‘Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (Romans 5:1)
Money cannot buy peace with God or the forgiveness of sin. Money alone cannot change your life; yes, it may give you options and opportunities, but you cannot buy health, happiness, love. Only God can forgive every sin; only Jesus can change your life; only He can fill your life with the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control). When the lame man in Acts 3 saw Peter and John on their way to worship in the Temple, his only thought was money. But money couldn’t solve his problem, it would only enable him to survive another day, just as he had done for over 40 years. Just think about it: If money alone could solve his crisis, he wouldn’t be lying there day after day; he needed something else beyond money. This is why Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the Name of Jesus Christ, rise and walk.” Peace, healing, deliverance, they are the free gifts of God received through faith. This encounter with the power of God not only healed him, but changed the rest of his life. He jumped up, then went into the Temple praising God.
‘A man who was lame from birth was being carried to the Temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money…. 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 3:2-8)
‘Peace like a river & Let Your living water flow’ medley used by kind permission of Vinesong