God Prepares Us

 

□ Read Acts 10

S.O.A.P.

S:  Acts 10:34 Opening his mouth, Peter said: “Most certainly I understand now that God is not one to show partiality [to people as though Gentiles were excluded from God’s blessing], 35 but in every nation the person who fears God and does what is right [by seeking Him] is acceptable and welcomed by Him.  43 All the prophets testify about Him, that through His name everyone who believes in Him [whoever trusts in and relies on Him, accepting Him as Savior and Messiah] receives forgiveness of sins.”

 

O:  Peter, as a Jew, had certain prejudices against the Gentiles that would have prevented his going to Cornelius, unless the Lord had not prepared him ahead of time.  He also was at risk for other Jewish believers to question or even attack his actions.  But God … God knows what lays before us, and how to prepare us.  We do not have to justify our actions to others, but we do have to answer to God.  Peter listened to God and followed what God wanted him to do. 

 

When God gives us a vision or a calling or a task to do, we should not begin to doubt what He has told us.  If there be any lack in knowledge or faith He will give it to us.  “…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus …” (Philippians 1:6)  God goes with those He anoints; He will be with those to whom He has given His Spirit.  Whatever gift(s) we have, we are to honor God with them.

 

A:  To wait on God’s instructions and to be ready to get up and follow Him no matter what others might think or say. 

 

P:  Thank you Jesus that You prepare us for every task that You call us to.  Give each one reading this today, including myself, a vision for what You want us to do for You.  Show us the people that You want us to share Your WORD with and let the Holy Spirit come on all who hear Your message.  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love and instruct our hearts.  Through Christ Our Lord I pray, Amen & Amen.

 

Even those who have received the Holy Ghost, must see their need of

daily learning more of the truth. ~ Matthew Henry

 

Bible Study Tip:  The past two decades have provided extraordinary progress in our understanding of the nature of learning.  Share with one person today something you learned from reading and studying.  The more times one repeats an action or recalls the information, the more efficient the brain becomes in its ability to retrieve that memory or repeat that action.  So recall and share God’s Word often and it will become more and more engrained and a part of you!

 

Extra, Extra, Read all about it!

 

Who was Cornelius? Cornelius (Greek: Κορνήλιος) was a Roman centurion (soldier).

 

How do you think Peter would have felt sharing the gospel with a Roman soldier? A patriotic Jew of that day would naturally dislike or even hate him because he was such a loyal servant of the oppressors of Israel. If you were a Jew talking of a Centurion, an image would immediately come to mind of an unclean enemy of God, one who is not only unredeemable, but one who is to be avoided at all costs.  Yet, Cornelius was said to be a devout man; a man who feared God, who prayed to God always and who gave alms generously to those who were in need. Is there anyone in your life that you see "unredeemable".

 

What does God's Word say on this matter?  “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Share God's WORD today with everyone to whom you are given an opportunity!  The baptism of Cornelius is an important event in the history of the Early Church, what difference are you willing to make in God’s His-Story today?