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Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg

Stories of Your Life Part 4: Peter

Great desperation is met with great forgiveness.

Welcome back to our Sunday morning teaching series “Stories of Your Life”.

As a church family we are seeking to understand the meaning and the impact of Passion week through the perspectives and stories of key people involved.

As we continue in our teaching series today, we will look at the story of a man who probably experienced many feelings of guilt, shame, and regret following his great failure.

To be a disciple of Jesus doesn’t prevent us from failing-even failing historically- for all the world to see.

As common of an experience as failure can be in our story-It doesn’t have to be final. As we will see in the story of Peter, your failure doesn’t have the power to define your future- Only your savior can do that!‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭54‬-‭61‬‬

Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.”

Peter denies the Lord, not just once, but three times. He betrays Jesus completely.

This was a complete and utter failure. There’s no other way to describe it. Peter had failed.

The truth is, we all can relate to failure. Failure is a reality in this world.

But this is not a story of failure.

This is a story of how we respond when we fail, and even more important, how our Father responds when we fail.How would Peter respond to failure?

How would Jesus respond?‭‭

John‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬-‭17

‬‬Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

There is a clear parallel between Peter’s 3 denials and Jesus’ 3 questions. For each of the times Peter had denied Jesus, he now affirms His love.

Once we examine what Jesus is commanding Peter to do (‘feed my lambs’, ‘take care of my sheep’, ‘feed my sheep’ ) we see that Jesus is not just forgiving Peter, rather Jesus is commissioning Peter for ministry.

Peter is never the same:-He’s there on the day of Pentecost as the Spirit of God moves in a powerful way.-He’s there as the church is born and as he immediately begins to preach and 3,000 people were saved and baptized.

-Peter is there, healing and preaching.

-He’s thrown in jail and keeps preaching.

-He’s persecuted and he keeps proclaiming that Jesus is Lord.

Before when Peter faced opposition, he folded and ran away. But now, in the face of opposition, he is bold, he is obedient. And he becomes one of the most influential leaders the church has ever known.

Peter knew Jesus. Did Peter fail? Yes. But even in the midst of his bitter weeping, it’s clear that He knew Jesus.

Peter knew Jesus well enough to know His grace.

He knew enough to know that if he came running after Jesus, he would not be rejected.

Peter knew His grace.

The question is: Do we?Bottom Line:

Peter’s story isn’t so different from ours – great desperation met with great forgiveness.

Scriptures for future study/reflection:

Matthew 18:21-22

1 John 1:9

Hebrews 8:12

Acts 10:43

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Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

Stories of Your Life Part 4: Peter

In the story of Peter we see that your failure doesn’t have the power to define your future- Only your savior can do that!

I want to welcome you back to our Sunday morning teaching series “Stories of Your Life”

As a church family we are seeking to understand the meaning and the impact of Passion week through the perspectives and stories of key people involved.

This series is about learning from their lives so that we too can know the forgiveness and life of Christ

As we continue in our teaching series today, we will look at the story of a man who probably experienced many feelings of guilt, shame, and regret following his great failure.

To be a disciple of Jesus doesn’t prevent us from failing-even failing historically- for all the world to see.

As common of an experience as failure can be in our story-It doesn’t have to be final. As we will see in the story of Peter, your failure doesn’t have the power to define your future- Only your savior can do that!

‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭54‬-‭61

‬‬Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.”

Peter was in the inner circle of disciples. Often called to go farther with Jesus, to see more miraculous things than the others.

Hours ago, he was willing to die if necessary- now he denies even knowing Jesus at the pressure of a servant girl. Not just once but three times. He betrays Jesus completely at the questioning of a servant girl.

been there before?

You’ve lapsed on a promise to the Lord, or to yourself?

Maybe living in the moment, you really messed up big time.

Maybe you failed in a way you never even thought was possible for you

I’m pretty sure we have all been there in the story of our life- Let me ask a follow up question- What did you do? Or perhaps it’s present tense for you- What are you doing?

That’s a crucial question to consider because what makes some failure final and some just a distant memory- is what we choose to do in this moment.

Here’s the truth we see in Peter’s story today friends- Failure doesn’t have the power to define your future-Jesus does.

Peter in the depths of his despair, under the weight of guilt and shame- he had a choice

He could allow it to crush him-to drive him into hiding or despair

OR

He could put all of his trust, all of his hope in the grace and mercy of Jesus

And friends that’s the same choice you and I have today. The choice is yours- What will you choose?

Despair, hopelessness, guilt, shame, the voice of the enemy that says it’s over? Or will you press into Jesus?

That decision can change everything for you- Just like it did for Peter.

John‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬-‭17

‬‬Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

A 3-fold denial turned into a 3-fold affirmation of his Love of Jesus.

In Peter’s reply, we begin to see a bit of the humility and repentance he had experienced. No bold claims, no bravado, no affirmations of loyalty this time- he simply says “Yes Lord, you know that I love you”

In these moments, Jesus receives Peter’s devotion- and he gives him a commission. Feed my sheep!

“Don’t stay here son- don’t stay in your failure, don’t stay in hiding- GO- you have a purpose as my child- Go- serve others for my glory.”

“Your failure is not your future now- GO- tell others about me.”

The greatest failure in all of history didn’t define Peter’s future- Jesus did. And the same can be true for you today!

So what’s the difference between Judas and Peter? It’s the difference in response to failure.

What’s your response going to be?

Feeling the guilt, feeling the shame, the regret, the pain of kicking yourself- Or

Running to Jesus?

The story of your life does not have to be defined by your failure- no matter how bad or how many times it’s happened- Only God has the ultimate authority to define your future- But you must make that choice.

Just as Peter jumped in the water- we must decide to leave failure and sin behind and pursue Jesus. That’s called repentance. We turn from sin, and we turn to him.

Jesus is longing for you to return to him. He is longing to embrace you, to redeem and restore you as a son or a daughter.

Will you take that step today?

Failure doesn’t have the power to define your future- only God does.

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Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg
Stories of Your Life Part 3: Mary

Mary- With Jesus at the beginning, with him until the end.

Welcome back to our Sunday morning teaching series “Stories of Your Life”

As a church family we are seeking to understand the meaning and the impact of Passion week through the perspectives and stories of key people involved.

They are not stories of “our lives” of course, but stories that undergird the new life available to us in Christ.They are the stories that challenge us, encourage us, and point us to the Life.

Augustine

Him whom the heavens cannot contain, the womb of one woman bore. She ruled our Ruler; she carried Him in whom we are; she gave milk to our Bread.

Warren Wiersbe

“The first time we meet Mary in the gospel of John, she is attending a wedding (John 2:1-11); now she is preparing for a burial. The hour has come!”

‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭23‬-‭25

‬‬When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

If you pay attention, Mary’s life will teach you FAITH

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭38

‬‬In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

MARY’S STORY DEMONSTRATES F.A.I.T.H.‭‭

John‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭5

‬‬On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭14‬‬

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Vickie Kraft

She had known the presence of God all through these years. She knew what it was to raise a large family, to economize on a tight budget. She experienced slurs on her reputation. She knew unbelief in her own family as her other sons rejected her firstborn all their lives until after his resurrection. But now that Jesus’ earthly life was over, she asked for no special place of honor. She was simply another worshipper of her Lord.

Faithfulness

Availability

Intimacy

Trust

Humility

ST. TERESA OF AVILA

God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.‭‭

Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20

‬‬I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

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Church of the Nazarene – East Rock

Stories of Your Life Part 3: Mary

Mary- With Jesus at the beginning, with him until the end.‭‭

John‬ ‭19‬:‭23‬-‭25

‬‬When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did. Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

Have you ever paused to consider how the story of her life was impacted by the cross? Mary, the mother of Jesus

Can anyone else in the Passion story be more devastated than her in this moment?

Yet, she is there. Close to Jesus. She was there because he was there.

Nothing mattered to Mary more than Jesus…Can the same be said for you?

I want to welcome you back to our Sunday morning teaching series “Stories of Your Life”

As a church family we are seeking to understand the meaning and the impact of Passion week through the perspectives and stories of key people involved.

We are reminded that these were real people, who had real questions and had to work through real challenges. People just like you and me.

But in the story of their life, we see them experience real grace and mercy through the person of Jesus Christ.

So, this series is about learning from their lives so that we too can know the forgiveness and life of Christ‭‭

Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭26‬-‭38

‬‬It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

From the moment we meet Mary in the birth announcement, she is a woman of tremendous faith in the Lord.“IT could cost me my husband, it could cost me my future, it might even cost me my life- but Lord, I am your servant.”

Mary was willing to trust the Lord with everything- She knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Her marriage, her future, her dreams, her plans- she brings under the rule and authority of God.

She simply says: So be it Lord, I am your servant.‭‭

John‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭5‬‬

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Can you imagine this moment for Mary? Mary, aware of the problem and wanting to help, turns to Jesus. She was accustomed to trusting his resourcefulness over the years.

She approaches him as she had so many times before- son can you help?

But this time was different- He doesn’t say “Sure mom”.

This time- Jesus let’s her know- Things are different now…She receives a gentle rebuke from her son.

D.A. Carson says “This must have been extremely difficult for Mary. She had born him, nursed him, taught his baby fingers elementary skills, watched him fall over as he learned to walk…But now that he had entered into the purpose of his coming, everything, even family ties had to be subordinated to his divine mission.Dont miss verse 11 “What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.”

Mary saw the glorious power and majesty of Christ, because she believed. Because her faith saw it fit to leave the matter in his hands.Mary trusted Him-Will you?

By the time we meet Mary at the cross, we can only imagine the ways her faith has been tested.

As a mother grieving and mourning over what is happening to her son.But also as a worshipper watching her Lord be crucified

But she is there…She loves him to much to leave him.

Throughout Mary’s life she trusted God way beyond what made natural sense. When most wouldn’t have believed- Mary did. And today friends, we have the great privilege and opportunity to learn from the story of her life.

As you consider the story of your life this morning- I wonder, what is keeping you from responding like Mary did?

Perhaps its doubt, or fear? Maybe you feel like Mary at the cross-the sky is dark and it all seems to be going wrong…What would it look like for you today to stick close with Jesus and simply pray “Lord i believe, help me overcome my unbelief”?

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Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg

Tough Sayings of Jesus – Thief On The Cross

Everything you need for salvation is found on that middle cross.

Powerful stories don’t just inspire you, or captivate you. Inspiring stories invite you into the story.

Throughout our new series, “The Stories of Your Life”, we are looking at the pages of Holy Week. But instead of simply reading the story, we are entering into the greatest story in human history. This is your story. This is my story.

Each week we will look at a glimpse through the eyes of one character along the journey.

What can we learn?

What can we apply to our lives right now?

How is this story from thousands of years ago still alive today?

Today we consider the thief on the cross.‭‭

Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭32‬-‭43

‬‬Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

-We don’t really know his crimes, except to know that they were considered worthy of the death penalty.

-But what we do know is remarkable: it’s quite possible that no one in history had done so little and received so much. Can it be that a simple gesture of belief after a lifetime of sin can result in immediate salvation? The short answer to that question is, yes.“ Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise”

-Jesus is pointing to something that’s coming and not just what’s happening here on the cross. Jesus is pointing to resurrection.

-The resurrection of Easter marked such a victory that it overcame the power of all sin.

These criminals represent us.

-Jesus was the only innocent one on the hill that day. More than that, He’s the only truly innocent one who ever lived.-We were all born as sinners, and sin in our lives leads to death (Romans 6:23).

-The criminals were similar in many ways: they deserved what they were getting, they both acknowledge who Jesus is. It is how they respond that makes the difference.

Everything you need for salvation is found on that middle cross.

“It was another shocking reminder that grace does not depend on what we have done for God but rather what God has done for us. Ask people what they must do to get to heaven and most reply, ‘Be good.’ Jesus’ stories contradict that answer. All we must do is cry, ‘HELP!’

God welcomes home anyone who will have him and, in fact, has made the first move already.”

-Phillip Yancey

It’s quite possible that no one in history had done so little and received so much.

I’m not talking about the thief on the cross, I’m talking about me.

Verses for further study/reflection:

Matthew 27:38-44

Romans 10:8-10

Isaiah 64:6

Ephesians 2:8

Matthew 20:1-16

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