Does Peter fear he has been cast aside as useless? Jesus tells him to return to His work, three times! Peter really did love Jesus. But Peter needed to understand that his love for the Savior was not as great as he thought, just as his ability to catch fish was not as great as he seemed to think. In loving, and in landing fish, Jesus was supreme. Even in the thing Peter did best (fishing), he could not hold a candle to Jesus, who proved to be far better at fishing than he. Peter sought to prove his love for Jesus by boasting about it, by arguing with his fellow-disciples about it (see Luke 22:24), and by being the first to draw his sword and lop off an ear, or perhaps even by being the first man into the water and onto the shore. These were not the benchmarks our Lord had established for testing one’s love for Him. The proof of one’s love for God is sacrificial service —feeding our Lord’s sheep. The way I understand verses 15-19 is something like this: “Peter, do you really love Me as much as you say? Then prove your love for Me by taking care of My sheep.” Jesus is the “Good Shepherd,” Who cares for His sheep (see John 10). If Peter really loves his Lord, then his passion will be the Lord’s passion. The circumstances must have reminded Peter of the scene of his denial. And if the circumstances as such did not remind him of this, what was about to happen was bound to do so. Note the following resemblances: 1. It was at a charcoal fire that Peter denied his Master (18:18). It is here at another charcoal fire (21:9) that he is asked to confess (his love for) his Master. 2. Three times Peter had denied his Master (18:17, 25, 27). Three times he must now own him as his Lord, whom he loves (21:15-17). 3. The prediction with reference to the denial had been introduced with the solemn double Amen (13:38; see on 1:51). The prediction which immediately followed Peter’s confession was introduced similarly (21:18). Ps 1:1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But it has been shown that the resemblance is even more pointed. In reverse order the same three ideas—1. following, 2. a cross, 3. denying—occur here in 21:15-19 as in 13:36-38.” William Hendriksen, Exposition of the Gospel According to John, II , p. 486. John 21:15-17 is more about love than about leadership. “Peter if you’re going to love me, part of that will be shepherding and feeding and caring for my sheep, but the manifestation of those attributes come connected to your love to me. If you love me, Peter, you will shepherd the flock that I will give to you. My passion, Peter, will be your passion. The things I’m concerned about, Peter, will be the things you’re concerned about, if you love me.” 16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." Ac 20:28; Heb 13:20; 1Pe 2:25; 5:2,4 Now the first and third words for “feed”, “Feed my sheep… feed my lambs… “ is the same word. The middle word is the word I want to talk about. The middle word is the word shepherding. Some of your translations use the word “care for”, and it has the root of a pastor. In fact, the word that Jesus uses here for Peter to shepherd is the word for pastoring and for eldering. Pastoring is the gift, eldering is the function. It is a shepherd; one who cares for people. The shepherd-sheep relationship describes the spiritual task of leaders of God’s people. The command ‘to shepherd’ includes guiding, guarding, feeding, protecting. Then, "Shepherd my sheep." The word means, watch over, guard them. In Peter's first letter he says to the elders to whom he is writing, "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, watching out for them," (1 Peter 5:2). Try to discern where they are at, apprehend the coming dangers, warn and guard them. That is the work of a shepherd. The verbal tense conveys urgency. It calls upon the elder to have the official life of devotion to serving the flock of God.” 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. Joh 2:24-25; 16:30 Jesus is the “Good Shepherd”; He is the Shepherd who came to lay down His life for His sheep. If Peter really loves Jesus, he will care for the Master’s sheep, and he, like the Master, will lay down his life for the sheep. Love manifests itself in service—humble, sacrificial, service. You become like the people you love. The things they love, you love. If Peter really loves his Lord, Who is the Good Shepherd, then Peter will surely seek to shepherd in the same way. He will seek the lost sheep (evangelism). He will feed and tend the young and vulnerable lambs (discipleship). And, like the Good Shepherd, he will lay down his life for the sheep. That is why the Lord moves so quickly and easily from verses 15-17 to verses 18 and 19. Peter had assured his Lord that he was willing to die for Him (Matthew 26:35), and so he will. But he will not die in the manner that he once supposed—seeking to keep His Master from being arrested and crucified. Peter will die, as the Savior did, as a good shepherd, and for the sake of the gospel. Finally, "Feed my sheep, my grown-up ones." The instrument of feeding, of course, is the teaching of the Word of God. Open their minds to the thoughts of God. This is the missing element in the church today. The primary function of shepherding is in teaching and explaining the Gospel and the Word to the flock of God. People are not thinking the thoughts of God, not looking at life the way God sees it, but following blindly after the fantasies and the illusions of the world. What is necessary is the unfolding of the mind of God in obedience to the word of Jesus: "Teach the word." The weakness of the church flows from a famine of the Word of God. Peter had learned not to make rash professions of great love. Therefore he did not compare his love for Jesus to the love of the other disciples as he had done before. He simply appealed to Jesus' knowledge of his heart. Notice that throughout this interchange Jesus consistently referred to the sheep as His sheep, not Peter's sheep. Moreover Jesus described Peter's ministry in terms of acts, not in terms of an office. Later Peter wrote to elders urging them to apply these same viewpoints to their pastoral ministry (1Pet. 5:1-4). The Greek word for “sheep” at the end of John 21:17 means “dear sheep. A committed Christian’s way is controlled by God. Having loved Jesus Christ to that extent that you'd give your life for Him, it's no problem to hand Him your life and let Him keep it. Didn't Paul say, "I'm confident that what I've given the Lord He'll keep till the day of Jesus Christ?" And as a Christian, you can say, "All right, Lord, I love You, here's my life, You've got it now, it's up to You to do what You want." Are you willing to say that? Whatever God's will is, he'll do it. The committed Christian yields the control of his destiny to God, no questions asked. Psalm 37:5 puts it this way, "Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in Him." Just let it go. Here's my life, God, and it's Yours, do whatever You want. And Paul says, "If I live, I live unto the Lord. If I die, I die unto the Lord. So, if I live, if I die, I'm the Lord's." See. I gave myself to Him. 18 "Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish." Joh 13:36; Ac 12:3-4 Peter had been learning how his self-confidence led to failure and how he needed to depend on Jesus more (i.e., "You know vv. 15, 16, 17). Jesus reminded Peter that as time passed he would become increasingly dependent on others even to the point of being unable to escape a martyr's death. Therefore, Jesus implied, Peter should commit his future to God rather than trying to control it himself as he had formerly tried to do. "The long painful history of the Church is the history of people ever and again tempted to choose power over love, control over the cross, being a leader over being led." For Peter, following Jesus would involve more than teaching, it would ultimately involve pain, suffering, deprivation, and death. This was historically fulfilled. Clearly this book was written after the death of Peter, as John records the way Peter would die. Eusebius, the church historian, tells us that when Peter went to Rome at the close of his life (by the way, he did not found the church at Rome at all; he went there much later), he was finally imprisoned, his hands were bound and he was led out to the place of execution, and there he was crucified. At his own request he was crucified upside down because he did not feel he was worthy to share the manner of his Lord's death. Jesus is saying that preaching and teaching the Word of truth in a mixed-up world like ours will call for sacrifice. It may mean living in primitive conditions, under difficult circumstances, and not feeling harassed, but privileged, to teach and to suffer for the sake of the Word of God. Peter found this to be true. He ultimately obeyed his Lord. He had said, "I will lay down my life for you," and Jesus replied, "You will indeed, not like you once thought, not in defense of me with a sword, but in the teaching and preaching of the Word. Eventually you will lay down your life for me." A committed Christian’s will is content with following. 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me."2Pe 1:14 Follow Me” This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE as is v.22. This is related to the renewal and reaffirmation of Peter’s call to leadership Our Lord’s words, “Follow Me!” must have brought new joy and love to Peter’s heart. Literally, Jesus said, “Keep on following Me.” Immediately, Peter began to follow Jesus, just as he had done before his great denial. Peter later wrote that Christians who follow Jesus Christ faithfully to the point of dying for Him bring glory to God by their deaths 1Pe 4:14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. He lived with this prediction hanging over him for three decades 2Pe 1:14 knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Notice that Jesus does much more than predict Peter’s death. John wishes us to understand that Jesus went so far as to predict the way in which Peter would die: “(Now Jesus said this to indicate clearly by what kind of death Peter was going to glorify God.)” (verse 19). Peter’s previous effort to resist the arrest of Jesus was contrary to the gospel, and this is why Jesus rebuked him and abruptly ordered him to stop resisting His arrest. The death which Peter will experience is a death that will glorify God. Jesus also indicates that Peter will die in his old age, and thus he is informed that his death is not imminent. But his death for the Savior’s sake is certain: Notice it says that his death would glorify God. How? Because anybody who dies for their faith in Jesus Christ is a glory to God. I agree with those who see here a prophecy that Peter truly will follow Jesus, by dying on a Roman cross: More important is the way stretch out your hands was understood in the ancient world: it widely referred to crucifixion (Haenchen, 2. 226-227). … Bauer (p. 232) proposed long ago that this ‘stretching’ took place when a condemned prisoner was tied to his cross-member and forced to carry his ‘cross’ to the place of execution. The cross-member would be placed on the prisoner’s neck and shoulders, his arms tied to it, and then he would be led away to death. The words, “Follow Me,” constitute the first calling of the disciples (Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:17; John 1:43). As time passed, these words took on a much deeper meaning. Following Jesus meant putting Jesus above family (Matthew 8:22). It meant a whole new way of life, where former practices would be unacceptable (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14). Before long, Jesus let His disciples know that following Him meant taking up one’s cross (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34). (At this point in time, our Lord’s reference to “taking up one’s cross” was, at best, understood symbolically.) For the rich young ruler, it meant giving up his possessions (Matthew 19:21; Mark 20:21). And now, for Peter, it means not only carrying on the Master’s work, but taking up a very literal cross. It would seem that at every point where following Jesus is more precisely defined, another challenge to follow Him is given. So it is in our text. I fear that Christians today understand these two words, “Follow me,” in a superficial way. When Paul writes, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21), we interpret his words in a somewhat self-indulgent fashion. We suppose that Paul means living as a Christian is glorious, trouble-free, and fulfilling. It is, to put it plainly, “the good life.” In other words, we get to live it up here, and then when we die, it gets even better. There is a certain sense in which this is true. But we must understand Paul’s words in the light of what Jesus is telling Peter here, in our text, about following Him. To follow Christ is to walk in His steps, to live as He lived, to serve others as He did, and to lay down your life for the sheep, like Him. In Philippians chapter 1, Paul is therefore saying, “For me, to live is to live just as Christ did, taking up my cross daily, laying down my life for His sheep.” "Obedience to Jesus' command, Follow Me, is the key issue in every Christian's life. As Jesus followed the Father's will, so His disciples should follow their Lord whether the path leads to a cross or to some other difficult experience." Peter got the message. He was willing to lay down his life for the Savior. Do you know what Jesus is saying to him here? "Peter, you're going to grow old, “because He says, "When you’re old, so you're going to have a full life, Peter. And when it comes to the end of your life, you're going to be crucified." That means, to Peter, that when it comes down to the crux at that hour, he's going to confess Christ and die for Him, right? Now don't you think that's good news to Peter who last time he had a chance to die for Jesus blew it? And so He says, "Peter, I'm going to give you another chance, you're going to live a full life and then at the end you're going to hang in there, it's going to come down to a life/death issue and you're going to stand up and say I believe in Jesus boldly and you're going to die for it." Now I can imagine the thrills were shooting up Peter's back like crazy because he was going to get a chance to prove his love for Jesus. Peter committed his life to Christ and Christ said, "Peter, you'll live for Me and you'll die nailed to a cross." That's the destiny that God had designed for Peter. That's a beautiful promise. O Peter I'm sure in his heart just was saying over and over again...if I only had another chance...if I only had another chance to show the Lord I could be faithful in a crucial situation...if I only had one more chance to show Him my love in a life/death thing, O I'd do it, I'd do it. And so the Lord says, "Peter, you'll do it...you'll do it." And, you know, it's a good thing He told Peter cause Peter would have lived his whole life a nervous wreck thinking that every time he came to a real issue he'd blow it. And a leader with no confidence is no leader at all. And the Lord knew that Peter would worry himself about this so the Lord says, "Peter, you can relax through your whole ministry. When it comes to the end, you'll proclaim My name, you'll die a crucifixion death, don't worry about it." Following Jesus means being where He is. Jesus said in John 12:26 that, "If any man serve Me, let him follow Me that where I am, there will My servant be also." In other words, Jesus wants servants to go where He goes. That's the first thing about following. You go where He goes. Real simple. And in all the days of your life, in all the circumstances of your life, in all the places of your life, in all the relationships of your life, you should be able to say when asked, "Why are you here?" I'm here because I'm following Jesus and this is where He's led me today. Following Jesus means to pattern our lives after His attitudes. His holiness and His purity and His obedience to God becomes the pattern for us. Jesus said in Matthew 5:48, "Be ye perfect even as I am perfect." We are to pattern our lives after Him. As He was faithful to the Father and obedient, so are we to be faithful and obedient.. Thirdly, following Jesus means a willingness to suffer sacrifice for His sake. That's the nitty-gritty. Are you willing to do that? In Matthew 16 Jesus said, "If any man follow Me, take up his cross," right, "and follow Me." Now that's talking about the suffering sacrificial side of following Jesus. But what does it mean to take up your cross, to bear your cross? in those days the victims of crucifixion bore the crossbeam of their own cross on their back as they marched to crucifixion. And in Matthew, as this was being spoken, the people in Galilee would well understand it because when the Roman General Varus had broken the revolt of Judas of Galilee, he crucified as a punishment two thousand Jews and he placed their crosses along all the roads leading through Galilee so that everywhere that everybody went they saw people hanging on crosses, two thousand of them. And all these people had borne the crossbeam on their back to their own death. What Jesus is saying here is that means to be willing to sacrifice yourself for a cause. That's what it means. And Jesus is saying the same thing, are you willing to sacrifice everything you hold dear, everything you love, all the stupid little things that occupy your time, all your dreams and all your ambitions to be obedient to His cause? That's the real issue. Mark 8:36 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He can Save you if You ask Him based on His death, burial, and resurrection for your sins. Believe in Him for forgiveness of your sins today. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” -John 8:32 Our mission is to spread the gospel and to go to the least of these with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ; We reach out to those the World has forgotten. hisloveministries.podbean.com #HLMSocial hisloveministries.net https://www.instagram.com/hisloveministries1/?hl=en His Love Ministries on Itunes Don’t go for all the gusto you can get, go for all the God (Jesus Christ) you can get. The gusto will get you, Jesus can save you. https://www.facebook.com/His-Love-Ministries-246606668725869/?tn-str=k*F The world is trying to solve earthly problems that can only be solved with heavenly solutions [i] Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Jn 21:15–17). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. [ii] Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament (270). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

"Exiles on Watch," Exiles, 1 Peter 5:6-14, The Very Rev. Dr. Dan Alger. As Christians, we are citizens of God's eternal kingdom, but we are still living in an earthly kingdom. In Peter's first letter, he addresses it to the "exiles" or "sojourners" that are dispersed throughout the world--in places and cultures that live very differently than how Christ has called them to live. In our modern world, we find that we struggle with the same tension. How should we see life through the lens of being an exile, and yet still properly engage with the earthy kingdom in which we live? What does it mean to live differently, not putting our trust and hope in the ways of this earthy kingdom, but rather live in such a way that we hold out hope to the world that points to a better kingdom?

"Shepherds in Exile," Exiles, 1 Peter 5:1-5, The Very Rev. Dr. Dan Alger. As Christians, we are citizens of God's eternal kingdom, but we are still living in an earthly kingdom. In Peter's first letter, he addresses it to the "exiles" or "sojourners" that are dispersed throughout the world--in places and cultures that live very differently than how Christ has called them to live. In our modern world, we find that we struggle with the same tension. How should we see life through the lens of being an exile, and yet still properly engage with the earthy kingdom in which we live? What does it mean to live differently, not putting our trust and hope in the ways of this earthy kingdom, but rather live in such a way that we hold out hope to the world that points to a better kingdom?

"Exile and Restoration," Exiles, 1 Peter 4:1-11, J.D. Meeder. As Christians, we are citizens of God's eternal kingdom, but we are still living in an earthly kingdom. In Peter's first letter, he addresses it to the "exiles" or "sojourners" that are dispersed throughout the world--in places and cultures that live very differently than how Christ has called them to live. In our modern world, we find that we struggle with the same tension. How should we see life through the lens of being an exile, and yet still properly engage with the earthy kingdom in which we live? What does it mean to live differently, not putting our trust and hope in the ways of this earthy kingdom, but rather live in such a way that we hold out hope to the world that points to a better kingdom?

"Fighting Differently," Exiles, 1 Peter 3:8-17, The Rev. Dcn. Melissa Lewkowicz As Christians, we are citizens of God's eternal kingdom, but we are still living in an earthly kingdom. In Peter's first letter, he addresses it to the "exiles" or "sojourners" that are dispersed throughout the world--in places and cultures that live very differently than how Christ has called them to live. In our modern world, we find that we struggle with the same tension. How should we see life through the lens of being an exile, and yet still properly engage with the earthy kingdom in which we live? What does it mean to live differently, not putting our trust and hope in the ways of this earthy kingdom, but rather live in such a way that we hold out hope to the world that points to a better kingdom?

"Wives and Husbands in Exile," Exiles, 1 Peter 3:1-7, The Rt. Rev. Alan Hawkins. As Christians, we are citizens of God's eternal kingdom, but we are still living in an earthly kingdom. In Peter's first letter, he addresses it to the "exiles" or "sojourners" that are dispersed throughout the world--in places and cultures that live very differently than how Christ has called them to live. In our modern world, we find that we struggle with the same tension. How should we see life through the lens of being an exile, and yet still properly engage with the earthy kingdom in which we live? What does it mean to live differently, not putting our trust and hope in the ways of this earthy kingdom, but rather live in such a way that we hold out hope to the world that points to a better kingdom?

"Exiles and Earthly Authority," Exiles, 1 Peter 2:13-25 The Very Rev. Dr. Dan Alger. As Christians, we are citizens of God's eternal kingdom, but we are still living in an earthly kingdom. In Peter's first letter, he addresses it to the "exiles" or "sojourners" that are dispersed throughout the world--in places and cultures that live very differently than how Christ has called them to live. In our modern world, we find that we struggle with the same tension. How should we see life through the lens of being an exile, and yet still properly engage with the earthy kingdom in which we live? What does it mean to live differently, not putting our trust and hope in the ways of this earthy kingdom, but rather live in such a way that we hold out hope to the world that points to a better kingdom?

"Suffering Differently," Exiles, 1 Peter 1:3-9, The Very Rev. Dr. Dan Alger. As Christians, we are citizens of God's eternal kingdom, but we are still living in an earthly kingdom. In Peter's first letter, he addresses it to the "exiles" or "sojourners" that are dispersed throughout the world--in places and cultures that live very differently than how Christ has called them to live. In our modern world, we find that we struggle with the same tension. How should we see life through the lens of being an exile, and yet still properly engage with the earthy kingdom in which we live? What does it mean to live differently, not putting our trust and hope in the ways of this earthy kingdom, but rather live in such a way that we hold out hope to the world that points to a better kingdom?

In Peter's time, some people wished to live without God so they rationalized Him into irrelevance. Others, thinking He had disappeared from the scene, sought life without Him. The same mistakes are being made today. But He is still God and firmly in control. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/508/29

1 Peter: Grace and Glory for Suffering Exiles A Survey of the Bible For the bulletin in PDF form, click here. Message SlidesPeter - Illustrated Bible DictionaryPeter - The Baker Illustrated Bible DictionaryPeter's Ministry - Chuck SwindollIntroduction to 1 Peter - Jim SamraThe Message of 1 Peter - Chuck SwindollContext: Who, Where, When, and Why?• Who composed 1 Peter?• Who was Peter's original audience?• When was 1 Peter written? • Where were the author and his readers?• Why was 1 Peter written? Content: How and What? Prologue (1:1-2) Remember - The Glory of Salvation (1:3-16) - The believer has been born again. (1:3-5) - The believer is being grieved by trials. (1:6-12) - Suffer with steadfast hope. (1:13-16) Embrace - The Glory of Suffering (1:17-4:19) - Salvation of the soul is worked out in relation to God. (1:17-21) - Salvation of the soul is worked out in relation to the brethren. (1:22–2:10) - Salvation of the soul is worked out in relation to the world. (2:11–3:7) - Salvation of the soul is worked out in relation to suffering. (3:8–4:19) Submit - The Glory of Humility (5:1-9) - Humbly lead the church as those who will give an account. (5:1-4) - Humbly submit to those in authority to experience God's grace. (5:5) - Humble yourself as a part of submitting to God. (5:6-7) - Be on guard against the devil and resist him by standing firm. (5:8-9) Epilogue (5:10-14)• What is the message of 1 Peter? Conviction: So What?• Where does 1 Peter fit? - In Peter's first letter he includes one of the all-time great summaries of our salvation and then goes on to make application of that to our experience in suffering. - 1 Peter is both theologically substantial and practically helpful.• What should we believe? - God is sovereign and gracious. - Suffering is real and difficult. - The glory of our salvation is a motivation for endurance. • How should we behave? - Reflect on the riches of divine grace and the glory of our salvation. - Endure hardship and suffering as an exercise in Christ-likeness. - Hope for the final redemption and be humble as you wait for vindication.Next steps • Remember the glory of salvation by grace. • Embrace the opportunities found in suffering well for Christ. • Submit to God and the authorities He has established. This Week's Growth GuideGod's Word is both central and critical to your spiritual growth. We invite you to utilize the Growth Guide during the week to further your application of the Truth from the message.•. Monday - 1 Peter 1:1-16•. Tuesday - 1 Peter 1:17-2:10•. Wednesday - 1 Peter 2:11-3:7•. Thursday - 1 Peter 3:8-4:19•. Friday - 1 Peter 5:1-7•. Saturday - 1 Peter 5:8-14 Home Church Questions • Peter addresses his letter to the “elect exiles” (NAS “strangers”) in his introduction (cf. 1:17; 2:11). As believers, how does this change the way we view the circumstances of life? How does the way we live our lives change when we forget this truth?• Read 1:6-7. Describe a time in your life when you were distressed by a trial you encountered. How was your faith tested?• Are you now facing a trial? Why do you think God is testing you? What does Peter say is the result for faithfully enduring that testing (v.7)? • Verse 1 of chapter 2 lists five things we are to rid ourselves of. Which of these tends to sneak into your heart and actions?• On a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the strongest, how would you characterize your longing for the spiritual milk of the Word in 2:2? In what way has Ken's journey through the books of the Bible fueled that hunger?• What are some things that keep us from desiring the Word as we should?• Read 2:13-17. How does this instruction apply to us in our current political environment?• It is clear that God's will for our lives includes suffering (4:19). What response would show that you are entrusting yourself to God when you encounter suffering? What would show that you are not entrusting yourself to God?• After answering this, read 3:9-12. What are the “do not's” and the “do's” that Peter lists for us?• Read 5:6-7. How would you characterize your ability to “cast your anxiety on him?” How does this relate to humbling yourself under God's mighty hand?• What particular strategy does your adversary the devil use toward you to devour your faith and hope? How do you resist him? [ref. 5:8-9] MISSION HIGHLIGHTOf the 8 billion people in the world, 3.4 billion live in areas that have not been reached with the gospel. These regions remain largely unreached due to persecution, cultural barriers, governmental restrictions, and other challenges that prevent the gospel from spreading. As we consider the vast number of people who have yet to hear the good news, let us pray that God will raise up individuals who are willing to go into these difficult places, regardless of the cost, to share the message of Christ. Pray also that those living in these regions will embrace the gospel, find hope in Jesus, and stand firm in their faith, even in the face of persecution.FinancesWeekly Budget 35,297Giving For 08/25 23,927Giving For 09/01 25,132YTD Budget 317,674 Giving 284,249 OVER/(UNDER) (33,425) Equipping ClassesThe Equipping Ministry exists to equip and release our church body to deepen their understanding and experience of God & His word, develop genuine, Spirit-led living, and consistently invest in making disciples. We are providing a variety of courses this Fall and our hope is that you would prayerfully consider signing up for one that would help you grow in your faith or gain some skills for furthering your personal ministry. Please check out fellowshipconway.org/equipping to learn about all the other options and register today. New to Fellowship?We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift. Couple's Night OutCouples, wear your dancing shoes and join us for a delightful evening at our Ol' Southern Social on Saturday, September 14, from 6-8:00 p.m. at Renewal Ranch (75 Lake Dr. Houston, AR). The night will be filled with fun games, lively folk music, folk dancing, and refreshments—child care will be provided at Fellowship by texting Shanna at 501-336-0332. Fellowship Women's Fall Retreat - BreatheRest, eat, worship, and make new friends in beautiful Heber Springs. We would love for you to join us at our October 25-27 fall retreat. To learn more and to register go to fellowshipconway.org/women. Men's Fellowship Breakfast Men, join us for a great breakfast and fellowship on Wednesday, September 11, at 6:00 a.m. here in the Fellowship atrium. No sign-up is needed. Come with your Bible, ready to eat, fellowship with other men, and start your day off right through prayer and Biblical insight. Questions? Contact Michael at mharrison@fellowshipconway.org. Men's Bible Study - Systematic Theology Thursdays 6-7:00 a.m. - Ken will pick up the continued study of Systematic Theology with a focus on Soteriology: The Doctrine of Salvation including Election, Grace, Justification, Assurance, Eternal Security and other related topics. Fellowship 201Join us on September 15th and 22nd as we launch Fellowship 201. This class is designed for anyone who has gone through Fellowship 101 in the last year and those who simply want to have a deeper understanding of our beliefs. Together, we will go through core Christian teachings of the faith and how they apply to our daily lives. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register.

"From Peter to the Exiles," Exiles, 1 Peter 1:1-5, The Very Rev. Dr. Dan Alger. As Christians, we are citizens of God's eternal kingdom, but we are still living in an earthly kingdom. In Peter's first letter, he addresses it to the "exiles" or "sojourners" that are dispersed throughout the world--in places and cultures that live very differently than how Christ has called them to live. In our modern world, we find that we struggle with the same tension. How should we see life through the lens of being an exile, an yet still properly engage with the earthy kingdom in which we live? What does it mean to live differently, not putting our trust and hope in the ways of this earthy kingdom, but rather live in such a way that we hold out hope to the world that points to a better kingdom?

In Peter's day, the Old Testament Scriptures and the apostles' teachings were being twisted, fundamental truths ridiculed, and biblical morality repudiated. So he reminded the people of the significance of God's Word. We need the reminder, too, for we live in similar days. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/508/29

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen concludes a series on the writings of Peter. In Peter's writings, we see a man who experienced intense persecution but remained steadfast. Peter's message is clear: despite trials and tensions—from outside and within the church—our hope is not rooted in this world. Peter urges us to stand firm in God's true grace and to keep growing in our faith. Also, as part of the "Something To Say!" series, we'll start the message with someone's testimony. We hope you find it encouraging. Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on September 1, 2024, at 10:15am. You can find us online at nwhills.com. Key Moments 00:00 Welcome 00:57 Something to Say: A Journey of Faith 04:05 Message: Concluding the Series on Peter 15:19 Recognizing Unsung Heroes in the Church 20:25 Praising a Faithful God 24:31 Challenges in Understanding Scripture 34:06 A Story of Perseverance and Faith

Hebrews 1:6 And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, “And let all the angels of God worship Him.” We have a great encouragement to worship Jesus Christ in today's Scripture. The author continued his reason for worshipping Jesus by recognizing His superiority over the angels, whom the Hebrews consider the mediators of the old covenant. One of the primary reasons for writing this book was to show them that the new covenant, mediated by Jesus, is greater than the old covenant. The main reason the new is better is that the mediator is greater than the angels. Most commentators are agreed that Jesus' second coming in judgment is in view when God commands the angels to worship Jesus, for he wrote, “when He again brings the firstborn into the world.” No where does God say that angels are to be worshipped. In fact, we have a record of them refusing to be worshipped in Revelation 19:10, “Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.'” In Peter's first epistle, speaking of Jesus wrote, 1 Peter 3:22 “who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.” We learn in the last verse of the first chapter that angels are servants of God's children. When we think of living to love with Jesus, we usually think of loving people with Him. However, Jesus loves His Father, and His love for the Father dwells in us. Jesus' love for the Father has become our love for the Father. In Him, the first and foremost commandment is fulfilled in us, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” As we live to love with Jesus, we love the Father with Him. One of the ways we love the Father is to honor His Son, as He does. If the angels are to worship Jesus, recognizing His glory when He comes, then certainly we will. We are going to worship Jesus and love God and the brethren forever. It seems to me that we ought to practice now what we know we are going to do when Jesus returns. We worship Jesus today by loving our Father and His children. As we look to Him to be the source of our lives, we worship Him as the angels do.

Today's episode Matthew and Nort review the 1991 which is an American fantasy adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by James V. Hart and Malia Scotch Marmo. It stars Robin Williams as Peter Banning / Peter Pan, Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook, and Julia Roberts as Tinker Bell. In Peter's new life, he is known as Peter Banning, a successful but career-minded lawyer with a wife (Wendy's granddaughter) and two children. However, when his old archenemy, Captain Hook, kidnaps his children, he returns to Neverland to save them. Along the journey, he reclaims the memories of his past and develops full emotional maturity.We are a comedy movie review podcast where Matthew & Nort take turns watching and reviewing a movie the other host has not seen. They go over the entire plot with spoilers and discuss how they feel about the film. They also talk about fun facts, box office, actors, and how the movie impacted us.Join our Patreon to support the show and get ad-free podcast episodes, full access to our exclusive Patron Discord, and get access to a secret podcast called Flight School where we watch and review a TV Pilot voted on by the Patrons! You get all of that for the low price of $5! Sources for So, You Finally WatchedSupport the lovely people who created stuff for the show:Art by: Meraki2019Deep Voice by: MarlarIntro music by: OzeyzinGET THE MERCH!Scroll down the page to find our shows! GET THE CHIBI SHIRT!https://encounterco-shop.fourthwall.com/pages/byshowWe are a part of The Encounter Co. network! Check out all the other awesome shows on the network! Follow us on Twitter at:Show: @SYFWPodNort's Twitter: @NortSauwceOther Socials:Instagram: SoyoufinallywatchedpodTik Tok: SyfwpodcastYouTube: So, You Finally Watched PodcastIf you liked the show be sure to leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify so we can get the word out about our show! Also tell a friend or two! Thanks for listening! Nort has another podcast with his co-host and wife Anna called Reading isn't for Kids! The pair review and discuss children chapter books, YA books, and sometimes comics. Check it out here!If you want to check out Nort's actual play podcast click this link! The show is called Grim Encounters and it is a campy horror actual play podcast using the Chill 3rd Edition ruleset for seasons 1-3 and season 4 is a campy sci-fi Fallout setting. Best place to start is Season 1, Season 2, or Season 4.

In Peter's second interview with Chris Martenson, the two analyze the precarious state of global economies, particularly focusing on Japan's economic trajectory as a cautionary tale for the United States. They advocate for honest dialogue and collective action to address impending economic catastrophes as brought on by an inability to pay the debt, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and the need for communities to unite in navigating during the coming economic calamity. Chris Martenson, Ph.D., MBA is an economic researcher and futurist, and founder of PeakProsperity.com. His COVID video series garnered more than 40 million views and has helped millions better understand, adapt, and prepare for the Pandemic of 2020.Peter's previous interview with Chris Watch this episode on YouTube.

A Sermon for the Fifth Sunday after Trinity by Matthew Colvin As you know, our family lives in Port Alberni. When we first moved there, I met some guys on the tennis court, and when I told them I was new to town, their immediate question was, “Do you fish?” I said no. “Then what are you doing here?” — as though it were inexplicable why anyone would live in Port Alberni without catching fish. And sometimes, because the Barclay Sound is so pretty, and because I have enjoyed a cruise down the Alberni Inlet on the MV Frances Barclay, and because all my friends own boats, I say to my wife, “Maybe we could get one.” And then she reminds me that I hate doing maintenance on things, and that a boat is a hole in the water that you throw money into. But maybe the biggest objection, for me, comes from Psalm 107: “They that go down to the sea in ships, and occupy their business in great waters; These men see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. For at his word the stormy wind ariseth, which lifeth up the waves thereof. They are carried up to the heaven, and down again to the deep; their soul melteth away because of the trouble.” (107:23-26) That is why I am a landlubber from the fishing capital of Canada. Unlike St. Peter. We have already met Peter in chapter 4 of Luke, because Jesus has healed his mother in law from a fever. And we know, also, that Peter and Andrew his brother were looking for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus's preaching has been in synagogues in Nazareth and in Capernaum in chapter 4. But now, he has a larger audience, and the venue is moved outdoors: the crowd first surrounds him and is “pressing in upon him” — not the last time we will see crowds behave this way: remember the reaction of his disciples when the woman with the bleeding comes up behind Jesus and touches his robe. “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?'” This is the behaviour of crowds also in our own day in the presence of someone they have come to see. Jesus at first is standing by the shore of Genessaret, but he then finds a solution to the crowding problem: by getting into a boat, and putting out from the land a little bit, he is able to continue teaching, in his usual seated posture that he had taught in also in the two synagogues, but now with a boundary of water between him and the crowds. In the event, it will be those who are with him in the boats who become his followers, as though they were with him on the other side of the waters of baptism. One might wonder why there is mention of two boats, not just the one that Jesus sat in. This is what we call a narrative seed. Some of you may have heard of the term “Chekhov's gun.” The Russian playwright Anton Chekhov said, “If you say in the first act of a play that there is a rifle hanging on the wall, then in the second or third act it absolutely must go off. If it's not going to be fired, it shouldn't be hanging there.” In this case, the second boat will be needed in verse 8 when there are too many fish for the one boat to handle. If you've ever seen a stage magician, you'll recall how they always take pains to demonstrate how difficult the trick is: they'll cut a watermelon with the sword they're about to use on the lovely assistant; or fan the cards to show that the deck isn't rigged; or bring up a burly member of the audience to demonstrate how the chains the magician is going to escape from are really strong. God or Jesus isn't a stage magician, of course. But he does like to demonstrate the difficulty of his miracles. Remember Elijah pouring water three times over the altar before the fire of God fell from heaven to burn it up in front of the prophets of Baal? Or Jesus choosing to heal, not a man who had recently become blind, but one who was more than 30 years old and had been blind from birth? Or Jesus pointedly asking the disciples to show him the five loaves and three fish first before proceeding to feed the five thousand with them? In the present story, we are told that “the fishermen had got out of the boats and were washing their nets.” This tell us that they were using trammel-nets, made of linen, which needed to be washed after use. If the linen nets were not washed and dried promptly after use they would rot from the various organic matter stuck in them after use. Further, this washing was invariably done in the morning. Why? Because until the introduction of modern nets made of transparent nylon, fishing with linen nets had to be done at night. During the daytime, the fish could see the nets and avoid being caught by them. So Jesus has found Peter and his partners at precisely the wrong time to catch fish: not only are they done for the day, not only are they already washing their nets, but the sun has now risen, which means it is not possible to catch fish with nets now. Jesus also isn't concerned with fishermen's timetables.  When does he tell them to let down their nets? Nothing to do with with daylight or the schedule of net-cleaning. No, “When he had finished speaking.” At his convenience. Jesus appears to think he is “the main character,” as the kids say these days. Because, well, he is. Put yourself in Peter's shoes. You've been working all night. Fishing is hard. You're in a boat with probably three other men. You have to pull in heavy nets; you may have to dive into the water to wrestle them or unsnag them from something. You are drenched, weary, and have caught nothing. You have washed your nets, maybe mended them if they broke. You're done for the day. And now this Jesus fellow tells you to start all over, and drawing on his vast knowledge of …carpentry? — he tells you to start fishing in the daytime, when you know, from years of experience on the sea, that you will catch nothing. All of which makes Peter's address of Jesus a little more amusing. He calls him ἐπιστάτα. The ESV says, “Master,” but it is probably best translated “boss.” “Boss, we have toiled all night and caught nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” “Boss” – the Greek means literally the one who is stationed over something, has authority over it. In this case, the something over which Peter acknowledges Jesus's authority is Peter's boat and indeed his entire business, his profession of fishing, a matter to which he was likely born and bred – like his business partners James and John, whose father Zebedee was with them in the boat, Peter is trained in a thousand little details of skill and technique: the behaviour of fish, the tides, the weather, the use and care and washing and repair of nets; the handling and maintenance of boats; and likely also the salesmanship required to sell his fish, if not to those who would eat them, then to fishmonger middlemen. This was his life, deeply embedded in the community of his town on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Sea of Tiberias, or Lake Genessaret, depending on who you asked for its name. Indeed, we know from the Talmud that "throughout inland Palestine, Tiberias was the only place where wholesale trade in fish was conducted, and (2) that this wholesale trade in fish was in season in Tiberias probably in the months that were most suitable for the loading and export of fish." So Jesus is there at the Port Alberni of Palestine, boldly giving a command to fishermen who have grown up and make their living catching and selling fish from this lake. And the command that Jesus gives Peter is, quite frankly, absurd: to dirty the nets again after already cleaning them; to let them down in the daytime, when the fish will have no trouble seeing them, rather than at night, which every fisherman knows is the right time to catch fish; and to do it, moreover, in the same location where, as Peter explains to him, “we have laboured all night and have caught nothing.” So why does Peter obey him? Because he accepts his authority, which is not the authority of an expert. The thousand details of the fisherman's trade are indeed matters of expertise, but Jesus does not urge Peter to cast in his nets on the basis of his expertise. The authority of expertise, if you stop and think about it for a moment, is an authority that makes no claims upon our sense of ourselves and our authority to decide things: it rather submits itself for our consideration, as having knowledge of particulars that we could have too, if we invested the effort. No, Peter's faith is not faith in expertise. Rather, it is the same faith that we will see later, in what might well be the same boat, certainly on the same sea, in awe at Jesus's authority: “Who is this, that even the wind and waves obey Him?” It is faith in the Messiah. It is loyalty to Israel's God. More than any disciple, his personality shines out in the gospels: he is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve, ready, out of love for Jesus, to undertake bold actions and to follow Jesus: “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water”; “Even if all forsake you, yet I will not.” “Lord, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tents.” But at the same time, he is not always able to see through his bold beginnings to their end: so we will see him swearing he doesn't know the man; weeping when the cock crows; beginning to sink in the waves. But this is not one of those moments of weakness. Here, he recognizes in Jesus the holiness of the Lord: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.” Peter does not know that Jesus is Israel's God yet. But he knows that He is at least close to Israel's God. Here we recognize the attitude of the prophets of old, for instance, Isaiah 6:5: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!" This is the moment when Peter makes a sudden break with his past life. We recall Elijah calling Elisha by throwing his cloak over him while he was plowing. There, too, the master called his pupil in the middle of his work at his job; there, too, the disciple experienced a complete upending of his life. In both cases, the disciple will see His master taken up into heaven; both Elisha and Peter will then be filled with the spirit of their teacher; and from that point, they will show complete fearlessness and boldness. Yes, Peter stumbles several times. Sometimes he is overcome by fear – of the waves, or of persecution and death. Other times, he stumbles because of his deeply ingrained respect for, and assumptions about propriety: as when he rebuked Jesus for saying that He would be rejected and killed ("Lord, this will never happen to you"); or when he objected to Jesus washing his feet; or when, in Acts, he was told to sacrifice and eat a giant picnic blanket of unclean animals and replied, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." (Acts 10:14) But none of these stumbles is permanent. Why? Because Jesus tells him, “Simon, Simon. Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail. And when you have returned, strengthen your brothers.” Jesus has just demonstrated that if he wanted to, he could make Peter and the sons of Zebedee into fishing millionaires, the tycoons of the Lake of Genessaret. And because of this, they trust him to the end. But not, notice, in order to get rich: having received the demonstration of Jesus's ability to provide wealth in the context of their business as fishermen, they now leave that business. Later, in the story of the rich young ruler, after that man goes away sad because he had great possessions, Peter pipes up, “Lord, we have left everything to follow you.” And they have. After they saw the demonstration, they didn't care about getting rich as fishermen. They saw what their hearts had longed for. They wanted to be with Jesus. Peter does not treat Jesus as a way to get rich. We read in Acts 3, when Peter heals the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, that the lame man first looked at him, hoping to receive something, “But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" (Acts 3:6) No, Peter is not concerned with silver or gold or catching fish anymore. Jesus has demonstrated that to him a second time when he asked about the Temple Tax, and Peter found a coin inside a fish. Perhaps earlier than any other disciple, he understood well that he should “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” — that is, God's faithfulness to keep his promises to His people, especially the promise to send the Messiah and to forgive their sins — “and all these things shall be added unto you.” Jesus tells Peter two things: first, “Do not be afraid.” Second, “from now on, you will be catching men.” The verb for “catching” is a little bit misleading, since we usually think of “catching” men as something that kidnappers do, or the police with a fugitive. But that's not the connotation of the Greek word ζωγρῶν, literally, “catching alive.” It is not usually a fishing word, though it is an accurate enough description of the usual methods of catching fish: nets and hooks, that result in live fish flopping around. It's not a word you would use for throwing dynamite in a pond or poisoning all the fish. But its usual usage is in contrast to killing: in the Iliad, it's the word used for Diomedes or Achilles sparing an enemy warrior's life and taking him captive for a ransom instead. But in Jesus's usage here, in connection with the net, it is a vivid metaphor: Peter's concern now is to seek the coming kingdom of heaven, which Jesus in Matthew 13 says, “is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad.” (I have a running joke with my daughter about how many gross and disgusting things there are in the sea. But Jesus here means the wicked.) At any rate, Peter does indeed “catch men.” He preaches more boldly than anyone in the book of Acts; and he is the means by which Gentiles are first brought into the church. Peter, thus, trusts Jesus after this demonstration of his ability to provide in a single night the catch of a week or more. He and his fellow fishermen will all be martyrs, after all; yet to them applies Jesus's promise that they will sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. In the end, Jesus will eat fish with them again, likewise on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, but this time without the crowd, after his resurrection. And then we will see him in the book of Acts boldly telling the Sanhedrin to judge whether it is right to obey them or to obey God. We will see him stretching out his hands and going where he does not want to go — to prison at the hands of a king named Herod, awaiting execution during Passover week, like his Lord Jesus. In Peter's case, we see the truth of George MacDonald's statement: “The Son of God suffered unto the death, not that men might not suffer, but that their sufferings might be like His.” And no one more than Peter. In him we see the truth of Ignatius of Antioch's words in his letter to the Philadelphians around 100 AD: “For my own part, I know and believe that He was in actual human flesh, even after His resurrection. When He appeared to Peter and his companions, He said to them, ‘Take hold of me; touch me, and see that I am no bodiless phantom'. And they touched Him then and there, and believed, for they had had contact with the flesh-and-blood reality of Him. That was how they came by their contempt for death, and proved themselves superior to it. Moreover, He ate and drank with them after He was risen, like any natural man, though even then He and the Father were spiritually one.” Have you thought about why we love Peter? It is because he is so understandable, so relatable. And he stands forth as these things because God chose him and made the gospel writers depict him for us — not as the infallible Pope, but as the fullest example and pattern of the discipleship of a follower of Jesus. In Peter we see the longing for the kingdom of God, the fierce loyalty and sense of propriety (Lord, you will never wash my feet!), the wrongness and error that beset us all, but also the gentleness of Jesus in dealing with Peter, in restoring him; and then the mature disciple in the book of Acts, who has fully comprehended Jesus's teaching and his resurrection, and is able to do great things, including suffering for the name. Let us pray. Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by thy governance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

1 Peter 5:7 In Peter's first epistle, he writes; “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you”.  One might ask the question, how do I throw my care upon the Lord?  Of course, the language here is metaphorical!  Peter doesn't mean that we are to physically do this, that would be an impossibility.  His language is figurative.  We are to cast our care/burdens upon Him by committing them into His care by faith.  We are to TRUST Him with our fears and anxieties, and when we do that, we don't have to be anxious anymore because Father has got them.  He cares for me!!!  Oh, we're awfully good at casting “some” of our cares upon Him, but that is not what the text says.  It says for us to cast ALL our care upon Him — IT'S ALL OR NOTHING!!!!  We are to cast all our care upon Him and to LEAVE them upon Him!!!  

Series: MAKING EFFORT | June 9 2024 | Ready for Harvest Effort is the required ingredient to turn every goal into reality, every idea into a product, and every dreamer into a winner. In Peter's last recorded letter, we see his constant rhythm of encouragement to keep making every effort in following the model of Jesus. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/journey-christian-church/message

 Series: MAKING EFFORT | June 2, 2024 | Cultivating our Character Garden Effort is the required ingredient to turn every goal into reality, every idea into a product, and every dreamer into a winner. In Peter's last recorded letter, we see his constant rhythm of encouragement to keep making every effort in following the model of Jesus. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/journey-christian-church/message

Series: MAKING EFFORT | May 26, 2024 | Weeding Effort is the required ingredient to turn every goal into reality, every idea into a product, and every dreamer into a winner. In Peter's last recorded letter, we see his constant rhythm of encouragement to keep making every effort in following the model of Jesus. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/journey-christian-church/message

Series: Make Every Effort | May 12, 2024 | Nurturing our Plant Effort is the required ingredient to turn every goal into reality, every idea into a product, and every dreamer into a winner. In Peter's last recorded letter, we see his constant rhythm of encouragement to keep making every effort in following the model of Jesus. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/journey-christian-church/message

In Peter's Pentecost sermon, we hear a man whose mind has been renewed: he now sees all things through the lens of Scripture. Today, Sinclair Ferguson considers how this change in Peter calls for a change in our own thinking. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/seeing-through-the-lens-of-scripture A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://www.ligonier.org/donate/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Series: Make Every Effort | May 12, 2024 | Planting a Productive Garden Effort is the required ingredient to turn every goal into reality, every idea into a product, and every dreamer into a winner. In Peter's last recorded letter, we see his constant rhythm of encouragement to keep making every effort in following the model of Jesus. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/journey-christian-church/message

 Series: Make Every Effort | May 5, 2024 | Seed Decision Effort is the required ingredient to turn every goal into reality, every idea into a product, and every dreamer into a winner. In Peter's last recorded letter, we see his constant rhythm of encouragement to keep making every effort in following the model of Jesus. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/journey-christian-church/message

In this episode of the HealthTech Hour, Steve Roest speaks to two people he's known for a long time - Peter Cowley and Craig Maxwell. Peter and Craig share the same terminal cancer diagnosis and share a similar reaction to this extremely traumatic event - relentlessly focus on how to bring positivity and real impact to other people's lives instead of shrinking back into themselves. They both opted-in to make the very best of their situation and be a positive role model for positivity in the face of adversity for friends, families and other cancer sufferers. They both dedicated themselves to a higher cause, a purpose, that is a source of energy when times are tough. Both are incredibly inspiring examples of Post Traumatic Growth, a condition where the very worst of events brings out the very best in people as a result. In Peter's case, his diagnosis was compounded by some truly terrible events within his family which we discuss on the show.Peter Cowley is a serial entrepreneur and angel investor, publisher and author of his latest book, ‘Public Success, Private Grief.'Craig Maxwell was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 lung and bone cancer (EGFR) at the age of 40. He has since embarked on a series of extraordinary challenges to raise vital funds for families facing similar battles.Find Peter's book, "Public Success, Private Grief" on Amazon - https://www.ps-pg.com/ Find and donate to the Maxwell Foundation here - https://maxwell.foundation/

April 3, 2024 Today's Reading: John 21:1-14Daily Lectionary: Exodus 16:13-35, Hebrews 10:19-39When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. (John 21:7b)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Why does Peter throw himself into the sea? Perhaps Peter was just so excited to see Jesus that he couldn't wait to get to shore. But the problem is they weren't very far from shore in the first place, especially since Jesus could talk to them from it. Also, Peter isn't mentioned in our reading today as actually getting to shore, or to Jesus. In fact, the next we hear about him, he's getting back on the boat to bring the fish in the net. Almost like he's avoiding Jesus. Which might be exactly the case. You see, Peter denied Jesus three times. And that denial hurt Peter to the core. He had been living with that sin unconfessed and unforgiven for a while now. And the longer we keep those sins hidden, the harder it is for us to give them over to Christ, who has paid for them all. In Peter's case, it took Jesus calling him three times to feed His lambs for Peter to understand that Christ's forgiveness covers every sin. So it's not too difficult to see Peter, stripped for work, needing to cover his shame.We too have sins that need forgiveness. We too have denied Jesus when we should have confessed him. We too are ashamed of what we have done. We might acknowledge that sins are forgiven, but maybe, because my sin was so bad, I'm too disgraced to join in with everyone else. We're far more comfortable just covering everything up. Hiding from everyone, especially Jesus, lest my shame be exposed for the world to see.But where did Peter, in all his shame end up. In water. Where is all our sin taken away? Where is all our shame clothed with Christ's righteousness? Where is all our disgrace covered and cleansed? In water. You are baptized into the death of Jesus. By that water, and by the Word connected to that water, all your sin has been taken away. By your Baptism, Jesus forgives you completely. Every sin, no matter how bad, they're all taken away. He died for them all. And this is yours. It is not earned. It is not by your own works. Jesus gives this forgiveness to you freely. He assures you that by His cross, He has paid for that sin in full. And He has sealed that promise by baptizing you…In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God's own Child, I gladly say it:  I am baptized into Christ   He, because I could not pay it,Gave my full redemption price.  Do I need earth's treasures many? I have one worth more than any  That brought me salvation free  Lasting to eternity!  (LSB 594:1)- Pastor Eli Davis is pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, Oregon.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols This collection of over 600 hand-drawn Christian symbols by artist and author Edward Riojas will teach you the extensive history of the imagery of the Church. Each symbol is a beautiful and historical connection to generations of Christians that have worshiped before you. A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols. Now available from Concordia Publishing House. 

Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. I don't know about you, but I find these words almost too hard to read. Knowing how wise, good and loving Jesus was, how could anyone betray him? And Judas Iscariot wasn't just anyone. He had been one of Jesus' disciples for nearly three years. He had heard his teaching and, time and again, had seen him perform the most incredible miracles. How could he possibly conspire with those who wanted to kill Jesus? Luke tells us that Satan entered into Judas. No one knows exactly what was going on in Judas' mind. Perhaps he was tempted by the money. Or he may have become disillusioned with Jesus because things weren't working out in the way that he had expected and wanted. We just don't know. What we do know is that he gave Satan's temptations house room. He allowed the evil one to direct his actions. In Peter's first letter he described the way in which Satan prowls around like a roaring lion looking for victims to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Peter encouraged his readers to watch out and to take a firm stand against him. In this most holy of weeks we confront love in the most amazing way as we see Jesus' willingness to die on the cross for us. But we also face up to the horrifying reality of evil, and we need to listen carefully to Peter's words. Satan continues to prowl around; we need to be alert and stand firmly against him. Question In what way do you see Satan prowling around today? Prayer Loving Father, thank you that you give me the strength to stand up to all of Satan's tricks. Amen

In Peter we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we might even see ourselves. Watch the story of Jesus unfold through the eyes of someone trying to figure out faith and life just like us. John 12:12-16.

In Peter we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we might even see ourselves. Watch the story of Jesus unfold through the eyes of someone trying to figure out faith and life just like us. Matthew 18:15-22.

In Peter we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we might even see ourselves. Watch the story of Jesus unfold through the eyes of someone trying to figure out faith and life just like us. Matthew 16:13-20.

In Peter we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we might even see ourselves. Watch the story of Jesus unfold through the eyes of someone trying to figure out faith and life just like us. Matthew 16:13-20.

In Peter we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we might even see ourselves. Watch the story of Jesus unfold through the eyes of someone trying to figure out faith and life just like us. Matthew 14:22-33.

In Peter we see a person who is both steadfast and unsteady, a dear friend and a betrayer, a follower and a wanderer. In Peter, we might even see ourselves. Watch the story of Jesus unfold through the eyes of someone trying to figure out faith and life just like us. Luke 5:1-11.

In Peter's denial we learn about the deceitful and difficult weight of sin and the only way in which we are set free.

One of the questions that has bothered a lot of people is, “Why does God allow bad this to happen to good people?” In Peter's 1st letter he spends a lot of time talking about the sufferings of the church. This next section is no different.

In Peter's third livestream of 2024, featuring questions and comments from viewers and listeners around the world, Peter talks about the status of street races in F1 (with special mention of the new Madrid GP that will be staged from 2026 onwards); Max Verstappen's view of street circuits;  his bittersweet memories of the Montjuic Park circuit in Barcelona; the driving style of Nelson Piquet (Snr); the heroism of the drivers in the 1930s and much more besides.With thanks to Jetcraft, the world's largest buyer and seller of executive jets:https://jetcraft.comAnd to pitbox.io. Say goodbye to pitlane guesswork and hello to a new era of precision and efficiency. Pitbox.io provides the tools you need to optimize your performance and maximize your chances of victory:https://pitbox.ioSpecial thanks to F1 for their permission to use of the new Madrid GP music themeFollow Peter on X and Instagram:@peterdwindsorDetails of the next livestream will be published on https://youtube.com/peterwindsorWe support the Race Against Dementia:https://raceagainstdementia.com#standwithukraine Nick: you're always with usVisit: https://youtube.com/peterwindsor for F1 videos past, present and future

There is a distinguished Tulsa family that is associated with several downtown Tulsa real estate properties. The Mayo family was responsible for building the Mayo Building, the Petroleum Building, the Mayo Hotel, and the adjacent Mayo Motor Inn parking garage.Today, a fourth-generation Mayo family member, Peter Mayo, follows this heritage in restoring and improving Tulsa's former Municipal Theatre which was once known as the Brady Theater and is now called the Tulsa Theatre.In 1925, Peter's Grandfather, John, and his brother Cass Mayo completed construction of what would become a destination for many notable guests throughout the hotel's first life, including President John F. Kennedy, Babe Ruth, and Elvis Presley. The 18-story, 600-room hotel exemplified modern luxury during Oklahoma's oil renaissance; ceiling fans were outfitted in every room and the hotel boasted Tulsa's first running ice water.The Tulsa Municipal Theater was completed in 1914 and remodeled in 1930 and 1952. It was one of only 16 theatres in the U.S. equipped to host a full Metropolitan opera production.It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.When the Tulsa Performing Arts Center was built, the city put the old theatre up for auction in 1977. Peter bought the theater for $35,000, saving it from demolition, and made major improvements to what was once known as the “Ole Lady on Brady”.Peter's parents, Alene Oliphant Mayo and John Burch Mayo were very prominent in the Tulsa community, promoting many good causes, including the Tulsa Symphony and opera productions at the Municipal Theatre. Burch was known for his operatic voice. So, when the Mayo name became attached to the theatre, it seemed only fitting.In Peter's oral history, he talks about his musical background, how he came to buy the theatre, and reflects on the many concerts since his ownership.And he talks about the legend of Enrico Caruso.

Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. What a great encouragement we have in this verse. Jesus' death and resurrection had a purpose according to Paul. One purpose or end was that He might be Lord of when, how, and why we die or live. From one perspective, we are the dead. We died when Jesus died. From another perspective, we are living. When Jesus was raised, we were raised to live with Him. In either condition, Jesus is Lord. In Romans 1:4, Paul introduced Jesus, “who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord.” In Peter's sermon at Pentecost he proclaimed,“Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36). Do you see the beauty of what God did in Jesus' death and resurrection? Paul alluded to it in Phil. 2:8-11. “Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” How much do you treasure what God did in uniting you with Jesus' death and resurrection? May the eyes of our hearts be opened to see “what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” Our encouragement today is to recognize that God has made Jesus our Lord, the master of our living and dying. He directs each of His own as He pleases to accomplish the will of His Father and glorify His name. He will do that with us today as we surrender to His will and live to love with Jesus. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com

2 Peter 1 - 1:13 . 2 Peter 2 - 4:59 . 2 Peter 3 - 9:42 . Isaiah 52 - 13:44 . Isaiah 53 - 17:09 . In Peter's second letter, the apostle writes to encourage the church to confirm their calling and election by exercising the divine power given to them for life and godliness. Peter warns them against false teachers who claim Christ but in reality are self-glorifying and treacherous, exploiting the church in their greed with made-up stories. Finally, Peter encourages the church to patiently await Christ's second coming, for the judgment of the wicked is sure. Since this is a short epistle we'll have a double dose of Isaiah, reading chapters 52-53, wherein the suffering servant is pierced because of our rebellion and crushed because of our iniquities, but we are healed by his wounds.::: Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Bible Reading: Matthew 26:69-75Maddie buried her face in her pillow. She heard footsteps come into her room and then her mom's voice. "Maddie, what happened?""Alexa." Maddie didn't move. "I was waiting for her by the bus, and she walked right past me.""She did?" Mom frowned. "Did you two have a fight?""No," Maddie moaned. "It's that new girl. Summer. Alexa sat by her instead of me.""I see," Mom said, the bed shifting as she sat down on it."She acted like she didn't even know me," Maddie said. "She just walked by without even looking at me or anything." Maddie started to cry. "It hurts so bad. No one knows what this feels like." "I'm sorry, Maddie," Mom said. "I wish I could take away your pain. Friends can really hurt us badly."Maddie cried while her mom rubbed her back. "If she had just looked at me and said something, it would have been okay. She could have just told me she was going to sit with Summer."Mom nodded. "You said that no one understands how you feel, but this reminds me a bit of something in the Bible."Maddie wiped her eyes. "It does?"Mom patted Maddie's back. "Do you remember when Jesus was arrested, how Peter had followed after Him but then denied knowing Him when asked if he was Jesus's disciple? Jesus was going through the most difficult experience of his life, and Peter told people he didn't know Him. Instead of being there for Jesus, Peter looked away and pretended they had never been friends.""Why do people do that to their friends?" Maddie asked."In Peter's case, he was probably scared," Mom said. "With Alexa, maybe she wanted to sit with someone new and didn't know how to tell you. She may or may not stay friends with Summer, but for today she wanted to try that out." Mom kissed the top of Maddie's head. "I'm not sure why friends choose to hurt us, but I do know that you're not alone in what you're feeling. Jesus understands your pain. He knows what it's like to have a friend ignore you and pretend you were never friends. But He won't ever abandon you like that--whenever you feel hurt and alone, remember He's right there with you."-Emily AckerHow About You?Have you ever been hurt in a way that made it feel like you were all alone and no one could understand what you were going through? Has a friend turned their back on you? Jesus knows how you feel. He had friends turn on Him and abandon Him, and He knows how much it hurts. When you feel sad and alone, remember He's with you and won't ever leave you.Today's Key Verse:I [God] will never leave you or abandon you. (CSB) (Hebrews 13:5)Today's Key Thought:Jesus understands the hurt you feel

Acts 9:32-43After his time in Samaria, Peter makes stops in both Lydda and Joppa, miraculously healing the lame man Aeneas and raising the woman Tabitha the from the dead. And though Peter is still at the center of the narrative, performing great works, we are also now seeing that the church has quickly grown beyond Peter's own work. In Peter, we see a leader willing to participate in what God is already doing rather than instigate it, compassionately obeying the Lord's direction in Lydda and Joppa. We also see that same compassionate obedience demonstrated the character of Tabitha. As believers, we must follow their examples and live lives of compassionate obedience to God.Acts 9:32-43

Have you ever been tempted to go back to your old ways? This weekend, Pastor Joaquin reminded us that when we do, Jesus goes back after us! John 21:3Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.Peter had just spent the last three years witnessing Jesus' miracles, and, most importantly, witnessing an empty tomb. Peter saying, "I am going fishing" declared that he was going back to his old life. In Peter's lowest moment, he had denied Jesus three times and he was holding on to that shame and guilt. 1) Discipleship encourages you to go deeper and try again.When Peter met Jesus for the first time he was getting ready to call it quits. He fished all night and caught nothing! Then he heard Jesus say, Luke 5:4"Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”After this, two boats were filled with so many fish that they began to sink! We are quick to wash our nets and call it quits when we don't see the results we are expecting. Jesus is saying, "You're giving up too soon! Go deeper, still!"2) Discipleship reminds you to not be afraid.The first time Jesus met Peter, Peter knew he was unworthy to be in His presence. Peter said, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man…”But instead of addressing Peter's sin, Jesus addresses his fear and gives him a new call. Luke 5:10“…Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”As fishers of men, we don't show people the door, we show them a new way!3) Discipleship means you keep showing up!It didn't matter that Peter denied Jesus, or that he had made the decision to go back to his old life. Jesus still showed up. Jesus was on the shore and called out to him again. He didn't just give Peter a new call, he showed him what fishing for men looks like by not giving up on him.We don't give up on people because Jesus doesn't give up on us!

Heavenly Father loves all His children. A fundamental truth that even young children can understand is that everyone is a child of God and that He loves all of His children. In Peter's time some people believed that the blessings of the gospel were not for everyone. But Peter learned that God loves all of His children and He wants all of them to learn the gospel. This week Children will learn: I am a Christian because I believe in and follow Jesus Christ. The restoration of the gospel needs to be shared with all of Gods children. Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. The account of the angel freeing Peter from prison teaches powerfully that Heavenly Father answers prayers. “God is no respecter of persons.” The children you teach need to understand that Heavenly Father loves all His children, no matter what they look like, where they are from, or what choices they make. If you are new here, Welcome to the Come Follow Me Podcast for Kids! We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and we create this podcast for primary aged children (2-12) following along with the church's Come Follow Me Manual. This is a New Testament Bible Study podcast for children. It's a primary podcast! If your children would like to be guests on our podcast email us at comefollowmekidspodcast@gmail.com and we will send you an assignment for a future week.

In Peter's Pentecost sermon, we hear a man whose mind has been renewed: he now sees all things through the lens of Scripture. Today, Sinclair Ferguson considers how this change in Peter calls for a change in our own thinking. Read the transcript: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/seeing-through-the-lens-of-scripture