Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-01-22
The Dispatch Sunday
Sermon
The Faith OF Peter.
BY j.. A. Eubank,

/
| Then Peter said. Silver and gold have none;
J but such as have give thee: In tho namo OF
Jesus Christ Of Nazareth rise up and walk
| Acts iii. 6.
| No who admres open hearted char
aeter can keep from loving dear old Peter.
He was the embodiment OF both the strength
and weakness that runs through all human
nature. Rich red blood flowed through his
veins and sustained the virlle forces which
found expression in impulslve action. HIS
intuitive sense counted not the cost OF obe-
dicnce Sec him he boldly steps upon tho
waters OF the raging sea at the Invitation OF
the Master who walked upon their surface.
See him again as he draws his sword in de-
! tense of Jesus and clips of Malchus' car
Hear him again when. overcome by sudden
| uncomfortable fear. he denies the Master and
tries to strengthen his denial by swearing
like a trooper Then see him when he comes
to realize the horror Of what he has DONE
weeping like heart broken child. Peter was
intensely. human. but he was pure gold and
all that he needed was to be refined by the
fire.
The Master knew all this. hence unto him
He said: Thou art Peter, and upon this
rock l win build My church: and the gates
OF hell shall not prevail against it,"
So upon his confession Of the divinity of
Christ. Peter became the head OF the Apostolic
College and. we believe. the most influential
OF the twelve in laying the foundations of
the church upon true lines.
The text we'll illustrates tho character OF
Peter. He now possesses the faith that
wavers In the face OF no diflculty-the all.
conqucring faith He belcves In himself be-
cause he believes in Him to Whom no has
surrendered his life to do as He Wills aud
directs. Accompanied by john Peter en-
Of ha nIa li
prayers. There he found poor cripple ask
ing aims of them that entered into the tenn
pie. Alas. how few of those who thus en-
ter places OF worship ito pray" avail of the
frequent opportunities they have to relieve
distress and by such action help to swell tho
volume OF praise to God. This poor cripple
had been laid daily at the gate OF the tenn
pie," to ask aims. but It seems that neither
philanthropy nor faith was In evidence to re-
lieve the unhappy cripple from the humilia-
ton to which he was daily subjected in or
der to exc out miserable existence until
Peter beheld him. AS poor church
mouse, so to speak. what response could
Peter be expected to make to the ,pitful ap-
peal of this poor cripple for aims?
Hear his answer. all we who invoke the name
OF Jesus, and catch the inspiration: silver
and gold have none: but such as havo
give unto thee: In the OF Jesus Christ
of Nazareth rise up and walk"
Nor did Peter. whose faith large
to command every power In nature to
come disease. stop here. The further
count says: and he took him by the right
hand. and lifted him up: and Immediately
his feet and ankle bones received strength
And he l"aplng UP stood. and walked, and en-
tered with them into the temple. walking,
and lcapIng. and praislng God"
We sometimes think that 1t Is reflection
upon tho intelligence OF the public TO com
m.nt with the view OF emphasizing the
thought conveyed by such expressive scrip
ture as we often quote. Mark here the
results both physical and spiritual
Sometimes we hear the question asked:
Why do not the blind, the lame and the
halt-why do not the great toiling. strug-
Cling masses-go to church? Let sug
gest the answer by asking where the
faithful Peters TO draw them there?
The text beautifully and forcibiy Illus
trates how unmindful are the opportunities
for faithful Christian service in the world.
So many Of us, like Peter have neither sill
gold at command with which to
minister to the necessities of fellow be-
ngA, but all have the promise OF Him
who invites us to freely draw from His In
exhaustible store house of hounties 1t is
faith like Peters that takes hold OF Gods
promises and by applying them to humanty's
needs causes the cripples to leap upon their
feet to sing forth the praise OF Him who
is the Father OF us all.
There are so many who need help. and
we are all so rich In giving possibilities II
VIC only had the faith to realize 1.-THE
smile OF cheer. the kind word OF comfort or
help or advice. tho war; hand-clasp OF COM
radeship, the word OF welcome; these are
rich gifts which even the poorest can pass
along In profusion. And these are the gifts
really worth while
Come and see me-" aid patient in one
Of our city sanitariums. 81 get so lonesome:
come as often ms you can; don't care IL you
ba wi me out-just so you come.
Oh II we could only appreciate the power
there Is in human sympathy when II is vital
lied by an unfaliing faith in the Bestower Of
All Good.
Health Queries by DR.. Brady