Plain, Simple, Powerful — First Jesus

I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who He is; then Jesus and what He did — Jesus crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2 (MSG)

The Way of the Cross

Quitting Is Not An Option — Grief, Gold, and Glory

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. John 17:15 (NIV).

In His hands, not a tear, an ache, or a moment of suffering need be wasted; He can invest even our suffering with eternal purpose. — Joni Eareckson Tada

The Man Who Quit

I, Peter, am an apostle on assignment by Jesus, the Messiah, writing to exiles scattered to the four winds. Not one is missing, not one forgotten. God the Father has His eye on each of you! 1 Peter 1:1-2 (MSG).

Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. …And he went outside and wept bitterly. Luke 22:60-62 (NIV).

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.1 Peter 4:12 (ESV).

A Living Hope

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV).

Grief, Gold, and Glory

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV).

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials. 1 Peter 1:6 (ESV).

Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. 2 Corinthians 6:10 (NIV).

So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire. 1 Peter 1:7 (ESV).

He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver… and refine them like gold and silver. Malachi 3:3 (NIV).

Because He Lives

He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV).

“It’s interesting to note how many times after His resurrection Jesus introduced Himself to people by asking them questions. Good Friday had left a mess, and Jesus was systematically dealing with the consequences of chaos in the lives of His friends by provoking them to respond to His presence.”

Pete Greig - God on Mute: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayer

1.         To Mary — In Pain

He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’ Jn 20:15 (NIV). 

Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned towards Him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’). Jn 20:16 (NIV).

2.         Two to Emmaus — In Confusion

"They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. …Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognising Him. He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’" Luke 24:14–17 (NIV).

Beginning with… He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself. Luke 24:27 (NIV).

They urged him strongly, ‘Stay with us.’ …So he went in to stay with them. Luke 24:29 (NIV)

3.         Disciples — In Doubt

He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Luke 24:38 (ESV).

Eight days later, His disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas… John 20:26–27 (ESV).

Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe. John 20:27 (NIV).

Thomas said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ John 20:28 (NIV)

4.         Peter — In Guilt

Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold… Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. John 18:18 (ESV).

When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. John 21:9 (ESV).

Simon son of John, do you love Me? John 21:16 (NIV).