Peter proclaims Jesus
John 21:1-19 | Leader & Student Information

Tyler Bowles • Associate Pastor
November 11, 2026

2 Minute Read
Week 8 Devotional
Scripture

Lesson Summary

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus' followers to be His witnesses. Peter, who had recently denied knowing Jesus, stood with the other apostles and proclaimed Him publicly. His courage came from God's enabling power. The same Spirit lives in every believer, helping us follow Christ and speak about Him.

Peter's message centred on Jesus. His death fulfilled God's saving plan, God raised Him from the dead, and He is exalted as Lord and Christ. Peter used Scripture to explain what had happened. When his listeners were convicted, he called them to repent and be baptized. Forgiveness comes through trusting Christ; baptism publicly identifies believers with Him.

Jay's lesson calls us to depend on the Spirit, read God's Word, and be ready to explain our hope with gentleness and respect. Witness includes a life that honours Jesus and words that explain what He has done. We can speak faithfully in ordinary conversations while trusting God to bring conviction and growth.


Small Group Questions

Understanding & Application
  1. Where do you feel most hesitant to let people know that you follow Jesus? What do you fear might happen?
  2. How does Peter's change from denial to public witness challenge the idea that God can only use naturally confident people? What would depending on the Spirit look like for you?
  3. When you explain Christianity, what do you usually focus on? How could you make Jesus' death, resurrection, and lordship clearer?
  4. Read Acts 2:37-38. What is the difference between feeling guilty and responding to Jesus in repentance and faith?
  5. Jay challenged us about leaving our Bibles unopened. What realistic change would help you give Scripture your attention and respond to what it says?
  6. What would courage with gentleness and respect sound like if a friend challenged your beliefs? How could you answer honestly when you do not know something?
  7. Who could you pray for and speak with about Jesus this week? How does knowing that God gives the growth change the pressure you feel?
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November 11, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Peter proclaims Jesus
Week 8 Devotional Scripture Acts 2:14-41 (ESV) Lesson Summary At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus' followers to be His witnesses. Peter, who had recently denied knowing Jesus, stood with the other apostles and proclaimed Him publicly. His courage came from God's enabling power. The same Spirit lives in every believer, helping us follow Christ and speak about Him. Peter's message centred on Jesus. His death fulfilled God's saving plan, God raised Him from the dead, and He is exalted as Lord and Christ. Peter used Scripture to explain what had happened. When his listeners were convicted, he called them to repent and be baptized. Forgiveness comes through trusting Christ; baptism publicly identifies believers with Him. Jay's lesson calls us to depend on the Spirit, read God's Word, and be ready to explain our hope with gentleness and respect. Witness includes a life that honours Jesus and words that explain what He has done. We can speak faithfully in ordinary conversations while trusting God to bring conviction and growth. Small Group Questions Understanding & Application Where do you feel most hesitant to let people know that you follow Jesus? What do you fear might happen? How does Peter's change from denial to public witness challenge the idea that God can only use naturally confident people? What would depending on the Spirit look like for you? When you explain Christianity, what do you usually focus on? How could you make Jesus' death, resurrection, and lordship clearer? Read Acts 2:37-38. What is the difference between feeling guilty and responding to Jesus in repentance and faith? Jay challenged us about leaving our Bibles unopened. What realistic change would help you give Scripture your attention and respond to what it says? What would courage with gentleness and respect sound like if a friend challenged your beliefs? How could you answer honestly when you do not know something? Who could you pray for and speak with about Jesus this week? How does knowing that God gives the growth change the pressure you feel?

Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor

November 4, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Do You Love Me?
Week 7 Devotional Scripture John 21:1-19 (ESV) Lesson Summary After His resurrection, Jesus meets seven disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. They have fished all night without catching anything, but at His instruction they catch more fish than they can haul into the boat. When Peter realizes that Jesus is on shore, he immediately heads towards Him. The risen Lord welcomes His disciples and provides breakfast, showing His authority and personal care. Jesus then asks Peter three times whether he loves Him. The conversation is painful for the disciple who denied Him three times, but Jesus does more than confront Peter’s failure: He entrusts him with caring for His people. Peter’s calling rests on Jesus’ restoring grace, rather than his ability to prove that he will never fail again. Love for Jesus is to find expression in faithful service to those who belong to Him. Jesus also tells Peter that following Him will eventually cost his life, then commands him, “Follow Me.” Steve’s lesson challenges us to put Jesus first, depend on His strength, and serve for His glory rather than our own recognition. Failure should lead us to confess and return to Christ. By His grace, He continues shaping imperfect people to love Him, care for others, and share His Gospel. Small Group Questions Understanding & Application When you feel disappointed in yourself or uncertain about what comes next, what do you usually turn to for comfort or control? How could you bring that situation to Jesus? Peter was eager to get to Jesus. What competes for your attention or makes you put off spending time with Him? What practical change could help you give Him priority? Read John 21:15–17. How does Jesus’ response to Peter challenge the idea that past failure makes someone useless to Him? What might make His restoring grace difficult to receive? Jesus connects Peter’s love for Him with caring for His people. Who around you needs encouragement, friendship, or practical help? What could you do this week to care for them? Steve challenged us to examine why we serve. How can you recognize when you are more interested in being noticed than in honouring Jesus? What could help you serve faithfully when nobody notices? Jesus calls Peter to follow even when the path will be costly. Where might following Jesus cost you comfort, approval, or control right now? What would trusting Him look like there? What people, places, or habits help you grow as a follower of Jesus? Which one could you make better use of this week? Who in your life needs to hear the Gospel? What is one thoughtful step you could take towards talking with them about Jesus?

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October 21, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
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October 14, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
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October 7, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
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September 30, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
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September 23, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
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Tyler Bowles

Associate Pastor