Message from Chuck Allen on August 1, 2022
In this episode of the Sugar Hill Church weekday podcast, Pastor Chuck Allen shares an encouraging message from Matthew 26 about Peter’s denial of Jesus. He reminds us that stumbling in our faith is part of life, but just like Peter, we can get back up and keep growing. Our salvation isn’t based on our faithfulness but on Christ’s resurrection, and that gives us hope to keep moving forward. So, when you stumble, let it strengthen your faith and trust in God’s grace.
Hi everybody and thanks so much for joining me on today's weekday podcast.
In Matthew's Gospel in chapter 26, the Scripture starts in verse 30 and says they sang a hymn and went directly to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus told them, before the night's over, you're going to fall to pieces because of what happens to me.
There's a scripture that says, I'll strike the shepherd, helter-skelter, the sheep will be scattered. But after I'm raised up, I, your shepherd, will go ahead of you, leading the way to Galilee. And Peter broke in, even if everyone else falls to pieces on account of you, I won't. Jesus said, don't be so sure. This very night before the rooster crows up the dawn, you will deny me three times. Peter protested, even if I had to die with you, I would never deny you. All the others said the same thing.
You know, Peter is a lot like me and you. Stumbling is a way of life. It seems like every time I feel like I am grown in this wonderful way spiritually, I fall in another way.
You know, it's like playing mother may I. You take three steps forward and you take one back. But optimism is our capacity for faithfulness, isn't it? I mean, the ability to know that God will receive us again and we can grow in our faith because we have learned what it is to fall. Well, optimism is in our capacity for faithfulness, but it is not the basis for our salvation. Our trust is in Christ's resurrection because that fall was on our benefit and that faith is in his resurrection.
I'm grateful, Lord, that your plans don't depend on my loyalty, that your salvation is not contingent on my faithfulness. Your resurrection takes place regardless, and I give you all praise and all thanks because you, O God, are holy.
Hey, friend, when's the last time you stumbled? Get back up and let it grow your faith.
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Have an awesome day!
