Todays sermon is a about getting a second chance.
Have you ever made a mistake or did something stupid that you regreted later. I believe that we all have done that at one time or another.
I remember one time when I was a young boy. My Dad told me to plant some onions while he was gone to work. I had other plans. I wanted to go to the school house and play basketball. So when he left for work I went out and planted the onions. But I did it my way. I dug a hole and planted them all in one big hole. I was able to complete my chores and play basketball. My new way of gardening didn't fool my Dad. The onions that did grow never made my eyes water. But the switch that my Dad cut sure did.
Although, what I done was wrong. My Dad still loved me. He gave me a second chance at planting onions.
It's kind of like Peter who walked with Jesus. Who got to see his miracles. Who knew that Jesus was the Christ. But yet he denied him three times and even cursed while doing it. Why would Peter be such a coward ? Was it because earlier he had cut off a mans ear that was trying to arrest Jesus ? Was it because he was afraid he too would be arrested? What made Peter deny the one he loved so dearly ?
I believe the story of Peter is for people like you and me. People that have made mistakes and feel so terrible. People who have failed God. Poor ole Peter. He walked all that time with Jesus and then at the very end just flat out goofed. Well you know the rest of the story. Peter escaped after denying Jesus. Jesus is arrested, beaten, crowned with thorns and nailed to the old rugged cross. And died an awful suffacating death and his body was placed in a tomb. End of story. Right ?
Wrong ! In the Bible Mark Chapter 16:1-7 Describes how the women had came to the tomb to annoint the dead body of Jesus with embalming spices. When they got there the stone had been rolled away and Jesus had risen and was gone. They looked inside the tomb and there was a man clothed in white (An Angel ) who had a messege and said, "Don't be so suprised" Aren't you looking for Jesus ? He is not here ? He has come back to life ?
And then there it is. One of the greatest verses in the bible. A verse that shows the love that Jesus has for his children. The love that he has for me and you. The love that he had for Peter. The tender mercy that can only come from Jesus. The Angel in verse seven says,
"But go your way,tell his disciples ...and Peter"
Wow! How relieved Peter must have felt. To hear that he still was included with the other disciples. What a wonderful ending. Later Jesus would ask him, "Simon Peter, Lovest Thou Me." Peter responded "Lord, you know I love thee" Jesus told him "Feed My Sheep" (John 21:15-17)
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If you are backslidden. If you are in need of a second chance. Repent like Peter. The bible says that Peter "He Wept" (Mark 14:72) Jesus loves you and wants to give you a second chance. Get on your knees and ask for mercy, repent today !
For more about getting a second chance. Read the Book
"No Wonder They Call Him Savior." By Max Lucado