Hope after Failure
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Hope After Failure
Hope After Failure
YOU CAN FLY HIGH AGAIN
Intro:
Intro:
In our text, we meet a man that was an intimate follower of Jesus Christ, yet he denied knowing Jesus at a very crucial time, this man’s name is Simon Peter. Our text finds him in the wrong place, doing the wrong things with the wrong people. How did he wind up here? Well, let me just say that it did not happen in an instant!
But he soon found that all the good food and easy living had made him so soft and heavy that he could rise no higher than the eaves of the barn. So he dropped back again to the barnyard, and said to himself, “Oh well, my life is safe here and the food is good.”
Every spring and autumn when he heard the wild ducks honking, his eyes would gleam for a moment and he would begin to flap his wings. But finally the day came when the wild ducks flew over him and uttered their cry, but he paid them no attention at all. That is a clear parable of how the soul can forget its high ideals and standards and become content with lower things!
Backsliding, and that’s what we see in the life of Peter, is a process that develops over time. First one area, then another, begins to slip in life, and then before a person knows what has happened, they find themselves no longer enjoying an enjoyable walk with Jesus.
Second, they find themselves no longer surrounded by others that love the Lord but are surrounded by people that do not know the Lord and do not care to even look for Him
In our text, we are presented with a man who puts the story of the complacent duck into human shoe leather. This man’s name is Simon Peter. Our text finds him in the wrong place, doing the wrong things with the wrong people. How did he wind up here? Well, let me just say that it did not happen in an instant!
Some, under the sound of my voice, maybe just like Simon Peter. You have allowed your heart to grow cold. Your love for Jesus doesn’t burn as brightly as it once did. The things of God aren’t as glorious as they used to be. Maybe you wonder how it all happened and if there is any hope for your restoration.
Backsliding, and that’s what we see in the life of Peter, is a process that develops over time.
Well, from this passage, we can see how Peter found himself on the very bottom and how he got back on top again.
First one area, then another begins to slip in a life and then before a person knows what has happened, they find themselves no longer enjoying a wonderful walk with Jesus.
Second, they find themselves no longer surrounded by others that love the Lord, but are surrounded by people that do not know the Lord and do not care to even look for Him
Some, under the sound of my voice, may be just like Simon Peter. You have allowed your heart to grow cold. Your love for Jesus doesn’t burn as brightly as it once did. The things of God aren’t as glorious as they used to be. Maybe you wonder how it all happened and if there is any hope for your restoration.
Let’s follow the events that lead to Peter’s fall and restoration as we consider the thought Hope After Failure!
Some, in this very room, may be just like Simon Peter. You have allowed your heart to grow cold. Your love for Jesus doesn’t burn as brightly as it once did. The things of God aren’t as glorious as they used to be. Maybe you wonder how it all happened and if there is any hope for your restoration.
I. LET’S REMEMBER PETER’S FAITH
I. LET’S REMEMBER PETER’S FAITH
Well, from this passage, we can see how Peter found himself on the very bottom and how he got back on top again.
Let’s follow the events that lead to Peter’s fall and restoration as we consider the thought Hope After Failure!
A. Peter’s Conversion
A. Peter’s Conversion
I. LET’S EXAMINE PETER’S FAITH
I. LET’S EXAMINE PETER’S FAITH
I. LET’S RESEARCH PETER’S FAITH
I. LET’S RESEARCH PETER’S FAITH
When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
; - He had experienced a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ! That is what salvation is - ; - a personal meeting with Jesus!
A. Peter’s Conversion
A. Peter’s Conversion
; - He had experienced a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ! That is what salvation is - ;
; - He had experienced a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ! That is what salvation is - ; - a personal meeting with Jesus!
; - He had experienced a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ! That is what salvation is - ; - a personal meeting with Jesus!
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
- a personal meeting with Jesus!
- a personal meeting with Jesus!
B. Peter’s Confession
B. Peter’s Confession
B. Peter’s Confession
B. Peter’s Confession
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
- He was settled about Who Jesus was. He knew, beyond all doubts, that Jesus was everything He claimed to be. This too is absolutely essential for salvation - .
C. Peter’s Conclusion
C. Peter’s Conclusion
He had settled in his heart who Jesus was. He knew, beyond all doubts, that Jesus was everything He claimed to be. Getting this truth about who Jesus claims to be is absolutely essential for salvation -
- In this passage, Peter took all he knew about Jesus and said that Jesus alone was the Way to God, the Truth from God and the Life of God. Peter knew that everything began and ended in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Again, this is necessary to becoming a child of God - !
I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
In this passage, Peter took all he knew about Jesus and said that Jesus alone was the Way to God, the Truth from God, and the Life of God. Peter knew that everything began and ended in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Again, this is necessary to become a child of God - !
D. Peter’s Consecration
D. Peter’s Consecration
C. Peter’s Conclusion
C. Peter’s Conclusion
- Peter is numbered, blessed and used among the 12 Apostles. He is in a place of honor! He is in a place of power! He is a dedicated soldier. He even tried to defend the life of Jesus, . This man is no slouch!
(Ill. There is no doubt that we are dealing with a saved man! Peter is born again! His name is written in Heaven! He is a child of God! Yet, he still winds up in the wrong place, doing the wrong things with the wrong people! The lesson is this: Don’t think your spiritual walk ends with your being saved! It doesn’t end there, it merely begins there! Salvation is a finished matter the instant you receive Jesus as your Savior. However, salvation is also a relationship that must be cultivated and nurtured if there is to be blessing and power in the life of the saved person. It isn’t enough to claim you believe the right things; you must also behave the right way! The truth is, if you have been with Jesus, it will show on you and in you, . By the way, if you don’t work on your relationship with the Lord it will show too!)
In this passage, Peter took all he knew about Jesus and said that Jesus alone was the Way to God, the Truth from God, and the Life of God. Peter knew that everything began and ended in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Again, this is necessary to become a child of God - !
II. LET’S RESEARCH PETER’S FALL
II. LET’S RESEARCH PETER’S FALL
D. Peter’s Consecration
D. Peter’s Consecration
- Peter is numbered, blessed, and used among the 12 Apostles. He is in a place of honor! He is in a position of power! He is a dedicated soldier. He even tried to defend the life of Jesus,
(Ill. There is no doubt that our friend Peter is a saved man, but what is he doing in this place with these people? The Gospels shed much light on how Peter wound up where he was that night. We’ve seen his faith; now let’s examine his fall. There were three main areas of Peter’s life where he fell.)
Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
(Ill. There is no doubt that we are dealing with a saved man! Peter is born again! His name is written in Heaven! He is a child of God! Yet, he still winds up in the wrong place, doing the wrong things with the wrong people!
A. Peter Fell In His Words
The lesson is this: Don’t think your spiritual walk ends with your placing your trust in Jesus Christ! It doesn’t end there; it merely begins there! Salvation is a finished matter the instant you receive Jesus as your Savior. Salvation is also a relationship that must be cultivated and nurtured if there is to be blessing and power in the life of the saved person. It isn’t enough to claim you believe the right things; you must also behave the right way!
1. He Rebuked Christ’s Words - .
2. He Rejected Christ’s Words -
The truth is, if you have been with Jesus, it will show on you and in you, . By the way, if you don’t work on your relationship with the Lord, it will show too!)
Let’s remember Peter’s faith
(Ill. In both of these instances, Peter heard what the Lord Jesus said, yet he rejected it as truth and went about to establish his own truth. When he opened his mouth, the rebellion that was in his heart came out!
II. LET’S EXAMINE PETER’S FALL
II. LET’S EXAMINE PETER’S FALL
When your heart is not where it should be with the Lord, it will eventually reveal itself through your words, . That’s right! A rebellious, wayward heart will cause the mouth to reveal its true character. It will make you mean! You will hurt other people with your tongue. You will talk about them behind their backs. You will have a bad, negative attitude about everything! That is a sign of a heart that has taken the words of Jesus and said, “I hear what you’re saying Lord, but I have a better way to live my life than Your’s.” Friends, an attitude like that is nothing but pride! If your heart doesn’t stay close to Jesus and remain tender, you will fall in your words!
There is no doubt Peter is a saved man, but what is he doing in this place with these people?
B. Peter Fell In His Walk
The Gospels shed much light on how Peter wound up where he was that night. We’ve seen his faith; now let’s examine his fall. There were three main areas of Peter’s life where he fell.
A. Peter Fell In His Words
A. Peter Fell In His Words
1. He Fell Asleep -
2. He Followed Afar Off -
1. He Rebuked Christ’s Words - .
Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
3. He Fellowshipped Around The Wrong Fire -
2. He Rejected Christ’s Words -
Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
(Ill. In both of these instances, Peter heard what the Lord Jesus said, yet he rejected it as truth and went about to establish his own truth. When he opened his mouth, the rebellion that was in his heart came out!
(Ill. Peter found out the hard way that you cannot hide sin’s presence when it is in your life! Do you see what he did? At an hour when the Lord needed him the most, Peter fell asleep on Jesus. He couldn’t even stay awake one hour to pray with the Lord! After that shameful event, Peter is seen following Jesus to judgment, but he is not near His precious side any longer. Now, he is far off. Then this sad chapter in Peter’s life concludes with his sitting in fellowship with the enemies of the Lord Jesus, enjoying their fire and speaking their language, while he denies the very Lord Who bought his soul and saved him from Hell! How is must have grieved the Lord’s heart! Can you imagine how much this hurt Jesus?
(Ill. In both of these instances, Peter heard what the Lord Jesus said, yet he rejected it as truth and went about to establish his own truth. When he opened his mouth, the rebellion that was in his heart came out!
When your heart is not where it should be with the Lord, it will eventually reveal itself through your words, . That’s right! A rebellious, wayward heart will cause the mouth to show its real character.
But, haven’t we seen this same thing repeated over and over down through the years? Why, aren’t there some here who are in this same shape today? There was a time when you walked with the Lord! His Word was precious. Minutes spent with Him were like valuable pearls. Yet, there came a day when it became easier to sleep than to pray. There came a time when slumber was preferred over study. There came a day when a little “folding of the hands” was preferred over time spent in His presence, in His Word and in His House. When that happened, you couldn’t feel Him as you once did. He just didn’t seem as real as He had before. Now, instead of walking close beside Him, you are walking far off. Maybe you have even found yourself in a place like Peter found himself. You are fellowshipping around the wrong fire; enjoying the company of the wrong people; spending your time doing the wrong things. Oh, make no mistake about it, if there is sin in your life and it is allowed to grow and live there, you will not be able to disguise its presence forever! It will begin to show on you! It will put you in the wrong place, doing the wrong things with the wrong people!
It will make you mean! You will hurt other people with your tongue. You will talk about them behind their backs.
Please understand me, you do not have to commit murder, commit adultery, steal, lie, get drunk, etc, to be in sin. All you have to do is grow cold on God and do nothing about it. All you have to do is let a little slackness and coldness reside in your heart and you are there! It won’t be many days until you have gotten so far away from God that you will wonder how you ever got where you are and you may feel that there is no way back!)
You will have a bad, negative attitude about everything!
C. Peter Fell In His Ways
C. Peter Fell In His Ways
That is a sign of a heart that has taken the words of Jesus and said, “I hear what you’re saying Lord, but I have a better way to live my life than Your’s.”
1. He Forsook His Personal Savior -
2. He Forsook His Place Of Service -
Friends, an attitude like that is nothing but pride! If your heart doesn’t stay close to Jesus and remain tender, you will fall in your words!
(Ill. Peter’s sin reached a point where he simply ran away and deserted the Lord Jesus. Then, after a while, he simply went back to his old way of life. He abandoned his post as if it were the easiest thing he had ever done. But, that is the power sin has! It makes men think their wrong actions are right! It blinds us to the truth of who we are, where we are and what we are doing! Surely, Peter felt as though everything was all right between him and God.
B. Peter Fell In His Walk
B. Peter Fell In His Walk
Have you followed in Peter’s footsteps today? Most would quickly say, “I haven’t abandoned the Lord! Why I’m saved!” Well my friends, if there has ever been a time when you were closer to the Lord than you are today, you have forsaken Him. Someone walked away and it wasn’t Him! If there was ever a time when you served Him with more fervor and passion than you do today, then you have forsaken Him. Someone walked away, and I’ll repeat what I said a moment ago, it wasn’t Him, !
1. He Fell Asleep -
And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
Peter found out the hard way that you cannot hide sin’s presence when it is in your life! Do you see what he did? At an hour when the Lord needed him the most, Peter fell asleep on Jesus. He couldn’t even stay awake for one hour to pray with the Lord!
2. He Followed Afar Off -
2. He Followed Afar Off -
Just get real honest for a moment if you will. Was there a time when you were closer to God than you are now? Was there a time when His House, His Word and His presence meant more to you than they do now? Was there a time when you lived closer to Him than you do now? Was there a time when He meant more to you than He does now? If the honest answer to any of those questions is “yes”, then you are warming yourself beside a strange fire and you need to return to the Lord today!
But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
You see, many have forsaken the Lord just like Peter did! How do I know? It is plain to see! When people stop serving God; when they stop going to church; when they stop praying; when they stop carrying a burden for the lost; when they lose their passion for the things of the Lord, then something is not right!
3. He Fellow-shipped Around The Wrong Fire -
Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
Facing the truth about our heart’s condition is a hard thing to come to terms with. Before there can be restoration, there must be a realization of just exactly where the heart is in relationship to the Lord. You need to see yourself just like you really are, before there will be a desire to become like you should be!)
III. LET’S EXAMINE PETER’S FORGIVENESS
III. LET’S EXAMINE PETER’S FORGIVENESS
After that shameful event, Peter is seen following Jesus to judgment, but he is not near His precious side any longer. Now, he is far off. Then this sad chapter in Peter’s life concludes with his sitting in fellowship with the enemies of the Lord Jesus, enjoying their fire and speaking their language, while he denies the very Lord Who bought his soul and saved him from Hell!
(Ill. I am glad the story of Peter doesn’t end with his fall beside a Roman fire! That night, as he sat there, he received a wake up call from a strange source, . Just as Jesus had predicted, a rooster began to crow. When it did, Peter instantly realized that he was in the wrong place, doing the wrong things with the wrong people, . When that happened, Peter began the process of coming back. The things that happened in Peter’s life need to take place in some of our lives today.)
These actions by Peter must have grieved the Lord’s heart! Can you imagine how much this hurt Jesus?
Maybe you are in this place in your spiritual walk:
A. Peter Experienced Repentance
A. Peter Experienced Repentance
- When Peter heard the crowing of that rooster, the Bible says he “went out, and wept bitterly”. When he realized where he was spiritually and what he had done to the Lord Jesus Christ, it literally broke his heart and he sought to make it right with the Lord.
A little sleep instead of a prayer, Bible reading, Bible meditation, journaling, studying: just a little more sleep...
Maybe you are a little farther away from Jesus than you used to be. How can you tell? Usually when there is distance between two people someone has to shout instead of just talking!!!
Usually when there is distance between two people someone has to shout instead of just talking!!!
Maybe you are enjoying time around a “strange fire.”
friends
entertainment
hobbies
(Ill. Do you understand today that your sin affects more than you? Sin in your life and mine has an impact on the family, the community and the church. Besides all that, it grieves the Lord Jesus Christ. Sin, and I am referring to all depths and degrees of sin, is a negative force anywhere it is found. Oh, how we need to see some tears of repentance wetting the cheeks of God’s cold people. How we need to ask the Holy Spirit to shine to spotlight of the Word of God into the deepest recesses of our souls and expose our sins to us. We need to get humble and honest before the Lord. My friends, this is the only way God will bless us! It is the only way we can have real, life changing revival. It is the only way the power of God can rest upon us once again! We will see this in the life of Peter.
Please understand me, you do not have to commit murder, commit adultery, steal, lie, get drunk, etc., to be in sin. All you have to do is grow cold on God and do nothing about it. All you have to do is let a little slackness and coldness reside in your heart, and you are there! It won’t be many days until you have gotten so far away from God that you will wonder how you ever got where you are, and you may feel that there is no way back!)
Does your sin trouble you? Does you lack of desire for the spiritual cause you pain of heart? Maybe someone is in this room, and they know what I am saying is the truth. Friend, your heart is breaking because there is distance between you and Jesus today! Listen to me, if you will come before Him, confess your sins and turn from them, He will instantly forgive you and restore you the place of blessing and glory, ; Ill. The Prodigal Son, . Where are the saints who will be honest about their sins? Where are the saints who will confess the coldness and pride of their hearts? Where are they today? We must get it right with Jesus if we want His blessing and power!
C. Peter Fell In His Ways
C. Peter Fell In His Ways
B. Peter Experienced Restoration
B. Peter Experienced Restoration
- After Peter’s fall and repentance, he was met by Jesus early one morning beside the seashore. There Jesus reminded Peter of His love for Peter, and there Jesus renewed His call on Peter’s life. In other words, Jesus took Peter’s failure and put it behind him forever and restored him to the place of blessing!
1. He Forsook His Personal Savior -
That is what he wants to do to you today! You see, sin creates a gulf between the sinner and God, . It stands like an umbrella over your life preventing the blessings of God from falling upon you in a great way. Repentance removes that gulf! Repentance restores you to the place of blessing, honor and service!
But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
2. He Forsook His Place Of Service -
You may feel that you have wandered away from the Lord and now you can’t get beck. That is the devil’s lie to keep you in bondage. If you will get serious and repent of your sins, Jesus will receive you. He will restore you and He will bless you once again!
2. He Forsook His Place Of Service -
Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
C. Peter Experienced Revival
C. Peter Experienced Revival
Peter’s sin reached a point where he simply ran away and deserted the Lord Jesus. Then, after a while, he simply went back to his old way of life. He abandoned his post as if it were the most natural thing he had ever done. But, that is the power sin has! It makes men think their wrong actions are right! It blinds us to the truth of who we are, where we are, and what we are doing! Surely, Peter felt as though everything was all right between him and God.
AC - Not many days after these events, Simon Peter, this man who had failed the Lord so greatly was used by the Lord as no other man in history had been until that time! He stood in the power of the Holy Spirit and preached the Word of God and 3,000 souls were saved by God’s grace! What made this possible? Three things: Honesty, repentance and the power of God!
Friend, I am trying to get you to see that you do not have to walk afar off from Jesus today! If you will identify those areas in your life that are not as God would have them be, get honest about them and repent of them, the Lord will put His power and His glory into your soul! Don’t you want that? Listen, the place of personal revival is reached by our walking down the path of personal repentance!
Have you followed in Peter’s footsteps today? Most would quickly say, “I haven’t abandoned the Lord! Why I’m saved!” Well, my friends, if there has ever been a time when you were closer to the Lord than you are today, you have forsaken Him. Someone walked away, and it wasn’t Him! If there was ever a time when you served Him with more enthusiasm and passion than you do today, then you have forsaken Him. Someone walked away, and I’ll repeat what I said a moment ago, it wasn’t Him, !
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
You see, many have forsaken the Lord just like Peter did! How do I know? It is plain to see! When people stop serving God; when they stop going to church; when they stop praying; when they stop carrying a burden for the lost; when they lose their passion for the things of the Lord, then something is not right!
Just get real honest for a moment if you will. Was there a time when you were closer to God than you are now? Was there a time when His House, His Word, and His presence meant more to you than they do now? Was there a time when you lived closer to Him than you do now? Was there a time when He meant more to you than He does now? If the honest answer to any of those questions is “yes,” then you are warming yourself beside a strange fire, and you need to return to the Lord today!
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
Most of us in this room needed to hear this message today. Now we need to heed it! Can you see where you have allowed sin to creep into your life? Can you see where you have grown cold on the Lord? Can you see where the things of God don’t mean as much to you now as they once did? Can you see you need for help? If so, this altar is open! Jesus is waiting! But, He cannot help you until you get honest about where you are. Peter found the way back and he took it. Will you?
You see, many have forsaken the Lord just like Peter did! How do I know? It is plain to see! When people stop serving God; when they stop going to church; when they stop praying; when they stop carrying a burden for the lost; when they lose their passion for the things of the Lord, then something is not right!
Facing the truth about our heart’s condition is a hard thing to come to terms with. Before there can be restoration, there must be a realization of just exactly where the heart is in relationship to the Lord. You need to see yourself just like you really are, before there will be a desire to become as you should be!)
Others know that you aren’t even saved. You have no relationship with the Lord. You don’t need a revival, you need a resurrection! You need to be saved today. You need to come before the Lord Jesus, confess yourself a sinner and receive the Lord Jesus into your heart and life.
Let’s remember Peter’s faith
Where has God found you today? Please don’t let this service close without you getting exactly where you need to be today! You see, it does not matter how far you have fallen, you can fly high again!
Let’s examine Peter’s fall
III. LET’S EXPERIENCE PETER’S FORGIVENESS
III. LET’S EXPERIENCE PETER’S FORGIVENESS
I am glad the story of Peter doesn’t end with his fall beside a Roman fire! That night, as he sat there, he received a wake-up call from a strange source, . Just as Jesus had predicted, a rooster began to crow. When it did, Peter instantly realized that he was in the wrong place, doing the wrong things with the wrong people, .
When that happened, Peter began the process of coming back. The things that happened in Peter’s life need to take place in some of our lives today.
A. Peter Experienced Repentance
A. Peter Experienced Repentance
- When Peter heard the crowing of that rooster, the Bible says he “went out and wept bitterly.” When he realized where he was spiritually and what his actions had done to the Lord Jesus Christ, it broke his heart, and he sought to make it right with the Lord.
Ill. Do you understand today that your sin affects more than you?
Sin in your life and mine has an impact on the family, the community, and the church. Besides all that, it grieves the Lord Jesus Christ. Sin, and I am referring to all depths and degrees of sin, is a negative force anywhere it is found.
Oh, how we need to see some tears of repentance wetting the cheeks of God’s cold people.
How we need to ask the Holy Spirit to shine to spotlight of the Word of God into the deepest recesses of our souls and expose our sins to us.
We need to get humble and honest before the Lord.
My friends, this is the only way God will bless us! It is the only way we can have real, life-changing revival. It is the only way the power of God can rest upon us once again! We will see this in the life of Peter.
Does your sin trouble you?
Friend, is your breaking because there is a distance between you and Jesus today!
Listen to me; if you will come before Him, confess your sins and turn from them, He will instantly forgive you and restore you the place of blessing and glory, ;
Ill. The Prodigal Son, .
Where are the saints who will be honest about their sins?
Where are the saints who will confess the coldness and pride of their hearts?
Where are they today?
We must get it right with Jesus if we want His blessing and power!
B. Peter Experienced Restoration
B. Peter Experienced Restoration
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
- After Peter’s fall and repentance, he was met by Jesus early one morning beside the seashore. There Jesus reminded Peter of His love for Peter, and there Jesus renewed His call on Peter’s life. In other words, Jesus took Peter’s failure and put it behind him forever and restored him to the place of blessing!
After Peter’s fall and repentance, he was met by Jesus early one morning beside the seashore. There Jesus reminded Peter of His love for Peter, and there Jesus renewed His call on Peter’s life. In other words, Jesus took Peter’s failure and put it behind him forever and restored him to the place of blessing!
That is what he wants to do to you today! You see, sin creates a gulf between the sinner and God,
.
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, And your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
It stands like an umbrella over your life, preventing the blessings of God from falling upon you in a great way. Repentance removes that gulf! Repentance restores you to the place of grace, honor, and service!
It stands like an umbrella over your life, preventing the blessings of God from falling upon you in a great way. Repentance removes that gulf! Repentance restores you to the place of grace, honor, and service!
You may feel that you have wandered away from the Lord, and now you can’t get back. That is the devil’s lie to keep you in bondage. If you will get serious and repent of your sins, Jesus will receive you. He will restore you, and He will bless you once again!
C. Peter Experienced Revival
C. Peter Experienced Revival
Acts 2:14-40 - Not many days after these events, Simon Peter, this man who had failed the Lord so greatly, was used by the Lord as no other man in history had been until that time! He stood in the power of the Holy Spirit, and God saved 3000 souls! What made this possible?
Three things: Honesty with self, repentance, and the power of God!
Friend, I am trying to get you to see that you do not have to walk afar off from Jesus today!
If you identify those areas in your life that are not as God would have them be, get honest about them and repent of them, the Lord will put His power and His glory into your soul!
Don’t you want that? Listen, the place of personal revival is reached by our walking down the path of personal repentance!
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
Most of us in this room/participating online needed to hear this message today. Now we need to heed it! Can you see where you have allowed sin to creep into your life?
Can you see where you have grown cold on the Lord? Can you see where the things of God don’t mean as much to you now as they once did? Can you recognize your need for help? If so, this altar is open! Jesus is waiting!
God cannot help you until you get honest about where you are. Peter found the way back, and he took it.
Will you?
Others know that you aren’t even saved. You have no relationship with the Lord. You don’t need a revival; you need a resurrection! You need to be saved today. You need to come before the Lord Jesus, confess yourself a sinner and receive the Lord Jesus into your heart and life.
Where has God found you today? Please don’t let this service close without you getting exactly where you need to be today! You see, it does not matter how far you have fallen; you can find hope again!