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Written by Beth Andrews for “Deeper Roots”  @  https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com

Original post @ https://dbethandrews.wordpress.com/2023/07/11/a-word-for-all-us-sinners/

A Word for all us Sinners

POSTED ON JULY 11, 2023 BY BETH ANDREWS

He had declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt 16:16). He had proclaimed, “You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:69).   Yet when his Master, Teacher, and friend faced death, Peter denied three times that he knew Jesus.  When the rooster crowed and Jesus turned and “looked straight at Peter,” the guilt he carried was enormous. Luke said he “went outside and wept bitterly” (Lk 22:61, 62).

If you’ve ever fallen into sin after walking with the Lord in sweet fellowship, you understand Peter’s broken heart. I know I do. What? You think that Christians don’t sin? Either you’re living in a bubble or you are being dishonest with your life. Paul said that sin was a war he fought constantly (see Rom 7:7-25). John added, “If we [believers] claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Worse, “we make [God] out to be a liar” (1 Jn 1:8, 10). As long as we live in these fleshly shells, we will deal with the reality of sin. Even the greatest saint is one temptation away from the pit. 

 But let’s go back to Peter. While fishing one early morning, John recognized the helpful man on the shore: “The disciple whom Jesus loved said, “It is the Lord!” (John 21:7). To Peter’s credit he didn’t try to dodge Jesus out of his shame.  He immediately jumped in the water oblivious to everything else but his Lord.

What do you do when the dust clears and you’re standing there in the aftermath of your failure?  Judas refused to come to Jesus for forgiveness.  But Peter went through the sea to Him.  We don’t have a record of those few private moments, but I have this picture of a repentant Peter standing on the shore, dripping with water and dripping with tears.  And oh, the blessed, tender heart of Jesus forgave His friend and restored him fully (vs. 15-19).   

Beloved, have you fallen into sin?  Have you stumbled in the pursuit of holiness?  Do not sit in your guilt.  Do not turn away in your shame.  Run (or swim) to Jesus.  He promised, “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37).  He stands on the shore waiting for you with forgiveness and restoration in His nail-scarred hands.

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/