A sermon preached on July 21, 2013 at Hebron Baptist Church in
Denham Springs, Louisiana by Pastor Joe Alain.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:35-10:1
On the road to Angola State Penitentiary, as you’re coming in to Tunica there is a slightly faded homemade sign on the right side of the road on a small bluff that says, “Jesus Is Lord Over Tunica.” I’ve often thought about that sign over the years as I have passed by it. I think I know what they are trying to say, that we are God-fearing people.
I’ve also wondered, “is that really true in Tunica?” And I’ve thought about how Jesus is so much more than Lord over Tunica, He’s Lord over all creation! Paul echoes Psalm 24:1 when he says “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (1 Cor. 10:26). In one of God’s conversations with Job, the Lord asks, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” (Job 38:4). And Isaiah says that the whole earth is full of his glory (Isa. 6:3). Jesus is Lord over all but are all people acknowledging his Lordship in their lives? It’s pretty obvious that many are not. And I can imagine I wouldn’t have to look very far in Tunica to find someone who is not. But what about our city? Is Jesus the Lord of our city? And is Jesus the Lord of my life?
What does it mean to live under his Lordship? And how do we bring the Lordship of Jesus to bear to the people of our city? How do we who know Jesus claim our city for God? Matthew 9:35-10:1 is a good place to begin for we have Jesus’ example of how he brought his life and message to the cities of his day.
Claiming our city for God means we . . .
1. Follow Jesus’ Pattern (v.35)
In one sentence we see the threefold activity which was the heart of the life of Jesus: teaching, proclaiming, and healing. I want to reverse the order of teaching and preaching and begin first with the fact that Jesus was a preacher. The word “proclaim” or “preach” here means to “herald” and a herald is one brings a message from the king. Jesus was the one who brought a message from God, a message of good news – salvation is here! He announced that reconciliation with God was now possible, sins would be forgiven.
The job of the herald was to proclaim or to announce things that were certain. As Jesus proclaimed the certainties of God, so we have the privilege of announcing the certainties of salvation. There never was a time when this certainty was more needed than it is today. We must announce with clarity and certainty God’s salvation. It’s been said that in our day we are standing at the crossroads and the signposts have fallen down. We don’t know which way to go. You and are to announce the certainty of truth and good news to a world in confusion.
Jesus was a preacher, but he was also a teacher. It is not enough to simply proclaim the Christian certainties we must be able to show the significance of these certainties for life and living. But to do that, we must teach, and teaching is not only talking but living. We must show people what Christianity is by how it impacts our life. We show that Jesus is Lord more by how we live rather than what we say. In a world that has grown skeptical of Christianity and is all too familiar with how Christians have fallen short, we need to show people how Christ makes a difference in our life.
Jesus preached, taught, and healed. Jesus was a healer. Healing disease and sickness was the visible evidence that the kingdom of God had broken in. The curse of sin had been reversed. The Gospel did not stop at words alone, it was translated into deeds. When we look at the Gospels it’s pretty amazing to see how much more time Jesus spent healing the sick, feeding the hungry, comforting the sorrowful, welcoming the outcasts than he did just talking about God. He spoke the Word of truth and He lived out the healing Word. He put words into actions.
There is a world before us that is sick and in need of a healing touch. Desperation, hopelessness, loneliness, hunger, confusion, – these are but a few of the sicknesses of our age that need the Gospel’s healing touch, a touch that you and I can bring. If we are to claim our city for God, we must follow Jesus’ pattern of proclaiming, teaching, and healing.
2. Embrace Jesus’ Passion (v.36-37)
Passion comes from seeing and feeling. The word here for “compassion” is the strongest word available to express “pity” and it is only used of Jesus in the Gospels. When we follow Jesus in the Gospels we see what moved Jesus most of all. William Barclay notes the following:
(1) He was moved to compassion by the world’s pain. For the sick (Matt.14:14), the blind (Matt. 20:34), for those in the grip of demons (Mk. 9:22).
(2) He was moved to compassion by the world’s sorrow. Widow at Nain who lost her son (Lk. 7:13).
(3) He was moved to compassion by the world’s hunger (Matt. 15:32).
(4) He was moved to compassion by the world’s loneliness. Lepers (Mk. 1:41).
(5) He was moved to compassion by the world’s bewilderment. Jesus saw the people as they really were, “harassed and helpless,” or as the HCSB says, “weary and worn out.” Jesus saw people as “sheep without a shepherd,” living confused and aimless lives. The Jewish leaders should have been offering people strength to live, but instead they only added to the law and their burden. They had no comfort to offer. They only piled more crushing requirements. “We must always remember that Christianity exists, not to discourage, but to encourage; not to weigh people down with burdens, but to lift them up with wings.”
Seeing people as Jesus did and being moved to compassion is the passion of evangelism. We see people hurting and we have an emotional response that leads to action. This compassion caused Jesus to see the magnitude of the harvest (v.37). Certainly the disciples at this point did not see the great mission field all around them. And yet Jesus says that “the harvest is plentiful.” The needs have never been greater. People still need Jesus today just as much as they did in past days. We are not lacking for hurting people in our community that need Jesus. In fact, they have only increased.
It is true that our culture has changed and we may not know the people in our area, they may not be from here, they may be different culturally than us. But they are here. And we as God’s church are planted here to continue impacting this city for Jesus. We may have to use different methods to reach people. There is nothing wrong with methods that once worked, it’s just that our world has changed. And God is saying to you and I, will we believe that “Greater things have yet to come. Greater things are still to be done in this city? Will you believe that God is the God of this city? That he’s the king of this people? That he’s still the Lord of this nation?”
Follow Jesus’ Pattern, Embrace Jesus’ Passion, . . .
3. Offer Jesus’ Prayer (v.38)
Making an impact in our world begins but does not end with prayer. The ESV and HCSB have the word “Therefore” at the beginning of verse 38. Jesus is saying, “Based on what I have just told you, here’s what you are to do first in light of this situation – pray!” And the ESV has “pray earnestly” or seriously, fervently. We are to pray to the Lord of the Harvest and our prayer is very specific, that He would “send out workers into his harvest field.”
Here is a simple but profound truth. The harvest will never be reaped unless there are reapers to reap. Jesus needs people to do His will. God desires all men to be saved (2 Pet. 3:9) but for that to happen they will have to hear and they will never hear unless other people tell them. Paul says “How, then, can they [unreached people Jews and non-Jews] call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Rom. 10:14-15a).
This is a prayer for the multiplication of people involved in meaningful ministry to people who do not know Christ. This is heartfelt prayer for people to be involved in teaching, proclaiming, and healing ministries.
Follow Jesus’ Pattern, Embrace Jesus’ Passion, Offer Jesus’ Prayer, . . .
4. Go in Jesus’ Power (10:1)
To the surprise of the disciples, they will become the answer to their prayers for workers in God’s harvest. Although we begin with prayer, it’s never enough to only pray, prayer without works is dead. We must not be content to only pray, to give, to offer support as good as these things are. We must go in Jesus’ power.
Jesus called the disciples, empowered them with his authority, and sent them out into the harvest field. They will take up the work that he has begun; that of teaching, proclaiming, and healing. This is the work that you and I are called to do. When you pray, “Do it Lord . . . let your kingdom come, let your will be done,” you are asking that God would “Do it” in you!
Why does it matter so much? Because it’s true, Jesus does love us all and He came so that everyone would know how much. Jesus said that you are like a city (Matthew 5:14), you are “the light of the world, a city on a hill that can’t be hidden. God doesn’t want you to hide or be quiet. He made you to shine!” Let’s determine to shine, to go in Jesus’ power. He is the God of this city!
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
"Phil. 1:3"
Monday, July 29, 2013
Change for Good (Acts 10:34-36, 43-46a)
A sermon preached on July 28, 2013 at Hebron Baptist Church,
Denham Springs, Louisiana by Pastor Joe Alain.
Peter is in the city of Caesarea at the home of Cornelius where a gathering of family members, friends, and coworkers has been assembled, all anxious to hear what Peter has to say to them.
Scripture Reading: Acts 10:34-36, 43-46a
A Self-Evident Truth
Your willingness to grow, to change determines what kind of impact you will make for good on people the few short years that you are on this planet. Change for good is self-evident and true in every area of our lives. Your ability to grow, to change impacts the field that you work in. If you continue to grow, to adapt, to change, to learn, your vocation will more than likely remain fresh, you will enjoy your work more, and consequently you will make a greater impact on your job.
If you have a positive attitude towards learning, if you’re open to grow, you will probably enjoy school more, it will be more rewarding and you will have a better overall experience. In your relationships, if you remain open to change, to learn some new skills, to grow, your relationships can grow and be more enjoyable rather than becoming stagnant. One of the keys to healthy relationships is your ability to grow, to learn some new skills, to change. Healthy personal relationships, solid marriages, parenting skills, these are not dropped down from on high, they are learned and they can be improved, and if you will let God work in your life and remain open to change, if you will seek to learn some new skills, your relationships can improve, your parenting can be more of a joy.
This truth of changing for the good is also evident in our spiritual growth, our spiritual relationships. Your willingness to let God work, to grow, to change determines what kind of Christian life you will experience, and what kind of impact you will make in the lives of people for the Lord. Jesus came to give us life and life to the full (Jn. 10:10), but we have to let God work, we have to be willing to change to experience God’s abundant life.
We see this principle of Change for good at work in the life of Peter. Peter, we know him as impulsive, he tends to engage his mouth before his brain, he’s a little hard-headed and stubborn. But what we forget about Peter is that he was passionate for God, he was completely sold out to Jesus and His kingdom, and he was willing to change his mind, his thinking, his prejudices, he was willing to grow, to change life-direction, to change for good.
Growing Up Jewish
Peter was Jewish and being Jewish he had been raised as a Jew with all of the cultural trappings of Judaism, including very detailed laws on what was considered clean and what was considered unclean. There were strict regulations that governed what one could eat and what one could not eat, even what you could touch. These regulations about what was considered clean and unclean were originally designed as a teaching tool to show God’s people that God is holy, he’s different, he has a claim on the lives of His people, and as such, his people are to be different, they are to reflect holiness in every aspect of their lives. “Be holy,” God says, “for I am holy.” But somewhere along the way, these ideas of clean and unclean became rationalizations for accepting some people while rejecting others.
God choosing Israel was to lead them to great gratitude and humility, but instead they felt as if they were the privileged while the Gentiles or non-Jews were considered unclean, they were outside of God’s realm. Non-Jews even at best were considered 2nd class members. The temple area complex where the people worshiped had a special reserved section for Gentiles called the Court of the Gentiles. This was the outermost part of the complex and no non-Jew could come any farther (see Acts 21:27-32). So no Gentile could ever hope to have complete access to God. God of course had nothing to do with this. His people had misinterpreted his Word.
Things have changed now that Peter is a Christian. His life has been changed, his heart has been opened to the truth. Peter is growing, he’s changing his preconceived views, he’s open to God and he wants to follow Jesus. And because he’s open to God’s truth and willing to yield to Him, he’s going to be used greatly to bring the Gospel to new places.
Peter’s Story from Prejudice to Acceptance
Here’s the story. In Acts 10 we discover that Peter is in Joppa (v.5). Peter has had a busy week in Joppa for it was here that his prayers for the healing of Tabitha were answered by the Lord and she was raised back to life (9:40-42). Peter stayed on in the port city of Joppa in the house of Simon, perhaps for a little seaside R & R on the Mediterranean.
One day while he was in Joppa Peter went up to the roof to pray, a common practice (v.9). As is often the case for Christians worshiping, and seeking God through the spiritual disciplines, these things seem to bring out the hunger in us. So Peter while he’s praying falls off into a sleep of sorts and he begins to dream about Sunday dinner. In this trance he sees a sheet let down from heaven and it is filled with all kinds of critters (v.12). There’s steak and pork roast and gator tail and duck! And then he hears a voice telling him to “Get up . . . Kill and eat” (v.13). It’s dinner time.
But there’s a slight problem because much of what Peter sees is not on the authorized Jewish menu. Peter interrupts and confidently affirms, “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean” (v.14). Peter was known for his “I never” statements, some of which he had to eat. Be careful about those “I’ll never . . .” statements, you may have to eat your words. But Peter is going to discover that God is not simply changing Peter’s lunch options, God is teaching him about people, people who God created, people for whom Christ died. “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” (v.15). Maybe because Peter is a little hard-headed, he had to tell him three times (v.16).
Now while Peter is pondering all of this there’s a knock at the door (v.17). A man named Cornelius has also had a visit from the Lord telling him to send men to find Peter for he has something very important to tell him. The next day Peter and some of the “brothers from Joppa” as well as the three men who were sent by Cornelius started out towards Caesarea (v.23). Cornelius had been expecting them and had called all of his relatives, close friends, even people he worked with together (v.24). This God-fearing devout man was ready to hear the story of Jesus. It is beautiful how God works and prepares people to hear the Gospel. How many people are willing to hear about Jesus but are just waiting for someone to tell?
Peter was taken aback when Cornelius bowed in reverence to him. Peter made him get up telling him he was just a man himself (v.26). And when Peter went inside he found a large gathering readied to hear the message of Jesus. To ease the tension that probably Peter was feeling, the first thing Peter said was that he reminded them that according to Jewish law he shouldn’t even be there, “But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean” (v.28). Peter has been listening and learning and growing.
Peter then begins to share his journey of discovery, how God has shown him that every man is equal in the sight of God. “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right” (vv.34-35). This truth too is self-evident but sometimes it takes some time to arrive at this conclusion. Our founding fathers arrived at this conclusion, a conclusion that was shocking then and one we’re still trying to figure out how to practice. The opening of the United States Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, states as follows: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Tearing Down the Wall of Partiality
Even though Peter had been raised to be prejudiced towards Gentiles, non-Jews, he had been open to learning from God the truth about other people. Jesus, Peter discovered is “Lord of all” men (v.36). He is the one mediator who makes us at peace with God and with each other (“peace through Jesus Christ,” 36). It is partiality, favoritism that divides us, that causes us to build fences rather than bridges. Partiality threatened the expansion of the Gospel and for the Gospel to spread to all people, hearts and attitudes would have to change and they did. And this is why God speaks so much on the subject of partiality. It is partiality, favoritism that continues to divide us not only in our church but in Christendom as a whole. God must be grieved because of sinful hearts and inability to come together under the banner of the cross of Jesus! If we cannot treat one another with love and respect, how will we love people who are on the outside?
God’s been talking about this problem of favoritism for a long time. God told his people in Leviticus 19:15, “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.” God specifically told his people to look after the aliens (no, not the ones from outer space but), the strangers, to welcome them, and to remember that they too once were outsiders. “Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt” (Ex. 22:21). To welcome outsiders is to fulfill the whole law, the royal commandment as James calls it, the great or first command that Jesus issued to love God and love your neighbor. To the question that the Jews asked, “who is my neighbor?” is the simple answer – every human being is your neighbor. “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism” (Jas. 2:1). Showing partiality, playing favorites destroys the common love relationship that God desires to see exist between us.
Because Peter was willing to change, to accept truth even when it contradicted what he had been taught was true, he was able to leave a legacy of love of impacting countless people for Jesus. Peter was able to tell Cornelius and all who had assembled the wonderful story of Jesus and his love. This Jesus, Peter said was anointed by God and went about “doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil” (v.38). He was killed by “on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day” (v.39b-40). We are witnesses of these things (vv.39, 41). And what we saw was the salvation that the prophets saw with the eye of faith. “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (v.43).
He’s Our God Too!
While Peter was speaking “The Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message” (v.44). This was a visible demonstration of salvation coming to those who heard and accepted the message. It was both to show to these “hungry-for-God Gentiles” (non-Jews) that the living God was their God too. This was also visible confirmation to the Jews who were there that the Gentiles were being welcomed by God Himself into His kingdom. The Jewish believers that witnessed this outpouring of the Holy Spirit were seeing something very similar to what had happened in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost.
God was visibly saying, “My Gospel is for all people!” And Peter affirms their equality in the kingdom by saying to both Gentiles and Jews, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have” (v.47). They were then “baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” (v.48). They are part of the one family of God where “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:28-29).
Life Evaluation
Your willingness to grow, to change determines what kind of impact you will make for good on people the few short years that you are on this planet. Here’s few questions to help you evaluate what kind of impact for good you will make.
1. Are you willing to grow, to change for good?
Are you willing to be adaptable, flexible? To be like the clay in the potter’s hand? When we understand that the Gospel is bigger than us and our needs, when we understand that this is really not all about us, then we won’t have a problem growing and changing. When Peter understood there were countless lives at stake, people that God Himself created and loved, how could he do anything else but be willing to grow, to change?
2. Will you begin to relate to God on a deeply personal level?
Peter prayed, he talked to God, he walked with the living Jesus, he listened to God’s voice and followed His will. He grew and was changed because he related to God on a deeply personal level. God uses the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fellowship with Him and his word to grow us, to conform us, to change us into his image. Jesus has to change us from the inside out. Paul says we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God, then he says, “Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom. 12:2). Why does it seem that some people make a greater impact than others? It is because they relate to God on a deeply personal level. They live their daily life before the presence of the living God. They want to grow and they are relating to God, letting Him shape them.
Some people put a cap on what God is going to do in their life, their stuck in a rut which is really just a grave with the ends kicked out. You can make an impact in the lives of others but you have to be willing to grow, to change. And that happens as you relate to God on a deeply personal level. Your willingness to grow, to change determines what kind of impact for good you will make on people the few short years that you are on this planet. You don’t have long to get this right. There’s no time to waste. It’s time to let God work in you!
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
"Phil. 1:3"
Denham Springs, Louisiana by Pastor Joe Alain.
Peter is in the city of Caesarea at the home of Cornelius where a gathering of family members, friends, and coworkers has been assembled, all anxious to hear what Peter has to say to them.
Scripture Reading: Acts 10:34-36, 43-46a
A Self-Evident Truth
Your willingness to grow, to change determines what kind of impact you will make for good on people the few short years that you are on this planet. Change for good is self-evident and true in every area of our lives. Your ability to grow, to change impacts the field that you work in. If you continue to grow, to adapt, to change, to learn, your vocation will more than likely remain fresh, you will enjoy your work more, and consequently you will make a greater impact on your job.
If you have a positive attitude towards learning, if you’re open to grow, you will probably enjoy school more, it will be more rewarding and you will have a better overall experience. In your relationships, if you remain open to change, to learn some new skills, to grow, your relationships can grow and be more enjoyable rather than becoming stagnant. One of the keys to healthy relationships is your ability to grow, to learn some new skills, to change. Healthy personal relationships, solid marriages, parenting skills, these are not dropped down from on high, they are learned and they can be improved, and if you will let God work in your life and remain open to change, if you will seek to learn some new skills, your relationships can improve, your parenting can be more of a joy.
This truth of changing for the good is also evident in our spiritual growth, our spiritual relationships. Your willingness to let God work, to grow, to change determines what kind of Christian life you will experience, and what kind of impact you will make in the lives of people for the Lord. Jesus came to give us life and life to the full (Jn. 10:10), but we have to let God work, we have to be willing to change to experience God’s abundant life.
We see this principle of Change for good at work in the life of Peter. Peter, we know him as impulsive, he tends to engage his mouth before his brain, he’s a little hard-headed and stubborn. But what we forget about Peter is that he was passionate for God, he was completely sold out to Jesus and His kingdom, and he was willing to change his mind, his thinking, his prejudices, he was willing to grow, to change life-direction, to change for good.
Growing Up Jewish
Peter was Jewish and being Jewish he had been raised as a Jew with all of the cultural trappings of Judaism, including very detailed laws on what was considered clean and what was considered unclean. There were strict regulations that governed what one could eat and what one could not eat, even what you could touch. These regulations about what was considered clean and unclean were originally designed as a teaching tool to show God’s people that God is holy, he’s different, he has a claim on the lives of His people, and as such, his people are to be different, they are to reflect holiness in every aspect of their lives. “Be holy,” God says, “for I am holy.” But somewhere along the way, these ideas of clean and unclean became rationalizations for accepting some people while rejecting others.
God choosing Israel was to lead them to great gratitude and humility, but instead they felt as if they were the privileged while the Gentiles or non-Jews were considered unclean, they were outside of God’s realm. Non-Jews even at best were considered 2nd class members. The temple area complex where the people worshiped had a special reserved section for Gentiles called the Court of the Gentiles. This was the outermost part of the complex and no non-Jew could come any farther (see Acts 21:27-32). So no Gentile could ever hope to have complete access to God. God of course had nothing to do with this. His people had misinterpreted his Word.
Things have changed now that Peter is a Christian. His life has been changed, his heart has been opened to the truth. Peter is growing, he’s changing his preconceived views, he’s open to God and he wants to follow Jesus. And because he’s open to God’s truth and willing to yield to Him, he’s going to be used greatly to bring the Gospel to new places.
Peter’s Story from Prejudice to Acceptance
Here’s the story. In Acts 10 we discover that Peter is in Joppa (v.5). Peter has had a busy week in Joppa for it was here that his prayers for the healing of Tabitha were answered by the Lord and she was raised back to life (9:40-42). Peter stayed on in the port city of Joppa in the house of Simon, perhaps for a little seaside R & R on the Mediterranean.
One day while he was in Joppa Peter went up to the roof to pray, a common practice (v.9). As is often the case for Christians worshiping, and seeking God through the spiritual disciplines, these things seem to bring out the hunger in us. So Peter while he’s praying falls off into a sleep of sorts and he begins to dream about Sunday dinner. In this trance he sees a sheet let down from heaven and it is filled with all kinds of critters (v.12). There’s steak and pork roast and gator tail and duck! And then he hears a voice telling him to “Get up . . . Kill and eat” (v.13). It’s dinner time.
But there’s a slight problem because much of what Peter sees is not on the authorized Jewish menu. Peter interrupts and confidently affirms, “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean” (v.14). Peter was known for his “I never” statements, some of which he had to eat. Be careful about those “I’ll never . . .” statements, you may have to eat your words. But Peter is going to discover that God is not simply changing Peter’s lunch options, God is teaching him about people, people who God created, people for whom Christ died. “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” (v.15). Maybe because Peter is a little hard-headed, he had to tell him three times (v.16).
Now while Peter is pondering all of this there’s a knock at the door (v.17). A man named Cornelius has also had a visit from the Lord telling him to send men to find Peter for he has something very important to tell him. The next day Peter and some of the “brothers from Joppa” as well as the three men who were sent by Cornelius started out towards Caesarea (v.23). Cornelius had been expecting them and had called all of his relatives, close friends, even people he worked with together (v.24). This God-fearing devout man was ready to hear the story of Jesus. It is beautiful how God works and prepares people to hear the Gospel. How many people are willing to hear about Jesus but are just waiting for someone to tell?
Peter was taken aback when Cornelius bowed in reverence to him. Peter made him get up telling him he was just a man himself (v.26). And when Peter went inside he found a large gathering readied to hear the message of Jesus. To ease the tension that probably Peter was feeling, the first thing Peter said was that he reminded them that according to Jewish law he shouldn’t even be there, “But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean” (v.28). Peter has been listening and learning and growing.
Peter then begins to share his journey of discovery, how God has shown him that every man is equal in the sight of God. “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right” (vv.34-35). This truth too is self-evident but sometimes it takes some time to arrive at this conclusion. Our founding fathers arrived at this conclusion, a conclusion that was shocking then and one we’re still trying to figure out how to practice. The opening of the United States Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, states as follows: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Tearing Down the Wall of Partiality
Even though Peter had been raised to be prejudiced towards Gentiles, non-Jews, he had been open to learning from God the truth about other people. Jesus, Peter discovered is “Lord of all” men (v.36). He is the one mediator who makes us at peace with God and with each other (“peace through Jesus Christ,” 36). It is partiality, favoritism that divides us, that causes us to build fences rather than bridges. Partiality threatened the expansion of the Gospel and for the Gospel to spread to all people, hearts and attitudes would have to change and they did. And this is why God speaks so much on the subject of partiality. It is partiality, favoritism that continues to divide us not only in our church but in Christendom as a whole. God must be grieved because of sinful hearts and inability to come together under the banner of the cross of Jesus! If we cannot treat one another with love and respect, how will we love people who are on the outside?
God’s been talking about this problem of favoritism for a long time. God told his people in Leviticus 19:15, “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.” God specifically told his people to look after the aliens (no, not the ones from outer space but), the strangers, to welcome them, and to remember that they too once were outsiders. “Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt” (Ex. 22:21). To welcome outsiders is to fulfill the whole law, the royal commandment as James calls it, the great or first command that Jesus issued to love God and love your neighbor. To the question that the Jews asked, “who is my neighbor?” is the simple answer – every human being is your neighbor. “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism” (Jas. 2:1). Showing partiality, playing favorites destroys the common love relationship that God desires to see exist between us.
Because Peter was willing to change, to accept truth even when it contradicted what he had been taught was true, he was able to leave a legacy of love of impacting countless people for Jesus. Peter was able to tell Cornelius and all who had assembled the wonderful story of Jesus and his love. This Jesus, Peter said was anointed by God and went about “doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil” (v.38). He was killed by “on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day” (v.39b-40). We are witnesses of these things (vv.39, 41). And what we saw was the salvation that the prophets saw with the eye of faith. “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (v.43).
He’s Our God Too!
While Peter was speaking “The Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message” (v.44). This was a visible demonstration of salvation coming to those who heard and accepted the message. It was both to show to these “hungry-for-God Gentiles” (non-Jews) that the living God was their God too. This was also visible confirmation to the Jews who were there that the Gentiles were being welcomed by God Himself into His kingdom. The Jewish believers that witnessed this outpouring of the Holy Spirit were seeing something very similar to what had happened in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost.
God was visibly saying, “My Gospel is for all people!” And Peter affirms their equality in the kingdom by saying to both Gentiles and Jews, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have” (v.47). They were then “baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” (v.48). They are part of the one family of God where “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:28-29).
Life Evaluation
Your willingness to grow, to change determines what kind of impact you will make for good on people the few short years that you are on this planet. Here’s few questions to help you evaluate what kind of impact for good you will make.
1. Are you willing to grow, to change for good?
Are you willing to be adaptable, flexible? To be like the clay in the potter’s hand? When we understand that the Gospel is bigger than us and our needs, when we understand that this is really not all about us, then we won’t have a problem growing and changing. When Peter understood there were countless lives at stake, people that God Himself created and loved, how could he do anything else but be willing to grow, to change?
2. Will you begin to relate to God on a deeply personal level?
Peter prayed, he talked to God, he walked with the living Jesus, he listened to God’s voice and followed His will. He grew and was changed because he related to God on a deeply personal level. God uses the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fellowship with Him and his word to grow us, to conform us, to change us into his image. Jesus has to change us from the inside out. Paul says we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God, then he says, “Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom. 12:2). Why does it seem that some people make a greater impact than others? It is because they relate to God on a deeply personal level. They live their daily life before the presence of the living God. They want to grow and they are relating to God, letting Him shape them.
Some people put a cap on what God is going to do in their life, their stuck in a rut which is really just a grave with the ends kicked out. You can make an impact in the lives of others but you have to be willing to grow, to change. And that happens as you relate to God on a deeply personal level. Your willingness to grow, to change determines what kind of impact for good you will make on people the few short years that you are on this planet. You don’t have long to get this right. There’s no time to waste. It’s time to let God work in you!
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
"Phil. 1:3"
Monday, July 15, 2013
Paul, Apostle of the Heart Set Free (Acts 9:1-21)
A sermon preached on July 14, 2013 at Hebron Baptist Church, Denham Sprisngs, LA by Pastor Joe Alain.
Scripture Reading: Acts 9:1-21
How people face adversity can have a huge impact on us. Heroic deeds inspire us. For instance, when 19 firefighters near Prescott, Arizona lost their lives in the line of duty, we celebrated their heroism. Their everyday bravery in the face of great danger inspired us. The way that a man named Stephen died must have weighed heavily on the mind of Saul. Saul was present and gave his approval for the death of Stephen (Acts 8:1). But as Stephen was being stoned for his faith he prayed for his murderers, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (7:60).
A Campaign of Rage and Terror (9:1-2)
To numb the reminder of seeing Stephen’s calmness in the face of death, Saul plunged headlong into a campaign of rage and terror to blot out followers of Jesus from the earth. In 9:1 Luke tells us that Saul went on a rampage to route out “the Lord’s disciples.” Luke uses his Jewish name of Saul in this account, but we know him better by his Roman name of Paul.
Not content with persecuting believers in Jerusalem, Saul went to see the High Priest about what he sees as the ever-increasing “Christian Problem.” “The Way” as he refers to them (19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22) is a threat to Judaism. And so He seeks extradition papers from the high priest to go to the synagogues in Damascus so that if he found any “who belonged to the Way,” he could have them arrested. Damascus, about 140 miles from Jerusalem, was a place of refuge for believers who had fled the persecution of Jerusalem and there was a sizeable Christian community there.
Saul is zealous and he’s convinced that he is serving God but he is in fact opposing God. He’s moving full speed ahead into the darkness, religious but lost! You can be convinced that a way of life, a belief is correct, but if it does not align with truth, it will only lead to further darkness and confusion. Some of the most unhappy people on the planet are religious people who hold on to error. What should bring joy brings them anger. If your religion makes you angry, you need another religion!
Blinded by “The Light” (9:3-4)
On his way to Damascus to carry out his misdirected plan Saul was blinded by “a Light” which he would soon discover was “The Light” (v.5)! So that Saul could not easily dismiss what was happening to him, God used two senses (sight and hearing) to get Saul’s attention. He might dismiss one or the other, but he could not easily dismiss them both. Saul fell to the ground, how we don’t know. But he heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” At this point the voice is not identified, but it is clear that Saul’s persecution of “the Lord’s disciples” (v.1) has brought him to this experience. To his surprise, Saul discovers that to persecute believers in Jesus is to persecute the Lord God Himself!
Shock and Awe (9:5-9)
When Saul asked “Who are you Lord?” (v.5) we shouldn’t understand his use of the term “Lord” to mean what we would understand it to mean. Later on Paul will record many times the signature expression of the Christian’s profession of faith, “Jesus is Lord!” (See, Rom. 10:9; Phil. 2:11), but here he’s using it in the sense of “Master,” or “Sir.” He’s not too sure “who” is speaking or “what “is happening at this point. But the Lord God made it very clear who he was, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” The historical Jesus, the one who died and rose again, the one whose followers are being persecuted by Saul, He is alive and the one who is speaking. I wonder what must have gone through Saul’s mind at that time.
The Lord told Saul to get up and go into the city, “and you will be told what you must do” (v.6). This was a radical change for Saul. He’s used to giving orders not taking them. The humbling of Saul continues. It’s been said that, “A Christian is a person who has ceased to do what he wants to do and who has begun to do what Christ wants him to do.” That’s a pretty good description of what it means to be a Christian – Jesus is Lord! “He’s in control of my life. It’s no longer my will, but His will be done in my life.”
Now, there were others with Saul as he traveled to Damascus and Luke tells us that they were “speechless.” I think Saul was too! These men with Saul only heard “the sound but did not see anyone.” Perhaps, Saul saw Jesus as he heard him speak (“I have appeared to you,” 26:16). The others neither saw or understood the message of the sound. How long he was on the ground we do not know, but now he gets up but when he does he can see nothing (v.8). Those with him “led him by the hand into Damascus.” Saul who was charging in to arrest believers and drag them back to Jerusalem is now being led humbly by the hand like a little child by others to Damascus. And for three days Saul was blind and he did not eat or drink anything (v.9). Saul has met his match in the risen Jesus and is in a state of shock and awe.
From Chief Persecutor to Chief Preacher (9:10-17)
But God has plans for Saul. Instead of condemning him on the spot, he will commission him. God has people in Damascus and he has a specific job to do for a disciple named Ananias (v.10). While Saul said, “Who?” Ananias said “Yes, Lord.”
The Lord gave Ananias some specific instructions (vv.11-12).
– The specific address to go to, “the house of Judas on Straight Street.” He won’t need a GPS, God tells him exactly where Saul will be.
– The specific words to say when you arrive, “ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.” It’s interesting that we are told that Saul was praying. I’m sure his prayer life was greatly enhanced by this whole experience. There are some things that happen in life that will make even the hardest man humble and prayerful. Telling Ananias that Saul is praying may also be a way to ease the moment for Ananias. Praying people generally are less likely to kill you!
All of this is good and well, but now Ananias chimes in (vv.13-14), “Lord, . . . I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.” Emphasis on “many reports” and “all the harm he had done,” meaning “I’m not too sure if you realize what you are asking me to do. Haven’t you heard?” Furthermore, I know that this man has come with “authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name” (v.14). Ananias is doing what we sometimes do when we’re not sure we really want to do what he’s asking us, he’s attempting to inform the Lord.
Here’s the Lord’s response (v.15), “Go!” “Don’t argue with me, don’t lean on your own understanding. I know what you are telling me and I know what I’m doing” (v.15). Ouch! God has seen in Saul what neither Saul or Ananias have yet to see, that Saul will be God’s “chosen instrument to carry” the Lord’s “name before the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” That’s a pretty tall order, but with God all things are possible. God is going to take the chief persecutor and make him the chief preacher.
Maybe what God says in verse 16 would also be an encouragement to Ananias and the other believers in Damascus. Saul is going to suffer greatly, but in an ironic twist, he will “suffer” for the very name of Jesus, the one he is persecuting! The people he sees as his enemies will become his greatest friends. This is the reconciling power of the Gospel! The people he hated, he will come to know and love. Only God can do that!
Apparently this satisfied Ananias and he went to where Saul was staying (v.17). He addressed Saul as a brother in the Lord, “Brother Saul.” He also makes it clear that it was the Lord Jesus who appeared to him on the way to Damascus and it was the same Jesus who sent him to lay hands on him so that he would be able to “see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit” (v.17).
Once I Was Blind, But Now I Can See (9:18)
When Ananias carried out God’s plan, “Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see” (v.18). Seeing and being filled with the Holy Spirit is synonymous with salvation. And in salvation (reconciliation with God) God removes the blinders so that we can truly see. Paul was blinded by his rage, his hatred of believers, and his religious zeal. Now, Jesus has opened his eyes to see. Once I was blind, but now I can see!
Paul is a new man, a man who has been set free, free from himself, from his hatred, and from his empty religion! Immediately Saul was baptized, baptism showing the radical nature of repentance and change of direction in his life. Saul has begun for the first time in his life to do what Jesus wants him to do. And baptism says “I am showing that in my life, I am doing what God wants me to do.” The amazing change of Saul is seen in verse 20 where Luke says, “At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God” (v.20). No wonder the people were astonished at the change in Saul. He really is a new man in Christ.
Life Applications:
1. God uses circumstances in your life to bring you to the truth.
God used circumstances in Saul’s life to cause him to be dependent upon him and the very people he hated. This was a humbling experience but we too must become humble before we are willing to get to the place where we will truly say, “Jesus is Lord of my life.” Sometimes you have to get to the end of yourself before you are ready to trust the Lord. And God will use the circumstances of your life to draw you to himself and to help you see others in a different light. What if you had to trust with your life the very people that you don’t like? What if God used that to bring you to the truth?
2. The Lord of love and light can conquer any hatred you might have.
Love conquers hatred. Hatred only takes you to the dark side. The cure for rage and hatred (which is darkness) is yielding to the Lordship of Christ (to walk in the light). Only the Lord of light can calm the raging dark storm of your soul. Only Jesus can set you free from the darkness of hatred and bring you into the light of love.
The reconciling power of the Gospel is on display in Saul’s life. He has become a “brother” to those whom he hated. Paul will later write that it is Jesus who is our peace, He’s the one who breaks down the walls that separate us (Eph. 2:14). Only love can do that.
3. Where you are now is not an indicator of where you could be.
God has plans for your life and your present life circumstances are not indicators of your future circumstances. Who would have ever in a million years said “Saul is going to be the greatest missionary of the Gospel!” He’s full of hatred, darkness, and thoughts of murder occupy his mind. And yet God had a plan for Saul and his present circumstances, rather than indicating his future will be a platform for him to use to help others who are also in darkness. He will share his testimony around the world, a testimony we still share! God never wastes anything. Your life experiences, what God has brought you to and through, He will use in your life if you will allow Him to.
4. Will you believe in a God who is big enough to do anything?
Ananias did. He followed the Lord’s instructions by faith. It didn’t make sense to do what he did, and it took great courage, but he went anyway by faith believing God is big enough to do anything. What would happen if we began to see what God sees. What would happen if we pray for the conversion of people who may be the most opposed to Christianity today? God can change anyone. Do you believe that? If you do, you will pray for people.
Will you do what God wants you to do rather than what you want to do? Saul did. Ananias did. Will you? This is what it means to be a Christian and to be truly free!
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Scripture Reading: Acts 9:1-21
How people face adversity can have a huge impact on us. Heroic deeds inspire us. For instance, when 19 firefighters near Prescott, Arizona lost their lives in the line of duty, we celebrated their heroism. Their everyday bravery in the face of great danger inspired us. The way that a man named Stephen died must have weighed heavily on the mind of Saul. Saul was present and gave his approval for the death of Stephen (Acts 8:1). But as Stephen was being stoned for his faith he prayed for his murderers, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (7:60).
A Campaign of Rage and Terror (9:1-2)
To numb the reminder of seeing Stephen’s calmness in the face of death, Saul plunged headlong into a campaign of rage and terror to blot out followers of Jesus from the earth. In 9:1 Luke tells us that Saul went on a rampage to route out “the Lord’s disciples.” Luke uses his Jewish name of Saul in this account, but we know him better by his Roman name of Paul.
Not content with persecuting believers in Jerusalem, Saul went to see the High Priest about what he sees as the ever-increasing “Christian Problem.” “The Way” as he refers to them (19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22) is a threat to Judaism. And so He seeks extradition papers from the high priest to go to the synagogues in Damascus so that if he found any “who belonged to the Way,” he could have them arrested. Damascus, about 140 miles from Jerusalem, was a place of refuge for believers who had fled the persecution of Jerusalem and there was a sizeable Christian community there.
Saul is zealous and he’s convinced that he is serving God but he is in fact opposing God. He’s moving full speed ahead into the darkness, religious but lost! You can be convinced that a way of life, a belief is correct, but if it does not align with truth, it will only lead to further darkness and confusion. Some of the most unhappy people on the planet are religious people who hold on to error. What should bring joy brings them anger. If your religion makes you angry, you need another religion!
Blinded by “The Light” (9:3-4)
On his way to Damascus to carry out his misdirected plan Saul was blinded by “a Light” which he would soon discover was “The Light” (v.5)! So that Saul could not easily dismiss what was happening to him, God used two senses (sight and hearing) to get Saul’s attention. He might dismiss one or the other, but he could not easily dismiss them both. Saul fell to the ground, how we don’t know. But he heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” At this point the voice is not identified, but it is clear that Saul’s persecution of “the Lord’s disciples” (v.1) has brought him to this experience. To his surprise, Saul discovers that to persecute believers in Jesus is to persecute the Lord God Himself!
Shock and Awe (9:5-9)
When Saul asked “Who are you Lord?” (v.5) we shouldn’t understand his use of the term “Lord” to mean what we would understand it to mean. Later on Paul will record many times the signature expression of the Christian’s profession of faith, “Jesus is Lord!” (See, Rom. 10:9; Phil. 2:11), but here he’s using it in the sense of “Master,” or “Sir.” He’s not too sure “who” is speaking or “what “is happening at this point. But the Lord God made it very clear who he was, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” The historical Jesus, the one who died and rose again, the one whose followers are being persecuted by Saul, He is alive and the one who is speaking. I wonder what must have gone through Saul’s mind at that time.
The Lord told Saul to get up and go into the city, “and you will be told what you must do” (v.6). This was a radical change for Saul. He’s used to giving orders not taking them. The humbling of Saul continues. It’s been said that, “A Christian is a person who has ceased to do what he wants to do and who has begun to do what Christ wants him to do.” That’s a pretty good description of what it means to be a Christian – Jesus is Lord! “He’s in control of my life. It’s no longer my will, but His will be done in my life.”
Now, there were others with Saul as he traveled to Damascus and Luke tells us that they were “speechless.” I think Saul was too! These men with Saul only heard “the sound but did not see anyone.” Perhaps, Saul saw Jesus as he heard him speak (“I have appeared to you,” 26:16). The others neither saw or understood the message of the sound. How long he was on the ground we do not know, but now he gets up but when he does he can see nothing (v.8). Those with him “led him by the hand into Damascus.” Saul who was charging in to arrest believers and drag them back to Jerusalem is now being led humbly by the hand like a little child by others to Damascus. And for three days Saul was blind and he did not eat or drink anything (v.9). Saul has met his match in the risen Jesus and is in a state of shock and awe.
From Chief Persecutor to Chief Preacher (9:10-17)
But God has plans for Saul. Instead of condemning him on the spot, he will commission him. God has people in Damascus and he has a specific job to do for a disciple named Ananias (v.10). While Saul said, “Who?” Ananias said “Yes, Lord.”
The Lord gave Ananias some specific instructions (vv.11-12).
– The specific address to go to, “the house of Judas on Straight Street.” He won’t need a GPS, God tells him exactly where Saul will be.
– The specific words to say when you arrive, “ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.” It’s interesting that we are told that Saul was praying. I’m sure his prayer life was greatly enhanced by this whole experience. There are some things that happen in life that will make even the hardest man humble and prayerful. Telling Ananias that Saul is praying may also be a way to ease the moment for Ananias. Praying people generally are less likely to kill you!
All of this is good and well, but now Ananias chimes in (vv.13-14), “Lord, . . . I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.” Emphasis on “many reports” and “all the harm he had done,” meaning “I’m not too sure if you realize what you are asking me to do. Haven’t you heard?” Furthermore, I know that this man has come with “authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name” (v.14). Ananias is doing what we sometimes do when we’re not sure we really want to do what he’s asking us, he’s attempting to inform the Lord.
Here’s the Lord’s response (v.15), “Go!” “Don’t argue with me, don’t lean on your own understanding. I know what you are telling me and I know what I’m doing” (v.15). Ouch! God has seen in Saul what neither Saul or Ananias have yet to see, that Saul will be God’s “chosen instrument to carry” the Lord’s “name before the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” That’s a pretty tall order, but with God all things are possible. God is going to take the chief persecutor and make him the chief preacher.
Maybe what God says in verse 16 would also be an encouragement to Ananias and the other believers in Damascus. Saul is going to suffer greatly, but in an ironic twist, he will “suffer” for the very name of Jesus, the one he is persecuting! The people he sees as his enemies will become his greatest friends. This is the reconciling power of the Gospel! The people he hated, he will come to know and love. Only God can do that!
Apparently this satisfied Ananias and he went to where Saul was staying (v.17). He addressed Saul as a brother in the Lord, “Brother Saul.” He also makes it clear that it was the Lord Jesus who appeared to him on the way to Damascus and it was the same Jesus who sent him to lay hands on him so that he would be able to “see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit” (v.17).
Once I Was Blind, But Now I Can See (9:18)
When Ananias carried out God’s plan, “Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see” (v.18). Seeing and being filled with the Holy Spirit is synonymous with salvation. And in salvation (reconciliation with God) God removes the blinders so that we can truly see. Paul was blinded by his rage, his hatred of believers, and his religious zeal. Now, Jesus has opened his eyes to see. Once I was blind, but now I can see!
Paul is a new man, a man who has been set free, free from himself, from his hatred, and from his empty religion! Immediately Saul was baptized, baptism showing the radical nature of repentance and change of direction in his life. Saul has begun for the first time in his life to do what Jesus wants him to do. And baptism says “I am showing that in my life, I am doing what God wants me to do.” The amazing change of Saul is seen in verse 20 where Luke says, “At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God” (v.20). No wonder the people were astonished at the change in Saul. He really is a new man in Christ.
Life Applications:
1. God uses circumstances in your life to bring you to the truth.
God used circumstances in Saul’s life to cause him to be dependent upon him and the very people he hated. This was a humbling experience but we too must become humble before we are willing to get to the place where we will truly say, “Jesus is Lord of my life.” Sometimes you have to get to the end of yourself before you are ready to trust the Lord. And God will use the circumstances of your life to draw you to himself and to help you see others in a different light. What if you had to trust with your life the very people that you don’t like? What if God used that to bring you to the truth?
2. The Lord of love and light can conquer any hatred you might have.
Love conquers hatred. Hatred only takes you to the dark side. The cure for rage and hatred (which is darkness) is yielding to the Lordship of Christ (to walk in the light). Only the Lord of light can calm the raging dark storm of your soul. Only Jesus can set you free from the darkness of hatred and bring you into the light of love.
The reconciling power of the Gospel is on display in Saul’s life. He has become a “brother” to those whom he hated. Paul will later write that it is Jesus who is our peace, He’s the one who breaks down the walls that separate us (Eph. 2:14). Only love can do that.
3. Where you are now is not an indicator of where you could be.
God has plans for your life and your present life circumstances are not indicators of your future circumstances. Who would have ever in a million years said “Saul is going to be the greatest missionary of the Gospel!” He’s full of hatred, darkness, and thoughts of murder occupy his mind. And yet God had a plan for Saul and his present circumstances, rather than indicating his future will be a platform for him to use to help others who are also in darkness. He will share his testimony around the world, a testimony we still share! God never wastes anything. Your life experiences, what God has brought you to and through, He will use in your life if you will allow Him to.
4. Will you believe in a God who is big enough to do anything?
Ananias did. He followed the Lord’s instructions by faith. It didn’t make sense to do what he did, and it took great courage, but he went anyway by faith believing God is big enough to do anything. What would happen if we began to see what God sees. What would happen if we pray for the conversion of people who may be the most opposed to Christianity today? God can change anyone. Do you believe that? If you do, you will pray for people.
Will you do what God wants you to do rather than what you want to do? Saul did. Ananias did. Will you? This is what it means to be a Christian and to be truly free!
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
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