Acts_10

Scripture

 

‭‭Acts‬ 10:34-35‬ ‭NLT

 

“Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.”

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

Cornelius, a devout, God-fearing man, received a vision of an angel of God coming toward him. The angel instructed Cornelius to send some men to a town named Joppa, to find a man named Simon Peter.

 

The next day as Peter was praying, he received a vision from God. The vision at first confused Peter. But as he was trying to figure out what his vision meant, the Holy Spirit instructed Peter to go with the men who were downstairs looking for him. So Peter obeyed and followed these men back to Cornelius’ house.

 

When Peter arrived at the house, he was greeted by Cornelius and his closest family and friends. Cornelius shared with Peter the vision he received from God. And although it was against Jewish custom-(Peter being Jewish), to enter a Gentile’s home, let alone associate with one, Peter now understood what his vision from God meant. Which is he shouldn’t think of anyone as impure and unclean. So Peter shared the Good News with Cornelius and his friends and relatives that day. As they all heard the message Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening. They spoke in tongues praising God! Peter’s Jewish companions were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit was received by the Gentiles too! So Peter baptized all who were there that day in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

God shows no favoritism.

 

Although during that time it was against Jewish customs for a Jewish person to associate with a non-Jewish person, Peter receives a vision from God that helps him understand that he shouldn’t think of anyone as impure or unclean. Peter now understands that God is the God for all humankind. That no matter where you are from, no matter who you are, as long as you seek God, you will be given the light as to how to know Him. Just is the case with Cornelius. Cornelius brought his family and friends to learn about God. And they were able to receive not only the knowledge that they were seeking, but more importantly they received Jesus Christ into their hearts and His Holy Spirit into their lives that day.

 

Life Application

 

If you are willing, God is able.

 

Cornelius was willing to be obedient to God’s direction. Peter was willing to be obedient to God’s direction. The result?..God used that moment in time to bring a whole household to be baptized and saved!

 

This past Sunday Pastor Levi reminded us in his sermon that all those cool stories and events that happened in the Bible isn’t just limited to those people in them. God shows no favoritism. It could happen for us too! They were just ordinary people like you and I. Some were fishermen, some were shepherds, some were even against the teachings of Jesus at the time. But God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things! All to bring Him all the glory, honor and praise!

To show others of God’s great power and grace! All we have to do is be willing to be obedient to His direction for us. Because as Pastor Gary reminded us before, God cares more about our availability, than our ability. So are you willing to experience the great wonders that God has in store for you? Are you willing to be part of God’s story like those in the Bible? Then say yes to God and let’s see what great works He will do!

 

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-Moses Gaddi