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Not For Sale
I'm in awe at the number of foreclosures, layoffs and the general state of our economy. Pressure and stress is mounting in every segment of our financial markets. Where can we turn for answers and some form of hope for a world which has become so materialistic?
The Book of Acts (8:14-23) offers a firsthand view of one Divine Person who is 'Not For Sale' — The Holy Spirit!
The Apostles in Jerusalem heard that the Gospel had reached Samaria. Peter and John were sent, perhaps to investigate and confirm this claim. They soon discovered that the citizens had accepted Jesus Christ and were baptized, but had not received the Holy Spirit. Peter and John laid hands on them and the new believers received the power or the Holy Spirit from Heaven.
Simon the Sorcerer, the most influential religious person in the community, appears to have believed and was baptized. The Scriptures do not specifically say the Apostles laid hands on him. However, the Word says he offered them money when he saw the power of the Holy Spirit manifesting Himself in the hearts of other believers.
Peter, in essence, said the Holy Spirit is 'Not For Sale!' Simon the Sorcerer may have desired to add the additional power to his old religion and, thereby, become more powerful than ever. Ignorance prompted Simon to offer money to purchase the Holy Spirit, but the Lord Jesus Christ has given us the Spirit as a comforter. He is 'Not For Sale!' He is free!
Alex Person
Manager
African American Outreach
Focus on the Family
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Black Marriages
In today's culture, the black marriage is endangered. Look at what has been happening over the last almost 100 years.
1910 — 64% of all black men were married.
1940 — 77% of blacks were married.
1950 — 63-78% of blacks were married.
1996 — 34% of blacks were married.
2002 — 35% of blacks were married.
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2001 — 43.3% of black men had never been married.
2001 — 41.9% of black women had never been married.
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2008 — 77% of black adults ages 19-35 want to marry.
Compiled from the Institute of American Values, Pew Research, CNN, and National Fatherhood Initiative.
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