Further Study:
"The Saviour's manner of dealing with Peter had a lesson for him and his brethren. Although Peter had denied his Lord, the love which Jesus bore him had never faltered. And as the apostle should take up the work of ministering the word to others, he was to meet the transgressor with patience, sympathy, and forgiving love. Remembering his own weakness and failure, he was to deal with the sheep and lambs committed to his care as tenderly as Christ had dealt with him."—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 516.
"After all the failures of Peter, after his fall and restoration, his long course of service, his intimate acquaintance with Christ, his knowledge of Christ's pure, straightforward practice of principle; after all the instruction he had received, all the gifts and knowledge and great influence in preaching and teaching the Word, is it not strange that he should dissemble and evade the principles of the gospel, for fear of man, or in order to gain his esteem? Is it not strange that he should waver, and be two-sided in his position? May God give every man a sense of his own personal helplessness to steer his own vessel straight and safely into the harbor. The grace of Christ is essential every day. His matchless grace alone can save our feet from falling (MS 122, 1897)."—Ellen G. White Comments, The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, pp. 1108, 1109.
Discussion Questions: 
As a class, discuss the issue of dealing with weaker folk in the church who might be offended by certain practices. How far do we go in accommodating them? What principles should we follow so that we do not, as did Peter, sacrifice a higher purpose in our well-meaning attempts not to offend?
Spiritual pride is always a danger for anyone. How can we protect ourselves from this, especially if we are having great success in soul winning, in ministering, or in any area of church life? How does the Lord help keep His servants humble?
Is your church organized more as a club than a mission organization? If so, what can you do to help restructure the church for its central mission?
Summary:
The apostle Peter went through a dark night of the soul before, during, and after Jesus' death. When Jesus was resurrected, he was given another chance to be faithful to his Lord. Peter dedicated his life to that task and led the church from strength to strength in challenging times.
I N S I D E StoryGod Healed Me
by MARINA
I live in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. For years I suffered from a serious heart-related illness that filled my body with fluid. Whenever I tried to move, I would lose my breath. I spent two years in a wheelchair and thought I would die. The treatments the doctors offered promised little help, and I feared the consequences of them.
One day a friend visited me. She brought a young man who asked to pray for me. I agreed, thinking, What other hope do I have? I just want to get better. After that my friend and other Christians came often to pray for me.
Little by little I felt better and could breathe more easily. In one month I could leave my wheelchair and walk. Every day I felt stronger. My new friends urged me to exercise to regain strength. Their encouragement and their prayers saved my life. Soon I could walk to the little church to worship.
Then tragedy struck. One of my sons was killed and then a daughter died. I grieved and wondered how God could heal me but allow my children to die. Eventually I realized that I must be grateful for the healing I have experienced and not allow anger to destroy my faith.
My children are amazed at how healthy I am, and I tell them that God healed me. My doctors were amazed at my strength, and I told them what God has done for me. I tell everyone who asks that God healed me, and I invite them to church. I know now that in life we have shadows and sunlight. In both places God is with us. He was with me when I was sick, and He was with me when my children died.
My grandsons who live with me attend church, and I pray that my other children will accept God as their God, even as I have.
Pray for the people of Mongolia. The church here is young and growing. And remember, your mission offerings support lay evangelists such as the one who prayed for me and touched me with God's love.
MARINA (left) shares her faith in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Awareness.
email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org
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