God pouring His spirit out on the early church found in the book of Acts was an amazing time to be in the church. As God’s power was being given to the people of the early church they faced many great trials and they were not afraid. As these trials continued some began to give up. Some today have kept God’s way for many years but at some point they may give up. They go back into the world. Many who have God’s Spirit have given up. Jesus Christ gave a parable for us and we often forget the power of this message found in Matthew 25:1. This is a warning to His people with His Spirit.

Gary Petty

Beyond Today Presenter, United Church of God Pastor

Gary Petty is a 1978 graduate of Ambassador College with a BS in mass communications. He worked for six years in radio in Pennsylvania and Texas. He was ordained a minister in 1984 and has served congregations in Longview and Houston Texas; Rockford, Illinois; Janesville and Beloit, Wisconsin; and San Antonio, Austin and Waco, Texas. He presently pastors United Church of God congregations in Nashville, Murfreesboro and Jackson, Tennessee.