GOD’S WORD FOR OCTOBER 28

Our  book excerpt today, and ongoing,  is from “Chiseled by the Master’s Hand”  Lessons from the Life of Peter, by Erwin  Lutzer.  Dr. Lutzer is  Canadian-born and served as Senior Pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years, until his retirement in 2016.   He now serves as Pastor Emeritus of Moody Church.  He’s written many books and has radio and internet teaching programs.

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Some would have us believe that human nature can only be modified, not changed.  Liars seldom become honest, adulterers seldom return to fidelity, and addicts seldom break free from their addiction.  Even if these habits change, the disposition of the heart remains essentially the same.

Christ taught, and honest people agree, that we are all fatally flawed.  (See Mark 7:21-23).

Seneca cried out in despair, “O, that a hand would come down from heaven and deliver me from my sin.”

Peter’s life is a powerful witness to the good news that a hand HAS reached down from heaven to give us supernatural help.  We are not confined to our own efforts in bringing about fundamental change in our character.  God has visited our planet, and because of His grace, we can be different. 

Peter met Christ during the powerful, albeit controversial ministry of John the Baptist, who commanded people to repent because the Messiah would soon be revealed.  This radical prophet attracted enough attention to warrant a visit from representatives of the religious establishment who wondered who he really was (John 1:19-29).

John’s ministry got a boost because the people were grasping for a hope that a redeemer could come and lead them into victory against Rome.  The nation was under Roman occupation, and the people responded with all of the resentment that such dominance ignites.  Not only were Roman legions visible in the cities and towns, but taxes had to be paid to these self-serving foreigners.  The Jews comforted themselves with the belief that the Messiah was coming, and that He would crush the Roman authorities and bring about a thoroughly Jewish state.  This nationalistic pride swelled the ranks of those who listened to John’s message.  Little wonder some of the fishermen of Galilee made the eighty-mile trek to where John was baptizing to satisfy their curiosity.

Jesus Himself paid a visit to John, who was His cousin in the flesh.  When John saw Him coming toward him near the Jordan, he cried out,

“Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

Then John told his disciples how he had had the privilege of baptizing the Christ, and how God Himself had born witness that “This was the son of God.”

Two  of John’s disciples heard his speech and were so impressed that they left John to follow Christ to His abode.

“What do you seek?”  Jesus asked. 

They responded, “Rabbi, (which means Teacher), where are You staying?”

Jesus was always ready to take time for seekers, so He extended the invitation,

“Come and you will see”

They walked with Him to where He was staying, and, according to Roman custom, visited with Him from 10 in the morning until sunset.

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2 Peter 1:3

as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Acts 13:34

And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’

Matthew 3:11

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Acts 2:38

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

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