The New Peter Part 1

Change in Peter fisherman is a testimony of God. We make a man we need to run life's race please Jesus, we can begin to power from on high Moody Church in Chicago this morning to win with when books are clear teaching helps us make it across the finish line. The master artist is nearly finished remaking Peter a man sizzled master's hand dilutes her the difference between the raw material in the finished product is startling, as will see in today's message on the new Peter David is startling. I think it's always that way. But the good news is that that's exactly what God can do in our lives.

He can begin with a little he can begin with those who perhaps have very little courage, very little talent and can use them mightily. That's the great hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Once we accept him and you know this ministry of running to win touches the lives of thousands upon thousands. And it's because of people like you. Right now we're in the middle of a matching gift challenge. Whatever you give to this ministry will be doubled. Here is what you do go to RTW offer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337.

Of course I'm going to be giving you this contact info after the message as well. For now, let us listen to God's word. Well let me begin with a question. Can people really change can they can.

I we all stuck with a personality that we have been given if we were born the rude and uncaring and hardhearted and insensitive. Do we have to stay that way, or does God like to reading mold human character I know of course that the Lord is given us a certain amount of raw material and he just works with that raw material but does God ever get inside of us and change our motivations, our attitudes so that we become different people answer, of course, is yes. And if you've been with us in the last few weeks and really last few months you may know that this is the 10th message in a series on the life of Peter and today we come to a new chapter in Peter's life if you were here. The first message that I preached. I pointed out that Jesus said to him you are Simon, and you shall be called a Peter or Cephas, which is a stone, Christ knows who you are, Christ knows who you can be and he has the power to make the difference. Today were going to see how Jesus Christ did indeed have the power to change. Peter, because were going to notice. Quite a difference between the Peter of Matthew Mark Luke and John.

The impetuous Peter of the Peter who sometimes says so far, too soon and thought are too late and was fearful and timid and backed out when the servant girl asked him whether or not he knew Christ. He swore set. I never heard of them will see quite a transformation. If in the Gospels we see Peter in the cocoon in the book of acts we see Peter, the butterfly and by the way, if you like butterflies you have to like cocoons so don't be impatient with people just because they may be in that cocooning stage God is at work. Acts chapter 2. Acts chapter 2 is a chapter of controversy because after all we have.

Speaking in tongues. In this chapter and yesterday afternoon I was thinking about this passage and reminding myself that may be at some point I should speak once again on tongues. I did that way back in 1979 when I was here as an intern and if I asked you to raise your hand if you were here at that time.

Few of you will identify asked if you remember the sermon. Well, I'm sure that no one would raise his hands, myself included, but it is true that I did at that time John Tung just a couple of comments and that is that that the gift of tongues is controversial. To be sure, but let us remember that it was basically a sign. It was a sign to the nation Israel that God was turning to the Gentiles. That's the way in which the apostle Paul interprets it in first Corinthians 1421 and 22.

It is basically a sign for filling in Old Testament prophecy that God would no longer just speak to the people in Hebrew, but in the diverse guttural sounds of Gentiles. That's why all speaking in tongues. If it is of God is always a actual language that exists.

Notice in chapter 2 would list them.

It says in verse eight, and how is it that we hear each of them in our own language to which we were born than two or three verses are given, in which all the diverse languages spoken are actually listed for our purposes today.

I'm more interested in the transformation of Peter's life than the particular gifts that he may have had. Remember that approximately 50 days had gone by since Jesus Christ's resurrection and then of course Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and then 10 days. Let me get this straight 40 days between Christ's resurrection and his ascension and then an additional 10 days in the upper room of seeking God.

So we have a total of 50 days from the time of the resurrection to the experience of acts chapter 200 transformation during that 50 day period.

Yes, undoubtedly seeking God in the upper room had something to do with it.

What I'd like to do today is to give you some contrast between the old Peter the Peter of the Gospels, who was a converted man, but still had many of his fears and his old nature intact and the new Peter who seems to come out of the experience as one who is strong and old and full of faith first contrast we see Peter moves from confusion to understanding, from confusion to understanding what do I mean November 16 chapter of Matthew Jesus Christ that I'm going to die in Jerusalem, and Peter said no way. Lord, you're not going to do that. Now remember that when Peter said that in effect if Christ had obeyed his suggestion. Peter himself would not have been redeemed but would have died an unbeliever and gone to hell.

Why do I say that because the cross was absolutely necessary for Peter's salvation as well as our different Peter we have here where is in the Gospels. He understood some things clearly but also was confused about such basic issues of the cross. Peter finally has it all together.

We don't have time to read his first sermon nor the second. I hope that this afternoon you take out time to read chapters 2, three and four of acts because we can only refer to a few of the verses but notice in verse 14 of chapter 2. He begins that sermon. It goes on for 22 verses 12 of those verses are quotations from the Old Testament.

Peter finally understood the Scriptures, and he also understood the purpose of God.

He says in verse 22 men of Israel, listen to these words.

Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through him in your midst, just as you yourselves know this man delivered up by the pre-determined the plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and to Jeff Peter now understands that the cross was part of God's predetermined purpose. The things that were so unclear in the Gospels now suddenly all into place for him.

Notice that the filling of the spirit which he received the filling of the spirit enlightened his mind from confusion to understanding. Now we know that Satan also has a counterfeit enlightenment of the mind. If you're into the New Age movement at all. You know that there is an esoteric experience. Esotericism has to do with the the hidden knowledge. The belief that somehow we can go within ourselves and have a mystical experience that will give us enlightenment so that we belong to the initiated.

I want you to know that that is Satan's counterfeit the experience that Peter had to end the experience that we have is distinct because it is always based on a better clearer understanding of the Scriptures that have been written by God through man.

So Peter here knows something and understand something he didn't before. Why, because Jesus said in the upper room that the Holy Spirit is the spirit of in light meant.

He said the spirit will guide you into all truth.

He is the spirit of revelation of wisdom, of knowledge. You show me someone who is filled with the spirit and I'll show you someone who has spiritual understanding. Have you ever tried to lead somebody to Christ and they don't understand it, even after you've made it clear they keep stumbling over the business of works versus faith, and you think to yourself how could I have said it more clearly.

There is a spiritual blockage. There is why the Bible talks about the need for the Holy Spirit to grant enlightenment and grant that the knowledge of the truth be ignited in the heart by God spiritually by nature were blinded and we just don't see it.

So the first change that we notice is that confusion to understanding there's a second contrast and that is fear.

Fear to confidence. Oh, I wish that we had time to read all these passages. Remember Peter last week we noticed how afraid he was when he was asked to belong to Jesus and he said no to a servant girl because he feared persecution I he really feared that if he came out with the truth that he might be identified and also put to death, and consequently he wanted to distance himself from the Savior, whom he loved, just as we often do by our inability to share Christ with people whom we love because we feel heard and we find it difficult to be identified with him what I'd different Peter is on these pages look at the boldness with which he spoke.

Chapter 2 verse 14 Peter taking his stand with the 11, raised his voice and declared to them and the things that he said to them, he accused them of crucifying Christ. Though he knew that that was dangerous business. He now understood that there was no chance that he would die until his work was done. He understood that God's purposes overrode the actions and the desires and the plan of wicked men look at his boldness in chapter 3 where he preaches another sermon he says in verse 14. Clearly you disowned the holy and the righteous one and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, you put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead affect, to which we are witnesses and he goes on to tell them that they had better repent what change what a change here, someone who is fearful to mid to someone who is bold who in effect said come and get me if you want to. I'm going to show you the truth no matter what. Don't you wish that we had to some of his boldness. I know that the new King James version frequently translates the word boldness. It says when they saw the boldness of Peter and the apostles.

My translation says confidence. If in the first instance, the Holy Spirit of God enlightened his mind.

Here in this second instance, we can see the work of the spirit in his emotions as he moves from fear to faith or confidence. Why is bold, the transformation, Peter was no better than we are. Same fears same rationalizations. Why the change ask you to take your Bibles and turn to the 14th chapter John just for a moment where Jesus was telling the disciples about the dissent of the spirit and the coming of the holy spirit, and I want you to see what Jesus said about the spirits coming.

Chapter 14 of John, verse 16 he says, and I will ask the father and he will give you another helper, that he may be with you forever. That is the Holy Spirit that is the spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not know him or behold him, but you know him because he abides with you. It's a good definition of the way the spirit operated in the Old Testament. He is with you. Jesus said buddy shall be in you.

I will not leave you as orphans.

I will, to you. Verse 16. I will give you another helper downgrades are two different words for another one means similar. For example, I have a pen in my pocket and this happens to be the kind of depends.

I really love I buy them in packages of three or six or I'd buy a dozen if they are sold in that way. It says that Onyx micro Japan. I hate to confess that I'm just reading it the way I see it here.

Some of you will write me letters and tell me to become more American, but I just happen to like these Japanese pans. Now let's suppose I was to take a pen from you and say I'm going to give you another one.

A in English. It could be a ballpoint pen. It could be some other kind of a pen, a different brand but if I said I'm going to give you a pen that is identical to the one I took from you, then it has to be one of these pens made in Japan, my friend. Today when Jesus used the word another. That's the word he used what he said was I am going to go to heaven and I am going to send you a helper who is identical to me. He is just like I am. That's who the Holy Spirit is we say to ourselves. Oh, I wish that I lived there during the days of Jesus Christ.

I wish that I could say I walked where Jesus walked. I would be so bold if I were there on the Sea of Galilee with him. Would you when Christ was here on earth. Peter was denying him when he was crucified.

The disciples forsook him and fled. You know what Jesus is saying it is good for you. He said to the disciples that I go away, because if I go away. I'm going to send you a helper that is going to be in you and the stander with you no matter where my believers go you think about this Christ in the flesh could be with only one person. If he was in Galilee. He could not be at the Jordan River near the Dead Sea could be only one place and one time as a body localized and by the way that body is in heaven today seated at the right hand of God the father because what happened at Bethlehem has never yet been undone and never will.

But Christ said when I go to heaven I'm going to send of the Holy Spirit who is going to be not only with you but in you and this stand by you.

So I am going to be near to every single one of my people just in the same way that I was near the disciples when they were on.

I am going to send you a comforter who is identical to the way I am. And that's why the spirit was given. The spirit was given to take the place of the physical presence of Christ on earth.

That's why he could not be poured out until Christ went to heaven and because of that you and I have the ability to be able to draw on the resources given to us as believers by God knowing that we will never face a single situation alone. He said not to leave you orphans. I'm going to come to you and I'm going to stand with you. You understand of the transformation of Peter is a before that time filled with timidity filled with fear and suddenly now speaking in boldness because if I may say it very clearly, God is standing with him and tomorrow morning when you go to the workplace. God accompanies you and stands with you. And he sits where you sit. And he talks through you as you yield to him and he is with you and that delicate negotiation and his presence is ever so near that you can't be in a single place in all the world without taking Christ with you at your side and my friend today. What excites me is that this message of hope and redemption gets to so many people through the ministry of running to win. I'm holding in my hand a letter from someone who says that they thank God for our ministry. It's a powerful instrument to save and evangelize people who are lost living without God and without hope. I'm sharing your program to reach the hearts of many people. Because your messages are full of life and hope.

Well that's what we're about and you my friend are a part of our ministry. I like to think of those who support this ministry as part of the running to win family and this is a very special time when we are having our matching gift opportunity if I might put it that way because here's what's happened. Some of our friends have said that they are willing to match whatever is given to the ministry of running to win up to $90,000. Would you be a part of that match doubling your gift maximizing it. Here's what you can do. Go to RTW offer.com that's RTW offer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337 do it right away. Go to RTW offer.com. Of course, RTW offers all one word RTW offer.com call us 1-888-218-9337. I know for another chance for you to ask pastoralists are a question you may have about the Bible or the Christian life issues of marriage have prompted a listener named Charles to email us these questions. Dr. Luther, he asks after divorce is remarriage allowed and what place to the remarried have in the church does it matter if they come to Christ after their divorce, rather than if they had been divorced as questions and can they be restored to fellowship with. Thanks so much for your email. Charles and of course you're asking some very, very interesting, and the far-flung questions but very simply am going to begin with your middle question know it really doesn't make any difference whether you accept Jesus Christ are not in relation to the marriage bond you have the question of whether or not the bond is broken. I don't think is a whole lot to do with whether or not you were a Christian when you married or whether you became a Christian. Afterwards, in answer to your other question is divorce allowed well. I believe it is under certain conditions. Certainly when there has been prolonged adultery. And when one partner remarries I think the other is free to remarry that you'd better check with your pastor because not everybody is agreed on that. But finally you asked the question. Can somebody who is divorced or has been divorced, can they be restored to fellowship. Yes, of course, they can be of forgiveness is available for divorce as it is for other sins but we have to distinguish air between fellowship and also the question of ministry because while you may be restored to ministry. You may not be able to have certain functions or roles within the church. For example, here at the Moody church. We have an informal rule that someone who's been divorced can't be on the elder board. Other churches have different policies so you have to stick with that church, but always remember that. Yes, God is a God of new beginnings. And so if you're the one to whom this question applies what you need to do is to assess the past receive forgiveness in those areas where forgiveness is needed and move on some wise words of counsel from Dr. Erwin Blitzer. Thank you.

Pastoralists are if you'd like to hear your question answered.

Go to our website@rtwoffer.com and click on ask pastoralists are or call us at 1-888-218-9337 that's 1-888-218-9337 you can write to us at running to win 1635 N. LaSalle Boulevard Chicago, IL 60614 running to win is all about helping you understand God's roadmap for your race of life, weary runners welcome a second when a source of fresh power believers that second wind is the power of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Peter felt the rush of that spiritual when we make him from the inside out, and no one close to him as the change next time I'm running to win.

Tune in for more about getting a spiritual second wind.

Thanks for listening for Dr. Erwin Blitzer this is Dave McAllister running to win is sponsored by the teacher