Profound and Sometimes Preposterous Ponderings of Pete

Our small group is following or doing a video series study produced by Focus On The Family called, The Truth Project.   I am not fond of this format; however, I really enjoyed the first lesson and am looking forward to the next. The speaker/teacher, Dr. Del Tackett has an excellent style and is very engaging.  I was amazed at how often Jesus referenced and spoke of the truth.  I am looking forward to more. This post is not about the video but about something I have been trying to relay as well as something I myself have been learning and experiencing.  The first video lesson ended with the question and challenge "Do you really believe in the reality that you believe?" Wow!  It brought back to mind something one of our pastors, Jodi Van Rhee, asked the congregation one Sunday morning a couple of years ago. (She is our worship leader and she and her husband Eric, our church's pastors, are great and special friends to our family.) She asked us after a song, if we truly be

I do not mean this in a disrespectful or piteous manner.  Actually, I empathize and sympathize with him. Peter truly meant to lay down his life and freely give it to Christ.  Jesus told him he would deny him 3 times before the cock crows. Did Jesus do this to make Peter feel more guilt or to inspire him against the denial? Guilt comes from hell so not that. Jesus did not get in the way of his father's plan so the latter can't be. So why? If you know Jesus, there can only be one reason.  Peter was going to do what he was going to do.  Christ knew this and he also knew that this would devastate Peter afterwards and wear on Peter for years. Peter knowing that Christ knew beforehand made his redemption more complete. Because if the denial was known beforehand; therefore, the forgiveness and grace were known beforehand.  When Peter realized this, he could let go of the burden of the denial. Sooooo, have you ever denied Christ?  Be honest.  I have.  More than 3 times. Actually, ev