Simon Peter: Encountering the Preacher at Pentecost (Face2Face)
Overview
Simon Peter is one of Scripture’s most fascinating characters. Plucked from obscurity to be a disciple of Jesus of Nazareth, he embarked on a journey that featured both stunning failures and impressive triumphs. Through it all, he was sustained and helped by the grace of God. He rises from the pages of Scripture to assure us that the same grace is available to and sufficient for us. No one can ever fall so far as to be beneath the reach of that grace or rise so high as no longer to need it.
- Study guide included
- Discussion questions at the end of each chapter
- Bibliography and suggestions for further reading
Top Highlights
“People still insist that the church give them a Jesus who demands nothing of them but rather caters to their every whim. Sadly, many in the church seem to be anxious to comply, offering a Christ who does not confront people with their sins and does not call them to repent. He is rather a ‘trouble-shooter’ Christ whose only interest is in taking the bumps out of life.” (Page 18)
“Jesus first laid claim to one of Simon’s possessions by getting into his boat and teaching the people from it. He then put a claim on Simon’s time by asking him to get into the boat with him and row out from the shore.” (Page 11)
“We are called to ascend to higher levels of faith, and each step forward in faith will increase in us a spirit of true worship and praise.” (Page 18)
“The danger is that we will allow ourselves to become occupied with the miracles instead of the reality to which they point.” (Page 99)
“Simon Peter serves as a pointed reminder that our Lord can be trusted and that it is our business to do the trusting.” (Page 19)
Too often people do not see the real humanity of biblical characters and fail to see the connections between various parts of Scripture. Roger Ellsworth helps to address these issues in his compelling study of Simon Peter. When one traces the references to Peter through the Gospels, Acts and the letters of Paul and Peter himself, it helps not only in understanding Peter but also in seeing the unity of Scripture. This book is accessible yet rich in thought and application.
—Ray Van Neste, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Christian Studies Director, R. C. Ryan Center for Biblical Studies, Jackson, Tennessee
- Title: Face2Face with Simon Peter: Encountering the Preacher at Pentecost
- Author: Roger Ellsworth
- Publisher: Day One
- Publication Date: 2007
- Pages: 96
Roger Ellsworth has served as pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, Benton, Illinois, since 1988. He is the author of some thirty books, including Opening up Philippians, Opening up Psalms, People in the Passion of Jesus, and Face2face Samuel. He has also served as President of the Illinois Baptist State Association and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of South Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.