"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.
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 revealed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of Living God. However, it was not Peter's flesh that revealed Jesus as the Christ, it was Holy Spirit. You see, Peter needed to realize his dependency on God and not himself. Scripture says in John 15:5 that I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. We can do nothing without Christ! Our flesh is not dependable, God is! Peter needed to be broken. There is something about reaching a breaking point that causes us to seek the Lord more sincerely. King David was also a man that had to submit to being broken, and he prayed, Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me… The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise Psalm 51:10,17.
Paula I agree that it takes the Holy Spirit to change us and if we do not yield we most certainly will be broken. God has a plan for our lives to work according to his purpose. We have the manuscript on how to ready ourselves with the Bible but even when we don't get it right God is still working things out for our good, Romans 8:28. Yes Peter denied Jesus but the Holy Spirit did a work in his heart so God was still able to use him. Thank you Jesus!
Great key points Paula, I believe we have some similar thoughts on the events and key points about Peter. Jesus opened his eyes to a lot of things in these events. Proverbs 28:26 fits real will because, Peter realize what foolish thing he did in denying him and wept bitterly for it and he repented. When Jesus appeared to them after the resurrection, I'm sure it was a real in person weeping and repentance for all the disciples. This allows Peter to be broken before the Lord and be restored, now they knew to depend on God the Fater, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Great key points Paula, I believe we have some similar thoughts on the events and key points about Peter. Jesus opened his eyes to a lot of things in these events. Proverbs 28:26 fits real will because, Peter realize what foolish thing he did in denying him and wept bitterly for it and he repented. When Jesus appeared to them after the resurrection, I'm sure it was a real in person weeping and repentance for all the disciples. This allows Peter to be broken before the Lord and be restored, now they knew to depend on God the Fater, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Paula I agree that it takes the Holy Spirit to change us and if we do not yield we most certainly will be broken. God has a plan for our lives to work according to his purpose. We have the manuscript on how to ready ourselves with the Bible but even when we don't get it right God is still working things out for our good, Romans 8:28. Yes Peter denied Jesus but the Holy Spirit did a work in his heart so God was still able to use him. Thank you Jesus!
