FEEDING THE SHEEP

"Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." Acts 3:6

I think the world may see congregations bearing the name of Christ as social service agencies. I carefully worded that sentence. I don't intend to give anyone the impression that worldlings can see the Lord's Church in this world. Ye must be born again to see the Kingdom of God! I know that the world can see the buildings bearing Christ's name with the signs in front saying such things as: Christ said "feed my sheep"… free groceries! If one wants to gather people into their buildings, then giving away food may accomplish that purpose. But strangely not everyone hungers for food for the belly. I am speaking about that which God gives to the blessed who do hunger after righteousness. Job voiced the thoughts of the hearts of many of God's poor children today when he said, "I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12).

God's children have earned nothing, deserve nothing and can bring nothing to the table. On the contrary, the worldling believes that the world owes him his basic necessities. The poor little child of God is happy with the crumbs that fall from the Master's table. He realizes that it is by grace that he receives even his daily necessities. Such was the lame man laid at the gate that was called Beautiful. He was lame from his mother's womb. He was unable to take one step toward God or godliness. If sin had not entered into the world none would be found in this condition. But in reality all men born of Adam are born lame because of sin. Natural man cannot move toward God because he is debilitated by sin. But there are some born again, some sensible sinners, whom are often still found lame.  They no longer desire to walk according to the course of the world and are insufficient of themselves to walk godly. Such was the lame man at the gate called Beautiful. 

 Peter and John saw him and they fastening their eyes on him said, "Look on us".  More of God's people ought to give heed to the apostle. If more of God's people gave heed to the apostles they would not find themselves at home in the places like the "grocery distribution centers" called denominational churches in this world. The beggar laid at gate Beautiful gave heed unto the apostles. He expected to receive something from them. If more looked on the apostles expecting to get something from their example then they would realize that there is no foundation laid in the faith for practices that are commonly seen in the denominational world.

Peter said unto the lame man, " Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I unto thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." And Peter "took him by the right hand, and lifted him up; and immediately his feet and ankles received strength." So often God's people come wounded and cast down by sin unable to deliver themselves from the burden of their sinfulness. But when Jesus is preached it is an uplifting experience. When Jesus the Saviour is proclaimed to those of the household of faith, they are reminded of His saving power. He alone can resurrect His people from the ravages of sin and the skirmishes and battle wounds of the war with the flesh.   

Unless I'm deceived these are some benefits of the gospel preached. It reminds those born again of the fact that the light of the knowledge of the glory of the grace of God in the face of Jesus Christ has been made manifest in their hearts. It is the proclamation of the fact that Jesus hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light to His children whom are so often found barely moving through the valley of shadow death. It is the exhortation to God's people to continue exercising faith, believing and walking in the old paths and the good way. It is a reminder that God's obedient children have been called to deny themselves and take up their crosses daily to follow their Lord. Once the lame man heard the name of Jesus proclaimed the world couldn't keep him down anymore. He leapt and stood!

Those in the service of God must all take a stand in this world. That stand is to endeavor with all that is in them to live godly in this present evil world. He that was lame at gate Beautiful was all his life deprived from entering into the service of God. After he heard Jesus preached he leaped and stood and walked with the Apostles into the temple praising God. Likewise those born again that have heard the gospel should also find their home among the apostolic faith. They ought to do as that poor one did and not hesitate to follow the apostles in the service of God praising His holy name. But is that always the case? There are some today as there were in the days of the apostles. Paul called them foolish asking, " Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you" (See Galatians 3:1).

5/31/05 Elder Marty Hoogasian