Are you learning from Peter's example; how to walk on water? Should you?
Written: November 2025
• My attempt to simplify JustBibleTruth.com! How is it different from other church doctrines and religious teachings? Brief Introductory Overview: 6000 years in one webpage...
• I need you to perceive and then understand the nearly inconceivably wondrous hope we have in Christ. Not for after you die or off in the distant future, but happening right now!
• Just please let me help you realize all the Religionists, many using some of these same words while calling on Jesus's name, are misled... Then, easily understand why they are deceived (Mat 15:8-9) and how to avoid their plight and trap! (Rev 2:1-3)
God specifically sent Jesus Christ to teach mankind what He wants us all to know: What is require to become better people as God's friends, (John 15:11-16) and thus, to gain eternal life! (John 17:3; John 3:18-21) Then to confirm, God gave His only later day command [since Jesus was born]: "Listen to my Son." (Mat: 17:5) Jesus then selected 12 men he called apostles (Luke 6:13-16) and used them to help teach the rest of us, to teach all who desire to make the change to become righteous in God's sight; transforming themselves into a New Creation by becoming disciples of Jesus. (Gal 6:14-16; Rom 3:23-26) God then "inspired" four faithful followers of his Christ [his Anointed One] to write down what Jesus did and taught. (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) Following those Gospels are some additional Books God inspired about Jesus, [Acts thru Revelation] as He directed faithful men to therein express their understanding of what they learned from God's Son; and thus help us build faith to apply Jesus's teachings in our lives. All that together [including the earlier introductory Old Testament, (Gal 3:23-26) of course] helps us be able to sit at the feet of Jesus, (Gal 3:23-29) still yet, right down to our day. (Mark 3:31-35) As we read and take to heart the recorded words of Christ from the four Gospels, (Matthew; Mark; Luke; John) along with the writings of others inspired by God to write about Christ, [Acts thru Revelation] we become Jesus Christ's friends; (John 15:11-16) and therefore, friends of his Father. (Mat 11:27) Can YOU comprehend that? (2 Chron 16:9; Mark 9:7) What a wonder! I just don't know greater to say...
As you consider what you know about Jesus, what do you feel is the primary focus or purpose of his teachings? There are several that come to mind, of course. But two that seem among the most important of the many important, are faith, and then, how our faith is related to God's Holy Spirit. Jesus said if we have faith, we can do anything we want need.
Matthew 21:21-22 ESV . . .And Jesus answered them, "Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' it will happen. (22) And whatever you ask in prayer [to my Father], you will receive, if you have faith."
How, though, can our personal faith really achieve what we desire? After making clear the importance of having faith, Jesus went on to use his disciples in teaching us something nearly too wonderful to know: How our faith can "accomplish" what we want! In one example using Peter,
Jesus teaches how we need to learn to manipulate or control Holy Spirit; using, or by means of, our own personal faith. (Mat 14:23-31)
[I personally believe controlling Holy Spirit simply means "believing" God's promises, and then, "expecting" them. (Mark 11:23-24) {This is my expression of "my" faith. Your faith must, of course, be "your" faith.} God did say He loves you and promised He will protect you; (Psa 90:16-91:12) if, you have made yourself righteous by demonstrating your faith in Christ's words. So, it rests with you... (John 3:19 of 16-21) That is what "I believe!" Do "you" have faith that sees you being lifted and kept above the danger, or maybe, just keeping killer storms away from your door in the first place? (Psa 91:9-10) Don't you doubt, what we are saying to others is our expression of what we beleve! (Mal 3:16-4:3)]
Peter was a zealous Apostle, such that he sometimes spoke without seemingly thinking it through. So, when Jesus came walking on the water to his disciples, Peter quickly exclaimed "Lord, tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus said come and Peter jumped out of the boat and started walking to Jesus. (Mat 14:23-31) Peter had faith! But, as Peter looked around at the raging sea, he became afraid and that fear led to doubt and that led to his loss of Holy Spirit. He started to sink. Peter no longer had faith! It's very interesting that Peter didn't loose his faith in Christ, since he immediately cried out to Jesus to help him and he did. Do you see the important point Jesus was making: Jesus could do things for his apostles, but, he was also teaching them how to do things for themselves; using his Father's Spirit. Did you note after Peter started to sink Jesus referred to him as "man of little faith"? It wasn't just Peter, Jesus admonished his disciples many times about their lack of faith... (Mat 8:26 of 23-27; Mat 17:14-20) We must all become Jesus's friends, (John 15:14-16) meaning in part, we imitate Christ's faith! (1 Cor 10:31-11:1; Heb 12:1-3) After Jesus was murdered and resurrected to heaven, Peter had well learned to use the power of God's Spirit. (Acts 5:12-32)
So then, really, what's so Different about JustBibleTruth.com?
Understanding our ability and need to manipulate God's Spirit during these days of judgment and deliverance (Mal 3:16-4:3) highlights one great chasm between my faith and encouragement, [JustBibleTruth.com] and the beliefs of all the many religious sects and churches I am familiar with. My belief and teachings are simple: Hear God's only later day command to listen to His Christ, (Mat 17:5) and then, do just that. You accomplish God's will (John 6:28-29) and make yourself a friend of God's Son, (John 15:13-14 of 11-16) as well as gaining God's Spirit, (John 6:63) by reading the Gospels of Christ to familiarity. (Matthew; Mark; Luke; John) Learn from Jesus to have absolute faith in God's Spirit, the Spirit alive in Christ's words; (John 6:63; Heb 4:12-13) and then, literally, stay alive by that faith... (Job 33:13-30) Like Abraham, you must be יהוה's friend. (Isa 41:8 of 8-13; Gal 3:23-29) יהוה must be a dear personal friend you talk with and depend on! Don't be one of those saying God isn't listening or answering... (Job 33:13-14 of 13-30) If you are asking, his answers are in the words of Christ.
Very different from that simple encouragement to actually listen to Jesus, all Religionists try to convince you it is an approved membership in their sect that will gain you God's blessings! If you cower before their sect and allow them to teach you how to walk and dress and talk to others about Christ, and so receive "their" blessing, all Religionists brashly assert, that will make you pleasing to God. I warn they are liars or deceived. How do mere men become so puffed up with themselves? Religionists combined overall effect in directing people to themselves and their sect rather than Christ, though, is huge and obvious: Mankind is grinding and suffering along in their sad lives, being blinded by false religious beliefs. Most refuse to wake up because they have religious leaders promising their sect is blessed by God... Many are convinced if they question or doubt their religion, they are doubting God! This is your own personal key to protection and deliverance: (2 Chron 19:9) Do you really and truly believe there is a God who is Good, and, is your rewarder? (Heb 11:6) If you believe that simple truth, it's easy to know what the balance of truth is: (Rev 2:1-3) Listen to Christ! (Mark 9:7; John 6:28-29) To remain free of deception, you should never subjugate yourself to anyone except Jesus Christ and his Father. (Mat 23:1-15) No real Christian would ever expect you to, or even allow it. (Rev 19:9-10) The only help I, or any other person or group can be, is to direct you to read the words of Christ for yourself. (John 15:11-16) His life and teachings are recorded in those four short Gospels; only about 200 pages for all four. (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) It is your faith in what you personally know Christ taught that is your salvation. There is no hope in any association of men. (Acts 4:5-13) Jesus clearly taught none of us should imagine we are teachers in his place. He very specifically said he is our one and only Lord and teacher. (Mat 23:1-15) The very best any of the rest of us can do is direct everyone to Christ! The wise among us learn from Jesus to know יהוה, (Mat 11:27) and then, how to use God's Spirit. (John 16:23-24) Jesus warned many times about the dangers from a lack of faith. (Mat 17:14-20; Mat 8:24-27) That is to say, all Christians need an unquestioning "expectation" of the revelation of God's promises in our behalf. (Job 33:13-30)
So, should you be able to walk on water? Figuratively speaking [and maybe literally], yes, all Christians should! If, that is, we "need" to walk on water. But, certainly never showing off or putting God to the test... (Psa 78:40-42) This is not about you rolling about or shaking or handling a snake for a few moments in the midst of your congregation, to show others the spirit active on you. This is about you becoming a friend of Jesus Christ (John 15:11-16) and thus surviving Armageddon; staying alive through the world wide destruction of Satan's wicked system and on into eternity; (1 John 3:19-21) because of your having Holy Spirit to believe and/or by your truly expecting fulfillment of יהוה's promises that you will... (Psa 91:5-12; Mal 3:16-4:3; Zep 1:12-2:4)
[That you need faith to walk on water rolls off my tongue easily enough; but, I still struggle to "really believe," day in and day out, that "my faith" is protecting and keeping me alive... Being blessed to understand what Jesus taught is not necessarily the same as having faith! (James 2:19) I sometimes fear I don't have enough faith... I talk with and pray to my friend יהוה all "much of" the time. (Rev 4:8) I pray He will help me where I lack faith. (Mark 9:24 of 20-24) My hope is, as we witness Armageddon rapidly escalate to kill "all" the wicked around us, (Psa 91:2-12) thus ever solidifying my faith in what יהוה has promised, (Zep 1:14-2:4) when I need to walk on water, I will. (Mark 9:22-24 of 14-29) Maybe I already am... I do love and trust and hope in יהוה as my friend and my God who is good; (Heb 11:6) and would provide "is providing" protection! As many or most people have, I have had considerable bad in my life. (VietnamJC.com) Even so, I have believed through it all everything would be alright. (Psa 91:5-8) I still do! (Mal 3:16-4:3) Maybe the only reason I am yet alive is that faith...
Here's what you should know and understand: All the horrors in this world indicate we are living during the Great Tribulation and are facing or already into Armageddon. (Mat 24:3-8; Mat 24:31; Mat 24:37-39; Mat 24:43-44; Mat 25:31-34; Luke 21:25-28) Jesus promised there in Luke 21, the righteous should be happy and excited to see the signs the end has arrived. If you are among the survivors, it is by God's Holy Spirit. (Zep 1:14-2:4) And, God's prescribed method for gaining that Spirit is taking it in by reading the words of Jesus Christ. (John 6:63; Mark 9:7) This is really simple to understand, but, you do have to stand up for your true belief. (Mal 3:16-4:3) Meaning, in part, you have to avoid being misled by Religionists; even those who appear sincere and have imagined good intentions... (Mat 24:23-28; Mat 23:1-15)
Another teaching Christ used Peter to illustrate again seems to show Peter's impetuousness [but maybe just his zeal]. (Mat 17:24-27) It seems Peter here told a fib. When asked if Jesus paid the temple tax, Peter quickly answered yes. To help him fix his lie, Jesus seems to have turned it into a lesson illustrating our need for Jesus as our only Savior: Jesus was sent by God to give his life for ours. (Mat 20:28) We were born dying, but, our faith in what Christ taught sets us free of that death sentence. (John 5:24) After Peter had been questioned about the temple tax and said something that was not true, Jesus told him to go and catch a fish and that it would have a coin in its mouth with value to pay the tax for Peter and Jesus. (Mat 17:24-27) As God's son, Jesus wasn't obligated to pay the tax, but he did so anyway. His solution, while making it so Peter was no longer a liar, (John 8:44; Rev 21:8 of 5-8) also seems to illustrate how Jesus is paying the tax, so to speak, for all of repentant humanity.
If you hadn't already noted, one thing very different about my faith and encouragement is I believe in the happy ending Jesus promised. (Mat 24:21-22) Not off in the distant future, but happening right now! One thing that means is I hope and plan and "expect" to live forever! Every person who claims faith in Christ will say that same thing, I do know, some using those same words and phrases and even Christ's name. Difference is, I'm not talking about a resurrection in future times or dying to become some kind of spirit creature or angel. I really expect the life I am living right now to continue on forever, right into the restoration of the paradise יהוה created when He set Adam and Eve in Eden; the life God intended for his human sons and daughters since the founding or creation of the world. (Mat 25:31-34; Rev 21:1-4) And yes, I do mean that literally, so, I expect to live on forever without dying! (John 11:25-26; Job 33:13-30)
Satan may have delayed it a bit, but he didn't thwart God's arrangement and purpose one bit. We are living in the time Jesus spoke of when he promised those faithful who are living will never die at all. (John 11:24-26) That means I expect that for myself and for all the faithful throughout all the earth. I believe that because my faith is that is what God's Word promises. Are you speaking with others about what you believe? Our Father is listening... (Mal 3:16-4:3) To consider in more detail the great big beautiful happy ending Jesus taught we can expect in our day of history, (Luke 21:25-28) go to JustBibleTruth.com. Scroll down to the section: "Most Important: What Christ taught!" and select "What Next? Rejoice!" Consider also: "Invasion of Israel ➔ Armageddon?" Do remember as you consider these scriptural promises, many or even most among this world will "may" continue to think this is all foolishness [or a fairy tale], (Luke 17:20-30) right up until their sudden destruction. (1 Thes 5:1-5) Important question for you: Will you survive? What "you believe" matters to our Father! (Mal 3:16-4:3; Zep 1:14-2:4; Rom 10:9-10)
One additional wonderful thought about faith... I believe the Bible's promises that hope and joy and great expectations produce healing. (Pro 14:30; Pro 4:23; Mat 9:22; Luke 17:19) Healing "is" what God promised. (Job 33:13-30) Jesus said he came to bring joy. (John 15:11) That all leaves me to believe: The tear stains of absolute joy that wash the pages of JustBibleTruth.com amount to the healing of me... "YOUR" faith, though, is what is important for YOU! (Mal 3:16-4:3)
If you don't have a computer or internet connection in your home, go to a public library. Most have staff who will be pleased to help you get to JustBibleTruth.com. Or, even better, pick up a Bible and read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John over and over to a personal familiarity with what Jesus said and meant... See you soon, then, in the reestablishment or revelation of paradise! (Rev 21:1-4; Isaiah 11:1-13; Mat 25:34)
Additional Option: Someone who knows about computers can help you set up a thumb drive that will run JustBibleTruth.com from your home computer without internet. For directions on how to download the website, go to: JustBibleTruth.com/DownloadJBT.html [If installed locally, the website files will need to be refreshed or updated regularly. This is for people who don't have internet access. It is best to use JustBibleTruth.com online, and thus up to date, if you can! The site says what I believe the Bible says so I doubt anything will change, but, additional scriptural references are added mostly daily. In the some twenty years I have worked on this website, I am not aware of one thing I have retracted. It is the Bible! There is one change I made: Fresh from the Nam in my early twenties, (VietnamJC.com) I asked two sperate preachers from two churches I had attended (a Baptist and an Alliance) what is the best study Bible. They both suggested the Thompson chain reference King James Translation. I drove fifty miles to Indianapolis to the the publishing company and bought myself a brand new Thompson Chain Reference King James Bible, red letter edition. I quickly learned the King James translation uses Jehovah for the name of God. So, for twenty or thirty years after, I referred to God as Jehovah. I was still using Jehovah when I started this website. There is a large argument among Religionists about what God's name is. Some use "Yahwey" or "Jehovah" or "LORD" or others... Those are all different attempts to translate יהוה into English. יהוה is God's Hebrew Name as given the Jewish Nation when they were being used as his people. I sounds like
to people who read and speak English. Realizing that truth, I have stopped using Jehovah and started using יהוה. You may still find Jehovah in some of the older webpages. Just know I do know better.]
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Jesus teaches how we need to learn to manipulate or control Holy Spirit; using, or by means of, our own personal faith. (Mat 14:23-31)
