In The Name Of Jesus The Church Grows

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. (Acts 3:6-8 NIV)

Church budgets often end up being the central focus of many congregations and denominations. How are we going to keep going if we can't pay the bills? I guess one question we might need to ask is what are we intending to keep going. Are we here to keep the buildings that were built by human hands together? Or, are we here as part of the living temple, built not by human hands; but, by the blood of Jesus Christ?

Peter, who is considered by many as the first "Pope" was broke. He had no money to share with anyone. He had no money to be used for building up buildings. John who was with Peter at the time had no money. None of the apostles, except maybe for the tax collector Matthew, was wealthy. They were not wealthy; they had no money to build building; but, somehow under their direction the early church grew by leaps and bounds. It was not money that grew the church; but, the power of the Spirit of Christ working in and through them. It was by reaching out to people in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth that the church on earth grew by leaps and bounds.

Peter was broke. But, he was willing to share what he did have with others. And, what he had was worth so much more than silver and gold. He could bless the crippled man in the name of Jesus the Christ so that this man could live life more fully. He jumped up praising God, healthy and whole. He could walk and would no longer need to beg. 

Money might get us a building or even a cathedral or two. But, we don't need money to share what God has given us through Jesus the Christ. He has given us Jesus. We have the name of Jesus and in him we have more to share with others than any amount of money can buy.

May God help us to focus on the real treasure and that treasure is Jesus the Christ. Let us praise God for all that He has done for us and share the awesomeness of Jesus with anyone and everyone in any need and we are all in need. We are all beggars who rely on the love and gifts of God to live life most fully in this world and the Kingdom to come. Let us share with others what we do have. Let us share the love of God through Jesus the Christ. 

God's Peace - Pr. J