White Cross is in need of greeting cards to make scripture cards for the people of the Congo. If you have surplus cards and are willing to donate please bring them to the Engage booth and drop them in the basket.
Conversation Starter
Jesus found Peter doing what was comfortable and familiar. Where/what would that be for you?
Sermon Discussion (Read John 21)
Key Statement: Sin does not stop Jesus from coming to you, don’t let it stop you from coming to Jesus.
Compare this story with Luke 5:1-11
Why do you think Jesus might repeat this type of miracle now?
What effect would it have on Peter?
Pastor David said it's easy to look at what Peter did and exclaim “I would never do that!” He also challenged us that we are constantly denying Jesus.
Do you agree with his assessment? Why or why not?
Our flesh desires to hear Jesus say “I forgive you” and move on, but Jesus didn’t do it that way:
Why do you think Jesus knew he had to ask Peter more than 1 time?
Look at verse 15, Jesus asked that first question differently. What was Jesus trying to tell or show Peter?
Read Hebrews 12:5-6 in light of this story:
What does this tell us about what Jesus was doing with Peter and how He works in our lives today?
Going Deeper/Application
Read 2 Corinthians 7:8-11
Think about Peter’s grief/hurt, in response to facing his sin, why is this an important step?
What is the difference between grief that leads to repentance and restoration and grief that leads to condemnation?
How do you distinguish between the two in your life?
Read James 4:7-10
What does this tell us about repentance?
What does it tell us about how to fight against not coming back to sin?
Final Challenge:
Come back to and reflect on the Key Statement: Sin does not stop Jesus from coming to you, don’t let it stop you from coming to Jesus.
Is there a part of your life or heart that is struggling to come to Jesus? How can we pray for you?
Prayer Time
This week could be a good week for gender breakout groups
Consider: Instead of taking prayer requests, spend time praying for each other based on what is shared in the “Final Challenge” (Either as a whole or after breaking up into gender groups)
Please continually be in prayer over our Pastoral search process. This week please specifically pray for the NL Moore consultants and that they would trust the Lord with all of their heart and not rely on their own human experience or understanding, but that they would consistently acknowledge Him and trust Him to lead them in the way they should go.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Our offices are closed from December 23 to January 1.