"When You're Not Getting Better" (Sunday Shares)

Last Sunday, I shared with you a talk that Dr. Steve Brown did at our church. I definitely recommend listening to it if you haven't yet. He also delivered the sermon last Sunday. And although we were in the toddler class during church, we listened to the sermon while we were driving home from Knoxville yesterday. And once again, I highly recommend it. 

Dr. Brown talks about what to do when you find yourself continually sinning, when you're not getting better. He looked at Luke 22:24-34 where Jesus discussed who was seen as the greatest after the disciples argued about it. And He told Peter about his coming denials of Him, but also told him to use the times he turns away to strengthen other believers.

Luke 22:24-34 says:

A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
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 “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said,“I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

Dr. Brown has a unique way of reminding us of the beauty and majesty of grace. He speaks straight to the heart with truth. He is funny and honest, and he speaks in an approachable, practical, and compelling way. After listening, I felt encouraged and spurred on. Dr. Brown gives a refreshing perspective on sin and grace. If you find yourself messing up, going back to sin, or just struggling to see how God can use you (which I'm pretty sure is all of us), this is a wonderful message for you. Download the podcast from Immanuel Nashville and let your heart be strengthened, humbled, and inspired. Be reminded of the amazing grace that is poured on you, even when (and especially when) sin creeps in.