November 28, 2012
The story of Peter (a Jew), and Cornelius (a Gentile)—another divine appointment. God prepared both of them. Acts 10:3–4 - "Cornelius!... What do you want Lord?" Then God gave very clear directions. Acts 10:5–6 - "Send some men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon, who is also called Peter. He is staying with a man, also named Simon, who is a tanner and has a house beside the sea."
When we listen, God directs us in a very clear way. ("Why is this stuff still in here?") So, Cornelius obeyed and sent the men. At the same time, God was preparing Peter. In a dream the Lord lets Peter know what was once unclean is no longer unclean because God has made it holy. Peter would have never went to a Gentiles' house if God had not first prepared him. God's timing is perfect and meticulous.
The men arrive as Peter is still trying to figure out the dream. The men ask if Peter is staying there. (Imagine traveling that distance; walking up to a strange house; and asking for a specific person; all based on what was "told" someone.) Faith is believing and action. While the men were downstairs asking for him, the Spirit was preparing Peter upstairs. Acts 10:19–20 - "Listen, three men are looking for you. Get up and go downstairs. Go with them without doubting, because I have sent them to you."
Have you noticed how many times God says, "Get up and go?" It is not enough to just hear, we must act. Get up—and go. Faith is belief and action or it is just words and worth nothing. Peter obeyed and Cornelius and his family (Gentiles) were saved and baptized. When Peter returned to the other followers they were concerned, but Peter explained. Salvation was for the Jew and Gentile. The hand of God was with them, and many believed and turned to the Lord.
Believed and turned. Faith requires actions. You have to turn from—your own selfish desires, and turn to—the Lord.
Get up—Go!
Believe—Turn!
Obey the Lord with all your hearts and total surrender!
The story of Peter (a Jew), and Cornelius (a Gentile)—another divine appointment. God prepared both of them. Acts 10:3–4 - "Cornelius!... What do you want Lord?" Then God gave very clear directions. Acts 10:5–6 - "Send some men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon, who is also called Peter. He is staying with a man, also named Simon, who is a tanner and has a house beside the sea."
When we listen, God directs us in a very clear way. ("Why is this stuff still in here?") So, Cornelius obeyed and sent the men. At the same time, God was preparing Peter. In a dream the Lord lets Peter know what was once unclean is no longer unclean because God has made it holy. Peter would have never went to a Gentiles' house if God had not first prepared him. God's timing is perfect and meticulous.
The men arrive as Peter is still trying to figure out the dream. The men ask if Peter is staying there. (Imagine traveling that distance; walking up to a strange house; and asking for a specific person; all based on what was "told" someone.) Faith is believing and action. While the men were downstairs asking for him, the Spirit was preparing Peter upstairs. Acts 10:19–20 - "Listen, three men are looking for you. Get up and go downstairs. Go with them without doubting, because I have sent them to you."
Have you noticed how many times God says, "Get up and go?" It is not enough to just hear, we must act. Get up—and go. Faith is belief and action or it is just words and worth nothing. Peter obeyed and Cornelius and his family (Gentiles) were saved and baptized. When Peter returned to the other followers they were concerned, but Peter explained. Salvation was for the Jew and Gentile. The hand of God was with them, and many believed and turned to the Lord.
Believed and turned. Faith requires actions. You have to turn from—your own selfish desires, and turn to—the Lord.
Get up—Go!
Believe—Turn!
Obey the Lord with all your hearts and total surrender!
It was during this time that the followers of Christ were called "Christian" for the first time.
Next Entry: Acts 12:1–25
Next Entry: Acts 12:1–25
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