Wandering Crusader 273 Having Faith

And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

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.

There is a tendency among Christians to think that the Apostles were given something “extra” that is unavailable to everyone else. That is not in accord with the scriptures, but the idea persists. Granted, some are called to be apostles (1 Corinthians 12:28), but Paul was not speaking as if that call was limited to a certain number. On the contrary, it is a calling he speaks about as an ongoing one.

Does that mean we are all meant to heal cripples in Christ’s name? Most Christians I know would answer “no” and cite 1 Corinthians 12:28-30. It is true that the gifts and callings differ from one person to another. But who is really doing the work? Regardless of the operation, it is the Holy Spirit at work. He is not divided between apostle and prophet. He is the same, and working toward the same end—glorifying the Son.

Who would dare say to the Spirit, “No, I won’t be used to heal that man. I’m not a worker of miracles. I’m a teacher.” Maybe no one would dare say it, but that is exactly what those are saying who believe themselves excluded from any work of the Spirit. The chief qualification for any Christian worker is a willing heart.

What did Peter answer? “Such as I have, give I thee…” If you are saved by the grace of God through your confession of Christ as Savior, what do you have? Well, besides a sinful past and a present struggle with holy living, you have God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost living in you. Rather than throwing up obstacles of unbelief, let us have ears to hear and a heart ready to obey the call of God.

Maranatha