Finding Jesus Beyond the Crowd (#1088 - Elim)

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Following Jesus at a Distance | Peter’s Denial and Modern Discipleship

Have you ever felt the need to hide your faith in certain environments—whether at work, on social media, or in everyday conversations? In this deeply personal and spiritually stirring episode, Reverend Ben Cooper explores the dangerous habit of following Jesus at a distance through the lens of Peter’s denial in Luke 22:54–62.

“And Peter followed at a distance...” (Luke 22:54)

Through vivid biblical storytelling, Cooper walks us through the moment Peter sat down near the enemy’s fire—a seemingly minor choice that exposed a spiritual vulnerability. What began as physical distance from Christ quickly became emotional and spiritual detachment, culminating in public denial.

Cooper brings this ancient scene into our modern reality. He challenges listeners to reflect on their social media activity, workplace conversations, and friendships. Are we living as bold followers of Jesus—or quietly blending in to avoid discomfort or rejection? Are we sitting at the world’s fire, warming ourselves by its approval while our relationship with Christ grows cold?

This message is especially relevant in a time when Christian values are increasingly countercultural, and bold faith often meets resistance. Rev Cooper does not deliver this challenge with judgment, but with pastoral care and prophetic urgency. He reminds us that one day, we too will lock eyes with Jesus—and we must consider how we represented Him when it mattered most.

“Would anyone know you’re a Christian if they only looked at your life online or overheard your conversations?”

From online compromise to peer pressure at work or in friendships, the episode addresses the subtle ways we can distance ourselves from Jesus without even realizing it. Yet in that recognition comes grace. Just as Peter was restored, so too can we return from compromise and reclaim a bold, faithful witness.

Whether you’re:

• Struggling with spiritual drift
• Feeling isolated in your faith
• Wrestling with how to stand firm in today’s culture
• Or simply needing a reminder of what authentic discipleship looks like

...this episode will challenge you to walk closer with Christ, no matter the cost.

Take a moment to read Luke 22:54–62 before or after listening, and allow the Holy Spirit to highlight areas where your walk may have become distant.

Are you sitting at the wrong fire today?

Listen now to be stirred, challenged, and drawn back to bold, unashamed Christianity.

• “How to stand for your faith at work”
• “What does Peter’s denial mean for Christians today?”
• “Christian podcast about spiritual compromise”
• “Discipleship in a hostile culture”
• “How to stay close to Jesus in modern life”

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God bless and see you in the next episode.