by Skip Tschantz | Oct 26, 2026 | Articles, Testimonies
As followers of Jesus, we are His ambassadors charged with the responsibility of representing Him to those with whom we come into contact and especially those within our sphere of influence. “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20a). What a marvelous privilege this is that Jesus would choose the likes of us to continue with the sharing of the “message of reconciliation” to a world in desperate need of being reconciled to God. And not only a privilege but an awesome responsibility. A responsibility that we should not take lightly. The apostle Peter offers some insights into how we can prepare ourselves to carry out this calling. In chapter 3 of his first epistle the practical apostle lays it out in a way that forces one to think in terms of application. Chapter 3 and verse15: “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…” What does it say, what does it mean and what does it mean to me is an excellent way to read Scripture. Let’s look at some ways that we might apply these challenges to our individual lives. “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts” To sanctify is to set apart as holy. We are not only to set Christ apart as holy; He is holy whether we set him apart as such or not, but we are to set Him apart as Lord. Jesus must not only be my Savior, although He is that, but...
by Joe Bradley | Oct 13, 2026 | Articles, Mentors Corner
Simon Peter knew fishing. It was his trade, expertise, and his comfort zone. When Jesus approached him in Luke 5, Peter had already spent a long exhausting night doing everything he knew to do – and caught nothing. Jesus told him, “…Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch” (v 4). Humanly speaking, the timing was inconvenient, the conditions were wrong, and His request made little practical sense. And Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but at Your bidding I will let down the nets” (v5). Obedience beyond understanding The miracle did not happen when Peter understood; it happened when Peter obeyed. When he acted on Jesus’ word, the same nets that were empty hours before suddenly contained a great quantity of fish – so many that the nets began to break and both boats started to sink. Peter’s response was not pride in a successful catch but humility and brokenness; he fell at Jesus’ feet and confessed, “…depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (v8). Obedience to Christ’s word reveals both His power and our true condition. When Peter followed Jesus’ command “because He said so,” he discovered that Jesus was not just a wise teacher but the Lord over creation, over his profession, and over his future. Catching fish to catching people In that moment of awe and conviction, Jesus did not shame Peter; He reoriented Peter’s entire life. Jesus said, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men” (v10).The same obedience that led Peter to push...
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