Peter's Testimony

I love the lesson we'll be teaching today about Peter and the growth of his testimony. I plan to tell the kids that we are going to write a biography (really a brief outline) of Peter, using the references suggested in the lesson:

1 - Matthew 4:18-19 (calling to be fishers of men)

2 - Matthew 14:22-33 (walking on water)
3 - Matthew 16:13-17 ("...flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.")
4 - Matthew 17:1-9 (Mount of Transfiguration)

5 - Luke 22:31-34, 54-62 (Peter denies knowing Christ)

6 - Acts 3:1-9 (heals a lame man)
7 - Acts 4:6-20, 5:12-42 (Peter and the apostles continue to teach in Christ's name, even after being threatened. Peter says, "We ought to obey God rather than men.")

Then we'll show them how their testimonies will grow like Peter's. Peter's testimony took time and trials to grow. It is a cyclical process even:

1- accepting the gospel, baptism or calling
2- doubt, temporary leaning on someone else's testimony or remembering to look to Christ
3- guidance from Holy Ghost
4- worship or spiritual experience
5- test of faith
6- serving others in the name of Christ
7- stronger testimony

I have loved teaching New Testament this year. I have learned a lot, and my testimony has grown. I was not familiar with the story in Acts 5 before. It's a great story. I found the wisdom of the Pharisee Gameliel at the end especially interesting:

35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.