The third chapter of the book of Acts begins with a story that is well-known in most churches, even to people who do not read their Bibles. It has been simplified and told many times, including on flannelgraphs for the children. I’m not going to go into too much depth tonight, nor is this going to be too long – As I write this, there is a Bible open on one knee and a pan of soup on the other because it has been a busy day – but I did want to pose a couple question for you. Some events over the last few days have brought Peter’s words to mind. Here is the story, from Acts 3:1-12:

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 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. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 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. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.
And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

Peter told the man that he would give him what he had. There wouldn’t be a story if Peter didn’t have something in the first place. But what was it? The last sentence in the quote explains – “As though by our own power or holiness.” Power is easy to understand, but holiness? And Peter declares that it is not his own. So here are my two questions: Where is our holiness as God’s church? Why don’t we have enough power and holiness to give away?