Denial…

 

Denial….

“Oh, I would never do that ….”

 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

Rom.7.15-20

The four gospels each record Peter’s denial of denial…

 “When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:“‘I will strike the shepherd,and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 

Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 

But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” 

And all the other disciples said the same.”

Matt.26.30-35

Mark 14:26-31

Luke 22:31-38

John 13:36-38

This is not an old concept…I get the magazine published about modern day martyrdom frequently…people who, in different countries, are asked the same question…”who do you stand for?”…with dire consequences with their answers…

We are facing it here in the US as well…and we will face it more and more …”where do we stand with Jesus?”

The ultimate question is more personal…”How do we know where we stand with Jesus?”…that is what each person must ask of themselves…and the Word…

The Philippians Jailer asked …

 “The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 

He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 

Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 

At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 

The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.”

Acts.16.29-34

Paul encouraged Timothy…as father tells his son…

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. 

Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 

They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 

But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”2Tim.4.2-5

Thank YOU….

Holy Forever 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkHgxKemCRk