Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
December 20, 2020

An “Interview” With Peter, the Apostle (Part 2)
by Bryan Gibson
Question: Let’s talk about the confession you made in the presence of Jesus: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). You then went on to proclaim the very same thing in the presence of others (Acts 2:36). Explain how you could be so certain.
Answer: I saw Jesus heal my mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31). I was with Him when He raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead (Luke 8:49-56). I saw Him walking on the Sea of Galilee, the same power which He even gave me—at least until my faith began to waver (Matthew 14:24-31). I was there on the mountain with Him when He was transfigured, when His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. I heard the voice from the cloud which said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him” (Matthew 17:1-5; see also 2 Peter 1:16-21). And here’s the clincher: I saw His empty tomb (John 20:2-8), the same tomb that had been sealed and well-guarded (Matthew 27:62-66). And then I saw Him! I saw His hands, through which nails had been driven; I saw His side, which had been pierced with a sword. I ate with Him, had conversations with Him (John 21:10-23). There’s no other way to explain it—Jesus was raised from the dead. You can trust my testimony concerning Jesus, because I was an eyewitness to these great events—and to many more.
Question: Unfortunately, what many remember most about you is that after His arrest, you denied Jesus three times. Can you explain how that happened?
Answer: I was easy prey for Satan, because I was overconfident. The other disciples—I could see where they might stumble, but not me (Matthew 26:33). “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”—that’s what I said to Jesus. In my first epistle, I wrote, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). I was anything but sober and vigilant. I didn’t heed the warnings Jesus gave me—“Satan has asked for you” (Luke 22:31); “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). I was prepared for a physical battle (John 18:10-11), when I should have been prepared for a spiritual one.
Question: And how did it make you feel that you had denied someone with whom you had such a close relationship?
Answer: When Jesus turned and looked at me after the third denial, I was so ashamed that I went out and wept bitterly (Luke 22:61-62). I didn’t just weep, though; I repented. I failed Jesus this time, but He still had big plans for me—to strengthen my brethren (Luke 22:32), to feed His sheep (John 21:15-17), to preach the gospel throughout the world (Matthew 28:18-20). And that’s exactly what I did, only this time with more faith and courage (see Acts 1-12, especially chapters 4-5). I wasn’t perfect; in fact, Paul had to rebuke me to my face one time (Galatians 2:11-14). But, I appreciate the Lord’s patience with me, because for the most part I finally became the rock He wanted me to be (John 1:42).
Question: Speaking of strengthening your brethren, what instruction do you have for your brethren to help them overcome temptation, to keep them from denying Jesus?
Answer: One, don’t be overconfident like I was. “Beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness” (2 Peter 3:17). Two, don’t make brash statements about what you will or won’t do; just work on getting stronger spiritually: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). “Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love...for if you do these things you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1:5-7, 10). Three, “be serious and watchful in your prayers” (1 Peter 4:7). That’s what I should I have done in the Garden (Matthew 26:41), and that’s exactly what you need to do—every day, several times a day.
Next week: Part 3 (Conclusion)

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	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

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(temporary during pandemic)
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Worship 10:00 A.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.