Pastor's Column 6/7/2026

PASTOR’S COLUMN

⁴     “Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “ Look at us!” ⁵  The lame man looked at them eagerly expecting some money^{.”  6}  But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk.” Acts 3:4-6 NLT

“What Do You Have?”

The mission of Jesus Christ was entrusted to His apostles and followers who visibly represented Him on earth.  From what we read in the Scriptures, especially the Book of Acts, they were a “bold” and confident group. This was far different from the disciples we see in the Gospels who often were tepid in responding to tasks Jesus had assigned them. We see instances of uncertainty about the ultimate purpose of their blessed Teacher’s mission – and there was occasional dissension in their ranks. It’s fair to say however, the disciples were effective at many things although they fumbled quite a bit. The same assessment might be said of us, because we don’t always do what we should. The difference between the disciples before Pentecost and the apostles after Pentecost was their matured loyalty to the Christ who loved them and gave His life up for them. They embraced the great Promise Jesus pledged to them, the Holy Spirit. The indwelling of the Spirit ignited their new cause and imparted gifts to them, which nase their ministry effective and efficacious. When Peter and John were approached by the physically challenged man at the gate of the Temple called “Beautiful,” They “did not have what he wanted.” The man was a beggar, and he expected the apostles to give him money. The apostles knew through discernment of the Spirit the man only desired money, but he “needed” to be healed so his life could be transformed. Peter told the man he didn’t have any money, but [what] he had would be given to the man. Of interest, Peter never said what he had – but with faith in Jesus, he gave the man a command to “get up and walk.” The man was cured, and his own faith was restored! God uses what we have to change situations!