Podcast appearances and mentions of simon peter

Believing in Jesus won't save you — you have to believe into him.1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" 3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes. John 20:1–10, NIV

"He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' And Jesus answered him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.'" Matthew 16:15–17

JOHN 6 : 1-15 After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased. And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher' and ‘Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher' and ‘Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher' and ‘Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

What does it really mean when we say that God is holy? For many people, holiness sounds like coldness, judgement or condemnation — a God standing at a distance saying, “Keep away. You're not good enough.” But is that an accurate picture of the God revealed in the Bible? In Week 2 of Know God, Anthony Delaney explores Isaiah's breathtaking encounter with God in Isaiah 6 and Simon Peter's encounter with Jesus in Luke 5. When Isaiah sees God as He really is — “Holy, holy, holy” — he also begins to see himself clearly. Yet God's response isn't simply to expose Isaiah's sin. He cleanses him, calls him and gives him a purpose. And centuries later, Peter experiences the same thing in Jesus. The Holy God cleanses us.
The Holy God calls us.
The Holy God commissions us. God doesn't stand at a distance waiting for us to make ourselves good enough. In Jesus, the Holy One comes near, does for us what we could never do for ourselves, and then invites ordinary, imperfect people to join Him in His mission. As we prepare for the God Loves You Tour at Co-op Live, Anthony challenges us to consider who God might be calling us to reach — and whether we're willing to answer as Isaiah did: “Here am I. Send me.” Key Bible passages: Isaiah 6:1–8 Luke 5:1–11

2026년 성경통독 시리즈 (Bible Reading Plan Series) 33 2026년 9월 27일 레븐교회 주일예배 설교 (박기범 목사) Text: 요한복음 (John) 21:15-23 Title: "요한복음: 사랑한다면 너는 나를 따르라 If You Love Me, You Follow Me!" 요한복음 (John) 21:15-23 [새번역/ESV] 15 그들이 아침을 먹은 뒤에, 예수께서 시몬 베드로에게 물으셨다. "요한의 아들 시몬아, 네가 이 사람들보다 나를 더 사랑하느냐?" 베드로가 대답하였다. "주님, 그렇습니다. 내가 주님을 사랑하는 줄을 주님께서 아십니다." 예수께서 그에게 말씀하셨다. "내 어린 양 떼를 먹여라." When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, 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 예수께서 두 번째로 그에게 물으셨다. "요한의 아들 시몬아, 네가 나를 사랑하느냐?" 베드로가 대답하였다. "주님, 그렇습니다. 내가 주님을 사랑하는 줄을 주님께서 아십니다." 예수께서 그에게 말씀하셨다. "내 양 떼를 쳐라." He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 예수께서 세 번째로 물으셨다. "요한의 아들 시몬아, 네가 나를 사랑하느냐?" 그 때에 베드로는, [예수께서] "네가 나를 사랑하느냐?" 하고 세 번이나 물으시므로, 불안해서 "주님, 주님께서는 모든 것을 아십니다. 그러므로 내가 주님을 사랑하는 줄을 주님께서 아십니다" 하고 대답하였다. 예수께서 그에게 말씀하셨다. "내 양 떼를 먹여라. He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, 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 everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 내가 진정으로 진정으로 네게 말한다. 네가 젊어서는 스스로 띠를 띠고 네가 가고 싶은 곳을 다녔으나, 네가 늙어서는 남들이 네 팔을 벌릴 것이고, 너를 묶어서 네가 바라지 않는 곳으로 너를 끌고 갈 것이다." Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 예수께서 이렇게 말씀하신 것은, 베드로가 어떤 죽음으로 하나님께 영광을 돌릴 것인가를 암시하신 것이다. 예수께서 이 말씀을 하시고 나서, 베드로에게 "나를 따라라!" 하고 말씀하셨다. (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” 20 베드로가 돌아다보니, 예수께서 사랑하시던 제자가 따라오고 있었다. 이 제자는 마지막 만찬 때에 예수의 가슴에 기대어서, "주님, 주님을 넘겨줄 자가 누구입니까?" 하고 물었던 사람이다. Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 베드로가 이 제자를 보고서, 예수께 물었다. "주님, 이 사람은 어떻게 되겠습니까?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 예수께서 말씀하셨다. "내가 올 때까지 그가 살아 있기를 내가 바란다고 한들, 그것이 너와 무슨 상관이 있느냐? 너는 나를 따라라!" Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 이 말씀이 믿는 사람들 사이에 퍼져 나가서, 그 제자는 죽지 않을 것이라고들 하였지만, 예수께서는 그가 죽지 않을 것이라고 말씀하신 것이 아니라, "내가 올 때까지 그가 살아 있기를 내가 바란다고 한들, [그것이 너와 무슨 상관이 있느냐?]" 하고 말씀하신 것뿐이다. So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: 2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. Confirming One's Calling and Election 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters,[a] make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Prophecy of Scripture 12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. 16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”[b] 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

In this message, we look at how Jesus personally called His first disciples—Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, and Nathanael. Beyond just having the right information about God, following Jesus requires a personal, life-changing encounter with Him. Jesus meets each of us uniquely in our questions, doubts, and circumstances with a simple invitation: “Come and see.”Key Takeaways:Jesus meets us in unique, personal ways and knows what we are truly seeking.An encounter with Jesus is the beginning of discovering our true identity in Him.Jesus sees everything about us—including our hidden struggles and doubts—and loves us anyway.He is the stairway between heaven and earth who came down to rescue us through the cross.FOR GROUP DISCUSSION & REFLECTION:This Week at Connect Groups:1. John 1:29-51 - What is 1 thing you learned about the character of Jesus from these verses?2. John 1:38 - “What are you seeking?” Why do you think Jesus begins His relationship with these disciples by asking what they are seeking? If Jesus asked you that question today, what would you would honestly say?3. John 1:46–49 - Nathanael begins with skepticism: “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” What happens between verse 46 and verse 49 that causes him to move from skepticism to declaring Jesus “the Son of God, the King of Israel”? 4. John 1:50–51 - “You will see greater things than this.” Why do you think Jesus used the reference to Jacob's ladder/stairway in Genesis 28 to help Nathanael/us understand who He is?5. After almost all of these encounters, the disciples go and share it with someone else and invite them to “come and see” Jesus.  Who do you think Jesus is sending you to right now?  Who might you invite to “Come and See” and how would you do that?+ + + + +Hey, while you're here, please help Generation by clicking the 'Subscribe' button, then click on the BELL

“Invite Your One” is a challenge to remember that most of us did not find our way to Jesus alone—someone invited us, walked with us, and helped us belong. Using the examples of Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, and Nathanael, this message shows that following Jesus should naturally lead us to bring others toward Him. It also reminds us not to forget the pit God rescued us from, because remembering our own story restores compassion and urgency for people who are still far from God. The goal is simple: do not just tell your one about Jesus—invite them, walk with them, and help them take a step toward Jesus and Christian community.

Show Notes Lemuel: I am Lemuel Gonzalez, repentant sinner, and along with Amity Armstrong, your heavenly host, I invite you to find a place in the pew for today's painless Sunday School lesson. Without Works. **Amity: ** The Gospel of John relates a story where Jesus is followed by a huge crowd who want to listen to his teaching. Some of them bring sick friends and relatives to be cured.  Seeing the great size of the crowd, Jesus is inspired to care for them. He asks his disciple Philip a rhetorical question, “Where will we find enough food to buy for these people?” Philip replies that it would take much more money than they could raise. Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, finds a boy in the crowd who is willing to share his lunch: five barley buns, and two small fish.  The rest of the story is well known. What happened directly after Jesus fed the enormous crowd, with twelve baskets of loaves and fish left over, is just as important.  “After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.”  -John 6: 14-15 Lemuel: Christian Nationalism is an ideology that promotes Christian values, so called, in laws and into the government, to the derogation of other religions and ideas. This means that a particularly narrow, and more often outright false, interpretation of Jesus' teaching is applied to lawmaking,  government institutions, and public life in a Procrustean way.  Interpretation is the key: A small group of ignorant men, and do not be mistaken; they are men, acting in the interests of themselves and other men, have ignored the teachings and story of Jesus, in favor of a restrictive interpretation that acts in opposition to the Gospel's moral demands on us. The story of the five thousand fed shows Jesus giving to everyone in the crowd. He does not withhold food to those who did not make a public oath of loyalty, he did not withhold a miraculous cure for ailing foreigners in the crowd. Whoever came to listen, young, old, man or woman, jew or gentile, everyone was fed. Every single person ate, with baskets gathered up after. No one was in want.  Amity: The Gospel of John tells another story. In this Jesus, after his arrest,  is taken to Pontius Pilate by temple authorities to be executed. There is no charge they can make to the Roman Governor to interest him, as he has no particular investment in their laws. To push Pilate to act they tell him that Jesus claimed to be king of the Jews, an utter falsehood. Pilate asks Jesus about this, and they have this exchange:  “Are you King of the Jews?” “Is that your own idea,” Jesus replied, “or did others talk to you about me?” “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it that you have done?” Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is from another place.” Lemuel: The meaning is clear. The Gospel message is not to be attached to any government. God's house is much bigger, more inclusive, than anything founded on spurious constitutions that declare freedom and equality, while building on the ruined homes of Indigenous people, with slave labor.   If Jesus wanted kingship, he would have taken it during his life on earth. He certainly doesn't need it now. https://thehill.com/opinion/6075328-huffman-no-prophets-bestseller/

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Jessi Marcus Other-wise: Week 3, Simon Peter John 13:37-38, Luke 22:60-62, Mark 16:6-7, John 21:17 website: jacobswellchurch.org facebook: jacobswellkc twitter: @jacobswell

Because You Say So I Will Choose Obedience“Why do you call Me Lord and not do what I say?” Luke 6:46 “One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” Luke 5:1-11 NIV Because who says so? Doing what Jesus tells us to do doesn't always make sense to us Because You Say So I will pursue love (Agape) as the goal of my life “So I give you now a new commandment: Love each other just as much as I have loved you. For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you're my true followers.” John 13:34-35 TPT (See also Matthew 22:37-39) Because You Say So I will forgive others as I have been forgiven “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15 (See also Colossians 3:13) Because You Say So I will take courage that You have overcome the world “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NASB (See also James 1:2) Because You Say So I will strive for unity with my fellow believers “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” John 17:20-21 NLT

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT) When I was in high school, I went out for track and field. I was a fairly decent short-distance runner, but I was horrible at long-distance runs. Maybe this had to do with the fact that I hated to practice. My motivation might have been called into question as well. Some people are motivated by the spirit of competition or team spirit or achieving personal bests. I wanted to impress the pretty girls in the stands. When it comes to the race of life, we need a better motivation than I had. Hebrews 12:2 spells it out: “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne” (NLT). Ultimately, we run for an audience of one: Jesus Christ. He is watching us. He is praying for us. In fact, according to Hebrews 7:25, “He lives forever to intercede with God on [our] behalf” (NLT). The presence and work of Jesus is what gave Stephen courage when he stood before his accusers who were ready to put him to death. Full of the Holy Spirit, he was given a glimpse of Jesus in Heaven and said, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” (Acts 7:56). Seeing Jesus gave Stephen the ability to run the race and finish it. Seeing Jesus also gave Simon Peter the ability to walk on water. One night the disciples were making their way across the storm-tossed Sea of Galilee. According to Matthew 14:25–29, “About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, ‘It’s a ghost!’ But Jesus spoke to them at once. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage. I am here!’ Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.’ ‘Yes, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus” (NLT). As long as Peter kept the Lord in sight, he was able to do the seemingly impossible. As believers, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. Circumstances will disappoint and, at times, devastate us. People will let us down and fall short of our expectations. Feelings will come and go. But Jesus will always be there to cheer us on. He has run before us, He is the ultimate winner, and He will show us how to run. But we must keep looking to Him. Reflection question: What would keeping your eyes on Jesus look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's PowerPoint, Pastor Jack Graham focuses on “The Message” – salvation through Jesus Christ. Pastor Graham recounts when the Church was born and how Simon Peter stood before the congregation and proclaimed this message: Jesus saves. And today, it is still the message we must all share. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/395/29?v=20251111

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus.The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). John 1:40-41Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Luke 5, Simon Peter learns that Jesus knows far more than he could ever understand when Jesus calls him to let down his nets after a night of unsuccessful fishing. Through this miraculous catch, Peter discovers that Jesus not only has the power to meet his greatest needs, but also steps into his brokenness, pays the debt of his sin, and calls him into relationship and purpose. Like Peter, we are invited to trust the voice of Jesus even […] The post Let Down The Net first appeared on Cornerstone Church.

Can You Really Become a New Person? Names are more than labels in the Bible. They often communicate identity, family history, circumstances, and sometimes God's purpose. In this episode of Relish, Alex Zimmerman and Don Patterson begin by drafting some of the most difficult—and perhaps least advisable—names to give a child from the Bible. From Ichabod and Judas to Dorcas and Mahar-shalal-hash-baz, the conversation starts with humor. But then it moves to a much bigger question. Why did names matter so much in Scripture? Why did Jacob become Israel? What did Jesus mean when He called Simon “Peter”? Why is Joseph remembered as Barnabas? And what do these examples teach us about identity and redemption? The conversation also addresses an important misconception: receiving a new identity does not mean becoming instantly perfect. If God makes someone new, why do old struggles remain? This episode explores what the Bible actually says about names, identity, transformation, and the relationship between who you were and who God calls you to become.   00:00:29 Why Names Matter: Identity and Redemption 00:01:58 Drafting the Worst Bible Names 00:06:34 Bible Names We'd Actually Bring Back 00:07:29 What Do Names Mean in the Bible? 00:10:32 Why God Changed People's Names 00:17:37 Did Peter and Paul Really Get New Names? 00:21:43 Jacob Becomes Israel: A New Identity 00:25:03 New Identity Doesn't Mean Instant Perfection

This week, we are going to reflect upon the difference between knowing about God and having a relationship with Him! In Matthew 16, when Jesus and His disciples traveled to Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" Simon Peter's response to Jesus, and Jesus's response to Peter, is an important shift in how we, as Christ followers, understand the gospel! God wants us to have a personal relationship with Him, and it's awesome.

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and asked him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.Luke 5:1–3 KJ2000I have had occasion to speak across water in less important situations, and it is true: Sound carries better over water. Well, when Jesus had finished his sermon, he said to Simon:[…] Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch. And Simon answering said unto him, Teacher, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at your word I will let down the net. And when they had done this, they enclosed a great multitude of fish: and their net broke.Luke 5:4–6 KJ2000I guess Jesus felt he should pay something for the use of the ship. He could have given them money, I suppose, but he didn’t. He blessed them another way—in their business. It emphasized, I suppose, that every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of Lights—even if he doesn’t hand it to us himself, but asks us to let down our nets and pull it up.And they beckoned unto their partners, who were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the catch of the fish which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from now on you shall catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.Luke 5:7–11 KJ2000Peter recognized a miracle when he saw it. And his view of himself was unobstructed; he knew what he was. And here’s the interesting thing to think about—so did Jesus.

Today's Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Gospel - Luke 5:1-11 - While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, He was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, He asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then He sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at Your command I will lower the nets." When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them.  They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed Him. Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church Saint Gregory, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day

Original Postdate: September 5, 2024 === Gospel Luke 5:1-11 While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets." When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him. Reflection When we experience gifts that flow seemingly natural through us, it's really difficult to understand which part of our effectiveness in the world is due to our own energy and our own understanding, our own discipline. Or is it purely a gift from God? Well, the key, it's both. But human beings have a hard time keeping themselves in balance when God is using them to accomplish great deeds. We need to be careful of not falling into the trap of thinking those deeds come from us, and not just through us. Closing Prayer Father, over and over again we see people who have authority and responsibility and a position of power, getting caught up in it and ending up being not the instrument that God can use any longer. Keep us grounded in the humility that God is the source of all that we can accomplish when it comes to building his kingdom. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Daily Scripture Readings and Reflection: What do you do when you've worked hard and still see no results? In today's Gospel, Simon Peter has fished all night and caught nothing—but when Jesus tells him to put out into deep water and lower his nets again, everything changes. Join us for this September 3 Scripture reflection on perseverance, obedience, and trusting God even when the way forward seems impossible. When Christ is in the boat, never be afraid to try again.

Read OnlineWhile the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Luke 5:1–4At that moment, Simon could not have grasped the full significance of Jesus' actions. Our Lord chose to preach to the crowds from the boat “belonging to Simon.” When He had finished speaking, He turned to Simon and said, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.”Traditionally, the boat has been understood as a symbol of the Church. It is particularly meaningful that this first use of a boat in Jesus' public ministry involved Simon's vessel. Later in Luke's Gospel, Jesus says: “Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31–32).In this powerful passage, Jesus entrusts Simon with the unique mission of leadership and fraternal support. Though Simon would stumble during the Passion, his faith would be restored, and his role confirmed, not merely as a disciple, but as one called to fortify the faith of others. This divine commission echoes the symbolic act at the Lake of Gennesaret, where Simon's boat becomes the pulpit from which the Word is proclaimed. And, as is recorded in Matthew's Gospel, Jesus later changed Simon's name to Peter, making him the rock foundation upon which He would build His Church, promising the gates of hell would not prevail against it (cf. Matthew 16:17–19).By choosing Simon's boat, Jesus foreshadowed that the Gospel would go forth from the Church, built upon Simon Peter's faith and leadership. Christ remains the cornerstone, yet Simon would serve as the rock: a foundational witness whose confession and fidelity would uphold the apostolic Church.This moment by the lake is far more than a simple teaching setting. It is a prophetic image of the Church: anchored by Peter, guided by Christ, and commissioned to cast its nets into the deep waters of the world, drawing souls into the Kingdom of God. Christ alone has the power to draw all people to Himself, yet He chooses to do so through Peter, his successors, and all faithful collaborators who serve as fishers of men.As the passage continues, Simon obeys Jesus' command and puts out into deep water. The result is an astonishing catch that is so abundant that the nets begin to tear. Others must come to help, a clear symbol of the necessary collaboration among all members of the Church, working together in Christ's divinely guided mission.We, too, are called to share in that same mission and to imitate Simon's humility upon witnessing the miraculous catch. He fell at Jesus' feet and cried out, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:8). He was deeply humbled and recognized his unworthiness before the divine presence.Jesus, however, looked upon Simon and those with him, including Andrew, James, and John, and said, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men” (Luke 5:10). These words are meant for each of us. Fear is often the greatest obstacle to fully embracing God's call. But when we respond with humility and courage, trusting in His grace, we will find ourselves part of the great mission to draw others into the safety of the Church. Reflect today on the sacred image of Simon's boat. See in it a foreshadowing of the Church, and consider how you are called to serve within her. Christ continues to preach from this vessel, to call others into its safety, and to call you to cast your net into the deep where many souls await the Gospel and God's mercy.All-powerful Lord, You first preached from a humble fishing boat owned by Simon. Today, You continue to preach and reach out to those caught in the deep and turbulent waters of this world. Please send me, as You later sent Simon Peter, to bring Your Gospel to those who need it most. Purify me of every fear, so that I may answer Your call with courage and zeal. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Simon Peter Kaleem is training native missionaries to reach the lost in Pakistan. We also talk about setting modern day slaves free from working in the scorching hot brick klilns. You will be blessed as you listen to his testimony about serving the Lord in Pakistan. 

Our Daily Scripture Readings and Reflection: What do you do when you've worked hard and still see no results? In today's Gospel, Simon Peter has fished all night and caught nothing—but when Jesus tells him to put out into deep water and lower his nets again, everything changes. Join us for this September 3 Scripture reflection on perseverance, obedience, and trusting God even when the way forward seems impossible. When Christ is in the boat, never be afraid to try again.

Read OnlineThe Power of His WordAfter Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon. Simon's mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them. Luke 4:38–39In today's Gospel, we encounter the first mention of Simon—whose name Jesus would later change to Peter—in Luke's account. Simon was likely present in the synagogue and witnessed Jesus cast out a demon from a possessed man. With a simple command, “Be quiet! Come out of him!”, Jesus revealed His divine authority. The people were astonished and exclaimed, “What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out” (Luke 4:35–36).Having seen His authority firsthand, Simon presumably spoke to Jesus about his mother-in-law, who was suffering from a severe fever. It is striking to imagine the moment of Simon's first personal encounter with the Lord. Though Jesus, in His divine foresight, knew what Simon would one day become—the first pope entrusted with the spiritual authority of Heaven—Simon himself could not have foreseen how radically his life was about to change.Upon entering Simon's home, Jesus rebuked the fever. The Greek word used here, epitimaō, is the same word used in the previous passage when Jesus rebuked the demon. This deliberate parallel reveals that both the spiritual and physical realms are subject to Jesus' command. What He rebuked were real evils and disorders: demonic possession as a violation of the soul and the fever as a natural affliction of the body.Later in this Gospel passage, Jesus continues healing many who are sick and casting out demons. Once again, He rebukes the demons, silencing them and forbidding them to speak. Though they cry out, “You are the Son of God,” Jesus does not permit them to bear witness to Him. He has no need of demons to proclaim His identity. His revelation will come in His time, by His own design, especially through the Cross and Resurrection.Jesus' rebukes, whether uttered by a word, expressed through a gesture, or conveyed by His mere presence, are divine actions against evil. They are not expressions of wishful hope, but authoritative, efficacious commands. What He speaks comes to be. His word is not just powerful; it accomplishes what it declares.Understanding this is foundational to our life of faith and our spiritual journey. When we turn to Christ with trust, we must believe that His word has the power to heal, to free, and to transform. He does not speak in vain. His authority extends to every dimension of our lives, body, soul, and spirit, and He desires to restore all that has been wounded by sin, suffering, or disorder.One of the most tangible and powerful ways this takes place today is through the words of absolution spoken by the priest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a spiritual authority first given to Simon Peter and passed down through apostolic succession. The words of absolution are Christ's words, words that rebuke sin and its effects, restoring the soul to grace and peace. They are divine actions that accomplish what they signify.Though the words of absolution may be the clearest example, every Sacrament—Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony—conveys God's grace and power through the efficacious word and action of Christ.Reflect today on your own trust in the power of Jesus' word. Do you believe He can rebuke the disorders in your life with divine authority? Do you turn to Him with confidence in the Sacraments, knowing that what He speaks, He accomplishes? Surrender all that afflicts you to the power of His Word, and allow Him to restore you to grace, relying especially on the sacramental authority given to Simon Peter and exercised by the priests who have followed after. My authoritative Lord, when You speak, what You speak comes to be. Speak to me, Lord. Rebuke my sin and weakness, so that Your holy will may be accomplished in my life. Let me hear Your voice, especially in the Sacraments through which Your mercy is poured forth and Your power is made manifest. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Christ Healing the Mother of Simon Peter's Wife, by John BridgesSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

What if the miracle you’ve been praying for is on the other side of an uncomfortable act of obedience? In our last week of the Revival Sparks series, Lead Pastor John S. Dickerson shares from Luke 5:1–11 about what it means to obey Jesus—even when His instructions are uncomfortable, toilsome, or don’t make sense. Jesus told Simon Peter to go out into the deep water and let down his nets again. Peter had already worked all night and caught nothing. He had every reason to question the instruction—but he chose to obey. And his obedience led to a miracle. Sometimes Jesus will ask you to do things that are inconvenient, difficult, or outside of your understanding. But if you say no because it’s uncomfortable, you may miss what Jesus wants to do through your obedience. Peter’s story reminds us that obedience isn’t always easy, but Jesus is always worthy of our trust. What is Jesus asking you to obey today—even if it’s uncomfortable or doesn’t make sense? #RevivalSparks #Jesus #Obedience #Faith #Luke5 NEXT STEPSHave you made a decision to follow Jesus and now wondering what your next step is? We want to help! https://www.connectionpointe.org/nextsteps/ ABOUT CONNECTION POINTEAt Connection Pointe, our mission is to connect people to Jesus and each other. Whether you've been around church your whole life or this is a brand new journey, we have a place for you and we hope your journey will include joining us at a Connection Pointe location or online at https://connectionpointe.org/live Find locations, videos, and more info about us at https://www.connectionpointe.org/ FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/connectionpointeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/connect_cp Find out more about our lead pastor, John S. Dickerson: https://www.connectionpointe.org/leadpastor

Reading 1Isaiah 22:19-23Thus says the LORD to Shebna, master of the palace:"I will thrust you from your officeand pull you down from your station.On that day I will summon my servantEliakim, son of Hilkiah;I will clothe him with your robe,and gird him with your sash,and give over to him your authority.He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem,and to the house of Judah.I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim's shoulder;when he opens, no one shall shut,when he shuts, no one shall open.I will fix him like a peg in a sure spot,to be a place of honor for his family."Reading 2Romans 11:33-36Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!For who has known the mind of the Lordor who has been his counselor?Or who has given the Lord anythingthat he may be repaid?For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.GospelMatthew 16:13-20Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi andhe asked his disciples,"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply,"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply,"Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter,and upon this rock I will build my church,and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly ordered his disciplesto tell no one that he was the Christ.

Matthew 16:13-20Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi andhe asked his disciples,"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply,"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply,"Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter,and upon this rock I will build my church,and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly ordered his disciplesto tell no one that he was the Christ.

Matthew 16:13-20Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi andhe asked his disciples,"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply,"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply,"Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter,and upon this rock I will build my church,and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly ordered his disciplesto tell no one that he was the Christ.

Matthew 16:13-20Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi andhe asked his disciples,"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply,"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply,"Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter,and upon this rock I will build my church,and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly ordered his disciplesto tell no one that he was the Christ.

Matthew 16:13-20Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi andhe asked his disciples,"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply,"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply,"Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter,and upon this rock I will build my church,and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly ordered his disciplesto tell no one that he was the Christ.

August 23, 2026. Fr Tyler's homily as we greet our Freshman class and welcome students back to campus on the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time. Enjoy! Gospel Matthew 16:13-20 Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"  They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."  He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"  Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."  Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.  For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.  And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.  I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.  Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."  Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

In Part Three of our Core Values series, we explore how the local church is the primary vehicle that God uses to expand His kingdom.Matthew 16:13-1813 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.Ephesians 4:11-16 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

John 13:31-14:631 When Judas was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. ..... 33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come...36 Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?”Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”37 Peter asked, “Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”38 Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!14:1“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Nobody backslides overnight. It’s neglect here, a missed prayer there, a compromise in another area—and before you know it, you’re sinking.That’s exactly what happened to Simon Peter. The night before the cross, he boasted he’d never abandon Jesus, even if everyone else did. Within hours he’d fallen asleep when he should’ve been praying, swung a sword when he should’ve trusted God, followed at a distance instead of staying close, and warmed himself by the wrong fire with the wrong crowd. When a servant girl recognized him, Peter cursed and swore he didn’t even know Jesus. Immediately, the rooster crowed—and Jesus turned and looked at him.But that wasn’t the end of his story. Three days later, an angel gave the women at the tomb a message with two words that still carry grace: “and Peter.” Weeks later, the same man who denied Jesus three times stood up and preached the sermon that led three thousand people to faith.Fallen? Yes. Finished? No.If you’ve fallen, hear this: God doesn’t run from failure. He restores it. Your failure isn’t final when you belong to Jesus. Run to Him, not from Him. Listen in for more on this topic from Greg Laurie. Notes: Luke 22 1 Timothy 4:1 (NLT)Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. One sign that points to Christ’s return is that some people will fall away spiritually. If we are not moving forward, we are naturally going backward.There is no standing still spiritually. We are either progressing or regressing. Hebrews 2:1 (NLT)So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. After you have fallen, you may wonder if you can be forgiven. The past cannot be changed, but our response to it can be.God can take our endings and turn them into beginnings. The fall of Simon Peter is the anatomy of backsliding. Read Luke 22:31–34 Satan himself targeted the big fisherman. It is unlikely any of us has personally been tempted by the devil himself. Satan had to ask God first.He can do nothing in the life of a child of God without our Father’s permission. Even when Satan attacked Job, he was under divine restraint. Jesus is saying to Peter, “Simon, I know you better than you know yourself.” Jesus is interceding for us.Romans 8:34–35 Jesus added a very important detail.Peter’s lapse will be temporary.Peter will return and be stronger for it.Luke 22:32 1 Peter 5:10 (NLT)After you have suffered a little while, God will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. The trial you are going through has a beginning, a middle, and an end. God has a purpose for your life.Psalm 30:5 Satan targeted Peter because he could see that Peter was a spiritual leader who could shake his world. The devil sets his sights on those who are a threat to the kingdom of darkness. Peter’s first step down was self-confidence.Matthew 26:33 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV)Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. Read Luke 22: 39–46 Peter’s second step down was prayerlessness. All Jesus asked of Peter, James, and John was to be with Him and pray. Peter, James, and John were not watching and praying.Instead, they are slumbering and sleeping. Peter had no idea the storm was brewing. Prayerlessness can be as much of a sin as breaking a commandment.It’s a sin of omission.James 4:17 Peter’s third step down was self-reliance. Read Luke 22:47–51 Peter was boasting when he should have been listening.Sleeping when he should have been praying.Now he was fighting when he should have been trusting. Peter was fighting the wrong enemy with the wrong weapon. Our enemies are not flesh and blood, and they cannot be defeated with ordinary weapons. 2 Corinthians 10:4 Peter’s fourth step down was following at a distance.Luke 22:54–55 Peter’s fifth step down was wrong associations. Read Luke 22:55–61 It was not the end but a new beginning. Peter’s sixth step down was his denial. Curse was a very strong term pronouncing death on oneself by the hand of God if they were lying. Peter had lost all sense of reality and seemingly all awareness of God. Read Luke 22:59–62 Peter would be able to use his failure as a way to encourage others who had failed. Nobody is above falling into sin. Simon Peter:fallen but forgiven,broken but not abandoned. Jesus restored Peter. The same Peter, who cursed and swore that he did not know Jesus, stood up weeks later and preached a sermon on Pentecost that resulted in 3,000 coming to faith. God gives second chances. Your failure is not final when you belong to Jesus.He can restore you as he did Peter.Jeremiah 3:22 — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO FOR THIS REFLECTIONMatthew 16:13-20Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples,"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly ordered his disciplesto tell no one that he was the Christ.

Nobody backslides overnight. It’s neglect here, a missed prayer there, a compromise in another area—and before you know it, you’re sinking.That’s exactly what happened to Simon Peter. The night before the cross, he boasted he’d never abandon Jesus, even if everyone else did. Within hours he’d fallen asleep when he should’ve been praying, swung a sword when he should’ve trusted God, followed at a distance instead of staying close, and warmed himself by the wrong fire with the wrong crowd. When a servant girl recognized him, Peter cursed and swore he didn’t even know Jesus. Immediately, the rooster crowed—and Jesus turned and looked at him.But that wasn’t the end of his story. Three days later, an angel gave the women at the tomb a message with two words that still carry grace: “and Peter.” Weeks later, the same man who denied Jesus three times stood up and preached the sermon that led three thousand people to faith.Fallen? Yes. Finished? No.If you’ve fallen, hear this: God doesn’t run from failure. He restores it. Your failure isn’t final when you belong to Jesus. Run to Him, not from Him. Listen in for more on this topic from Greg Laurie. Notes: Luke 22 1 Timothy 4:1 (NLT)Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. One sign that points to Christ’s return is that some people will fall away spiritually. If we are not moving forward, we are naturally going backward.There is no standing still spiritually. We are either progressing or regressing. Hebrews 2:1 (NLT)So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. After you have fallen, you may wonder if you can be forgiven. The past cannot be changed, but our response to it can be.God can take our endings and turn them into beginnings. The fall of Simon Peter is the anatomy of backsliding. Read Luke 22:31–34 Satan himself targeted the big fisherman. It is unlikely any of us has personally been tempted by the devil himself. Satan had to ask God first.He can do nothing in the life of a child of God without our Father’s permission. Even when Satan attacked Job, he was under divine restraint. Jesus is saying to Peter, “Simon, I know you better than you know yourself.” Jesus is interceding for us.Romans 8:34–35 Jesus added a very important detail.Peter’s lapse will be temporary.Peter will return and be stronger for it.Luke 22:32 1 Peter 5:10 (NLT)After you have suffered a little while, God will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. The trial you are going through has a beginning, a middle, and an end. God has a purpose for your life.Psalm 30:5 Satan targeted Peter because he could see that Peter was a spiritual leader who could shake his world. The devil sets his sights on those who are a threat to the kingdom of darkness. Peter’s first step down was self-confidence.Matthew 26:33 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV)Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. Read Luke 22: 39–46 Peter’s second step down was prayerlessness. All Jesus asked of Peter, James, and John was to be with Him and pray. Peter, James, and John were not watching and praying.Instead, they are slumbering and sleeping. Peter had no idea the storm was brewing. Prayerlessness can be as much of a sin as breaking a commandment.It’s a sin of omission.James 4:17 Peter’s third step down was self-reliance. Read Luke 22:47–51 Peter was boasting when he should have been listening.Sleeping when he should have been praying.Now he was fighting when he should have been trusting. Peter was fighting the wrong enemy with the wrong weapon. Our enemies are not flesh and blood, and they cannot be defeated with ordinary weapons. 2 Corinthians 10:4 Peter’s fourth step down was following at a distance.Luke 22:54–55 Peter’s fifth step down was wrong associations. Read Luke 22:55–61 It was not the end but a new beginning. Peter’s sixth step down was his denial. Curse was a very strong term pronouncing death on oneself by the hand of God if they were lying. Peter had lost all sense of reality and seemingly all awareness of God. Read Luke 22:59–62 Peter would be able to use his failure as a way to encourage others who had failed. Nobody is above falling into sin. Simon Peter:fallen but forgiven,broken but not abandoned. Jesus restored Peter. The same Peter, who cursed and swore that he did not know Jesus, stood up weeks later and preached a sermon on Pentecost that resulted in 3,000 coming to faith. God gives second chances. Your failure is not final when you belong to Jesus.He can restore you as he did Peter.Jeremiah 3:22 — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260823dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:13-16 Who Is Jesus? More books have been written about Jesus Christ than any other individual in history. One website estimates the number in the tens of thousands. As one might imagine, these books contain just about every opinion imaginable. Some view Jesus as God in human flesh. Others view him as a great human teacher. And some even claim that Jesus never existed at all. What about you? What do you believe about Jesus? That was the question Jesus asked his closest followers one day. There were all kinds of rumors floating around about this amazing Rabbi named Jesus. Although there were differences of opinion, everyone agreed that there was nothing ordinary about him. In fact, Jesus' words and miracles were so amazing that many people thought he must be one of the prophets of old who had come back to life. Peter, one of the men who knew Jesus best, understood why Jesus was so amazing. Jesus was none other than God himself, who came to earth in human flesh. Jesus was the One God had been promising since Adam and Eve had first rebelled against him. Jesus was the One who would repair the relationship between God and his rebellious children. Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. He still is. Jesus is not simply a great human teacher. He is not just an interesting historical figure. He is not one religious leader among many. And he most certainly exists. He is your God. He is your Savior. He is your hope for a life beyond this one and your hope for a life of meaning and purpose here and now. Finally, it doesn’t really matter what a website says about Jesus. What matters is what you say about Jesus. Who do you say he is? Say he is your Lord and life and love—because he is. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for revealing yourself to me as my God and my Savior from sin. May this belief be reflected in everything I do and say. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Matthew 16:13-20   When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260823dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:13-16 Who Is Jesus? More books have been written about Jesus Christ than any other individual in history. One website estimates the number in the tens of thousands. As one might imagine, these books contain just about every opinion imaginable. Some view Jesus as God in human flesh. Others view him as a great human teacher. And some even claim that Jesus never existed at all. What about you? What do you believe about Jesus? That was the question Jesus asked his closest followers one day. There were all kinds of rumors floating around about this amazing Rabbi named Jesus. Although there were differences of opinion, everyone agreed that there was nothing ordinary about him. In fact, Jesus' words and miracles were so amazing that many people thought he must be one of the prophets of old who had come back to life. Peter, one of the men who knew Jesus best, understood why Jesus was so amazing. Jesus was none other than God himself, who came to earth in human flesh. Jesus was the One God had been promising since Adam and Eve had first rebelled against him. Jesus was the One who would repair the relationship between God and his rebellious children. Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. He still is. Jesus is not simply a great human teacher. He is not just an interesting historical figure. He is not one religious leader among many. And he most certainly exists. He is your God. He is your Savior. He is your hope for a life beyond this one and your hope for a life of meaning and purpose here and now. Finally, it doesn’t really matter what a website says about Jesus. What matters is what you say about Jesus. Who do you say he is? Say he is your Lord and life and love—because he is. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for revealing yourself to me as my God and my Savior from sin. May this belief be reflected in everything I do and say. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Matthew Week 150   1 Peter 2:21 ESV   21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.       Hebrews 12:2-3 ESV   2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.   3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.       John 18:15-16 ESV   15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in.       Matthew 26:69-73 ESV   69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean." 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you mean." 71 And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." 72 And again he denied it with an oath: "I do not know the man." 73 After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you."       Luke 22:59 ESV   59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, "Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean."       Judges 11:30b-31 ESV   "If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, 31 then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the Lord's, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering."       Judges 12:5-6a ESV   5 And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, "Let me go over," the men of Gilead said to him, "Are you an Ephraimite?" When he said, "No," 6 they said to him, "Then say Shibboleth," and he said, "Sibboleth," for he could not pronounce it right…       Matthew 26:74-75 ESV   74 Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.       Luke 22:60-62 ESV   60 But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about." And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times." 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.       Matthew 26:33 ESV   Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away."       Matthew 26:35 ESV   "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!"       2 Corinthians 7:9 NASB95   9 I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us.  

Read OnlineOvercoming the Gates of hellJesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:13–16The symbolism associated with Caesarea Philippi is central to today's Gospel. Located north of Jesus' home base in Capernaum, it was a predominantly pagan city known for its shrines to false gods. One of the most prominent was Pan, after whom the region was named Panias (later Banias). Pan, a Greek god, was honored at a shrine near a large cave and spring considered the entrance to Hades. Pan was the god of nature, shepherds, flocks, wild places, fertility, and rustic music, and was often depicted as half man, half goat, with horns and hooves. He played the pan flute and was associated with lust, chaos, and sudden fear—from which we get the word panic.Additionally, the city was the site of a temple dedicated to the late emperor, Caesar Augustus, who was worshiped as a god throughout the Roman Empire. It was into this spiritually dark pagan setting that Jesus led His disciples—on what may have been a two-day journey—for what culminated in a single, monumental question.Jesus took the Twelve away from the comfort of their familiar fishing village and Jewish neighbors for a reason. He wanted them to answer His question not in the midst of the familiar and safe, but in a place marked by spiritual confusion and idolatry. Why? So that faith could be professed even there, and divine grace could confront the darkness that permeated the region.At first, He asked who the people said He was. They answered, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” But then He posed the question that reached the heart of His mission: “But who do you say that I am?” This was a moment of divine testing—one which Simon passed with profound faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus' extraordinary and consequential response has enduring significance to this day. He declared:“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:17–19).With these sacred words, Jesus founded His Church upon Peter, making him the first pope. In biblical tradition, a change of name signifies a new mission and identity. Simon, son of Jonah, was now to be called Peter—Petros in Greek and Cephas in Aramaic—meaning “rock.” Peter became the solid foundation upon which Christ's Church would be built. No pagan power, false god, or earthly ruler would ever overcome what Christ established with divine authority.Reflect today on the significance of the papacy. Even now, in the successor of Saint Peter, the words of Simon continue to echo throughout the world: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This is the pope's first and most important duty—to bear witness to Christ, the Son of God. Despite the personal weaknesses of some popes and the saintliness of others, it is Jesus who established Peter and his successors as the visible foundation of the Church. Pray for the Holy Father, and trust in the timeless witness of every pope since that first moment in Caesarea Philippi—a witness upheld not by human strength, but by Christ's own promise. To profess faith in the papacy is to profess faith in the One who instituted it and endowed it with His divine authority.My Lord, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. With Simon, I profess this truth and place my faith in You, who established Simon, son of Jonah, as Peter—the rock and foundation of Your Church. I believe and profess that the gates of hell shall never prevail against the Church, not because of human strength or perfection, but because of Your eternal promise. I pray for our Holy Father, the pope, and for all his successors. Make them true and faithful witnesses to the confession first spoken by Saint Peter. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Christ handing the Keys to St Peter, by Lawrence OP, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Simon Peter's profession of faith - Fr. Lucas Laborde. Click here for today's readings.What different types of salvation lie behind the diverging views of Jesus as the Son of God and Jesus as a human Messiah? What do you learn in this passage about your new identity in Christ? Why do you think Jesus decided to create the Church and make these promises concerning it?

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then He strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that He was the Christ. (Matthew 16:13-20)

What does Jesus mean when he says, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven”? In this episode, we explore why the church isn't ultimately built on Peter, a pastor, a denomination, or any other person, but on the proclamation that Jesus is the Messiah and that his forgiveness defeats sin, death, and the devil. The keys bind what binds us and loose us with Christ's promise: you are a sinner, but your sin is not the final word over you.GOSPEL Matthew 16:13-20 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. CARE OF SOULS: DEATHIn Care of Souls, a special mini-series podcast from Luther House of Study, Lutheran pastors and theologians come together to explore the deeply personal and pastoral task of preaching to and caring for those facing death, grief, and loss.Rooted in the theology of the cross and the Lutheran tradition of radical grace, this series offers both theological depth and practical guidance for pastors, church workers, and lay leaders.Across five episodes, the hosts tackle tough but essential questions on death:How does Lutheran theology speak uniquely to death and grief?What does faithful pastoral care look like when walking alongside those who mourn?How can pastors offer both honesty and hope in the face of tragedy and loss?What does ministry look like when death impacts the pastor as well as the congregation?Why do funerals matter, and what is God giving through them?With conversations, real-life stories, and reflections from the front lines of ministry, Care of Souls equips listeners to enter the sorrow of death not with easy answers, but with the crucified and risen Christ.Because in the end, it's not about avoiding death—it's about hearing the Gospel from the One who has passed through death and opened the way to life.Listen to Care of Souls wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Luther House website: Care of SoulsSupport the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate