Wednesday, August 4, 2010

"Yes, There Is Such A Thing As A Free Lunch", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

It's rare these days, but a person can still scrounge up a free lunch somewhere (coupons, two-fer's, bogo's, soup kitchens, etc.). In any event, the old adage of "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch" has been soundly refuted.

In the spiritual, concerning things where the Holy Spirit is concerned, everything is free.

In fact, the Holy Spirit Himself is free.

It's a concept that I believe many find harder to believe as the years progress. In today's society and economy, the economy of the Holy Spirit (which is how God deals with the present world) is rejected because of disbelief and even the notion that even God doesn't give away free stuff.

People gauge how God interacts with us by the actions of the Church. When some members of His Church (or even entire churches) act contrary to the economy of God, then the result is often tragic.

Take the case of one Simon the Sorcerer in the book of Acts.

Simon as described in Chapter 8 of Acts, was a man who used to amaze all the people of the city of Samaria with his proficiency in the use of the magic arts. When the apostle Philip arrived and began getting people saved in the name of Jesus, Simon was one of them. It was probably due to the fall off in business once Philip started exhibiting true signs and wonders from God.

Make no mistake, the Word is clear in 8:13 - "Even Simon himself believed [he adhered to, trusted in, and relied on the teaching of Philip], and after being baptized, devoted himself constantly to him. And seeing signs and miracles of great power which were being performed, he was utterly amazed.

What Philip had started, Peter and John now arrive to finish the work by getting people baptized in the Holy Spirit.

(17) "Then [the apostles] laid their hands on them one by one, and they received the Holy Spirit."

Here's where it starts to go sour.

(18) "However, when Simon saw that the [Holy] Spirit was imparted through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he brought money and offered it to them."

Bad move Simon. Very, very bad move.

It's a bad move for you also if you are trying to buy salvation, the Holy Spirit, healing, prosperity, or everything else that God gives freely.

What was meant for empowerment Simon saw as a get rich quick scheme.

(19) "Saying, Grant me also this power and authority, in order that anyone on whom I place my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."

Simon saw something. Whatever it was, he wanted it and was willing to pay for it.

Peter pointed out his folly and danger.

(20) "But Peter said to him, Destruction overtake your money and you, because you imagined you could obtain the [free] gift of God with money!"

We don't know what happened to Simon, but he became scared enough to beg Peter to take the "curse" off of him and pray that none of what Peter said would befall him.

Peter told him that repentance was possible. Let's hope he took advantage of it.

Think what you will, but this was "anathema" a sure execration placed upon Simon by Peter for trying to misappropriate the Power of God.

Remember Ananias and Sapphira? They were struck dead by the Holy Spirit for trying to run a scam upon the Church.

I have seen modern day representatives of these people personally. I am surprised that there aren't more and more of them dropping dead for their tinkering with God's economy.

Remember there is the "church" (a faux, a misrepresentation) and there is "THE CHURCH". It's THE CHURCH without spot or wrinkle that pleases God and gets to be a part of the Eternal Kingdom.

The disgruntled, the scammers, the liars, the cheaters, all are anathema and under a delusion that God somehow condones their pathetic actions.

What God has freely given let man freely receive.

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><

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