First Baptist Church of Morton
Sermon Title: "Living in Denial"
Have you ever failed God? Have you ever acted in a way that was not Christ-like? Have you ever felt as though you had denied your faith? In a sermon titled, "Living In Denial", Pastor Ben Towell will discuss how the Apostle Peter (a.k.a. "The Rock") denied Jesus when faced with a threatening situation. Nonetheless, his denial was not his demise. Forgiveness is freely offered to those who look to the Lord. This was true of Peter's lifetime, and it is still true today.
Locations & Times
First Baptist Church of Morton
900 E Jefferson St, Morton, IL 61550, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 11:00 AM
Online Guest Form
Welcome! We're glad you've joined us today. Please, take the time to let us get to know you by filling out our Online Guest Form. Thank you!
https://firstbaptistmorton.churchcenter.com/people/forms/169641Overview: Oftentimes, the idea of being a witness is misunderstood. For some reason, we have reduced being a witness to just knowing about Jesus. However, this is not what it means to be a witness. In other words, a witness is not simply knowing Jesus, it is showing Jesus. Jesus is made known to the world by our personal testimony.
Unfortunately, being a witness for Jesus is not always an easy thing to do. Many times we are tempted to deny Him, either by our words or our actions.
Directions: In our text, we see Peter deny Jesus three times. Each time, he was communicating something different. This morning we are going to answer these two questions: First, how have I been an unfaithful witness in the past? Second, am I guilty of denying Jesus? To answer these two questions, we will examine four expressive statements from the text.
Unfortunately, being a witness for Jesus is not always an easy thing to do. Many times we are tempted to deny Him, either by our words or our actions.
Directions: In our text, we see Peter deny Jesus three times. Each time, he was communicating something different. This morning we are going to answer these two questions: First, how have I been an unfaithful witness in the past? Second, am I guilty of denying Jesus? To answer these two questions, we will examine four expressive statements from the text.
I. Some say of Jesus: "I don't know what you're talking about." (vs. 66-68)
Peter’s reaction:
1. Peter denied the accusation.
2. Peter retreated from his accuser.
1. Peter denied the accusation.
2. Peter retreated from his accuser.
“Your walk talks, and your talk talks; but your walk talks louder than your talk talks.” (John C. Maxwell)
"A change of place is no substitute for a change of heart." (James Edwards)
II. Some say of Jesus: "I don't belong to Him." (vs. 69-70a)
A true representative is...
1. Someone who is not ashamed.
2. Someone who does not fall astray.
3. Someone who is always available.
1. Someone who is not ashamed.
2. Someone who does not fall astray.
3. Someone who is always available.
III. Some say of Jesus: "I don't even know Him." (vs. 70b-71)
"Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt." (Mark Twain)
IV. Some say of Jesus: "What have I done?" (v. 72)
Peter’s denial of Jesus was…
1. A moment of reality.
2. A moment of regret.
3. A moment of repentance.
4. A moment of restoration.
1. A moment of reality.
2. A moment of regret.
3. A moment of repentance.
4. A moment of restoration.
"That look was to be [Peter’s] salvation, for he saw in those eyes not condemnation but compassion. That was the turning point in his life. . . . Now, in the most painful and memorable of ways, Peter saw himself as he really was, repented, and remade into the great apostle." (Sinclair Ferguson)
Destination: Although Peter failed Jesus, Jesus did not fail him. Likewise, we may say, “What have I done?”, when our faith begins to waver. However, we must remember, it is not about what we have done, but about what Jesus has done on our behalf. We must let go of our guilt and lean into the embrace of our Lord and Savior. He can make all things new, including our relationship with Him.
Reflection: Use the private notes section below or your personal journal to put the message of these verses into your own words so you can communicate them with others.
Your voice matters! (see Mark 16:15)
Reflection: Use the private notes section below or your personal journal to put the message of these verses into your own words so you can communicate them with others.
Your voice matters! (see Mark 16:15)
What is your next step? Please, share with us by going to our church website. We would love to come along beside you in your life's journey.
Church Website
Check us out online and learn more about First Baptist Church of Morton!
https://www.firstbaptistmorton.com/Online Giving
Pray to see what the Lord would have you give. Through a generous donation, you can help support the ministries of First Baptist Church, as we seek to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
https://www.firstbaptistmorton.com/givingFind Us On YouTube!
You can now find the latest sermons by Pastor Ben Towell on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjWphd9rxL-2POV1NsBOdwwFollow Us On Facebook!
Join our online community! Keep up to date with everything happening at First Baptist Church of Morton by following us on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/First-Baptist-Church-of-Morton-327485729348