Crucifixion of St. Peter by Caravaggio. The early Christians were persecuted by the Roman Empire (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) How many times have we heard the saying “ God helps those who help themselves ?” It seems to mean that if we would just get busy, get things done, or turn over a new leaf, God could look favorably upon us. Did you know that saying is not in the Bible ? In fact, it is the very opposite of the gospel message! Consider this story: A man came home from work and declared to his wife that he had become “born again by the Spirit of God.” They were not churchgoers; in fact, they had been known to make jokes about “Bible Thumpers.” The wife feared he had gone crazy. Though he was not looking for God, God had come to him by placing him in the time and place to hear and embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be “raised from the dead” spiritually. The man was changed, and it was not his doing. He no longer wanted the party life they had lived. He gave up drinking and...