"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him". Hebrews 11:6 reveals how faith is so important that it is impossible to please God without it. What would you say is the greatest area, among believers, where faith is lacking?
Instructions
Write your initial post of 1 to 2 paragraphs in the "Post a Message" section. Your initial post must be completed by Wednesday at 11:59 PM, CST. Next, comment with a reply on two of your classmates posts by Friday 11:59 PM CST.
Acts 2:36 is a pivotal statement in Peter’s sermon. I believe Peter is TRULY aware that Jesus was the Messiah by the signs and wonders that He has witnessed. Although He walked with God as a Disciple, I believe the difference came when he physically saw Jesus die on the cross and then physically saw Him appear again. That cannot be explained; nor can that be coincidence or magic. Jesus performed many miracles, but one may question the authenticity or validity of them. The death, burial, and re...
I believe that when Jesus asked Peter and the other disciples who do men say that I am, then he asked them who do you say I am. In Matthew 16:13-17 Peter says thou art the Christ son of the living God. It was like Peter knew that he didn't come up with that, so Jesus lets him know it was not you (flesh and blood) but God the father from heaven that gave him that. This is one point to let him know you will have to depend on him (God) not yourself, with other events that Peter encountered lets him...
In Acts 1 Luke describes when Jesus was talking to the disciples before he was taken up into Heaven. Jesus said in Acts 1:8 that you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you which was a pivotal moment. I believe this was all astonishing to the disciples but also transformative. After Jesus was taken up into heaven the disciples began to anticipate the Holy Spirit that Jesus spoke of. I believe God was doing a work in the heart of Peter and that He had repented in his heart fo...
I believe the key point of preparation that enabled Holy Spirit to use Peter was when he denied Christ. It was at that point that He realized that He could not trust himself. The scripture says in Proverbs 28:26, He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. Before that point, Peter showed great leadership. Peter got out the boat and walked on water at Jesus' invitation, He went up with Jesus to the Mount of Transfiguration and when asked who Jesus was, Peter reve...
One key event that sparked a transformation in Peter between his denial of Jesus and his sermon on the Day of Pentecost was the resurrection of Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. After Peter denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-62), he was broken and ashamed, but Jesus, in His grace, restored him after the resurrection. In John 21:15-17, Jesus reaffirmed Peter’s calling by asking him three times, Do you love me? and then commanding him to feed His sheep. This personal restoration no...
Peter's transformation boldness stemmed from his devotion to Jesus, his time spent with Jesus, and his subsequent experience of the Holy Spirit's power on the Day of Pentecost, which allowed him to preach with newfound authority and conviction, contrasting sharply with his previous denial of Jesus. He saw truly who his teacher was, and he was in repentance, so the Holy Spirit was able to use him.
