Series: HOPE AGAIN (1) Hope From Our Failures

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Series: HOPE AGAIN (1) Hope From Our Failures John 21:1-8, 15-19 Easter 2015 *

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Testimony is the story about what God has done – the story of God’s involvement-investment in a person’s life. In testimony, we’re the villain, Jesus is the hero. It is not a biography about us. Testimony: “I failed. Jesus didn’t. Yay, Jesus!” HOPE AGAIN series - ‘Hope’ is used over 150 times in the Bible & is tied to the resurrection. Hope is the confidence that God is in control, can change things. It’s hard to move forward with what God wants to do in your life if you have lost hope. - Real encounters with the real God about real issues  hope again…

Vv 1-8 * Peter is a huge presence through the gospel narrative, but in the last significant mention of him he was making a fool of himself. *

Jesus arrested – Peter cautiously following Matthew 26:75

Ever been there? *

How do you deal with disgrace, shame? (wrong ways) 1. Depart (v. 1) * Grace was right there for Peter but he ran. 2. Despair (‘wept bitterly’)  emotion with no action * Cross of Christ testifies God fully knew our sin. Don’t wait to ‘do better;’ run TO Him. 3. Distract (v. 3) – “going fishing” - Peter went back to his old life – what he did before Jesus called him.

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He allows you to be disappointed in life so you can be dissatisfied – by Him and for Him.

vv. 4-5 Why is Jesus doing this? He wants us to take stock & be honest with ourselves. 4. Deal with it – (vv. 6-7) (v. 7 – best decision in a while) - Many people are afraid about what reception they will get if they return to the Lord. *

Vv. 15-19 John 1:14 - Truth without grace, stuck in guilt/shame. Grace without truth, won’t call sin sin.

v. 15 * Getting to the root – not cowardice/lying, but love. 1. Repent v. 17 – “Was grieved” = deep anguish, affliction (attitude that precedes repentance) A. Salvation – change your mind about who you are & who Jesus is. Fall on your face in surrender. Salvation is a gift. B. Pattern for Christian * Repentance is not for salvation but for sanctification – the choice to embrace the work of conviction the Holy Spirit is doing in your life. Repent  then confess 2. Move on * People who haven’t repented/gotten grace live in the past; regret. People who have HOPE! You can have a fresh start. Things can turn around.