Topic: Peter’s Gospel of Changed Lives – Discover the Book by Dr John Barnett 19 November 2021

Click HERE for Previous MESSAGES

Peter’s Gospel of Changed Lives

Christ’s complete forgiveness and restoration takes the bitterness and sting out of our past sins—and makes them a memory of God’s grace. That complete restoration to ministry is why I say that Peter is one of the greatest examples of God’s grace, loving us even when we sin and fail Him. Peter is perhaps the greatest witness to the new beginnings that Christ offers, because he learned that…

• JESUS IS IN CONTROL OF ALL THE EVENTS SURROUNDING MY LIFE.

Whether Peter was out in the middle of the storm sinking in a fishing boat (Matthew 14) or in the courtyard of Caiaphas—Jesus is completely in control.

The same is true when you sit alone in the broken down car, the emergency waiting room, or lay in bed during long and sleepless nights over your job, your marriage, or your children. Jesus is in control of all the events surrounding my life.

Also Read: Open Heaven 19 November 2021 – Topic: BEFORE YOU MAKE THAT VOW 

Another lesson that Peter had to learn, and one that can also deeply impact our lives is that…

• JESUS WANTS ME TO KNOW THAT HE IS WATCHING ME IN MY DARKEST HOURS.

Luke 22:61 “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”

• Jesus knew exactly where Peter was in that courtyard.
• Jesus heard each of Peter’s denials.
• Jesus felt every one of Peter’s fears.
• Jesus was interceding and saving Peter to “the uttermost” (Hebrews 7:24-25).

Peter learned another powerful lesson…

• JESUS WANTS ME TO REMEMBER HIS WORD IN MY DARKEST HOURS TO GIVE ME HOPE.

Luke 22:61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”

The crowing rooster was a tool God used in Peter’s life. That rooster reminded him of Christ’s words.

Jesus had already given His Word to Peter; the outcome was already sure. He says Peter when you turn away from your sin, when you come back to me, when you get converted…then you will be a tool in my hands! 

So one last lesson Peter needed to learn was that…

• JESUS PROMISES US A LIFE OF NEW BEGINNINGS AND OFFERS US COMPLETE FORGIVENESS AND NO CONDEMNATION.

It was the miracle of the cock crowing at that exact moment that also reminded Peter of God’s Word; but the cock crow signaled that a new day was dawning, for after all, that is what the rooster’s call means each day.

Peter had a new day, a new beginning of hope because he was remembering and trusting in what Jesus had said. It was not a new day for Judas or for the enemies of the Lord, but it was a new day for Peter as he repented and wept bitterly.

 Every time we open to the Gospel by Mark we remember that in one way or another, all of us too have stumbled. And for each of us, Peter’s triumph by God’s grace is an incredible source of encouragement to trust in our God of the new beginning!