John Chapter 21:15-25

Somehow in an un-biblical fashion. We've embraced this will get people saved in and that's it. That was never the Lord's intention. Yes, it was to see people come into the kingdom of that. It all starts there and obviously that's a big emphasis here, but do we just leave them there or should you be left there. I know as I talk about this because I realized it it gets uncomfortable right were saved by grace and created for good is what the Bible says we think well you know there's those select few that God appears visually, physically, audibly, to better called in the ministry that we have different things to do God's called me as a as a pastor teacher what is called you to perform some function, some service on ministry so that you can begin to gravel and you can begin to be this disciple welcome to cross the bridge with David McGee.

David is a senior pastor of the bridge in Kernersville, North Carolina, did you know there is no such thing as couch potato. Christianity.

Jesus said that we are all in ministry should all be serving each other and sharing God's love today.

Pastor David explains how we can get into ministry as he continues teaching his message a great question from the Gospel of John, chapter 21. Let's pick it up with verse 15 for context like so when Nadine breakfast. Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon son of Jonah, do you love me more than these, and he said to him.

Yes, Lord, you know that I love you and he said to him, feed my lambs said to him again a second time. Simon son of Jonah, do you love me, he said to him.

Yes, Lord, you know that all of you and he said to him, tend my sheep. He said during the third time Simon son of Jonah, do you love me Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time.

Do you love me and he said to the Lord, you know all things you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, feed my sheep.

Most assuredly, I say to you when you were younger you girded yourself and walked where you wished when your old you will stretch out your hands and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish this he spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God and when he had spoken this he said to him, follow me.

Verse 20 then Peter turned around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved, following who also had leaned on the stress that the suffering said Lord who is the one who betrayed you and scan interesting and it is the disciple whom Jesus loved John how do we know that John total sensory which is a good thing John knew that Jesus loved him but notice Peter peters publicly restored the ministry was the first thing he does about… Peter is that what Peter should be worried about. No. Is that what you should be worried about right now see we have this tendency to worry about what somebody else is doing. Why because they were not thinking about was going on in her own heart in our lives it makes is very comfortable. Go look at look at the look what they're doing, you know it's it's like that. "The distraction device because then were not thinking about what's going on in our own lives. Yet the men's meetings that we have sometimes a warrant be at the men's meeting because sometimes guys will say look, I'm struggling with this. I'm struggling with that. Things come out and tell you guys look at the men's meeting must keep everything confidential.

If you want to leave this place and go home and talk about somebody sends to your wife. Talk about your own show love to sit, talk about their site should be interested in talking about this but don't we talk about the male's assent. Why should we be focusing on. We should be focusing on Jesus. But what we do all I can handle only get that will look. I can't believe she's doing. I can't believe he's doing. I can't believe he said that in Skamania and it was initially focus on the Lord way too often were worried about what the other person's doing what's amazing okay let Lester stop and take a real quick glimpse of Peter. At this point Peter not only denied the Lord, but he was just forever. She just saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Jesus lays out the plan of salvation. Remember what Peter the verse we just read Peter began to rebuke him. Jesus has expose this glorious plan involving the redemption of man and Peter reducing geysers no way to gloss over that. Then remember the upper room Jesus going to wash her feet. Peters is absolutely not just as well, but I watch feet got no part of me to watch my whole body.

I mean, Peter was always making these missteps and then yesterday we went where you point this out. Nothing. Not a thing in his past with point to the glorious success that he would have in ministry this matter fact, if you looked up the life of Peter. This point is an I'm not sure God can use the money like that God did you somebody like that, to the point that most the people in the world today. No who Peter was asked for 13 records now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceive that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled, and they realize that they had been with Jesus when an awesome thing if remember the book of acts talks about 3000 people coming to the Lord doesn't even mention all the people he came to the Lord through Peter.

The life lesson here your past does not condemn your future, your past does not condemn your future and understand that I mean I know you're hearing me I know is going in your ears.

Is this going in your heart. God's not counted you out, God hasn't looked in you and pass this morning.

He looks it uses, awesome plan for that one know many of us have messed up many of us have done really silly stupid things. The guy does not count as in the wonderful thing about this. Just like with Peter.

He takes people out of these bondage places in dark places and he says okay and that change your life and part of that change is now.

You're going to glorify me to and help them to come out of that place of bondage. Now I think there was more to this conversation. It's not recording this place between Jesus and Peter here's the reasons I think that the first verse I think is awesome because if all the disciples had had these problems and in ran off it Peter and me. Peter denied the Lord and in you know that boy that spread like wildfire juror Peter did deny the Lord March 16 seven says, but go, tell his disciples and Peter.

Be sure you tell Peter go tell Peter that he is going before you in the galley and there you will see him as he said to I like that Peter was called by name even as were called by name and then we have a little first. In Luke 24, 34, saying, the Lord is risen indeed and has appeared to Simon. I think there was a conversation that it's probably not like we would imagine Jesus didn't come in a Peter slattern around a bit yell at him point a finger at him. Imagine it was low-key but effective. Peter I warned you need and listen but that's over now. Let it go.

Let it cling to your past to understand that our God is his and we often say he's the God of second chances. Boy I'm glad is not limited to, that art should he's the godlike, third, fourth, fifth, seventh, 400 and $0.99 and that is part of the good news and and again, here's Peter's public restoration and yet you know again he looks it just was not in do that Peter. We shouldn't do that. Verse 21 Peter see in him said to Jesus, the Lord, what about this man. Verse 22 Jesus said to him, if I will that he remained till I come. What is out to you. You follow me.

Then matter Peter, you need to follow me. That's what you need to be focused on too often were worried about what the other person still Peter and John had very different roles and and it's interesting always watch what somebody is doing when you first introduced to them in Scripture. It's is very important. It speaks volumes. What's David doing when we first meet David Davis out in the field watching the sheep even though others have been called what's encouraging that he's going to be a good Shepherd. What's Peter doing when we first meeting Peter is watching and that's out to catch fish. What's John doing John's mending the nets scan interesting one, because Peter ended up to be.

I think more of an evangelist type. We need to be careful with categorizing people and John was obviously disciple or when you reap the first, second, third John, he mends the nets they wound up doing very different roles and they didn't need to worry about what the other one was doing. Now I'm not talking about not being concerned about somebody else or not encouraging somebody else and just don't let that get in the way that the life lesson real simple follow Jesus follow Jesus and part of following Jesus is not being overly concerned with what Jesus is going to do with somebody you don't have to be in the ministry very long before you begin to realize that God uses in imperfect men and women on a holy calling is what God does and have had the opportunity to be around people that are well known in in the ministry and whatnot there usually is that moment where you realize that they don't pray 16 hours a day, you know that they actually might get upset every now and again and those sorts of things and you as part of life.

Never let that old not goodness, I can blab I'm walking out of not serving God anymore because this God did this or that God did you follow Jesus and see Jesus right. Here's correcting Peter and Peter, don't worry about that's not of your concern. You follow me, they need understand something we don't understand the Judaism of the setting here and we talked about this before but remember that children went to school and then the best of those will were selected to go to the next school the best of those were selected to go to the next school the Baytown mood and Beit midrash and and and then at that point the best of the best of the best within given the opportunity to talk to a rabbi, spiritual leader, that point many of the rabbis would say you need to go learn your father's trade because you can't you can't learn what I have to teach you can't do the things that I'm doing you can understand what I understand you can understand the things that I'm teaching Jesus here Peter follow me understand what is really St. Peter. You can understand what I have. The teacher, Peter. You can do the things I'm talking about Peter. You can follow me.

Jesus said that lot and follow me. Follow me. Imagine the same that were there were already some of the disciples and then Jesus went up to a tax collector.

We don't really fully understand that. I know we feel weird about the IRS. Some of us, but I mean that's that is nothing compared to what people used to think of tax collectors. They were betrayals of the national allegiance they were, you would would rip somebody off at every point in every curve and and. And Jesus goes up to the tax collectors and you know those disciples are going always going to good company goodies by Oakley might make a wit and turn the table over still be great, and much to their surprise and chagrin. He walks up to a tax collectors is follow me you can do things I'm doing you can understand what I have to teach.

There was a saying as you followed your rabbi, your leader, your teacher, you know, and they were dry and dusty trails. If you've ever been over there. You know and as they followed him along the path that the dust would get stirred up and in the dust would get on him and then their eyes, and stuff and so there was a saying may you be covered in the dust of your rep may you begin to follow him.

And Jesus says to people here this morning, follow me. You can understand the things I'm trying to teach. You can do the things I'm asking you to do think that saying holds even more special significance for us as our teacher or master rebel night is Jesus. May you be covered in the dust of your rabbi. He says to follow me glorious invitation will be right back with more from David McGee on cross the bridge right now. Here's a word from associate pastor DA Brown.

Hey, want to pray for a few cities in our listening audience right now.

Specifically, Seneca Falls Windsor, New York, and also Brown Summit, Burlington, Eden and Elizabeth city, North Carolina God, we thank you for the people tuning in. Right now the cities we pray that you would pour your Holy Spirit out on. We pray for those who are not listening but who live in those cities got up. Pray that they would trust in you Lord that they would hear your gospel that they would say yes to Jesus we pray the people get plugged in Bible teaching churches. Hello, we pray for those in leadership positions in the cities that you give them wisdom and discernment and they also look to your Bible for answers on how to lead Lord please bless C cities and may there be revival in Jesus name, amen, amen.

Thank you brother and now get back to David McGee as he continues teaching verse by verse, verse 23 then the saying went out among the brethren, that this disciple would not die. Jesus is say to him that he would not die but if I will that he remained till I come.

What is that to you. John's Gospel was written later in and what started because this is been said is that John was still going to be alive at the second coming of Jesus and people started talking about this and what he still going to be alive and as you said, you know, I will that he remains.com what is that the units are advisable. Johnston will be alive when Jesus comes back so sure every time John got sick. Everybody got really excited.

Verse 24. This is the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote these things and we know that his testimony is true. John was there John was there. He can testify of what is truth seeming, but he can show the stuff that Jesus was talking about were told that the fruit of the Spirit is love, people have misunderstood that passage.

It goes on to say, love and mercy and grace and all these other things but notice the languages choose their it doesn't say the fruits of the spirit are this is the fruit singular of the Spirit is love, how does this love express itself will first of all, it looks for ways to express itself.

It looks for ways to pour itself out. I'm not ashamed or embarrassed that we talk about serving a lot here because the Bible talks about serving and somehow into the church is This thing will you know let's just get them saved in the net set our responsibilities over Jesus didn't say go get everybody safe.

He said go make disciples part of making disciples and we talked about this a lot we want to see people go from being unbelievers to believers to disciples believers believe disciples do see and in that transition, you begin to pour yourself out for others. The Bible talks about this so much on the run through several versus real quick Titus chapter 2 verse seven says in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works in doctrine, showing integrity, reverence and corrupt ability. Titus 214, who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for himself his own special people, zealous for good works, not not kick and not being drug, kicking and screaming, although you know that'll that you involve the start serving him well in the Dragon, kicking and screaming that's what they zealous for good works. Titus three want to remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities to abate to be ready for every good work. Titus 38 mostly support from Titus. This is a faithful saying and the things I want to affirm constantly that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. Titus 314 and let our people also learn to maintain good works to meet urgent needs that they may not be unfruitful talks about this a lot. Second Corinthians 41 encourages us in these things. And so, since God's mercy is given us this wonderful ministry. We never give up the new King James as we never lose heart.

We do not lose heart is important for us to remember.

You know why you can lose heart. We can get tired of doing what is right in doing things that are good and doing things other than that the Lord is called us to do. That's why Galatians 6 and nine and 10 dozen let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith in the life of every person is asked Jesus to forgive them of their sins.

We have to have this conversation that Peter or Jesus says okay you love me and we have to admit our frailties and our weaknesses and say what I'm trying to Jesus.

Okay, give your life away. They can somehow in an un-biblical fashion. We've embraced this will get people saved in and that's it known that was never the Lord's intention.

Yes, it was to see people come into the kingdom and it all starts there and obviously that's a big emphasis here, but do we just leave them there or should you be left there.

I know as I talk about this because I realize it it gets uncomfortable right were saved by grace and created for good works is what the Bible says she we think well you know there's those select few that God appears visually, physically, audibly, to that are called in the ministry that we have different things do God's called me as a as a pastor teacher here but is called you to perform some function, some service on ministry so that you can begin to growl and you can begin to be this disciple and you can be entranced for metamorphose. The Greek word where we get our word for metamorphosis. If you ever watch a superhero things you they begin to have these superpowers come on at every guy that's ever watching those things you watch Superman going to the booth to push something that resonates in the in our hearts guys much better than that, ladies. You probably remember the story of the little girl whose transformed to the glass slipper comes this beautiful woman.

I was better. I'm sure some of you look to death all wish that was me always better than that. He wants to give you gladness for your morning turn your ashes in the beauty John finishes verse 25 and since then there are also many other things that Jesus did what you they were written.

One by one. I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written again this is a meeting that Jesus is having with his disciples. He's not speaking to the public at this point he's speaking to those who have I said Lord forgive me of my sins, they are said Lord were with you and Jesus speaks in this confidential meeting of you will speaks a challenge to just follow me. There's a passage in John chapter 6 word Jesus turns the disciples. He said okay.

Everybody's leaving you that is believed to Peter says something interesting.

He says board or within ago Oregon ago you alone have the words for eternal life. There's a quiet desperation about what Peter says there that I think we need to adopt because sometimes we think will follow the Lord not follow the Lord straddle the fence was follow Jesus.

God is nowhere else to go. Nothing else holds the love, the forgiveness, the purpose, the meaning, the life Jesus is willing to give us this morning and he says follow me, follow me, you can do this. May you be covered in the dust of your rap friend you know for sure that your sins have been forgiven. You can know right now I want to Legion a short simple prayer simply telling God you're sorry and asking him to help you to live for him. Please pray this prayer with me out loud right now. Dear Jesus, I believe you died for me that I could be forgiven and I believe you were raised from the dead that I could have a new life not done wrong things I have sent and I'm sorry. Please forgive me of all those things. Please give me the power to live for you.

All of my days in Jesus name, amen it friend of you prayed that prayer according to the Bible.

You've been forgiven you've been born again, congratulations, you just made the greatest decision that you will ever make. God bless you, if you pray that prayer with David for the first time we'd love to hear from you. You can visit cross the bridge.com to receive our first steps package with helpful resources to help you begin your walk with Christ. Or you can write to cross the bridge at PO Box 12, 515 Winston-Salem, NC 27117 and share how God is working your life you're the Bible tells us that the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. But it does cost for us to come and bring that message to you and to others in your neighborhood through radio through the Internet and through the mobile technologies that God has gifted us to be able to use so if you'd like to support this ministry. Please go to cross the bridge.com. Click on the donate button and ask God how much you would have you give either on a one-time basis or continuing basis each month to help ensure that the teaching of God's word continues to go out through cross the bridge. Thank you so much ODA before we go. What are some ways that we can bless our listeners each day. You can wake up with encouragement from Pastor David to the word of God with his email devotional life lessons to consider daily reading plan enough thought to meditate on throughout your day. From the heart. David McGee those are terrific and it's easy and it's free so folks sign up today@crossthebridge.com. Thanks again for listening and join us next time. As David McGee continues teaching verse by verse in the book of acts