Are You Fallen? There Is Hope | Greg Laurie

[applause] [applause] Good afternoon. Let's pray. Lord, as we Good afternoon. Let's pray. Lord, as we Good afternoon. Let's pray. Lord, as we have just sung, now we pray that we are have just sung, now we pray that we are have just sung, now we pray that we are grateful for you because we're always on grateful for you because we're always on grateful for you because we're always on your mind. And we know the thoughts that your mind. And we know the thoughts that your mind. And we know the thoughts that you think toward us are well, they're you think toward us are well, they're you think toward us are well, they're good thoughts. You tell us in Jeremiah good thoughts. You tell us in Jeremiah good thoughts. You tell us in Jeremiah 29:11, "I know the thoughts that I think 29:11, "I know the thoughts that I think 29:11, "I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a peace and not of evil, to give you a peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." We're thankful for future and a hope." We're thankful for future and a hope." We're thankful for that. Now, bless this time as we open that. Now, bless this time as we open that. Now, bless this time as we open your word, as we talk about a serious your word, as we talk about a serious your word, as we talk about a serious subject, falling away spiritually, and subject, falling away spiritually, and subject, falling away spiritually, and how you can restore people who have how you can restore people who have how you can restore people who have fallen away. And I pray for anyone fallen away. And I pray for anyone fallen away. And I pray for anyone hearing or uh this message uh today, if hearing or uh this message uh today, if hearing or uh this message uh today, if they are falling away or have fallen they are falling away or have fallen they are falling away or have fallen away, may this be a day of homecoming away, may this be a day of homecoming away, may this be a day of homecoming for them. And for some who have never for them. And for some who have never for them. And for some who have never come to know you at all, may this be a come to know you at all, may this be a come to know you at all, may this be a day of transformation for them. We day of transformation for them. We day of transformation for them. We commit this time of Bible study to you commit this time of Bible study to you commit this time of Bible study to you now. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. You now. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. You now. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. You can all be seated. Well, we're in the can all be seated. Well, we're in the can all be seated. Well, we're in the Gospel of Luke. So, why don't you grab Gospel of Luke. So, why don't you grab Gospel of Luke. So, why don't you grab your Bible and turn to Luke chap 22.

your Bible and turn to Luke chap 22. your Bible and turn to Luke chap 22. We're now in the final section of Luke's We're now in the final section of Luke's We're now in the final section of Luke's Gospel. And we're going to follow Jesus Gospel. And we're going to follow Jesus Gospel. And we're going to follow Jesus from the upper room to the cross of from the upper room to the cross of from the upper room to the cross of Calvary to the empty tomb and the Calvary to the empty tomb and the Calvary to the empty tomb and the ascension. We put our cross up here to ascension. We put our cross up here to ascension. We put our cross up here to remind us of what we're talking about. remind us of what we're talking about. remind us of what we're talking about. And this is a very important section. And this is a very important section. And this is a very important section. And the title of my message is fallen And the title of my message is fallen And the title of my message is fallen but forgiven. So imagine for a moment if but forgiven. So imagine for a moment if but forgiven. So imagine for a moment if you got a call from your Christian you got a call from your Christian you got a call from your Christian friend. Hello. Hey dude, instead of friend. Hello. Hey dude, instead of friend. Hello. Hey dude, instead of going to church today, why don't we go going to church today, why don't we go going to church today, why don't we go and backslide? You know, go out and and backslide? You know, go out and and backslide? You know, go out and party and get drunk and get our wives party and get drunk and get our wives party and get drunk and get our wives alienated and our families turning from alienated and our families turning from alienated and our families turning from us and ruin our testimony. Maybe we'll us and ruin our testimony. Maybe we'll us and ruin our testimony. Maybe we'll even become addicted to something. What even become addicted to something. What even become addicted to something. What do you say? What idiot would agree to do you say? What idiot would agree to do you say? What idiot would agree to that? Why? Because no one backslides that? Why? Because no one backslides that? Why? Because no one backslides overnight. It's a process. It takes overnight. It's a process. It takes overnight. It's a process. It takes time. a misstep here, a compromise time. a misstep here, a compromise time. a misstep here, a compromise there, another area where we're sinking.

there, another area where we're sinking. there, another area where we're sinking. Interestingly, the Bible does tell us Interestingly, the Bible does tell us Interestingly, the Bible does tell us one of the signs of the last days in one of the signs of the last days in one of the signs of the last days in addition to the ones we talked about in addition to the ones we talked about in addition to the ones we talked about in our last message is what is called an our last message is what is called an our last message is what is called an apostasy or a falling away from the apostasy or a falling away from the apostasy or a falling away from the faith. that tells us over in 1 Timothy faith. that tells us over in 1 Timothy faith. that tells us over in 1 Timothy 4:1, "The Spirit speaks clearly that in 4:1, "The Spirit speaks clearly that in 4:1, "The Spirit speaks clearly that in the last days some will depart from the the last days some will depart from the the last days some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits faith, giving heed to seducing spirits faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and teachings that come from demons." and teachings that come from demons." and teachings that come from demons." So, yes, it's going to happen. Now, you So, yes, it's going to happen. Now, you So, yes, it's going to happen. Now, you say, "Well, I hope it doesn't happen to say, "Well, I hope it doesn't happen to say, "Well, I hope it doesn't happen to me." Well, it doesn't have to. A person me." Well, it doesn't have to. A person me." Well, it doesn't have to. A person makes choices that lead to this, and if makes choices that lead to this, and if makes choices that lead to this, and if they make other choices, it will not they make other choices, it will not they make other choices, it will not lead to this. It's really up to you, but lead to this. It's really up to you, but lead to this. It's really up to you, but it is a reality and it happens to people it is a reality and it happens to people it is a reality and it happens to people more often than they may realize. Think more often than they may realize. Think more often than they may realize. Think of it this way. If you are not of it this way. If you are not of it this way. If you are not progressing as a Christian, you are by progressing as a Christian, you are by progressing as a Christian, you are by default regressing. If you're not taking default regressing. If you're not taking default regressing. If you're not taking ground, you are in effect beginning to ground, you are in effect beginning to ground, you are in effect beginning to lose ground. As I'm as I've said before, lose ground. As I'm as I've said before, lose ground. As I'm as I've said before, the Christian life is like a grease the Christian life is like a grease the Christian life is like a grease pole. You're either climbing or pole. You're either climbing or pole. You're either climbing or slipping. Every day I should be learning slipping. Every day I should be learning slipping. Every day I should be learning more like Jesus. Every day I should more like Jesus. Every day I should more like Jesus. Every day I should become more like Christ. Every day I become more like Christ. Every day I become more like Christ. Every day I should be growing in my knowledge of should be growing in my knowledge of should be growing in my knowledge of scripture. Every day there's a lot of scripture. Every day there's a lot of scripture. Every day there's a lot of growth to take place in my life. And growth to take place in my life. And growth to take place in my life. And when I'm not growing, I'm going to by when I'm not growing, I'm going to by when I'm not growing, I'm going to by default start going in the opposite default start going in the opposite default start going in the opposite direction. Hebrews 2:1 says we must direction. Hebrews 2:1 says we must direction. Hebrews 2:1 says we must listen very carefully to the truth we listen very carefully to the truth we listen very carefully to the truth we have heard or we may drift away from it.

have heard or we may drift away from it. have heard or we may drift away from it. It's like a ship that is not anchored, It's like a ship that is not anchored, It's like a ship that is not anchored, drifting away from its harbor. You're drifting away from its harbor. You're drifting away from its harbor. You're you're not going to automatically drift you're not going to automatically drift you're not going to automatically drift toward a godly life. You have to put toward a godly life. You have to put toward a godly life. You have to put effort in that. I'm not suggesting effort in that. I'm not suggesting effort in that. I'm not suggesting salvation comes through human effort, salvation comes through human effort, salvation comes through human effort, but I am suggesting spiritual growth but I am suggesting spiritual growth but I am suggesting spiritual growth does come by applying the truths of does come by applying the truths of does come by applying the truths of scripture. And so, this is something we scripture. And so, this is something we scripture. And so, this is something we don't want to see happen. We don't want don't want to see happen. We don't want don't want to see happen. We don't want to drift toward an ungodly to drift toward an ungodly to drift toward an ungodly life. And maybe I'm talking to somebody life. And maybe I'm talking to somebody life. And maybe I'm talking to somebody right now that feels pretty beaten up right now that feels pretty beaten up right now that feels pretty beaten up spiritually. Maybe today as you're spiritually. Maybe today as you're spiritually. Maybe today as you're hearing this message, you have failed in hearing this message, you have failed in hearing this message, you have failed in some way, shape, or form. Maybe it's a some way, shape, or form. Maybe it's a some way, shape, or form. Maybe it's a moral failure. Maybe you failed your moral failure. Maybe you failed your moral failure. Maybe you failed your spouse, your kids, failed your Lord. spouse, your kids, failed your Lord. spouse, your kids, failed your Lord. You've fallen and you wonder, "Can I be You've fallen and you wonder, "Can I be You've fallen and you wonder, "Can I be forgiven?" You're sort of like that lady forgiven?" You're sort of like that lady forgiven?" You're sort of like that lady in that Life Alert commercial. I've in that Life Alert commercial. I've in that Life Alert commercial. I've fallen and I can't get up. Why are you fallen and I can't get up. Why are you fallen and I can't get up. Why are you laughing? That's so sad. No, she's just laughing? That's so sad. No, she's just laughing? That's so sad. No, she's just an actress. Not a very good one, I might an actress. Not a very good one, I might an actress. Not a very good one, I might add. And by the way, I'm for Life Alert.

add. And by the way, I'm for Life Alert. add. And by the way, I'm for Life Alert. I may be needing one soon. I don't know, I may be needing one soon. I don't know, I may be needing one soon. I don't know, but I've fallen and I can't get up. That but I've fallen and I can't get up. That but I've fallen and I can't get up. That may be describing you spiritually. You may be describing you spiritually. You may be describing you spiritually. You don't know how to get back on your feet don't know how to get back on your feet don't know how to get back on your feet again spiritually. We'll find out in the again spiritually. We'll find out in the again spiritually. We'll find out in the text before us. So, let's set the scene text before us. So, let's set the scene text before us. So, let's set the scene before we read some verses. Jesus is in before we read some verses. Jesus is in before we read some verses. Jesus is in the upper room with his disciples. the upper room with his disciples. the upper room with his disciples. They're about to have what will be known They're about to have what will be known They're about to have what will be known as the last supper. They don't know it's as the last supper. They don't know it's as the last supper. They don't know it's the last supper, but indeed it is. He the last supper, but indeed it is. He the last supper, but indeed it is. He reveals that one of them is going to reveals that one of them is going to reveals that one of them is going to betray him. Interestingly, every betray him. Interestingly, every betray him. Interestingly, every disciple says, "Is it me, Lord?" And disciple says, "Is it me, Lord?" And disciple says, "Is it me, Lord?" And then he identifies the betrayer, the one then he identifies the betrayer, the one then he identifies the betrayer, the one who is dipping with me right now. So, who is dipping with me right now. So, who is dipping with me right now. So, back then, they would take their bread, back then, they would take their bread, back then, they would take their bread, dip it into various things like hummus dip it into various things like hummus dip it into various things like hummus and things like that or humus, however and things like that or humus, however and things like that or humus, however you say it. And uh so, at that moment, you say it. And uh so, at that moment, you say it. And uh so, at that moment, Judas was dipping his bread into the Judas was dipping his bread into the Judas was dipping his bread into the hummus with Jesus. The one who's dipping hummus with Jesus. The one who's dipping hummus with Jesus. The one who's dipping with me is the betrayer. And Judas is with me is the betrayer. And Judas is with me is the betrayer. And Judas is like, "Don't." Okay. So, sort of like like, "Don't." Okay. So, sort of like like, "Don't." Okay. So, sort of like when you go to a Mexican restaurant, you when you go to a Mexican restaurant, you when you go to a Mexican restaurant, you get chips and salsa, right? And by the get chips and salsa, right? And by the get chips and salsa, right? And by the way, don't double dip. You go in with way, don't double dip. You go in with way, don't double dip. You go in with the chip, eat the whole chip. Don't come the chip, eat the whole chip. Don't come the chip, eat the whole chip. Don't come back with a half bit chip back into that back with a half bit chip back into that back with a half bit chip back into that salsa. That is not allowed. Okay? I just salsa. That is not allowed. Okay? I just salsa. That is not allowed. Okay? I just want to say that. That's all you're want to say that. That's all you're want to say that. That's all you're going to remember from the sermon. Judas going to remember from the sermon. Judas going to remember from the sermon. Judas is identified. Jesus effectively says, is identified. Jesus effectively says, is identified. Jesus effectively says, "Just go do it. Whatever you do, do it "Just go do it. Whatever you do, do it "Just go do it. Whatever you do, do it quickly. Get out of here." And Judas quickly. Get out of here." And Judas quickly. Get out of here." And Judas leaves. And that's what Jesus says. This leaves. And that's what Jesus says. This leaves. And that's what Jesus says. This is what is happening. And Peter sees

is what is happening. And Peter sees is what is happening. And Peter sees this as a great opportunity to boast of this as a great opportunity to boast of this as a great opportunity to boast of his faith. And then he tells the others his faith. And then he tells the others his faith. And then he tells the others that even though others might betray that even though others might betray that even though others might betray Jesus, he won't. So Jesus drops this Jesus, he won't. So Jesus drops this Jesus, he won't. So Jesus drops this bombshell on Peter in Luke 22:31. Simon, bombshell on Peter in Luke 22:31. Simon, bombshell on Peter in Luke 22:31. Simon, Simon, Simon, Simon, indeed Satan has asked for you. that indeed Satan has asked for you. that indeed Satan has asked for you. that could be better translated, Satan has could be better translated, Satan has could be better translated, Satan has been excessively asking for you by name been excessively asking for you by name been excessively asking for you by name that he may sift you as wheat, but I that he may sift you as wheat, but I that he may sift you as wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith have prayed for you that your faith have prayed for you that your faith should not fail and when you've returned should not fail and when you've returned should not fail and when you've returned to me, strengthen your brothers." Peter to me, strengthen your brothers." Peter to me, strengthen your brothers." Peter says, "Lord, I'm ready to go to prison says, "Lord, I'm ready to go to prison says, "Lord, I'm ready to go to prison with you, even to die with you." Jesus with you, even to die with you." Jesus with you, even to die with you." Jesus said, "Peter, let me tell you something. said, "Peter, let me tell you something. said, "Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow Before the rooster crows tomorrow Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that morning, you will deny three times that morning, you will deny three times that you even know me." Wow. Roosters are you even know me." Wow. Roosters are you even know me." Wow. Roosters are interesting birds, aren't they? They interesting birds, aren't they? They interesting birds, aren't they? They have an internal clock that you can mark have an internal clock that you can mark have an internal clock that you can mark time by. Uh on Maui, when we go over time by. Uh on Maui, when we go over time by. Uh on Maui, when we go over there and visit, by the way, our church there and visit, by the way, our church there and visit, by the way, our church is facing a big storm right now. They is facing a big storm right now. They is facing a big storm right now. They shut all the power down on the entire shut all the power down on the entire shut all the power down on the entire island of Maui, but they went and met island of Maui, but they went and met island of Maui, but they went and met for church anyway without power. They for church anyway without power. They for church anyway without power. They have the power of the Holy Spirit, of have the power of the Holy Spirit, of have the power of the Holy Spirit, of course, but they're worshiping.

course, but they're worshiping. course, but they're worshiping. [applause] But uh when I go over there, I get up But uh when I go over there, I get up early for coffee cuz I'm in California early for coffee cuz I'm in California early for coffee cuz I'm in California time. So, you know, uh I I'm It's 7:00 time. So, you know, uh I I'm It's 7:00 time. So, you know, uh I I'm It's 7:00 to me. It's later. Uh so, or earlier to me. It's later. Uh so, or earlier to me. It's later. Uh so, or earlier rather. No, it's earlier over there, rather. No, it's earlier over there, rather. No, it's earlier over there, right? And so I'm up at the Crackodon right? And so I'm up at the Crackodon right? And so I'm up at the Crackodon 4:00, maybe 3:00 sometimes, and there's 4:00, maybe 3:00 sometimes, and there's 4:00, maybe 3:00 sometimes, and there's one coffee place that opens at 5. I go one coffee place that opens at 5. I go one coffee place that opens at 5. I go there to get my coffee in the morning. there to get my coffee in the morning. there to get my coffee in the morning. And this rooster crows every morning. And this rooster crows every morning. And this rooster crows every morning. It's not even really officially morning. It's not even really officially morning. It's not even really officially morning. The sun has not began to rise, but those The sun has not began to rise, but those The sun has not began to rise, but those roosters have that eternal clock, sort roosters have that eternal clock, sort roosters have that eternal clock, sort of like a time stamp. Jesus is saying, of like a time stamp. Jesus is saying, of like a time stamp. Jesus is saying, "There's going to be a time stamp on "There's going to be a time stamp on "There's going to be a time stamp on your denials. I'm predicting it with your denials. I'm predicting it with your denials. I'm predicting it with specific details." It must have alarmed specific details." It must have alarmed specific details." It must have alarmed Peter when Jesus said, "Satan has been Peter when Jesus said, "Satan has been Peter when Jesus said, "Satan has been asking for you." Can you imagine? You're asking for you." Can you imagine? You're asking for you." Can you imagine? You're just hanging out with Jesus. He turns to just hanging out with Jesus. He turns to just hanging out with Jesus. He turns to you, uses your name, John. John. Mary. you, uses your name, John. John. Mary. you, uses your name, John. John. Mary. Mary. Satan has been asking excessively Mary. Satan has been asking excessively Mary. Satan has been asking excessively for you by name that you would be taken for you by name that you would be taken for you by name that you would be taken out of the care and protection of God.

out of the care and protection of God. out of the care and protection of God. But that's exactly what was happening. But that's exactly what was happening. But that's exactly what was happening. But the good news is Jesus says, "But I But the good news is Jesus says, "But I But the good news is Jesus says, "But I have prayed for you." So the next time have prayed for you." So the next time have prayed for you." So the next time the devil comes knocking at your door, the devil comes knocking at your door, the devil comes knocking at your door, ask Jesus to get it. ask Jesus to get it. ask Jesus to get it. >> He's the most qualified one to answer. >> He's the most qualified one to answer. >> He's the most qualified one to answer. But notice that Satan had to ask first. But notice that Satan had to ask first. But notice that Satan had to ask first. Nothing can happen in the life of the Nothing can happen in the life of the Nothing can happen in the life of the child of God without our father's child of God without our father's child of God without our father's permission. We see this in the book of permission. We see this in the book of permission. We see this in the book of Job. It started when God was bragging on Job. It started when God was bragging on Job. It started when God was bragging on Job in the presence of the angels Job in the presence of the angels Job in the presence of the angels including Lucifer, Satan. And God said, including Lucifer, Satan. And God said, including Lucifer, Satan. And God said, "Have you considered my servant Job a "Have you considered my servant Job a "Have you considered my servant Job a perfect and upright man? One that fears perfect and upright man? One that fears perfect and upright man? One that fears God and shuns evil?" The devil says, God and shuns evil?" The devil says, God and shuns evil?" The devil says, loose paraphrase, "Give me a break." Job loose paraphrase, "Give me a break." Job loose paraphrase, "Give me a break." Job follows you because you give him cool follows you because you give him cool follows you because you give him cool stuff. Give me a little time with Job. stuff. Give me a little time with Job. stuff. Give me a little time with Job. will see what he's made of. And the Lord will see what he's made of. And the Lord will see what he's made of. And the Lord allowed a series of calamities to befall allowed a series of calamities to befall allowed a series of calamities to befall his servant, but he said to the devil, his servant, but he said to the devil, his servant, but he said to the devil, "He's in your hand, but don't touch his "He's in your hand, but don't touch his "He's in your hand, but don't touch his life." And yes, a series of difficulties life." And yes, a series of difficulties life." And yes, a series of difficulties came in the life of Job. And when I read came in the life of Job. And when I read came in the life of Job. And when I read that verse about God bragging on Job, that verse about God bragging on Job, that verse about God bragging on Job, I'm inclined to say, "Lord, if you're I'm inclined to say, "Lord, if you're I'm inclined to say, "Lord, if you're ever for a moment feeling proud of me, ever for a moment feeling proud of me, ever for a moment feeling proud of me, just keep it to yourself. Just just keep it to yourself. Just just keep it to yourself. Just especially if Lucifer is around." You especially if Lucifer is around." You especially if Lucifer is around." You know what I mean? And here's Job, a know what I mean? And here's Job, a know what I mean? And here's Job, a godly man who was walking closely with godly man who was walking closely with godly man who was walking closely with the Lord that had his world fall apart the Lord that had his world fall apart the Lord that had his world fall apart overnight. He lost his family. He lost overnight. He lost his family. He lost overnight. He lost his family. He lost his livelihood. He lost his health. He

his livelihood. He lost his health. He his livelihood. He lost his health. He probably wish he'd lost his wife, too, probably wish he'd lost his wife, too, probably wish he'd lost his wife, too, frankly, because after all this frankly, because after all this frankly, because after all this happened, Mrs. Job, we don't know her happened, Mrs. Job, we don't know her happened, Mrs. Job, we don't know her name. Mrs. Job says, "Why don't you just name. Mrs. Job says, "Why don't you just name. Mrs. Job says, "Why don't you just curse God and die?" Thank you for those curse God and die?" Thank you for those curse God and die?" Thank you for those encouraging words. Imagine getting a encouraging words. Imagine getting a encouraging words. Imagine getting a card like that in the mail. You're going card like that in the mail. You're going card like that in the mail. You're going through a hard time. On the cover, it through a hard time. On the cover, it through a hard time. On the cover, it says, "In sympathy, you open it up. Why says, "In sympathy, you open it up. Why says, "In sympathy, you open it up. Why don't you just curse God and die?" don't you just curse God and die?" don't you just curse God and die?" That's what she said. But this happened That's what she said. But this happened That's what she said. But this happened not because he was godless, but because not because he was godless, but because not because he was godless, but because he was godly. But the point Jesus is he was godly. But the point Jesus is he was godly. But the point Jesus is making is the devil is asking for you, making is the devil is asking for you, making is the devil is asking for you, but I am praying for you. years ago, I but I am praying for you. years ago, I but I am praying for you. years ago, I was with Billy Graham and I don't know was with Billy Graham and I don't know was with Billy Graham and I don't know what I was asking him to pray for, but I what I was asking him to pray for, but I what I was asking him to pray for, but I said, "Billy, would you pray for me, said, "Billy, would you pray for me, said, "Billy, would you pray for me, please, about this?" And he said, "Yes." please, about this?" And he said, "Yes." please, about this?" And he said, "Yes." And and as he was praying, I remember And and as he was praying, I remember And and as he was praying, I remember thinking, "This prayer is going to be so thinking, "This prayer is going to be so thinking, "This prayer is going to be so heard by God." I mean, this is Billy heard by God." I mean, this is Billy heard by God." I mean, this is Billy Graham praying for me by name. And yes, Graham praying for me by name. And yes, Graham praying for me by name. And yes, his prayer was heard by God. But not his prayer was heard by God. But not his prayer was heard by God. But not anymore than your prayer being heard by anymore than your prayer being heard by anymore than your prayer being heard by God. Not anymore than my prayer being God. Not anymore than my prayer being God. Not anymore than my prayer being heard by God. because we go through heard by God. because we go through heard by God. because we go through Jesus Christ and he hears all of our Jesus Christ and he hears all of our Jesus Christ and he hears all of our prayers. But here's the thing, Jesus prayers. But here's the thing, Jesus prayers. But here's the thing, Jesus Christ is interceding for you as well.

Christ is interceding for you as well. Christ is interceding for you as well. Romans 8:34 it says, "Who is he that Romans 8:34 it says, "Who is he that Romans 8:34 it says, "Who is he that condemns Christ Jesus who died more than condemns Christ Jesus who died more than condemns Christ Jesus who died more than that who is raised to life?" Listen, is that who is raised to life?" Listen, is that who is raised to life?" Listen, is at the right hand of God and he's at the right hand of God and he's at the right hand of God and he's interceding for you. An old preacher interceding for you. An old preacher interceding for you. An old preacher from days gone by, Robert Murray from days gone by, Robert Murray from days gone by, Robert Murray McShane, said this, and I quote, "If I McShane, said this, and I quote, "If I McShane, said this, and I quote, "If I could hear Christ praying for me in the could hear Christ praying for me in the could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million next room, I would not fear a million next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no enemies. Yet distance makes no enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me." End difference. He is praying for me." End difference. He is praying for me." End quote. And Jesus is saying, I'm praying quote. And Jesus is saying, I'm praying quote. And Jesus is saying, I'm praying that your faith will not fail. Jesus is that your faith will not fail. Jesus is that your faith will not fail. Jesus is saying, you're going to have a lapse, saying, you're going to have a lapse, saying, you're going to have a lapse, but you're going to come back stronger but you're going to come back stronger but you're going to come back stronger as a result. Verse 32 of Luke 22, I as a result. Verse 32 of Luke 22, I as a result. Verse 32 of Luke 22, I prayed for you that your faith will not prayed for you that your faith will not prayed for you that your faith will not fail. When you've returned to me, fail. When you've returned to me, fail. When you've returned to me, strengthen your brothers. And Peter did strengthen your brothers. And Peter did strengthen your brothers. And Peter did come back stronger as a result. He wrote come back stronger as a result. He wrote come back stronger as a result. He wrote about it in his own epistle, 1 Peter about it in his own epistle, 1 Peter about it in his own epistle, 1 Peter chapter 5. And he says, "After you've chapter 5. And he says, "After you've chapter 5. And he says, "After you've suffered a little while, God will suffered a little while, God will suffered a little while, God will restore you, support, and strengthen restore you, support, and strengthen restore you, support, and strengthen you, and place you on a firm you, and place you on a firm you, and place you on a firm foundation."

foundation." foundation." So Peter came through his storm. And So Peter came through his storm. And So Peter came through his storm. And maybe you're going through a storm. And maybe you're going through a storm. And maybe you're going through a storm. And by a storm, I mean a hardship, a trial, by a storm, I mean a hardship, a trial, by a storm, I mean a hardship, a trial, a time of difficulty. And I want you to a time of difficulty. And I want you to a time of difficulty. And I want you to know this about your storm. It has a know this about your storm. It has a know this about your storm. It has a beginning, middle, and end. And God is beginning, middle, and end. And God is beginning, middle, and end. And God is fully aware of what you are going fully aware of what you are going fully aware of what you are going through. And he has an objective. I'm through. And he has an objective. I'm through. And he has an objective. I'm sure there are certain things he wants sure there are certain things he wants sure there are certain things he wants you to learn, certain changes he wants you to learn, certain changes he wants you to learn, certain changes he wants to make in your life. And when that is to make in your life. And when that is to make in your life. And when that is completed, your storm will end and a new completed, your storm will end and a new completed, your storm will end and a new one will begin. But we don't know how one will begin. But we don't know how one will begin. But we don't know how long that will take, but you're always long that will take, but you're always long that will take, but you're always going to face calamity and difficulty. going to face calamity and difficulty. going to face calamity and difficulty. Jesus said, "In this world, you will Jesus said, "In this world, you will Jesus said, "In this world, you will have tribulation, but God's in control." have tribulation, but God's in control." have tribulation, but God's in control." Going back to Job again, he said of the Going back to Job again, he said of the Going back to Job again, he said of the Lord, "He knows the way that I take, and Lord, "He knows the way that I take, and Lord, "He knows the way that I take, and when he has tested me, I will come forth when he has tested me, I will come forth when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." as gold." as gold." God's going to help you through whatever God's going to help you through whatever God's going to help you through whatever it is you're facing. David said, "Yay, it is you're facing. David said, "Yay, it is you're facing. David said, "Yay, though I walk through the valley of the though I walk through the valley of the though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil."

shadow of death, I will fear no evil." shadow of death, I will fear no evil." He didn't say, "Yeah, though, yay, He didn't say, "Yeah, though, yay, He didn't say, "Yeah, though, yay, though I collapse and die in the valley though I collapse and die in the valley though I collapse and die in the valley of the shadow of death." God's going to of the shadow of death." God's going to of the shadow of death." God's going to get you through what you're facing. He's get you through what you're facing. He's get you through what you're facing. He's preparing you for something in your preparing you for something in your preparing you for something in your future. But why, we might ask, was the future. But why, we might ask, was the future. But why, we might ask, was the devil targeting Peter in particular? devil targeting Peter in particular? devil targeting Peter in particular? Because the devil saw Peter as a threat Because the devil saw Peter as a threat Because the devil saw Peter as a threat against the kingdom of darkness and he against the kingdom of darkness and he against the kingdom of darkness and he wanted to take him out. Satan can spot a wanted to take him out. Satan can spot a wanted to take him out. Satan can spot a spiritual leader as well. He knows who spiritual leader as well. He knows who spiritual leader as well. He knows who effective people are and he will attack effective people are and he will attack effective people are and he will attack them. So if you find yourself coming them. So if you find yourself coming them. So if you find yourself coming under spiritual attack, that can under spiritual attack, that can under spiritual attack, that can actually be a good sign, not a bad one. actually be a good sign, not a bad one. actually be a good sign, not a bad one. Going back to Job, why did all that Going back to Job, why did all that Going back to Job, why did all that stuff happen to him? Because he was stuff happen to him? Because he was stuff happen to him? Because he was godless. No, to the contrary, because he godless. No, to the contrary, because he godless. No, to the contrary, because he was godly. Why are you going through was godly. Why are you going through was godly. Why are you going through hardship? Why are you getting tempted hardship? Why are you getting tempted hardship? Why are you getting tempted more than ever? Why are you facing these more than ever? Why are you facing these more than ever? Why are you facing these difficulties? Why is this happening to difficulties? Why is this happening to difficulties? Why is this happening to you? Probably because you're a threat to you? Probably because you're a threat to you? Probably because you're a threat to the kingdom of darkness. So take it as a the kingdom of darkness. So take it as a the kingdom of darkness. So take it as a compliment. He says, "I want Peter. I compliment. He says, "I want Peter. I compliment. He says, "I want Peter. I want to bring him down." And tragically, want to bring him down." And tragically, want to bring him down." And tragically, Peter did succumb to these enticements Peter did succumb to these enticements Peter did succumb to these enticements and he fell into sin and openly denied and he fell into sin and openly denied and he fell into sin and openly denied Jesus. There are six steps that led to Jesus. There are six steps that led to Jesus. There are six steps that led to Peter's fall and you'll probably look at Peter's fall and you'll probably look at Peter's fall and you'll probably look at your own life and find that you have your own life and find that you have your own life and find that you have fallen in one of these areas. Let's see fallen in one of these areas. Let's see fallen in one of these areas. Let's see if we can identify them together. Step if we can identify them together. Step if we can identify them together. Step number one, number one, number one, self-confidence.

self-confidence. self-confidence. Self-confidence. After Jesus announces Self-confidence. After Jesus announces Self-confidence. After Jesus announces he will be betrayed, Peter said, "Even he will be betrayed, Peter said, "Even he will be betrayed, Peter said, "Even if all are made to stumble, I will never if all are made to stumble, I will never if all are made to stumble, I will never be made to stumble." Wait, hello. What? be made to stumble." Wait, hello. What? be made to stumble." Wait, hello. What? Effectively saying even if these other Effectively saying even if these other Effectively saying even if these other apostles apostles apostles fall and fail, I never will. Please. The fall and fail, I never will. Please. The fall and fail, I never will. Please. The Bible says pride goes before a fall and Bible says pride goes before a fall and Bible says pride goes before a fall and a hotty spirit before destruction. And a hotty spirit before destruction. And a hotty spirit before destruction. And by the way, Jesus said he would fall. So by the way, Jesus said he would fall. So by the way, Jesus said he would fall. So he's directly contradicting what Jesus he's directly contradicting what Jesus he's directly contradicting what Jesus has already said. And also in the Gospel has already said. And also in the Gospel has already said. And also in the Gospel of Mark, we read that he said this of Mark, we read that he said this of Mark, we read that he said this repeatedly. He kept discerning it. I repeatedly. He kept discerning it. I repeatedly. He kept discerning it. I will never let you down. I will never will never let you down. I will never will never let you down. I will never fail. Wow. reminds me of a story of two fail. Wow. reminds me of a story of two fail. Wow. reminds me of a story of two ducks and a frog that like to hang out ducks and a frog that like to hang out ducks and a frog that like to hang out by a little pond owned by Farmer Brown by a little pond owned by Farmer Brown by a little pond owned by Farmer Brown and they would have a lot of great and they would have a lot of great and they would have a lot of great conversations together. Here's a picture conversations together. Here's a picture conversations together. Here's a picture of them. of them. of them. I took this picture myself I took this picture myself I took this picture myself and uh so they would talk all the time and uh so they would talk all the time and uh so they would talk all the time and the problem is that little pond was and the problem is that little pond was and the problem is that little pond was beginning to dry up. So the frog had a beginning to dry up. So the frog had a beginning to dry up. So the frog had a brilliant idea. said to the ducks, brilliant idea. said to the ducks, brilliant idea. said to the ducks, "Look, you guys can just fly away to "Look, you guys can just fly away to "Look, you guys can just fly away to another pond, but I'm stuck here. And if another pond, but I'm stuck here. And if another pond, but I'm stuck here. And if I stay here, I will, pardon the pun, I stay here, I will, pardon the pun, I stay here, I will, pardon the pun, croak.

croak. croak. You got to get me out of here, guys, and You got to get me out of here, guys, and You got to get me out of here, guys, and I have an idea. Why don't you take a I have an idea. Why don't you take a I have an idea. Why don't you take a stick and put it between your beaks, and stick and put it between your beaks, and stick and put it between your beaks, and I'll hang on to the stick with my mouth, I'll hang on to the stick with my mouth, I'll hang on to the stick with my mouth, and you can airlift me to the next and you can airlift me to the next and you can airlift me to the next pond?" The ducks agreed. We got a pond?" The ducks agreed. We got a pond?" The ducks agreed. We got a picture of it somehow. There they are. picture of it somehow. There they are. picture of it somehow. There they are. And so as they're flying away, Farmer And so as they're flying away, Farmer And so as they're flying away, Farmer Brown is down there in the field and he Brown is down there in the field and he Brown is down there in the field and he looks up and he sees this amazing sight. looks up and he sees this amazing sight. looks up and he sees this amazing sight. And he and he says out loud, "This is And he and he says out loud, "This is And he and he says out loud, "This is incredible. This is brilliant. Who incredible. This is brilliant. Who incredible. This is brilliant. Who thought of it?" And the frog opening his thought of it?" And the frog opening his thought of it?" And the frog opening his mouth said, "I did." mouth said, "I did." mouth said, "I did." Get it? He was hanging on by his mouth. Get it? He was hanging on by his mouth. Get it? He was hanging on by his mouth. And when he opened it and said, "I did," And when he opened it and said, "I did," And when he opened it and said, "I did," he fell to his tragic death. Oh, I don't he fell to his tragic death. Oh, I don't he fell to his tragic death. Oh, I don't know if he died or not. It's just a know if he died or not. It's just a know if he died or not. It's just a fable. But the point of it is, oh, I fable. But the point of it is, oh, I fable. But the point of it is, oh, I want to take credit for that. That's want to take credit for that. That's want to take credit for that. That's what Peter was doing. I'll never deny what Peter was doing. I'll never deny what Peter was doing. I'll never deny you. I'll never let you down. Again, you. I'll never let you down. Again, you. I'll never let you down. Again, first step down, self-confidence. first step down, self-confidence. first step down, self-confidence. Now, we come to Peter's second step Now, we come to Peter's second step Now, we come to Peter's second step down. Go back to Luke 22 verse 39.

It was prayerlessness. It was prayerlessness. Accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left Accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left Accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room or the upper room and the upstairs room or the upper room and the upstairs room or the upper room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. went as usual to the Mount of Olives. went as usual to the Mount of Olives. And he told them, "Pray that you not And he told them, "Pray that you not And he told them, "Pray that you not give into temptation." And he walked give into temptation." And he walked give into temptation." And he walked away about a stone's throw and knelt away about a stone's throw and knelt away about a stone's throw and knelt down and prayed, praying, "Father, if down and prayed, praying, "Father, if down and prayed, praying, "Father, if you're willing, please take this cup of you're willing, please take this cup of you're willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your suffering away from me. Yet I want your suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." Then an will to be done, not mine." Then an will to be done, not mine." Then an angel from heaven appeared and angel from heaven appeared and angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more strengthened him. He prayed more strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of fervently, and he was in such agony of fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground spirit that his sweat fell to the ground spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like gray drops of blood. At last, he like gray drops of blood. At last, he like gray drops of blood. At last, he stood up again and returned to the stood up again and returned to the stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, disciples, only to find them asleep, disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief. "Why are you exhausted from grief. "Why are you exhausted from grief. "Why are you sleeping?" Jesus asked them. Watch and sleeping?" Jesus asked them. Watch and sleeping?" Jesus asked them. Watch and pray so you will not give in to pray so you will not give in to pray so you will not give in to temptation. temptation. temptation. Now Jesus is contemplating his future. Now Jesus is contemplating his future. Now Jesus is contemplating his future. Jesus was fully God, which means Jesus Jesus was fully God, which means Jesus Jesus was fully God, which means Jesus was omnisient, which means all knowing.

was omnisient, which means all knowing. was omnisient, which means all knowing. He knew everything. When someone said to He knew everything. When someone said to He knew everything. When someone said to him, he could see their heart. He knew him, he could see their heart. He knew him, he could see their heart. He knew if they meant it or not. I'm kind of if they meant it or not. I'm kind of if they meant it or not. I'm kind of glad I'm not omnisient. I wouldn't like glad I'm not omnisient. I wouldn't like glad I'm not omnisient. I wouldn't like to know what people really think of me. to know what people really think of me. to know what people really think of me. I think for a large degree or he also I think for a large degree or he also I think for a large degree or he also knew what was coming. He knew the knew what was coming. He knew the knew what was coming. He knew the future. future. future. He knew that he was going to be He knew that he was going to be He knew that he was going to be betrayed. He knew that he was going to betrayed. He knew that he was going to betrayed. He knew that he was going to have the beard of his face pulled out. have the beard of his face pulled out. have the beard of his face pulled out. He knew that he was going to have a He knew that he was going to have a He knew that he was going to have a crown of thorns placed on his head. He crown of thorns placed on his head. He crown of thorns placed on his head. He knew that they were going to tear his knew that they were going to tear his knew that they were going to tear his back open with a Roman cat of ninetails. back open with a Roman cat of ninetails. back open with a Roman cat of ninetails. He knew they were going to pound spikes He knew they were going to pound spikes He knew they were going to pound spikes through his hands and feet and nail him through his hands and feet and nail him through his hands and feet and nail him to a cross. He knew all of it. But that to a cross. He knew all of it. But that to a cross. He knew all of it. But that is not what he recoiled from the most. is not what he recoiled from the most. is not what he recoiled from the most. What he recoiled from from the most was What he recoiled from from the most was What he recoiled from from the most was the knowledge that he who was sinless the knowledge that he who was sinless the knowledge that he who was sinless and pure was going to take upon himself and pure was going to take upon himself and pure was going to take upon himself everything that was sinful and impure. everything that was sinful and impure. everything that was sinful and impure. He was going to die and bear the sin of He was going to die and bear the sin of He was going to die and bear the sin of the world. And from this he recoiled and the world. And from this he recoiled and the world. And from this he recoiled and he said, "If there's any other way, let he said, "If there's any other way, let he said, "If there's any other way, let this cup pass from me." Why? Because he this cup pass from me." Why? Because he this cup pass from me." Why? Because he had never spent a moment outside of had never spent a moment outside of had never spent a moment outside of fellowship with this father. Jesus said, fellowship with this father. Jesus said, fellowship with this father. Jesus said, "I always do the things that please the "I always do the things that please the "I always do the things that please the father." Who could say that but Jesus? I father." Who could say that but Jesus? I father." Who could say that but Jesus? I couldn't. You couldn't. But he always couldn't. You couldn't. But he always couldn't. You couldn't. But he always was in harmony with the father. Now he's was in harmony with the father. Now he's was in harmony with the father. Now he's going to be separated from the father by going to be separated from the father by going to be separated from the father by your sin, by my sin, by our sin. And your sin, by my sin, by our sin. And your sin, by my sin, by our sin. And that's why he said, "Let this cup pass that's why he said, "Let this cup pass that's why he said, "Let this cup pass from me." And Luke gives us this from me." And Luke gives us this from me." And Luke gives us this interesting detail saying he sweat as it

interesting detail saying he sweat as it interesting detail saying he sweat as it were, King James, like great drops of were, King James, like great drops of were, King James, like great drops of blood. Now, I wonder if this is a blood. Now, I wonder if this is a blood. Now, I wonder if this is a description of a medical condition known description of a medical condition known description of a medical condition known as hematriosis. as hematriosis. as hematriosis. This is very rare, but certain people This is very rare, but certain people This is very rare, but certain people have experienced when they're under have experienced when they're under have experienced when they're under intense psychological stress or physical intense psychological stress or physical intense psychological stress or physical pressure where their sweat or pressure where their sweat or pressure where their sweat or perspiration is literally mixed with perspiration is literally mixed with perspiration is literally mixed with blood and it looks like they're sweating blood and it looks like they're sweating blood and it looks like they're sweating blood. This could be what Jesus was blood. This could be what Jesus was blood. This could be what Jesus was experiencing. But he was recoiling from experiencing. But he was recoiling from experiencing. But he was recoiling from this horrible moment. And he asked one this horrible moment. And he asked one this horrible moment. And he asked one thing of his disciples and specifically thing of his disciples and specifically thing of his disciples and specifically Peter, James, and John. He said, "Would Peter, James, and John. He said, "Would Peter, James, and John. He said, "Would you guys just be with me and would you you guys just be with me and would you you guys just be with me and would you pray?" Peter, James, and John, man, they pray?" Peter, James, and John, man, they pray?" Peter, James, and John, man, they got to see some pretty amazing things. got to see some pretty amazing things. got to see some pretty amazing things. It was Peter, James, and John that Jesus It was Peter, James, and John that Jesus It was Peter, James, and John that Jesus took with him to the mount of took with him to the mount of took with him to the mount of transfiguration where he shine like the transfiguration where he shine like the transfiguration where he shine like the sun with Moses on one side and Elijah on sun with Moses on one side and Elijah on sun with Moses on one side and Elijah on the other. It was Peter, James, and John the other. It was Peter, James, and John the other. It was Peter, James, and John who got a front row seat to see Jesus who got a front row seat to see Jesus who got a front row seat to see Jesus raise the daughter of Gyrus from the raise the daughter of Gyrus from the raise the daughter of Gyrus from the dead. And it's Peter, James, and John dead. And it's Peter, James, and John dead. And it's Peter, James, and John that Jesus singles out and says, "Come that Jesus singles out and says, "Come that Jesus singles out and says, "Come with me to this garden and just watch with me to this garden and just watch with me to this garden and just watch and pray." He wasn't asking for and pray." He wasn't asking for and pray." He wasn't asking for explanations. He wasn't asking for explanations. He wasn't asking for explanations. He wasn't asking for anything more or less than just some anything more or less than just some anything more or less than just some human companionship.

human companionship. human companionship. Yes, Jesus was fully God, but he was Yes, Jesus was fully God, but he was Yes, Jesus was fully God, but he was also fully man. He experienced also fully man. He experienced also fully man. He experienced loneliness. He experienced sorrow. He loneliness. He experienced sorrow. He loneliness. He experienced sorrow. He experienced betrayal. And he said, "I experienced betrayal. And he said, "I experienced betrayal. And he said, "I just want you guys to be with me at this just want you guys to be with me at this just want you guys to be with me at this particular time." And this is a reminder particular time." And this is a reminder particular time." And this is a reminder to us that when someone is suffering, to us that when someone is suffering, to us that when someone is suffering, the best thing you can do is sometimes the best thing you can do is sometimes the best thing you can do is sometimes just be there. You don't have to explain just be there. You don't have to explain just be there. You don't have to explain everything to everyone because you don't everything to everyone because you don't everything to everyone because you don't know anyway. Nor do I. You should have know anyway. Nor do I. You should have know anyway. Nor do I. You should have met me when I was 21. Starting out my met me when I was 21. Starting out my met me when I was 21. Starting out my ministry, I had the answer to every ministry, I had the answer to every ministry, I had the answer to every question. I pretty much knew everything. question. I pretty much knew everything. question. I pretty much knew everything. Or I thought I did. Now at the age of Or I thought I did. Now at the age of Or I thought I did. Now at the age of 41, I can say. 41, I can say. 41, I can say. Many years beyond that, I realize now Many years beyond that, I realize now Many years beyond that, I realize now that I don't know as much as I thought I that I don't know as much as I thought I that I don't know as much as I thought I knew. knew. knew. And I know what this is like to be on And I know what this is like to be on And I know what this is like to be on the receiving end because when our son the receiving end because when our son the receiving end because when our son died in an automobile accident 18 years died in an automobile accident 18 years died in an automobile accident 18 years ago, our home filled with many ago, our home filled with many ago, our home filled with many well-meaning well-wishers well-meaning well-wishers well-meaning well-wishers who wanted to say something that would who wanted to say something that would who wanted to say something that would encourage or help us in our darkest encourage or help us in our darkest encourage or help us in our darkest hour. And some said helpful things and hour. And some said helpful things and hour. And some said helpful things and others, not knowing what to say, maybe others, not knowing what to say, maybe others, not knowing what to say, maybe tried to explain it. I didn't need an tried to explain it. I didn't need an tried to explain it. I didn't need an explanation.

explanation. explanation. you know, I I've I've given the you know, I I've I've given the you know, I I've I've given the explanations, which there are very few explanations, which there are very few explanations, which there are very few to give at times like that. I just to give at times like that. I just to give at times like that. I just needed someone to be there. And there needed someone to be there. And there needed someone to be there. And there were a few people that didn't have a lot were a few people that didn't have a lot were a few people that didn't have a lot to say, but they just said, "I'm so to say, but they just said, "I'm so to say, but they just said, "I'm so sorry. I'm here for you." Sometimes sorry. I'm here for you." Sometimes sorry. I'm here for you." Sometimes that's the best thing to say. Sometimes that's the best thing to say. Sometimes that's the best thing to say. Sometimes less is more. Just say, "I'm so sorry. I less is more. Just say, "I'm so sorry. I less is more. Just say, "I'm so sorry. I don't know why this happened, but I'm don't know why this happened, but I'm don't know why this happened, but I'm praying for you." That's actually praying for you." That's actually praying for you." That's actually helpful. You see, leave the explanations helpful. You see, leave the explanations helpful. You see, leave the explanations up to God. Just be there. That's all up to God. Just be there. That's all up to God. Just be there. That's all Jesus asked for. I could use a little Jesus asked for. I could use a little Jesus asked for. I could use a little human companionship right now. Would you human companionship right now. Would you human companionship right now. Would you just watch and pray? And he goes, he just watch and pray? And he goes, he just watch and pray? And he goes, he sweats as it were. Great drops of blood, sweats as it were. Great drops of blood, sweats as it were. Great drops of blood, comes back. And Peter, James, and John comes back. And Peter, James, and John comes back. And Peter, James, and John are sleeping. They were guilty of the are sleeping. They were guilty of the are sleeping. They were guilty of the sin of prayerlessness. sin of prayerlessness. sin of prayerlessness. What is prayerlessness? It's just not What is prayerlessness? It's just not What is prayerlessness? It's just not praying. I think we all would agree we praying. I think we all would agree we praying. I think we all would agree we need to pray more. Am I right? I know I need to pray more. Am I right? I know I need to pray more. Am I right? I know I need to pray more. I don't pray as often need to pray more. I don't pray as often need to pray more. I don't pray as often as I should. Billy Graham was once as I should. Billy Graham was once as I should. Billy Graham was once asked, "Uh," do you have any regrets in asked, "Uh," do you have any regrets in asked, "Uh," do you have any regrets in life? He said, 'Y yeah, I wish I'd not life? He said, 'Y yeah, I wish I'd not life? He said, 'Y yeah, I wish I'd not spoken as much as I spoke and traveled spoken as much as I spoke and traveled spoken as much as I spoke and traveled as much as I traveled. I wish I'd spent as much as I traveled. I wish I'd spent as much as I traveled. I wish I'd spent more time praying and telling the Lord more time praying and telling the Lord more time praying and telling the Lord how much I love him. I think that's good how much I love him. I think that's good how much I love him. I think that's good advice. We all need to pray more because advice. We all need to pray more because advice. We all need to pray more because not praying can be a sin as much as not praying can be a sin as much as not praying can be a sin as much as breaking a commandment. We think of sins breaking a commandment. We think of sins breaking a commandment. We think of sins as doing the wrong thing and it includes as doing the wrong thing and it includes as doing the wrong thing and it includes that. But there are sins of commission that. But there are sins of commission that. But there are sins of commission and omission. A sin of commission is

and omission. A sin of commission is and omission. A sin of commission is when I do what I should not do. A sin of when I do what I should not do. A sin of when I do what I should not do. A sin of omission is when I don't do what I omission is when I don't do what I omission is when I don't do what I should do. The Bible says to him that should do. The Bible says to him that should do. The Bible says to him that knows to do good and does not do it. To knows to do good and does not do it. To knows to do good and does not do it. To him it is sin. So you might be scrolling him it is sin. So you might be scrolling him it is sin. So you might be scrolling on your phone. Your eyes are going on your phone. Your eyes are going on your phone. Your eyes are going blurry and the Lord taps you on the blurry and the Lord taps you on the blurry and the Lord taps you on the shoulder and says, "Hey, I'd like you to shoulder and says, "Hey, I'd like you to shoulder and says, "Hey, I'd like you to pray right now." You're like, "Uh, not pray right now." You're like, "Uh, not pray right now." You're like, "Uh, not right now." Right? right now." Right? right now." Right? Maybe you're doing something on Sunday. Maybe you're doing something on Sunday. Maybe you're doing something on Sunday. I don't know if we should go to church. I don't know if we should go to church. I don't know if we should go to church. The Lord's saying, "No, go worship with The Lord's saying, "No, go worship with The Lord's saying, "No, go worship with my I don't really want to do that." That my I don't really want to do that." That my I don't really want to do that." That could be a sin. Maybe the Lord nudges could be a sin. Maybe the Lord nudges could be a sin. Maybe the Lord nudges you and says, "Go share the gospel with you and says, "Go share the gospel with you and says, "Go share the gospel with that person that looks so sad and that person that looks so sad and that person that looks so sad and dejected sitting on the bench over there dejected sitting on the bench over there dejected sitting on the bench over there and you say, "No way. They might reject and you say, "No way. They might reject and you say, "No way. They might reject me." That can be a sin. You know, to do me." That can be a sin. You know, to do me." That can be a sin. You know, to do good and you do not do it. Jesus said, good and you do not do it. Jesus said, good and you do not do it. Jesus said, "Watch and pray." They weren't watching "Watch and pray." They weren't watching "Watch and pray." They weren't watching and praying. They were slumbering and and praying. They were slumbering and and praying. They were slumbering and sleeping. sleeping. sleeping. Step number three that led to Peter's Step number three that led to Peter's Step number three that led to Peter's fall, self-reliance. fall, self-reliance. fall, self-reliance. Self-reliance. Go back to Luke 22 in Self-reliance. Go back to Luke 22 in Self-reliance. Go back to Luke 22 in verse 47. We read that u verse 47. We read that u verse 47. We read that u a crowd approached led by Judas, one of a crowd approached led by Judas, one of a crowd approached led by Judas, one of his 12 disciples. Jesus walked, excuse his 12 disciples. Jesus walked, excuse his 12 disciples. Jesus walked, excuse me, Judas walked over to Jesus to greet me, Judas walked over to Jesus to greet me, Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. Jesus said, "Judas, why him with a kiss. Jesus said, "Judas, why him with a kiss. Jesus said, "Judas, why do you betray the son of man with a do you betray the son of man with a do you betray the son of man with a kiss?" And when the other disciples saw kiss?" And when the other disciples saw kiss?" And when the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they what was about to happen, they what was about to happen, they exclaimed, "Lord, should we fight? We exclaimed, "Lord, should we fight? We exclaimed, "Lord, should we fight? We brought the swords." And one of them, brought the swords." And one of them, brought the swords." And one of them, who another gospel tells us was Peter, who another gospel tells us was Peter, who another gospel tells us was Peter, struck the high priest slave, who we

struck the high priest slave, who we struck the high priest slave, who we find out in another gospel was named find out in another gospel was named find out in another gospel was named Malchus Van Go. I don't know if you know Malchus Van Go. I don't know if you know Malchus Van Go. I don't know if you know that. Malchus Van Gogh cuz he sliced off that. Malchus Van Gogh cuz he sliced off that. Malchus Van Gogh cuz he sliced off his ear. Get it? This is a joke. Do you his ear. Get it? This is a joke. Do you his ear. Get it? This is a joke. Do you know Van Go cut his ear off? The great know Van Go cut his ear off? The great know Van Go cut his ear off? The great artist. That's a great way to impress a artist. That's a great way to impress a artist. That's a great way to impress a girl. He cut his ear off and mailed it girl. He cut his ear off and mailed it girl. He cut his ear off and mailed it to a girl. Don't do this at home, okay? to a girl. Don't do this at home, okay? to a girl. Don't do this at home, okay? Or anywhere else. His name was not Van Or anywhere else. His name was not Van Or anywhere else. His name was not Van Gogh, but it was Malcus. He cuts off the Gogh, but it was Malcus. He cuts off the Gogh, but it was Malcus. He cuts off the guy's ear. And then we read that Jesus guy's ear. And then we read that Jesus guy's ear. And then we read that Jesus healed his ear. Now, you can understand healed his ear. Now, you can understand healed his ear. Now, you can understand Peter's outrage. Here he is. He's so Peter's outrage. Here he is. He's so Peter's outrage. Here he is. He's so upset. He's failed. He loves the Lord. upset. He's failed. He loves the Lord. upset. He's failed. He loves the Lord. He wants to do the right thing. And here He wants to do the right thing. And here He wants to do the right thing. And here comes a temple guard led by Judas comes a temple guard led by Judas comes a temple guard led by Judas Escariat. And Judas comes over and Escariat. And Judas comes over and Escariat. And Judas comes over and kisses Jesus. Now, there were three ways kisses Jesus. Now, there were three ways kisses Jesus. Now, there were three ways you could kiss a person back in this you could kiss a person back in this you could kiss a person back in this culture. You could kiss him on the feet. culture. You could kiss him on the feet. culture. You could kiss him on the feet. That was a sign of respect like you That was a sign of respect like you That was a sign of respect like you might do for a king or a ruler. You might do for a king or a ruler. You might do for a king or a ruler. You could kiss him on the hand. That was a could kiss him on the hand. That was a could kiss him on the hand. That was a cordial greeting. And then you could cordial greeting. And then you could cordial greeting. And then you could kiss him on the cheek. That was reserved kiss him on the cheek. That was reserved kiss him on the cheek. That was reserved for friends and intimates. How did Judas for friends and intimates. How did Judas for friends and intimates. How did Judas kiss Jesus? Did he kiss him on the feet kiss Jesus? Did he kiss him on the feet kiss Jesus? Did he kiss him on the feet or on the hand? No, he kissed him on the or on the hand? No, he kissed him on the or on the hand? No, he kissed him on the cheek. And in the original language, cheek. And in the original language, cheek. And in the original language, it's implied he did so repeatedly. He it's implied he did so repeatedly. He it's implied he did so repeatedly. He kissed them again and again and again.

kissed them again and again and again. kissed them again and again and again. So it's sort of like, you know, we meet So it's sort of like, you know, we meet So it's sort of like, you know, we meet someone first time, hello, how are you? someone first time, hello, how are you? someone first time, hello, how are you? We shake their hand, maybe give them We shake their hand, maybe give them We shake their hand, maybe give them high five, right? But then you get to high five, right? But then you get to high five, right? But then you get to know them a little better. And now the know them a little better. And now the know them a little better. And now the hug thing comes in. Is this a person I hug thing comes in. Is this a person I hug thing comes in. Is this a person I hug or a person I don't hug? You know hug or a person I don't hug? You know hug or a person I don't hug? You know what I'm saying? And they go in for the what I'm saying? And they go in for the what I'm saying? And they go in for the hug and you don't if you should go in hug and you don't if you should go in hug and you don't if you should go in for the hug and it becomes an awkward for the hug and it becomes an awkward for the hug and it becomes an awkward half hug. You know what I'm saying? But half hug. You know what I'm saying? But half hug. You know what I'm saying? But then there are people you really know. then there are people you really know. then there are people you really know. you give him a full hug or if you're a you give him a full hug or if you're a you give him a full hug or if you're a guy, you start punching them cuz you guy, you start punching them cuz you guy, you start punching them cuz you know we don't love the hugs. Just want know we don't love the hugs. Just want know we don't love the hugs. Just want to speak for men. We don't love the to speak for men. We don't love the to speak for men. We don't love the hugs. Okay, some guys do, but most eh, hugs. Okay, some guys do, but most eh, hugs. Okay, some guys do, but most eh, you know, hey, how's it going? But this you know, hey, how's it going? But this you know, hey, how's it going? But this is an act of intimacy. Like, look how is an act of intimacy. Like, look how is an act of intimacy. Like, look how well I know Jesus. Look how close I am well I know Jesus. Look how close I am well I know Jesus. Look how close I am to Christ. I'm kissing him again and to Christ. I'm kissing him again and to Christ. I'm kissing him again and again, causing even Jesus to say, "Do again, causing even Jesus to say, "Do again, causing even Jesus to say, "Do you betray me with a kiss?" Peter's just you betray me with a kiss?" Peter's just you betray me with a kiss?" Peter's just ticked off. He pulls out the sword, ticked off. He pulls out the sword, ticked off. He pulls out the sword, takes a wild swing, and off comes the takes a wild swing, and off comes the takes a wild swing, and off comes the ear of this guy Malchus, who was a ear of this guy Malchus, who was a ear of this guy Malchus, who was a servant to the high priest. And why did servant to the high priest. And why did servant to the high priest. And why did his ear get cut off? Probably because he his ear get cut off? Probably because he his ear get cut off? Probably because he led the charge.

led the charge. led the charge. And Jesus could have said, "Serve, And Jesus could have said, "Serve, And Jesus could have said, "Serve, you're right, you creep." But what does you're right, you creep." But what does you're right, you creep." But what does Jesus do? He reaches down on the ground, Jesus do? He reaches down on the ground, Jesus do? He reaches down on the ground, picks up the guy's ear, holds it up to picks up the guy's ear, holds it up to picks up the guy's ear, holds it up to his face, and reattaches it. The last his face, and reattaches it. The last his face, and reattaches it. The last miracle of Jesus was this. Jesus who miracle of Jesus was this. Jesus who miracle of Jesus was this. Jesus who raised people from the dead, who raised people from the dead, who raised people from the dead, who restored sight to the blind, hearing to restored sight to the blind, hearing to restored sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf. Jesus who walked on the water the deaf. Jesus who walked on the water the deaf. Jesus who walked on the water takes time to heal this guy's ear. And takes time to heal this guy's ear. And takes time to heal this guy's ear. And then on the cross, he says, "Father, then on the cross, he says, "Father, then on the cross, he says, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they forgive them for they know not what they forgive them for they know not what they do." Peter's fourth step down was do." Peter's fourth step down was do." Peter's fourth step down was following at a distance. Go back to Luke following at a distance. Go back to Luke following at a distance. Go back to Luke 22: 22: 22: 54. They arrested him. led him to the 54. They arrested him. led him to the 54. They arrested him. led him to the high priest's home and Peter followed at high priest's home and Peter followed at high priest's home and Peter followed at a distance. The guards lit a fire in the a distance. The guards lit a fire in the a distance. The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around middle of the courtyard and sat around middle of the courtyard and sat around it and Peter joined them there. it and Peter joined them there. it and Peter joined them there. Following at a distance, non-committal, Following at a distance, non-committal, Following at a distance, non-committal, sort of a half-hearted commitment. sort of a half-hearted commitment. sort of a half-hearted commitment. There's people like this in the church.

There's people like this in the church. There's people like this in the church. They always sit in the last row. Not They always sit in the last row. Not They always sit in the last row. Not really. really. really. They always come late, leave early. They always come late, leave early. They always come late, leave early. Yeah, that maybe I'll stand by. They Yeah, that maybe I'll stand by. They Yeah, that maybe I'll stand by. They don't want to get involved in anything. don't want to get involved in anything. don't want to get involved in anything. You know, worship it's like we have a You know, worship it's like we have a You know, worship it's like we have a song. You're literally singing. I lift song. You're literally singing. I lift song. You're literally singing. I lift both of my hands. I got hands on the both of my hands. I got hands on the both of my hands. I got hands on the pockets. I don't know about that. Little pockets. I don't know about that. Little pockets. I don't know about that. Little emotional. I'll scream like a maniac at emotional. I'll scream like a maniac at emotional. I'll scream like a maniac at a ball game, but I'm not lifting my a ball game, but I'm not lifting my a ball game, but I'm not lifting my hands in church cuz that's too hands in church cuz that's too hands in church cuz that's too emotional. I'm here. I'm attending, but emotional. I'm here. I'm attending, but emotional. I'm here. I'm attending, but I really want to get out of here as soon I really want to get out of here as soon I really want to get out of here as soon as possible. And I've looked at my watch as possible. And I've looked at my watch as possible. And I've looked at my watch 10 times already. Okay, look, I get it. 10 times already. Okay, look, I get it. 10 times already. Okay, look, I get it. And I'm glad you're here, frankly. But And I'm glad you're here, frankly. But And I'm glad you're here, frankly. But you miss out on so much when you follow you miss out on so much when you follow you miss out on so much when you follow at a distance. Reminds me of a story I at a distance. Reminds me of a story I at a distance. Reminds me of a story I heard of a little boy who fell out of heard of a little boy who fell out of heard of a little boy who fell out of bed in the middle of the night. I'm not bed in the middle of the night. I'm not bed in the middle of the night. I'm not laughing. It's just it's not funny. But laughing. It's just it's not funny. But laughing. It's just it's not funny. But u I don't even know it's a true story, u I don't even know it's a true story, u I don't even know it's a true story, frankly. Little boy who fell out of bed frankly. Little boy who fell out of bed frankly. Little boy who fell out of bed in the middle of the night. His mom in the middle of the night. His mom in the middle of the night. His mom asked him, "What happened?" The little asked him, "What happened?" The little asked him, "What happened?" The little boy said, "I think I stayed too close to boy said, "I think I stayed too close to boy said, "I think I stayed too close to the place where I got in."

the place where I got in." the place where I got in." Get it? We fall sometimes when we stay Get it? We fall sometimes when we stay Get it? We fall sometimes when we stay too close to the place where we got in. too close to the place where we got in. too close to the place where we got in. Don't follow at a distance. Now we come Don't follow at a distance. Now we come Don't follow at a distance. Now we come to the fifth step down. Wrong to the fifth step down. Wrong to the fifth step down. Wrong associations. associations. associations. Wrong associations. Go back to Luke 22. Wrong associations. Go back to Luke 22. Wrong associations. Go back to Luke 22. Uh and then we read in verse 55. The Uh and then we read in verse 55. The Uh and then we read in verse 55. The guards lit a fire in the middle of the guards lit a fire in the middle of the guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it and Peter courtyard and sat around it and Peter courtyard and sat around it and Peter joined them. A servant girl noticed him joined them. A servant girl noticed him joined them. A servant girl noticed him in the fire light and began staring at in the fire light and began staring at in the fire light and began staring at him. Finally, she said, "This man is one him. Finally, she said, "This man is one him. Finally, she said, "This man is one of Jesus followers." Peter denied it. of Jesus followers." Peter denied it. of Jesus followers." Peter denied it. "Woman," he said. "I don't even know "Woman," he said. "I don't even know "Woman," he said. "I don't even know him." After a while, someone else looked him." After a while, someone else looked him." After a while, someone else looked at him and said, looked at him and said, at him and said, looked at him and said, at him and said, looked at him and said, "You must be one of them." "No, man, I'm "You must be one of them." "No, man, I'm "You must be one of them." "No, man, I'm not." Peter retorted. About an hour not." Peter retorted. About an hour not." Peter retorted. About an hour later, that's interesting to me. I'd later, that's interesting to me. I'd later, that's interesting to me. I'd underline that. An hour passes. An hour underline that. An hour passes. An hour underline that. An hour passes. An hour later, and someone else insisted, "You later, and someone else insisted, "You later, and someone else insisted, "You must be one of them because you're a must be one of them because you're a must be one of them because you're a Galilean, too. Peter said, "Man, I don't Galilean, too. Peter said, "Man, I don't Galilean, too. Peter said, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about."

know what you're talking about." know what you're talking about." Immediately, while he was still Immediately, while he was still Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And at speaking, the rooster crowed. And at speaking, the rooster crowed. And at that moment, the Lord turned and looked that moment, the Lord turned and looked that moment, the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord's flash at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord's flash at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord's flash through Peter's mind. Before the rooster through Peter's mind. Before the rooster through Peter's mind. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you'll deny me crows tomorrow morning, you'll deny me crows tomorrow morning, you'll deny me three times that you even know me." And three times that you even know me." And three times that you even know me." And Peter left the courtyard weeping Peter left the courtyard weeping Peter left the courtyard weeping bitterly. Wow. He set the enemy's fire. bitterly. Wow. He set the enemy's fire. bitterly. Wow. He set the enemy's fire. He's with the wrong people at the wrong He's with the wrong people at the wrong He's with the wrong people at the wrong place at the wrong time and he's about place at the wrong time and he's about place at the wrong time and he's about to do the wrong thing. And this can to do the wrong thing. And this can to do the wrong thing. And this can happen to us, too. Don't be surprised happen to us, too. Don't be surprised happen to us, too. Don't be surprised when you hang around with godless people when you hang around with godless people when you hang around with godless people and go to godless places and end up and go to godless places and end up and go to godless places and end up doing godless things. doing godless things. doing godless things. Show me your friends, I'll show you your Show me your friends, I'll show you your Show me your friends, I'll show you your future. future. future. Psalm 1 says, "Blessed are happy is the Psalm 1 says, "Blessed are happy is the Psalm 1 says, "Blessed are happy is the man of the woman that does not walk in man of the woman that does not walk in man of the woman that does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly or stand in the counsel of the ungodly or stand in the counsel of the ungodly or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of the way of sinners or sit in the seat of the way of sinners or sit in the seat of the scornful, but instead his delight is the scornful, but instead his delight is the scornful, but instead his delight is in the word of the Lord, and in it does in the word of the Lord, and in it does in the word of the Lord, and in it does he meditate day and night." See, Peter he meditate day and night." See, Peter he meditate day and night." See, Peter was at the enemy's fire, so to speak.

was at the enemy's fire, so to speak. was at the enemy's fire, so to speak. And we actually read in Matthew's And we actually read in Matthew's And we actually read in Matthew's gospel, he came to see the end. Sad gospel, he came to see the end. Sad gospel, he came to see the end. Sad though Jesus spoke repeatedly about his though Jesus spoke repeatedly about his though Jesus spoke repeatedly about his crucifixion. He also spoke about his crucifixion. He also spoke about his crucifixion. He also spoke about his resurrection. Peter seemed to forget all resurrection. Peter seemed to forget all resurrection. Peter seemed to forget all that and he thought, "Well, this is the that and he thought, "Well, this is the that and he thought, "Well, this is the end. I might as well be here to witness end. I might as well be here to witness end. I might as well be here to witness it." And that brings us to his final it." And that brings us to his final it." And that brings us to his final step down. Number six, his denial. And step down. Number six, his denial. And step down. Number six, his denial. And don't miss the fact that an hour passed. don't miss the fact that an hour passed. don't miss the fact that an hour passed. He had plenty of time to get out of He had plenty of time to get out of He had plenty of time to get out of there. We might criticize Peter for there. We might criticize Peter for there. We might criticize Peter for that. Why didn't he leave? Well, have that. Why didn't he leave? Well, have that. Why didn't he leave? Well, have you ever given in to temptation? you ever given in to temptation? you ever given in to temptation? Have you ever stayed where you were Have you ever stayed where you were Have you ever stayed where you were instead of walking out when you could? instead of walking out when you could? instead of walking out when you could? And that's what Peter failed to do. And And that's what Peter failed to do. And And that's what Peter failed to do. And then they identify him by his Galilean then they identify him by his Galilean then they identify him by his Galilean accent. Oh, you're a Galilean. accent. Oh, you're a Galilean. accent. Oh, you're a Galilean. Now this is sort of like a sophisticated Now this is sort of like a sophisticated Now this is sort of like a sophisticated educated person saying to someone who educated person saying to someone who educated person saying to someone who has not been educated, does not have a has not been educated, does not have a has not been educated, does not have a degree, well you would no you're not degree, well you would no you're not degree, well you would no you're not educated like I am. That's how the educated like I am. That's how the educated like I am. That's how the people in Jerusalem viewed the people people in Jerusalem viewed the people people in Jerusalem viewed the people from Galilee. Or it might be like a from Galilee. Or it might be like a from Galilee. Or it might be like a person living in the big city looking a person living in the big city looking a person living in the big city looking a scance from someone from the country.

scance from someone from the country. scance from someone from the country. Oh, you don't know what you're talking Oh, you don't know what you're talking Oh, you don't know what you're talking about. You're like a country bumpkin. about. You're like a country bumpkin. about. You're like a country bumpkin. Oh, you've got the Galilean accent. And Oh, you've got the Galilean accent. And Oh, you've got the Galilean accent. And Peter denies that he knows Jesus and he Peter denies that he knows Jesus and he Peter denies that he knows Jesus and he took an oath and swore he never knew took an oath and swore he never knew took an oath and swore he never knew him. Now, that doesn't mean that he used him. Now, that doesn't mean that he used him. Now, that doesn't mean that he used profanity. It's even worse. Actually, profanity. It's even worse. Actually, profanity. It's even worse. Actually, the phrase that is used by saying he the phrase that is used by saying he the phrase that is used by saying he took an oath means he literally said, "I took an oath means he literally said, "I took an oath means he literally said, "I swear to God I never knew Jesus." In swear to God I never knew Jesus." In swear to God I never knew Jesus." In what would be the most extreme version what would be the most extreme version what would be the most extreme version of taking the Lord's name in vain, Peter of taking the Lord's name in vain, Peter of taking the Lord's name in vain, Peter in effect said, "I swear to God, I never in effect said, "I swear to God, I never in effect said, "I swear to God, I never knew Jesus." And then Jesus walked by knew Jesus." And then Jesus walked by knew Jesus." And then Jesus walked by and he saw Jesus. Wow. The rooster and he saw Jesus. Wow. The rooster and he saw Jesus. Wow. The rooster crows, the denial happens, and he makes crows, the denial happens, and he makes crows, the denial happens, and he makes eye contact with Christ. Now, the Lord eye contact with Christ. Now, the Lord eye contact with Christ. Now, the Lord is probably being led from one place to is probably being led from one place to is probably being led from one place to another. And there in the glow of the another. And there in the glow of the another. And there in the glow of the fire, Peter looked at Jesus and Jesus fire, Peter looked at Jesus and Jesus fire, Peter looked at Jesus and Jesus looked at Peter. Now, how did Jesus look looked at Peter. Now, how did Jesus look looked at Peter. Now, how did Jesus look at Peter? It could be translated, Jesus at Peter? It could be translated, Jesus at Peter? It could be translated, Jesus looked right through Peter. Have you looked right through Peter. Have you looked right through Peter. Have you ever had someone look right through you?

ever had someone look right through you? ever had someone look right through you? Let me restate the question. Do you have Let me restate the question. Do you have Let me restate the question. Do you have a mother? a mother? a mother? Remember when you were in trouble as a Remember when you were in trouble as a Remember when you were in trouble as a kid? Where have you been? kid? Where have you been? kid? Where have you been? Or maybe you're with your wife or your Or maybe you're with your wife or your Or maybe you're with your wife or your husband out at dinner with friends. They husband out at dinner with friends. They husband out at dinner with friends. They say something they're not supposed to say something they're not supposed to say something they're not supposed to say. You give them the look like they don't respond. They keep talking. they don't respond. They keep talking. You kick him under the table. You're You kick him under the table. You're You kick him under the table. You're giving them the look. Nothing, right? Is giving them the look. Nothing, right? Is giving them the look. Nothing, right? Is that what Jesus did? Did he see Peter that what Jesus did? Did he see Peter that what Jesus did? Did he see Peter there in the glow of the fire and just there in the glow of the fire and just there in the glow of the fire and just give him the look like, "How dare you?" give him the look like, "How dare you?" give him the look like, "How dare you?" Or did he roll his eyes like, "Hey, Or did he roll his eyes like, "Hey, Or did he roll his eyes like, "Hey, I said you'd do this." No, I think I said you'd do this." No, I think I said you'd do this." No, I think actually actually actually I don't know this factually, but I think I don't know this factually, but I think I don't know this factually, but I think he looked at him with love. He had he looked at him with love. He had he looked at him with love. He had already predicted this. Remember, he already predicted this. Remember, he already predicted this. Remember, he said, "When you're converted, strengthen said, "When you're converted, strengthen said, "When you're converted, strengthen your brothers. You're going to be back, your brothers. You're going to be back, your brothers. You're going to be back, Peter." And that's what broke Peter's Peter." And that's what broke Peter's Peter." And that's what broke Peter's heart. That's why Peter went out and heart. That's why Peter went out and heart. That's why Peter went out and wept bitterly. wept bitterly. wept bitterly. So, he still loved Peter. He knew Peter So, he still loved Peter. He knew Peter So, he still loved Peter. He knew Peter would do this. Did Peter fail? Yes, would do this. Did Peter fail? Yes, would do this. Did Peter fail? Yes, miserably. Did Peter deny the Lord? Yes, miserably. Did Peter deny the Lord? Yes, miserably. Did Peter deny the Lord? Yes, with an oath. Was Peter still a with an oath. Was Peter still a with an oath. Was Peter still a believer? Absolutely. He's a fallen believer? Absolutely. He's a fallen believer? Absolutely. He's a fallen believer. But Jesus said, "I'm going to believer. But Jesus said, "I'm going to believer. But Jesus said, "I'm going to restore you again." Because God would restore you again." Because God would restore you again." Because God would uses failure as a way to encourage uses failure as a way to encourage uses failure as a way to encourage others who have failed because we follow others who have failed because we follow others who have failed because we follow a God that gives second chances. You a God that gives second chances. You a God that gives second chances. You know, it's interesting. Two people went

know, it's interesting. Two people went know, it's interesting. Two people went into the darkness of night. Judas the into the darkness of night. Judas the into the darkness of night. Judas the Scariot who betrayed him went and took Scariot who betrayed him went and took Scariot who betrayed him went and took his own life. And Simon Peter wept his own life. And Simon Peter wept his own life. And Simon Peter wept bitterly, but he returned to Jesus bitterly, but he returned to Jesus bitterly, but he returned to Jesus again. Peter was broken, but not again. Peter was broken, but not again. Peter was broken, but not abandoned. He had failed, but he was not abandoned. He had failed, but he was not abandoned. He had failed, but he was not finished. He wept, but his story did not finished. He wept, but his story did not finished. He wept, but his story did not end in tears because Jesus restored him. end in tears because Jesus restored him. end in tears because Jesus restored him. So, we flash forward now to John 21. So, we flash forward now to John 21. So, we flash forward now to John 21. Christ is risen. Peter and the others go Christ is risen. Peter and the others go Christ is risen. Peter and the others go out and fish. They catch nothing. Sounds out and fish. They catch nothing. Sounds out and fish. They catch nothing. Sounds familiar. It's early morning. The sun familiar. It's early morning. The sun familiar. It's early morning. The sun has not yet risen. They hear a voice has not yet risen. They hear a voice has not yet risen. They hear a voice call from the shore. Boys, have you call from the shore. Boys, have you call from the shore. Boys, have you caught anything? One of them was caught anything? One of them was caught anything? One of them was probably thinking, who's it calling probably thinking, who's it calling probably thinking, who's it calling boys? We're adult men. Boys, get boys? We're adult men. Boys, get boys? We're adult men. Boys, get anything? Uh, no. Why don't you throw anything? Uh, no. Why don't you throw anything? Uh, no. Why don't you throw the net on the other side of the boat? the net on the other side of the boat? the net on the other side of the boat? One of them says, I think we've heard One of them says, I think we've heard One of them says, I think we've heard this somewhere before. and they throw this somewhere before. and they throw this somewhere before. and they throw the net in the other side of the boat the net in the other side of the boat the net in the other side of the boat and they're pulling in so many fish they and they're pulling in so many fish they and they're pulling in so many fish they can't contain them. And John, often the can't contain them. And John, often the can't contain them. And John, often the most perceptive of the disciples, said, most perceptive of the disciples, said, most perceptive of the disciples, said, "It's the Lord." Peter is so excited. He "It's the Lord." Peter is so excited. He "It's the Lord." Peter is so excited. He can't wait to rode ashore. He dives out can't wait to rode ashore. He dives out can't wait to rode ashore. He dives out of the boat, swims to shore, and there of the boat, swims to shore, and there of the boat, swims to shore, and there sits Jesus. Imagine the scene.

sits Jesus. Imagine the scene. sits Jesus. Imagine the scene. There's a fire. There's the Lord. He There's a fire. There's the Lord. He There's a fire. There's the Lord. He says, "Bring me the fish you caught." says, "Bring me the fish you caught." says, "Bring me the fish you caught." And Peter brings him the fish, and Jesus And Peter brings him the fish, and Jesus And Peter brings him the fish, and Jesus prepares it. And then he says this, prepares it. And then he says this, prepares it. And then he says this, "Come and have breakfast." I love that "Come and have breakfast." I love that "Come and have breakfast." I love that scene. Come and have breakfast. I would scene. Come and have breakfast. I would scene. Come and have breakfast. I would love to have breakfast with Jesus. love to have breakfast with Jesus. love to have breakfast with Jesus. Wouldn't you? But he was a great chef, Wouldn't you? But he was a great chef, Wouldn't you? But he was a great chef, still bearing in his hands the marks of still bearing in his hands the marks of still bearing in his hands the marks of the crucifixion. So he prepares this the crucifixion. So he prepares this the crucifixion. So he prepares this meal. They eat the meal in silence. And meal. They eat the meal in silence. And meal. They eat the meal in silence. And finally Jesus turns to Peter and says, finally Jesus turns to Peter and says, finally Jesus turns to Peter and says, "Peter, "Peter, "Peter, do you love me?" Peter in the glow of do you love me?" Peter in the glow of do you love me?" Peter in the glow of the fire is thinking, "Ah, this is kind the fire is thinking, "Ah, this is kind the fire is thinking, "Ah, this is kind of a deja vu all over again moment." of a deja vu all over again moment." of a deja vu all over again moment." "Oh yeah, I denied him in the glow of a "Oh yeah, I denied him in the glow of a "Oh yeah, I denied him in the glow of a fire." And here he is asking me if I fire." And here he is asking me if I fire." And here he is asking me if I love him. "Do you love me?" asked Jesus. love him. "Do you love me?" asked Jesus. love him. "Do you love me?" asked Jesus. And Peter says, "Lord, you know that I And Peter says, "Lord, you know that I And Peter says, "Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." A moment passes. Jesus says, "Peter, son A moment passes. Jesus says, "Peter, son A moment passes. Jesus says, "Peter, son of Jonas, do you love me more than of Jonas, do you love me more than of Jonas, do you love me more than these?" Ah, notice the difference. But these?" Ah, notice the difference. But these?" Ah, notice the difference. But first it's do you love me now? Do you first it's do you love me now? Do you first it's do you love me now? Do you love me more than these? The other love me more than these? The other love me more than these? The other Peter, the old Peter would have said, Peter, the old Peter would have said, Peter, the old Peter would have said, "Oh yes, I love you more than these. Oh, "Oh yes, I love you more than these. Oh, "Oh yes, I love you more than these. Oh, I'll deny you. I'll never deny you." The I'll deny you. I'll never deny you." The I'll deny you. I'll never deny you." The new improved, repentant, humbled Peter new improved, repentant, humbled Peter new improved, repentant, humbled Peter says, "Lord, you know I love you. Feed says, "Lord, you know I love you. Feed says, "Lord, you know I love you. Feed my lambs." And a third time he says, my lambs." And a third time he says, my lambs." And a third time he says, "Feed my sheep." What's the point of "Feed my sheep." What's the point of "Feed my sheep." What's the point of this? Jesus was recommissioning Peter.

this? Jesus was recommissioning Peter. this? Jesus was recommissioning Peter. Jesus was giving Peter a second chance. Jesus was giving Peter a second chance. Jesus was giving Peter a second chance. And God will give a second chance to any And God will give a second chance to any And God will give a second chance to any person who comes to their senses and person who comes to their senses and person who comes to their senses and comes to him or returns to him. Jeremiah comes to him or returns to him. Jeremiah comes to him or returns to him. Jeremiah 3:22, the Lord says, "Return, faithless 3:22, the Lord says, "Return, faithless 3:22, the Lord says, "Return, faithless people, and I will cure you of people, and I will cure you of people, and I will cure you of backsliding." backsliding." backsliding." The Bible says, "Seek the Lord while he The Bible says, "Seek the Lord while he The Bible says, "Seek the Lord while he may be found. Call on the Lord while he may be found. Call on the Lord while he may be found. Call on the Lord while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way is near. Let the wicked forsake his way is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts and and the unrighteous man his thoughts and and the unrighteous man his thoughts and let him return to our God who will let him return to our God who will let him return to our God who will pardon abundantly. pardon abundantly. pardon abundantly. Do you need to return to our God? Do you Do you need to return to our God? Do you Do you need to return to our God? Do you need to come back to the Lord? need to come back to the Lord? need to come back to the Lord? Have you failed like Peter? Maybe not by Have you failed like Peter? Maybe not by Have you failed like Peter? Maybe not by denying him, but in other ways. Have you denying him, but in other ways. Have you denying him, but in other ways. Have you backsliden? Are you backsliding? backsliden? Are you backsliding? backsliden? Are you backsliding? Or maybe you've never known Jesus at Or maybe you've never known Jesus at Or maybe you've never known Jesus at all? You know all about Jesus. You were all? You know all about Jesus. You were all? You know all about Jesus. You were raised going to church, but have you raised going to church, but have you raised going to church, but have you asked Christ to come and live in your asked Christ to come and live in your asked Christ to come and live in your heart as your savior and your lord? You heart as your savior and your lord? You heart as your savior and your lord? You say, "Well, I think so." You think so?

say, "Well, I think so." You think so? say, "Well, I think so." You think so? If Christ is living in you, you'll know If Christ is living in you, you'll know If Christ is living in you, you'll know it. If someone moved into your house at it. If someone moved into your house at it. If someone moved into your house at 3:00 in the morning, do you think you'd 3:00 in the morning, do you think you'd 3:00 in the morning, do you think you'd know they're cooking fish in the know they're cooking fish in the know they're cooking fish in the morning? What's going on here? I'm not morning? What's going on here? I'm not morning? What's going on here? I'm not implying becoming a Christian is like implying becoming a Christian is like implying becoming a Christian is like having someone move in your house and having someone move in your house and having someone move in your house and cook fish. What I'm saying is you would cook fish. What I'm saying is you would cook fish. What I'm saying is you would know if someone moved in your house. And know if someone moved in your house. And know if someone moved in your house. And if the creator of the universe has taken if the creator of the universe has taken if the creator of the universe has taken residence in your heart, you'll know it. residence in your heart, you'll know it. residence in your heart, you'll know it. And if you don't know it, maybe it's And if you don't know it, maybe it's And if you don't know it, maybe it's because he hasn't yet. Okay? Well, what because he hasn't yet. Okay? Well, what because he hasn't yet. Okay? Well, what what am I supposed to do? You need to what am I supposed to do? You need to what am I supposed to do? You need to invite him in. You see, being a invite him in. You see, being a invite him in. You see, being a Christian isn't becoming more religious. Christian isn't becoming more religious. Christian isn't becoming more religious. Being a Christian isn't following a list Being a Christian isn't following a list Being a Christian isn't following a list of rules and regulations. of rules and regulations. of rules and regulations. Being a Christian is Christ living in Being a Christian is Christ living in Being a Christian is Christ living in you. It's a relationship. The Bible you. It's a relationship. The Bible you. It's a relationship. The Bible says, "For as many as received him, he says, "For as many as received him, he says, "For as many as received him, he gave the power to become sons of God." gave the power to become sons of God." gave the power to become sons of God." Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and I knock. And if you will hear my and I knock. And if you will hear my and I knock. And if you will hear my voice and open the door, I will come voice and open the door, I will come voice and open the door, I will come in." Have you asked Jesus to come into in." Have you asked Jesus to come into in." Have you asked Jesus to come into your life? If not, why don't you do it your life? If not, why don't you do it your life? If not, why don't you do it right now? Right now, right now? Right now, right now? Right now, without delay or come back to him, he's without delay or come back to him, he's without delay or come back to him, he's just a prayer away. In a moment, I'm just a prayer away. In a moment, I'm just a prayer away. In a moment, I'm going to pray for you and hopefully pray going to pray for you and hopefully pray going to pray for you and hopefully pray with you and give you an opportunity for with you and give you an opportunity for with you and give you an opportunity for you to put your faith in Jesus Christ.

you to put your faith in Jesus Christ. you to put your faith in Jesus Christ. For you to be forgiven of your sin, for For you to be forgiven of your sin, for For you to be forgiven of your sin, for you to know that when you die, you will you to know that when you die, you will you to know that when you die, you will go to heaven. For you to fill that void go to heaven. For you to fill that void go to heaven. For you to fill that void deep in your life. Let's pray now. deep in your life. Let's pray now. deep in your life. Let's pray now. Father, I pray for everyone here. Father, I pray for everyone here. Father, I pray for everyone here. If there's anyone here that does not If there's anyone here that does not If there's anyone here that does not know you, and I'm sure there are some, know you, and I'm sure there are some, know you, and I'm sure there are some, or if there's anyone here that has or if there's anyone here that has or if there's anyone here that has fallen away from you, let this be the fallen away from you, let this be the fallen away from you, let this be the moment they return, moment they return, moment they return, return to you return to you return to you and be forgiven of their sin. Now, while and be forgiven of their sin. Now, while and be forgiven of their sin. Now, while our heads are bowed and our eyes are our heads are bowed and our eyes are our heads are bowed and our eyes are closed and we're praying, how many today closed and we're praying, how many today closed and we're praying, how many today would say, "I need Jesus Christ. I want would say, "I need Jesus Christ. I want would say, "I need Jesus Christ. I want Christ to come into my life, and I want Christ to come into my life, and I want Christ to come into my life, and I want him to forgive me of my sin. And I want him to forgive me of my sin. And I want him to forgive me of my sin. And I want to know that when I die, I will go to to know that when I die, I will go to to know that when I die, I will go to heaven. heaven. heaven. Pray for me. I want Jesus to come into Pray for me. I want Jesus to come into Pray for me. I want Jesus to come into my life. Now, if that's your desire, if my life. Now, if that's your desire, if my life. Now, if that's your desire, if you want Christ to come into your heart, you want Christ to come into your heart, you want Christ to come into your heart, if you want to fill that void in your if you want to fill that void in your if you want to fill that void in your life, if you want to know that you'll go life, if you want to know that you'll go life, if you want to know that you'll go to heaven when you die, would you just to heaven when you die, would you just to heaven when you die, would you just lift your hand up wherever you are? And lift your hand up wherever you are? And lift your hand up wherever you are? And I'm going to pray for you. God bless I'm going to pray for you. God bless I'm going to pray for you. God bless you. Raise your hand up. Let me pray for you. Raise your hand up. Let me pray for you. Raise your hand up. Let me pray for you. God bless you. Raise your hand up.

you. God bless you. Raise your hand up. you. God bless you. Raise your hand up. God bless. I can't see you guys God bless. I can't see you guys God bless. I can't see you guys everywhere. Some of you are watching on everywhere. Some of you are watching on everywhere. Some of you are watching on a screen in Riverside or in an overflow a screen in Riverside or in an overflow a screen in Riverside or in an overflow room here, but you can raise your hand room here, but you can raise your hand room here, but you can raise your hand as well. The Lord sees you. God bless as well. The Lord sees you. God bless as well. The Lord sees you. God bless you. Anybody else? Raise your hand up. you. Anybody else? Raise your hand up. you. Anybody else? Raise your hand up. You want Christ in your life today? Let You want Christ in your life today? Let You want Christ in your life today? Let me pray for you. God bless you. Yes. me pray for you. God bless you. Yes. me pray for you. God bless you. Yes. I'll wait one more moment. Anybody else? I'll wait one more moment. Anybody else? I'll wait one more moment. Anybody else? You want Jesus to come into your heart You want Jesus to come into your heart You want Jesus to come into your heart and life? Raise your hand up and I'll and life? Raise your hand up and I'll and life? Raise your hand up and I'll pray for you. pray for you. pray for you. [clears throat] Now, while our heads are [clears throat] Now, while our heads are [clears throat] Now, while our heads are still bowed, maybe there's someone that still bowed, maybe there's someone that still bowed, maybe there's someone that would say, "I've fallen just like Peter. would say, "I've fallen just like Peter. would say, "I've fallen just like Peter. I I've messed up, but I want to come I I've messed up, but I want to come I I've messed up, but I want to come back to the Lord. I I'm a prodigal son. back to the Lord. I I'm a prodigal son. back to the Lord. I I'm a prodigal son. I'm a prodigal daughter, and I want to I'm a prodigal daughter, and I want to I'm a prodigal daughter, and I want to return to the Lord today." If that's return to the Lord today." If that's return to the Lord today." If that's your desire, raise your hand up and let your desire, raise your hand up and let your desire, raise your hand up and let me pray for you. You want to come back me pray for you. You want to come back me pray for you. You want to come back to the Lord, make that recommmitment to to the Lord, make that recommmitment to to the Lord, make that recommmitment to him. God bless you and you raise your him. God bless you and you raise your him. God bless you and you raise your hand up. You want to recommmit your life hand up. You want to recommmit your life hand up. You want to recommmit your life to Christ. Let me pray for you. Raise to Christ. Let me pray for you. Raise to Christ. Let me pray for you. Raise your hand. God bless all of you. Now, your hand. God bless all of you. Now, your hand. God bless all of you. Now, every one of you that has raised your every one of you that has raised your every one of you that has raised your hand, I want you to pray this prayer hand, I want you to pray this prayer hand, I want you to pray this prayer with me. You could pray it out loud if with me. You could pray it out loud if with me. You could pray it out loud if you'd like, but pray it after me. Pray you'd like, but pray it after me. Pray you'd like, but pray it after me. Pray these words if you would. Please pray.

these words if you would. Please pray. these words if you would. Please pray. Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, but I know I know that I'm a sinner, but I know I know that I'm a sinner, but I know that you're the Savior who died on the that you're the Savior who died on the that you're the Savior who died on the cross for my sin and rose again from the cross for my sin and rose again from the cross for my sin and rose again from the dead. I turn from my sin now and I dead. I turn from my sin now and I dead. I turn from my sin now and I choose to follow you as my savior and choose to follow you as my savior and choose to follow you as my savior and lord, as my God and my friend from this lord, as my God and my friend from this lord, as my God and my friend from this day forward. day forward. day forward. Thank you for hearing this prayer and Thank you for hearing this prayer and Thank you for hearing this prayer and answering this prayer. In Jesus name I answering this prayer. In Jesus name I answering this prayer. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. God bless each one of you pray. Amen. God bless each one of you pray. Amen. God bless each one of you that prayed that prayer. that prayed that prayer. that prayed that prayer. >> [applause]