Podcast Summary: The Power of Getting Back Up | Jentezen Franklin at Free Chapel

Host: Jentezen Franklin
Date: October 13, 2025
Podcast: Jentezen Franklin at Free Chapel

Overview

In this powerful episode, Jentezen Franklin explores the theme of resilience after failure, delving into biblical stories, historical anecdotes, and personal encouragements to illustrate the redemptive power of getting back up when life knocks you down. Using Peter’s denial and ultimate restoration as the primary example, Franklin weaves together stories of disappointment, perseverance, and hope to convey God’s desire to use imperfect people for great purposes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Peter’s Denial and Restoration

[00:33 - 13:30]

• Franklin recounts the night of Jesus’ arrest, focusing on Peter’s insistence he would never deny Jesus, followed by his triple denial.
• He highlights the intensification of Peter’s denials: from a simple denial (“I do not know what you are saying”), to swearing, and finally to cursing.
• Notable moment: The rooster crows, and (per Luke 22:61) Jesus, battered and bloodied, turns and locks eyes with Peter—an act Franklin interprets as a look not of condemnation, but of unwavering love and future purpose.
• Quote: "You would think when Jesus looked at him, it was not a piercing look, it was a look of, 'I still love you.' I can prove that because he's going to use him again." — Jentezen Franklin [08:40]

2. Tears of Failure Across Scripture

[13:31 - 17:40]

• Franklin lists a series of biblical figures who experienced bitter tears and failures:
  • Adam and Eve (grieving over Abel)
  • Job (loss of children, health, fortune)
  • Lot, Jacob, Aaron, Samuel, David, Jeremiah, Mary, Paul.
• The common theme: even the greatest heroes of faith experienced deep regret, loss, and personal failure.

3. The Universal Experience of Failure

[17:41 - 27:00]

• Franklin transitions to stories from history:
  • Thomas Edison: Failed 14,000 times before inventing the lightbulb. His mother reframed a cruel letter from his teachers to empower him.
    • Quote: “She had believed in him, when everybody else said, he's a waste of time.” — Jentezen Franklin [19:53]
  • Vincent van Gogh: Sold only one painting in his lifetime, destroyed hundreds due to criticism, only recognized after his death.
  • Abraham Lincoln: Failed repeatedly in career and personal life but persisted to become one of America’s greatest presidents.
  • Albert Einstein: Viewed as mentally deficient in childhood; ultimately changed science and the world.
  • Dr. Seuss (Ted Geisel): First book rejected 27 times before finally publishing, becoming a household name.
  • Colonel Sanders: Overcame bankruptcy and 1,000 rejections for his chicken recipe before founding KFC at age 65.

4. Spiritual Implications: God Uses Failures

[27:01 - 36:15]

• Franklin underscores how God delights in using those whom the world labels as failures.
• He connects Peter’s restoration post-resurrection—Jesus specifically calls for Peter by name, signaling personal forgiveness and a new commission.
  • Quote: "Every time I hear a rooster crow, it's my past telling me how bad I messed up in front of thousands of people... You would think that God would find him a new hitter… but on the day of Pentecost... was a man named Simon Peter, who had denied him three times." — Jentezen Franklin [30:10]
• Uses baseball imagery: Peter’s denials are “strikeouts,” but God puts the bat back in his hands.
• During Pentecost, Peter preaches and 3,000 are saved—a home run after repeated failures.

5. Redemption and Purpose for Listeners

[36:16 - 37:56]

• Franklin invites listeners who feel broken, like failures, or weighed down by regret to accept God’s grace and another chance.
  • Quote: "Tell the roosters to shut up and get up and say, but Jesus said that I can do all things. Through Christ who strengthens me." — Jentezen Franklin [36:55]
• Encourages everyone, no matter their history, to trust in God’s ability to transform mistakes into miraculous outcomes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Peter’s Restoration:
  “When Jesus died and rose from the dead, he had somebody on his mind. Because when Mary got there, he said, you go tell my disciples and Peter...” [31:25]

• Universal Nature of Failure:
  “Aren't you glad he didn't listen to the critics? Aren't you glad he kept on going?” [23:30]

• Encouragement for Listeners:
  “You don't have to be the strikeout king, you can be the home run king for the glory of Jesus Christ. He's not finished with you.” [36:34]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Peter’s Triple Denial and Jesus’ Look: [00:33 – 09:10]
• Biblical Heroes Who Wept After Failure: [13:31 – 17:40]
• Thomas Edison & Historical Examples of Perseverance: [18:10 – 24:50]
• Peter's Restoration and Preaching at Pentecost: [30:10 – 33:50]
• Call to Redemption and Prayer: [36:16 – 37:56]

Conclusion

Tone & Style:
Franklin’s delivery is passionate, story-driven, and encouraging. He moves seamlessly between Scripture, history, and personal application, all leading back to the core message: Failure is not final. With faith and perseverance, what looks like the end can become a new beginning in God’s plan—no matter how badly we’ve fallen.

For Listeners:
If you’ve ever felt disqualified or “struck out,” this message offers hope, practical examples, and clear biblical promises that God is not done with you. There is—not just in Peter’s story, but in your own—the power to get back up.