Approach the Table - Pastor Fraser Catton

How can the bible make my life better today? - Pastor Jared Smith

How can I interpret the bible? - Pastor Fraser Catton

Did God write the bible? Pastor Jared Smith

Where did the bible come from? - Paster Fraser Catton

Expect the unexpected - Pastor Jared Smith

What must I do to inherit eternal life - Pastor Fraser Catton

Sermon overview: In this sermon, we will be unpacking John 6. This is an exciting chapter filled with amazing miracles. However, it ends with many of Jesus’ disciples choosing to “unfollow” him (see John 6:66). So, what happened? Basically, they didn’t understand what Jesus was teaching and were disappointed that he didn’t meet their expectations. Disappointment led to doubt, doubt led to unbelief, and unbelief led to them choosing to walk away. I will then look at some of the principles discussed in the Steps to Christ chapter called, “What to do with doubt”, and will finish by contrasting the response of Peter who choose to continue following Jesus (even though he was likely confused like the others).

Discussion questions:

What stood out to you from our sermon today?

John 6:52-66

In today’s sermon, we looked at some of the reasons that might have led to many of Jesus’ disciples choosing to stop following Jesus on this day. Why do you think they stopped following?

How do you think we should respond when we find ourselves struggling to understand things about God?

Do you think doubt is a good thing or a bad thing? Why?

Would anyone like to share something that has helped you during times of doubt?

John 6:67-69

How did Peter respond to Jesus’ question?

Why do you think he responded so differently to the others?

Why do you think Jesus said all of these “hard” things when he surely knew that people would walk away?

How can we have a resilient faith that endures during times of confusion and doubt?

Living it out

What are you going to do differently this week to live out what we’ve discussed?

Summary: We all have to make a choice - will we follow or not follow Jesus? Peter's story helps us understand what this looks like and what it means to follow Jesus. We'll explore Peter's calling to find:

Jesus invites you to make an informed choice

Jesus invites you to make an unusual choice (put out the nets after a fruitless night of fishing)

Jesus invites you into a personal relationship, not a prescriptive religion.

Jesus invites sinners to follow him, every time and all the time.

In Peter’s story, he chooses to follow and unfollow a few times. We may in our life as well. But when we say "Go away" Jesus still says "Come with me."

Passage Used: Luke 5:1-11.

Questions

What is a daily choice you make that you find easy/hard?

If you could go back in time to Peter's calling, would you have preferred to be on the shore listening and watching or in one of the fishing boats?

Luke 5:1-3

What does this passage tell you about Jesus?

What does this passage tell you about Peter?

Luke 5:4-7

Why do you think Peter obeyed Jesus?

What does Jesus call his followers to do that might seem crazy to others?

How does Peter address Jesus in this passage? What is the difference between the two (Master and Lord)?

Do you see Jesus more as your Master or your Lord?

Luke 5:8-11

Imagine yourself in Peter's shoes during this encounter with Jesus. How do you think you would have responded? What fears or doubts might have held you back, and what would it take for you to make the choice to follow Jesus?

Jesus - The Greatest King