06-13-25 part 1: Struggling, Stumbling, and Still Standing

Section One

This broadcast begins with a call to united prayer, especially for Israel, amid its conflict with Iran. Scripture is used to affirm that God blesses those who bless Israel and curses those who curse her. A special intercession is also made for a Navy interpreter named Carly, who is stationed near the engagement zone. The prayer emphasizes God's sovereignty, protection, and faithfulness in global events. With sincere confidence, the prayer acknowledges God's dominion over all human affairs and His plan for redemption.

Section Two

The lesson then transitions into a teaching on 2 Peter 2:20–22, one of the most misunderstood texts in the New Testament. Many confuse this passage with backsliding, but the message clearly differentiates between backsliding and apostasy. Peter, who once denied Christ publicly, knows the pain of spiritual failure. This gives weight to his words. The text is not condemning those who struggle with sin, but those who fully reject the truth after embracing it. The speaker insists that equating this passage with momentary sin is poor theology and dangerous teaching.

Section Three

Apostasy, the devotional explains, is not merely sinning—it’s knowing the truth and rejecting it willfully, with no sorrow or repentance. Satan himself is used as an example: he believes in God but refuses obedience. Peter’s imagery of a dog returning to vomit is about those who deliberately and defiantly walk away, not those who fall and get back up. A key illustration is offered: John Mark abandoned Paul on a mission trip but was later restored and used by God to write a Gospel. That’s not apostasy—that’s grace in action.

Section Four

In conclusion, the teaching shifts to comfort those who wrestle with personal sin. Struggle is not the same as rebellion. Struggling means you're still in the fight, still moving toward God, even if imperfectly. Examples from Scripture, like David and Peter, remind us that failure does not mean finality. The grace of God is not limited to the spotless—it flows to the broken who turn back. Rather than running from God in shame, we are urged to run toward Him for forgiveness, healing, and restoration.