We Can Offer the Gift of Faith

With this Sunday I begin my sermon series on the book of Acts that will be in the form of a travelogue. We will see how the Holy Spirit led Peter, John, Paul, and others to various places under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I want us to see, too, that as people of faith, our lives are not linear. There will be twists and turns along the way that come from the Spirit's direction.

Pentecost was that powerful event with the Spirit being outpoured on those disciples. Peter became the main speaker - amazing since he seemed like an unlikely candidate. For the one who had denied Jesus three times, we see how God uses him to witness to Jesus' death and resurrection. Luke tells us in Acts that thousands came to faith because of Peter's proclamation!

This Sunday our attention is brought again to Jerusalem. In Acts 3 we read about Peter and John going to the temple to pray. They come across a man who was lame and asking for money. Peter says "we have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." (Acts 3:6). The man was healed!

Certainly, there are times when we can offer tangible items to those in need, whether it is food or money. Then, again, maybe we don't have the resources. In that scenario, maybe the greatest gift we can give is our faith; i.e. to offer pray for those in need. When we pray for someone in need during a time of illness or unemployment, God might surprise us (and the person in need) with what can be done.

We at Savior Divine have a strong prayer ministry. I believe this is what we can offer to our friends and community. We believe in the power of prayer! In the biblical sense our sanctuary is a "house of prayer." (Isaiah 56:7)

Have you ever felt inadequate because you didn't have any tangible items to offer someone in need? Have you ever mentioned you would pray for that person or bring that person's name in prayer in Sunday worship?