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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.
Thanks so much for joining us today for the Weekday Podcast. We would love to see you at Sugar Hill Church for one of our gatherings each Sunday at 9:30, and 11, and we are always streaming live at live.sugarhill.church.
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Have an awesome day!
Chuck is the Lead Pastor at Sugar Hill Church. He’s been the Lead Pastor since 2011, but he’s been around Sugar Hill Church since 2008. Since day one, Chuck’s passion has been to encourage others with this one big belief: “You can do this! You can love God with all your heart, mind and soul and be normal!" You will often hear him say, “the Bible is a very big deal, Jesus is the very biggest deal and living that out always involves serving people here and around the globe.” Chuck's passion is to graciously lead people to Jesus and create a simple path for them to grow in their faith. Some of his goals are to reduce the dropout rate in our local schools, serve with our missions partners well, lead our church and families with a healthy fiscal plan, and in the future, to provide transitional housing for single moms. Chuck and his wife, Jenny, stay plenty busy with six daughters, three son-in-laws, five grandkids and an awesome dog, Kirby. They are foodies and enjoy eating through the Atlanta Magazine Top 50 Restaurants. Chuck’s favorite things to do include fishing, reading, writing and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs!
Bobby serves as both the Associate Pastor and the Teaching Pastor at Sugar Hill Church. He has been on staff here since December, 2008 (where he started part-time in Student Ministry). Bobby’s passion comes from a love of seeing the light-bulb go on for folks. Whether it’s in a small group, a NEXT gathering, or during a weekend message, he loves seeing people “get it” and apply the truth to their lives. As one of our pastors here, Bobby helps individuals take the next steps in their faith, he helps the church fulfill its God-given mission, and he gives day-to-day direction to our Adult Ministries, Communications, and Finance teams. In his spare time, you can find Bobby riding his motorcycle, working out, reading, or eating gas station tacos. He and his wife, Laura, have been married since January, 2011, and they have a very “manly” 10lb cockapoo named Ollie. He would love to connect more, so find him on social media (@bobbymcgraw) or check out his blog at yourbetterstory.com.
