The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Grace for the Gentiles

Paula K. Graves

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August 10, 2026

God demonstrated His grace for the Gentiles through Saul and Barnabas. Jews had always considered that they were the only people of God and had excluded the Gentiles. However, God had always planned to include the Gentiles. The prophets had foretold what Jesus, the Messiah, would do. Isaiah 49: 6 He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” [1]

Jesus demonstrated this as He reached out to Gentiles multiple times: the Samaritan woman (John 4), the Roman centurion (Matthew 8), and a demon-possessed man in the Gadarenes (Mark 5). Jesus had foretold that believers would take the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Now Saul and Barnabas were doing just that. A Gentile church in Antioch had collected money to support the Jewish Jerusalem church and sent it with Saul and Barnabas. There the two apostles shared what was happening with the Gentile believers with the Jerusalem church leaders.

Jewish Leaders Response

Gentiles receiving the Gospel without becoming Jews first was shocking to the Jewish believers. Yet, as Saul and Barnabas shared what they had been teaching, the Jewish Christians accepted this revolutionary concept.

Galatians 2: 6 And the leaders of the (Jerusalem) church had nothing to add to what I was preaching. (By the way, their reputation as great leaders made no difference to me, for God has no favorites.) 7 Instead, they saw that God had given me the responsibility of preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the responsibility of preaching to the Jews.

8 For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles. 9 In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews.[2]

Different But Unified

Despite their differences, the leaders in Jerusalem recognized God’s grace for the Gentiles. This was the beginning of dealing with this issue. It would continue to come up until a few years later, there would be a Council meeting in Jerusalem. After Paul and Barnabas’ mission trip (Acts 13 &14) reached even more Gentiles, leadership needed to settle the dispute. There, they came to the same conclusion: God had grace for the Gentiles. They distributed a letter to the churches stating this (Acts 15).

Their acknowledgment reflects the unity all believers should strive for. Even though we may have diverse paths, our common denominator is the grace conveyed through Jesus Christ. This is how unity and encouragement within the church can embolden our mission. We must work together to spread the Gospel with our giftings just as Peter and Paul did. May we all reflect the same solidarity and vision the early apostles had for reaching the nations.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/set-apart-and-sent-out

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Compassionate Response

Paula K. Graves

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August 9, 2026

The church in Antioch had a compassionate response to the words of a traveling prophet. Acts 11: 27 During this time some prophets traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.) 29 So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could. 30 This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem. [1]

When God gave the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter quoted the prophet Joel to explain what was happening. Acts 2: 17 ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike—and they will prophesy. [2]

The Spirit’s Gift of Prophecy

God’s Spirit had come upon the Old Testament prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, enabling them to foretell what was coming. God put a pause on prophecy during the time between the Old and New Testaments. But Jews anticipated that prophecy would resurface when the Messiah came. This happened at the first Pentecost. Paul would later write about prophecy. 1 Corinthians 14:1 Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy.[3]

In its simplest definition, prophecy is simply telling others what you hear God telling you. This may be foretelling the future as Agabus did. But prophecy is always meant to encourage and strengthen God’s people. 1 Corinthians 14: 29 Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said… 31b so that everyone will learn and be encouraged.[4] God was speaking through Agabus to warn the people to prepare for a time of famine.

Thinking of Others First

We would think that when the Antioch believers heard the warning of a coming famine, they would store food for themselves. But surprisingly, that is not how they reacted. Instead of hoarding supplies for themselves, they gathered money to send to the Jerusalem church. In times of crisis, God calls believers to listen for His voice and take unified action.

Jesus is to be our model of service. He had a ministry of compassion and proactive service, and so should we. The Antioch church had a compassionate response to needs in Jerusalem. They collected money and then sent Saul and Barnabas to deliver it personally.

What can we learn from this story and how can we apply it to our lives? Look around. Be willing to listen for God’s voice and discern His calling. How is God calling you or your congregation to address the needs of your community?

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/set-apart-and-sent-out

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Teaching at Antioch

Paula K. Graves

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August 8, 2026

After Jesus appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus and spent years training him, we find Saul teaching at Antioch. The Jerusalem church had sent Barnabas to check out the newly formed group of Jesus followers in Antioch.

Antioch was the 3rd-largest city in the Roman Empire, with a population of half a million. It was a cosmopolitan city with great commercial and political power. Both Jews and Gentiles lived there and would have provided the early church with many opportunities for evangelism. “Antioch was to the Roman world what New York City is to ours,” writes James A. Kelso.[1]

Barnabas recognized that God was working both with the Jewish and Gentile believers there. But Barnabas needed help and remembered that Saul was in Tarsus. Acts 11: 25 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.) [2]

A Difficult Path to Teaching

Saul, as a zealous Jew,  was an enemy of those who followed Jesus. He did not see Jesus as the Messiah but a heretic who was leading people astray. He had been determined to stamp out this new movement as he journeyed to Damascus. But Jesus appeared to him on the way and demonstrated that He was alive and the Messiah. This turned Saul’s world upside down.

Even though Saul immediately began to preach that Jesus was the Son of God, his fellow Jews rejected the message. Saul appears to have gone on a pilgrimage to Arabia, where Jesus taught him and prepared him for his call to the Gentiles. In addition to his preparation in Arabia, Saul returned to his hometown of Tarsus. This was for his safety, but also allowed him to work out his theology among the Gentiles there.

Barnabas had befriended Saul in Jerusalem and probably knew that God had commissioned him to minister to the Gentiles. Even though it was about 150 miles between Antioch and Tarsus, Barnabas went and got Saul to bring him back as a teacher. Saul’s story demonstrates that our training journey for God’s call is not always straightforward, but can have surprising twists and turns.

Redirected for Mission

Just as Saul’s past did not limit God’s call on his life, neither does ours. God can redeem our mistakes and train us for what is ahead. When we look to God for His guidance and are willing to listen and obey, God can forgive and restore us from our mistakes. In fact, God loves to do this to give us a testimony of a changed life.

Saul had been out to kill Christians. When he began to preach the Gospel, Christians thought it was a ruse to arrest them. It took time for them to trust an enemy that God had turned into a emissary. Certainly, there should be a period of vetting for someone who has turned from persecutor to preacher. At the same time, we must learn to receive and affirm those God has called out of questionable pasts. Fifteen years earlier, Saul would have been shocked to hear that he would be teaching at Antioch. God can use those whom we least expect.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 449). Victor Books.

[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 11:25–26). Tyndale House Publishers.

Barnabas, the Encourager

Tom Graves

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August 7, 2026

Barnabas, the encourager, is an example for every believer. In Acts 9:27, we meet Barnabas at a critical moment in the early church. Saul, once a fierce persecutor of believers, had encountered Christ and been transformed. Yet the believers in Jerusalem were understandably afraid of him. They doubted his conversion and kept their distance. It was Barnabas who stepped forward, took a risk, and stood in the gap. He listened to Saul’s testimony, believed his story, and then advocated for him before the apostles.

Barnabas didn’t just offer kind words; he offered trust, courage, and presence. He saw what God was doing in Saul’s life and chose to encourage rather than suspect. How often do we hesitate to embrace someone because of their past?

Celebrating Growth and Calling Others Forward

Later, in Acts 11:22-25, Barnabas went to Antioch to investigate reports that Gentiles were coming to faith. What he found could have drawn skepticism or criticism. Instead, Barnabas rejoiced. He saw the grace of God at work and encouraged the new believers to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

Barnabas didn’t criticize these new believers for what they didn’t know. He strengthened them in their growth. He understood that encouragement builds faith, while criticism often tears it down. Recognizing the church’s growing needs, Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul and bring him back to help teach and lead. He wasn’t concerned with recognition; he was concerned about helping people grow in faith.

As believers, God calls us to do the same. Encouragement is not passive. It actively fosters others’ growth. It celebrates progress, invites participation, and helps people step into their God-given purpose.

Encouraged by God, Encouraging Others


Ultimately, our ability to encourage flows from the Lord Himself. Scripture reminds us that God is our greatest encourager. Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. [1] And later Paul instructed the believers. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up.[2]

Barnabas may not be as well-known as Paul or Peter, but his quiet influence profoundly shaped the early church. Without his encouragement, Saul’s ministry might have been delayed or diminished. Without his support, the church in Antioch might not have flourished as it did.

His life reminds us that encouragement is not merely a personality trait but a calling. You don’t need a spotlight to make an impact. Often, the most powerful ministry happens quietly, through steady faith, genuine care, and the courage to believe in others. Be like Barnabas, the encourager, and be bold. Build faithfully. Trust God to use your influence to change lives.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Gospel is for the Gentiles, Too

Tom Graves

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August 6, 2026

As the message of Jesus spread, the believers began to understand that the Gospel is for the Gentiles, too. What seemed chaotic was actually God’s quiet strategy. After Stephen’s death, believers were scattered by persecution, carrying wounds, grief, and uncertainty. Yet as they traveled to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, they carried something stronger than pain: the Gospel of Jesus.

At first, many shared only with fellow Jews. It felt natural, safe, and expected. But some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene stepped beyond those boundaries. They spoke to Gentiles! These were people outside their tradition and comfort zone, and something remarkable happened: the Gentiles believed.[1]

Human fear or circumstances can’t limit God’s purposes. Even in suffering, He is at work. This challenges us to see our disruptions differently. When life scatters us through hardship, change, or uncertainty, God may be sending us. The places we didn’t plan to go may be the very places where He wants the Gospel to take root through us.

A Gospel for All People


Antioch was no small village; it was a bustling, diverse, and deeply pagan city of about 500,000 people. By many standards, it seemed an unlikely soil for spiritual awakening. Yet it became a thriving center of faith. They didn’t wait for perfect conditions or receptive audiences. They shared what they knew. Acts 11:21 the power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord. [2] This moment marked a turning point. The church in Antioch would go on to commission and support Paul on his missionary journeys, reaching nations far beyond what those early believers could imagine.

We often assume certain people won’t be interested, won’t understand, or won’t believe. But Acts 11 reminds us that the Gospel does not belong to a select group; it is for everyone. The power lies not in our ability to persuade but in God’s ability to transform hearts. Our role is simple: be willing.

Boldness for Today’s World


Our world today is marked by stress, anxiety, and a constant search for meaning. People are overwhelmed, yet often unaware of the hope available to them. The message of Jesus meets that need. It transforms lives, reshapes priorities, and lifts our vision beyond the present moment to eternal hope in Jesus. Just as God brought good from Stephen’s death and the scattering of believers, He is still weaving redemption through the brokenness we see today.

The question is whether we will participate. Wherever we live, we are placed there with purpose. Like the believers in Antioch, God calls us to carry the good news on our lips and in our lives. We may not feel bold, but boldness grows as we trust God. When we step out in faith, His power meets us there. Let our eyes be outward, our hearts open, and our voices ready. The Gospel is for all, and God still uses willing people to share it.

To learn how the Gospel is for the Gentiles, too, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1] Acts 11:19-30 Summary from the Holy Bible

[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 11:21). Tyndale House Publishers.

God’s Mission for Saul

Paula K. Graves

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August 5, 2026

God had revealed His mission for Saul to Ananias before Ananias prayed for Saul. Acts 9: 15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.[1] Paul gives his testimony of the Damascus road experience three times in the book of Acts. The first telling is Acts 9:1-19, the second is Acts 22:3-21, and the third is Acts 26:9-20.

In the third telling, Paul shares more details about what Jesus told him on the road to Damascus. Acts 26: 16 Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. Tell people that you have seen me, and tell them what I will show you in the future. 17 And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles 18 to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’ [2]

A Vision in Jerusalem

God’s plan to send him to the Gentiles and not the Jews must have been shocking for Saul to hear. Saul considered himself to be an elite Jew. Philippians 3: 5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law.[3]

Saul had to escape death threats in Damascus by escaping through the city wall in a basket. He then went to Jerusalem and boldly preached that Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah. The Jerusalem Jews pushed back against this message. Saul had trouble believing that the Jews would refuse the Gospel. But God continued to guide Saul.

Acts 22: 17 “After I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple and fell into a trance. 18 I saw a vision of Jesus saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem, for the people here won’t accept your testimony about me.’

19 “ ‘But Lord,’ I argued, ‘they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.’

21 “But the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!’ ” [4]

God Has a Mission for Each of Us

As we can see from the story of Saul, God has a sense of humor. He sent a zealous Jew to preach to Gentiles. God often has surprising assignments for each of us. He desires that we all come to faith. Then He will work through us to build His Kingdom here and give us the promise of eternal life with Him.

Ephesians 2: 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.[5] Our good works can never save us; only faith in Jesus can. But in gratitude to Jesus, we want to serve Him by fulfilling the plans He has for us. Just as God’s mission for Saul brought Him glory, so will our obedience to His plans.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

God Trained Saul

Paula K. Graves

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August 4, 2026

Luke doesn’t go into detail about how God trained Saul. But Saul, who is later known by his Greek name Paul, gives us hints of his early training as a believer in Christ. Saul immediately begins to preach that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah they have been waiting for. Luke condenses Saul’s story here.

Acts 9: 21 All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”

22 Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.[1]

We think there may be a three-year gap between verse 21 and verse 22, which Paul writes about in his letter to the Galatians.

Trained in Arabia

Galatians 1: 12 I (Paul) received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ…15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.

When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. 17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus. [2]

Saul probably went to Mt. Sinai, where God called Moses in a burning bush and gave the Ten Commandments. Elijah also spent time there communicating with God. Now, Saul went on a pilgrimage because he needed to rethink his theology. He probably studied, prayed, and thought about the meaning of Christ’s death and resurrection and how these facts related to what we call the Old Testament. The disciples had three years with Jesus, and now God trained Saul to prepare him for his call.

To Tarsus

Saul boldly preached the Gospel in Jerusalem after escaping from Damascus. Again, there were death threats against him. Acts 9: 30 When the believers heard about this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown. [3] The believers sent him back to his hometown to keep him safe. Scholars think Saul was there for up to 10 years before going to Antioch to teach.

Scripture doesn’t give us details of what happened in Tarsus during this time. More than likely, Saul worked in his family’s tent-making business to support himself. His message would have been controversial, and family and friends may have rejected him. Tarsus was a very cosmopolitan city with both Jews and Gentiles. Saul may well have learned how to reach out with the Gospel to these Gentiles. Again, this would prepare him for God’s plans.

God Trains Us

God will use other people, Scripture, and life events to train us. Each of us is on a unique path, and if God calls us, He will equip us. We can be sure our training will be in His timing and way. Sometimes we think Saul immediately went on his mission trips after his experience on the road to Damascus, but God trained Saul for years before this happened. God doesn’t waste any of our experiences but can use them to build His Kingdom if we are willing.

To find out more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Disruptive Truth

Tom Graves

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August 3, 2026

The disruptive truth was the reality of Saul’s ministry as He proclaimed the Gospel. His transformation was undeniable. Once a fierce opponent of the Gospel, he now boldly proclaimed Jesus as Lord. Acts 9:23 After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him. 24 They were watching for him day and night at the city gate so they could murder him, but Saul was told about their plot. 25 So during the night, some of the other believers lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall. [1]

Unfortunately, the same pattern followed him to Jerusalem, where truth spoken with clarity stirred hearts, but it also stirred anger. This reminds us of a sobering reality: people do not always receive the Gospel with joy. It confronts pride, exposes sin, and demands surrender. That disruption often leads to resistance. We should not be surprised when sharing our faith meets pushback. The enemy does not want to hear the truth, nor does he want us to speak it.

God Intervenes in the Midst of Opposition


Twice in these passages, Saul’s life was in danger, and twice God provided a way of escape. In Damascus, friends lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. In Jerusalem, the believers sent him away to safety. These are not coincidences but divine interventions. God had a plan for Saul, and no opposition could stop it.

This same truth echoes throughout Saul’s later writings, especially in his discussion of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6. These verses remind us that our real battle isn’t against people but against spiritual forces of evil. Because of this, we need to rely on God’s strength and fully equip ourselves with His spiritual armor so we can stand firm against the enemy’s schemes.[2] The battles he faced were not merely physical; they were deeply spiritual.

Yet in every instance, God preserved him for His purposes. When we look at our own lives, we can see similar moments when God protected, guided, or redirected us. Sometimes His intervention is dramatic; other times it is quiet but no less real. The greatest intervention, of course, is the cross, where Jesus secured our salvation. If God has done that for us, we can trust Him to sustain us through every challenge.

Move Forward in Strength, Not Fear

Saul refused to let fear silence him. Even after threats and narrow escapes, he continued to proclaim the Gospel. His confidence was not in his own ability but in God’s strength. The disruptive truth of the Gospel still challenges the world today and will continue to meet resistance. But God does not call us to retreat; He calls us to move forward.

Discouragement may come, but it need not define us. God’s strength is sufficient, and we can’t thwart His purposes. Like Saul, we are part of a greater story, shaped by divine intervention and sustained by grace. So speak the truth, even when it is difficult. Trust God when opposition arises. And remember: the same God who carried Saul through danger is at work in your life today.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 9:23–25). Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Ephesians 6:11-12 Summary from the Holy Bible

Preaching That Jesus is the Son of God

Tom Graves

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August 2, 2026

Shortly after his conversion, Saul began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. But what led up to that? Before his conversion, Saul was on his way to persecute believers when God suddenly interrupted him. A blinding light stopped him in his tracks, and he heard the voice of Jesus calling him by name. In that moment, Saul realized that his actions were not just against people; they were against God Himself. Humbled and shaken, he received a simple instruction: get up, go, and wait for direction.

God had a plan for Paul’s life, and it required His intervention for that plan to unfold. Like many of us, we can go astray along life’s journey. In His grace, God intervenes to save us spiritually and to empower us through the Holy Spirit to share the good news of Jesus. Acts 9:20 And immediately Paul began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” [1]   Paul had not believed that Jesus could be the Messiah for numerous reasons. Now, he knew what it was like to walk in spiritual darkness and was inspired by God to share with others how He had changed him.

The Holy Spirit Transforms Us

Paul’s encounter with Jesus was deeply personal. The man who opposed Jesus now saw Him clearly as the Son of God, the promised Messiah. Through his conversion, this new understanding of who Jesus’ identity completely reshaped Saul’s life. This experience transformed His beliefs, identity, and purpose in life. 1 Corinthians 5:17This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! [2]

The good news of the Gospel is that no one is beyond the reach of our Savior Jesus. Neither Paul’s past nor ours disqualifies us from sharing the Gospel. Our past and the way the Lord has transformed our hearts make a powerful testimony. This reminds us that the Gospel on the move starts with changed hearts. Paul’s transformed heart enabled him to begin preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. There was no waiting period, no advanced training, no polished strategy. Paul simply shared with others what God had revealed to him.

God’s Work is Amazing

God’s work in the life of Saul was profound! All who heard him were amazed. Acts 9:21“Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?” [3] The same God who worked in Saul can also change the course of your life.

Today, you may have come to the end of yourself, unsure of what to do. It’s not too late to cry out to God! He specializes in taking what seems broken, lost, or even opposed to Him and turning it into something that glorifies Him. What looks like an ending in our eyes is often the very place where God begins something new. His work is amazing because it goes beyond what we can imagine, transforming lives in ways only He can accomplish.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Growing into Wholeness

Paula K. Graves

no comments

August 1, 2026

Our journey of faith is one of growing into wholeness through Jesus. As we saw yesterday, Peter could only commit to a brotherly love for Jesus. Earlier, he had boasted of his agape love for Jesus, only to fail by denying Jesus three times. Now, by the Sea of Galilee, Peter did not trust himself to declare that he would love Jesus sacrificially.

Jesus met him where he was with a brotherly love. But then Jesus prophesied that Peter would die a martyr’s death. John 21: 18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” [1]

This always seemed like a disconnected part of the story until I considered what kind of love it would take to be a martyr. You must have agape love, a committed sacrificial love, to die for someone. Jesus knew that Peter could only commit to brotherly love at this point, but that he would grow into an agape love as he followed Him.

Restored for a Purpose

Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Once for each time Peter denied Him. Each time Jesus told Peter to care for the flock, which would be the church. God had a job for Peter: to lead the church. But he should be a shepherd and care for them, not just give them orders to follow. But to be a caring, effective leader, the rest would need to trust Peter.

All the disciples knew Peter had publicly denied knowing Jesus. Most of the time, correcting someone should be done in private to avoid embarrassment. In this case, Jesus did it publicly in front of the other disciples. Why? Jesus knew that persecution, imprisonment, and martyrdom were ahead for believers. If Peter had denied Jesus, the others might have worried that Peter would betray them. The believers would need to trust Peter for him to lead well. Thus, Jesus publicly reinstated Peter to the task ahead.

A Restoration for a Renewed Call

Three years earlier, Jesus had given Peter a great catch of fish and a command to follow Him. Now, Jesus renewed that call. For Peter and us, following Jesus isn’t a one-time thing. It becomes a lifelong journey of faith. “Follow Me” is a present-tense imperative meaning “Keep on following.”[2] Peter would be growing into wholeness as he followed Jesus’ way. It is the same for us.

Jesus had a task for Peter, and He has a task for each of us as we walk this earth. He will call and recall us to this if necessary. For even if we are not where we need to be spiritually, as we follow Jesus, He will enable us to grow in faith. He died for our sins. When we repent and confess, He forgives us. This restores our relationship with God and allows us to grow and work in His Kingdom. Our purpose from God is not to bring us glory on this earth but to bring God glory in His Kingdom. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/wholeness-through-restoration

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jn 21:19). Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Barton, B. B. (1993). John (p. 408). Tyndale House.

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