When the Church Looks Like the World: Time to Get Out of the Boat
Picture the stormy Sea of Galilee. The disciples are terrified when a figure walks toward them on the water. Peter, ever impulsive, says, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come.” Jesus says, “Come,” and Peter steps onto the waves—but begins to sink when his focus shifts to the storm. Jesus catches him, saying, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
This moment defines Peter’s journey—capable of great faith when focused on Christ, yet vulnerable to fear and failure when distracted. He later denies Jesus three times, yet after the resurrection and Pentecost, Peter becomes a bold leader, preaching to thousands. What changed? Peter placed his focus on Christ and received power through the Holy Spirit.
We, too, have lost our focus. The church today is often marked by division, hostility, and infighting over music styles, governance, or cultural issues. This mirrors the early church’s struggles—yet they thrived. Why? Because they devoted themselves to prayer and allowed the Holy Spirit to lead.
So, how do we regain our focus?
God gives us the answer in 2 Chronicles 7:14:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Humble Ourselves
Peter’s pride led to his denial of Christ, but failure brought humility. In Acts 4, Peter speaks with Spirit-filled boldness—not arrogance. True humility allows us to see our sin clearly and confess it fully. God honors the humble: He teaches them, blesses them, and gives them grace.Pray Without Ceasing
Prayer was the lifeblood of the early church. They prayed constantly—and power followed. God desires honest, ongoing conversation with us. He always answers—Yes, No, Not Yet, or “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Prayer aligns us with God’s will and fills us with His strength.Seek His Face
Not His gifts, but His presence. In Acts 3, Peter offers not silver or gold, but healing in Jesus’ name. The early believers were recognized as people “who had been with Jesus.” Seeking God transforms us from the inside out and draws others to Him.Turn From Wicked Ways
Peter repented deeply after his failure and was restored by Jesus. True repentance (“metanoia”) means a change of mind and direction. We begin to see ourselves, others, and God differently. Repentance brings transformation.
And what does God promise if we do these four things?
He will hear us, forgive us, and heal our land.
He also promises power through the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts. Peter and the early church walked boldly because they were Spirit-filled and focused on Christ.
Conclusion:
Time is short. It’s time to log off distractions and tune into God. Peter’s life shows us the way—focus on Jesus, be filled with the Spirit, and allow God to transform us. When we fix our eyes on Christ, we will no longer sink—we will walk in power.
