Tag: John 21:15-19

Faith’s Outcome!

Posted in General epistles-BibleTrekToday - November 7, 2025 - 0 Comment

Scripture reading for November 7: 1 Peter 1

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire–may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:3-9

Peter was chosen by Jesus Christ to become a disciple and follower. He was a brash fisherman who followed Jesus at His invitation. After three years of following, Peter denied Jesus three times during Jesus’ trial before His crucifixion. He wept bitterly and went back to fishing. But Jesus came to him after His resurrection and restored him asking the question, “Do you love Me?” (John 21:15-19) Peter was restored and given the mission to feed Jesus’ sheep as an apostle and pastor. This first letter of Peter talks much about faith and suffering and the expected return of the living Lord Jesus for His people.

Peter worshipped the Lord Jesus for His great mercy and work of salvation through His death, burial and resurrection from the dead. Through this Gospel message, we can all be born again into a living Hope. Believers become part of God’s forever family and have obtained an eternal inheritance that can not be ruined. Believers have their inheritance guaranteed by the Holy Spirit and guarded by their faith until the fulness of salvation appears with Jesus Christ at the resurrection. Even though we don’t see Jesus now, we believe and rejoice in a joy inexpressible in anticipation of eternal glory. Jesus is coming and our joy and love will be complete in resurrection glory.

Have you been born again into this living Hope through faith in Jesus Christ? How does faith guard you from losing this living Hope? Is your faith based on what you see or feel? What outcome do you expect from your faith?

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfector of my faith. Thank You for His death as a sacrifice for my sin, His burial in a grave, and His glorious resurrection on the third day. I await my promised inheritance and joyfully share the Gospel of Grace with those You send me to. Amen.

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Rejoicing in suffering for Christ

Posted in General epistles-BibleTrekToday, Gospels - December 14, 2024 - 0 Comment

Scripture reading for December 14: 1st Peter 1-5

The writings of Peter are always encouraging to me.  He was always optimistic, even to the point of being boastful!  He sometimes spoke before he thought.  Jesus chose him in spite of all his obvious flaws and he became the leader of the original disciples.  Thankfully, perfection isn’t a requirement for discipleship!

Before ascending to heaven, John records Jesus restoring Peter after serving him a breakfast on the shores of Galilee.  He asked Peter three times if he loved Him.  Peter responded “yes, Lord” to make up for the three denials!  Jesus then told him how he would suffer and die for God’s glory.  (John 21:15-19)

Peter mentioned suffering numerous times in his letters.  Although Peter told his readers that they were a chosen people and royal priesthood, he warns them that they would be treated unjustly because Christ, our example, was also treated unjustly.  (1st Peter 2:9) “For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.  But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it?  But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.  In this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving an example that you should follow in His steps.” (1st Peter 2:19-21) 

Christ’s attitude in His own unjust suffering should be ours.  ” He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.”  “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, he made no threats.  Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1st Peter 2:22-23)  He was perfectly obedient to the Father and chose to act in love and trust in God’s ability to judge and repay. 

Suffering for Christ is a part of life as a true Christian in this world.  Christ suffered in His body and we will too.  (1st Peter 4:1-2)  Suffering has a purifying effect when we have the right attitude.  We focus on Christ and His love and justice and His purposes become clearer.  We cease from sin and live more fully for our Lord.  We are always ready to share the reason for our hope with others.  (1st Peter 3:15)

” Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as if something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.  If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of Glory and God rests on you.” (1 Peter 4:12-14) Rejoice today in your trials and expect blessing!

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“Do you love Me?”

Posted in Gospels - November 19, 2021 - 0 Comment

Scripture reading for November 19th: John 21

Key Scriptures: John 21:15-17 “When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said, “Feed My lambs.” He said to Him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him a third time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” and he said to Him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.””

Before Jesus’ crucifixion, Peter had pledged that he loved Jesus and was willing to go with Him to prison and death. (Luke 22:33-34) After Jesus was arrested, Peter denied Jesus three times as Jesus had prophetically announced. Peter had failed the Lord and he had wept bitterly. After the resurrection of Jesus, in His third appearance to His disciples, Jesus singled out Peter to purposely draw out his love and commission him to do the work of ministry that He had called him to. He had returned to fishing, but Jesus had called him to fish for men and pastor those who would believe on Him. These searching questions concerning our love for Jesus and His call speak to us today. Even when our faith falters, Jesus is praying for us and is willing and able to restore us. Confess your love and willingness today.

Luke 22:31-32 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Faith confession and prayer: Father God, thank You for this record of Jesus seeking out Peter to draw out his love and devotion in the face of failure. Help me today to stay strong even when I feel that I have failed You and not fulfilled my devotion or commitments. Confront me and draw me and I will run after You. Yes, Lord, I love and follow You and will care for Your sheep.

John 21:18-19 “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This He said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after this He said to him, “Follow Me.””

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