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      • Jesus, Peter and a Volkswagen

      Resource Details

      Jesus, Peter and a Volkswagen Van

      Kurt Johnston | December 31, 2017

      Imagine if someone you deeply admired asked you to walk away from your profession and passions to follow another path for your life. In this message, Pastor Kurt Johnston teaches us about Peter’s commitment to follow Jesus — and how he reacted when it was decision time. You’ll learn how Peter went through stages in his relationship with Christ, taking him from dedication and distance to denial and direction. Find out how to turn things around in the new year and get your walk with God headed in the right direction.

      Message Action Plan

      Message Action Plan

      Peter was dedicated to Jesus. - Matthew 4:18–20 (NLT)

      “One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.” - Matthew 14:28–29 (NLT)

      “Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.”

      Action plan: Decide on a big goal for God to accomplish with you this year. Make sure it’s a big step that you need to depend on God to achieve. It may be helpful to break the goal into monthly pieces for you to focus on sequentially throughout the year.

      Peter distanced himself from Jesus. - Luke 22:54 (NLT)

      “So they arrested him and led him to the high priest’s home. And Peter followed at a distance.”

      Action plan: Is there an area of your life where you tend to hide your love for Christ? Think of a few ways you can start taking steps to be a bit more proud of your faith (Share about something you learned at church; when talking about your life don’t be afraid to talk about your faith; wear a shirt from church while out in public; etc.).  

      Peter denied Jesus. - Luke 22:55–60 (NLT)

      “The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there. 56 A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!”

      57  But Peter denied it. “Woman,” he said, “I don’t even know him!”      58 After a while someone else looked at him and said, “You must be one of them!” No, man, I’m not!” Peter retorted. 59 About an hour later someone else insisted, “This must be one of them, because he is a Galilean, too.”

      60 But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.”

      Thought For The Week: I can always decide to get headed in the right direction!

      Action plan: Make a sign of the above statement (I can always decide to get headed in the right direction!)  Place one on the fridge, one at your desk, and one on your phone so you can be easily reminded to quickly redirect yourself towards the path God has for you.

      More from this series

      More from this series

      Staying On Course
      December 31 - December 31, 2017
      • Jesus, Peter and a Volkswagen Van
        December 31, 2017
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