The Uncomfortable Call Of Peter Series

Introduction: A husband attended a marriage retreat where he learned there were 30 ways to a woman’s heart – if he really wanted to make a difference in his marriage; he should do one of the 30 things each day to win his wife’s affection. Not being patient man, he decided to do all 30 on the same day. On his way home he stopped by the health club, took a shower, shaved, dashed on some cologne and put on his best suit. He picked up flowers and candies and planned a romantic dinner just for the two of them, he wanted to do everything he could to show how much he loved her. When he arrived home, He rings the doorbell and as he standing there as she opens the door. He holds out the flowers and the box of candy, and says, “Honey – I’m home!”

His wife takes one look at he standing there, clean shaven, flowers in hand and she starts crying uncontrollably.

In between her sobs she says, "Oh, I can’t believe it! This has been a terrible day, our son Johnny, has the flu and has been throwing up. This morning the washing machine stopped working. The dishwasher overflowed pouring water into the kitchen and dining room and just 15 minutes ago, your parents called to tell me they will be here tomorrow for a 3-day visit and to top it all off, you come home drunk!

Some people misinterpret others actions – but I do not want you to misinterpret the message today, I am going to say it as clearly as I know how – WE NEED YOU!

Today we continue our series on “Answering the Call”. During the month of July, our staff is looking to recruit people who will make a difference in our children and student ministries. We are looking for 30 people who will say, “I’M IN”, I will make a difference in the life of young person by serving in this vital ministry.

Last week, Steve challenged us to make a difference when he said - You may not be able to save the world – you may not be able to solve all the problems or heal all the hurts or comfort all the sorrows – but you can make a difference with this one! – You can make a difference in the life of your coworker – your boss – your brother or sister. You can make a difference in the life of your friend – your neighbor. You’re right - You can’t save every child that is starving – but you could save one life. You can’t comfort and care for every child with AIDS – but you could make a difference in one life! You have one life – what are you doing with it? Who are you influencing? What are you investing in?

Who are you influencing? What are you investing in today?

That is an important question for all of us to answer. We do not just float through life haphazardly, as Christ followers we are to live a life full of purpose – Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

I want you to know, as a church, we have been blessed with people who have been doing good works for years in our children’s and student ministries. If you are currently serving or have ever served in our children or student ministries would you please stand, we want to recognize you!

Round of Applause

Now while many people have served in this vital ministry, we constantly need others to stand and say, I am willing to make a difference in a child or teen’s life.

Jesus, understood the need to recruit people to make a difference, while we are familiar with his 12 disciples – James, John, Andrew, Thomas, etc. Jesus was always looking for others who would be a part of his ministry and mission.

Over the next 3 weeks, I want us to look at three accounts from Luke’s gospel to see how Jesus called people into ministry. (Understand it is a ministry – we are not asking you to take on a job or fill a spot, we are asking for people to see their life as a ministry to fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ.)

This morning I want us to look into the Uncomfortable Call of Peter. I believe we can all related to Peter’s call, because we have to be honest we are all uncomfortable when it comes to stepping out and ministering for Jesus Christ.

We worry about being qualified

We worry about making mistakes

We worry about how the children will react