IMPACT OF FAITH AND OBEDIENCE

ACTS 10:1-7

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. ² He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. ³ One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”

⁴ Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.

The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. ⁵ Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. ⁶ He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”

⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. ⁸ He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.

A DEVOUT MAN

Hi, welcome to The Stable Sanctuary. In the beaming city of Caesarea, Cornelius, a Roman Centurion stood not just for his rank but his extraordinary character as well. He was a devout man, God fearing and led a life of prayer. Acts of charity dotted his life style by helping the poor and needy. He sought God’s favor. At home and away he commanded respect. Cornelius was a man of integrity who believed in the power of faith.

A DIVINE VISITATION

As Cornelius prayed one afternoon, he was suddenly engulfed in much radiant light. Intrigued and terrified, he gazed into the brilliance and saw an angel of God standing before him. To his surprise, the angle called him by name ; “Cornelius! ” The Centurion’s heart raced as he intently listened. The angel revealed to him that his prayers and acts of charity had ascended to God as a memorial. He was instructed to send men to Joppa to call Simon Peter; who would share a message that would transform his life forever. What an excellent move to greatness?

A MOMENT OF CHANGE

Cornelius, not being hesitant, realized it was a moment of great change in his life. Swiftly, he acted on the angel’s instructions. He called two of his servants and a dedicated soldier and shared the angel’s message with them. His faith was so strong as he understood that a new spiritual awakening journey had just begun. He send them to Joppa; eager to access the good news that Peter would bring.

BRIDGING THE GAP

Joppa was 35 miles away. Hence Cornelius had to wait with much anticipation knowing that the day’s events had a great potential of not only charging his life but also the lives of many other people as well. Here was the beginning of a brand new version of his life. The Divine Encounter would help bridge the gap between Jews and Gentiles. These two devides would now and forever be united under The Great Agape Love of God once and for all. Forever Jesus Christ is amazing.

CONCLUSION

Cornelius lifestyle had much longed for the message of salvation. This was fulfilled by the arrival of Peter the following day. A high desire for Spiritual Truth is sanctioned by God in Heaven. It always comes to fulfillment at the appointed time. God’s love and grace is meant for all people; regardless of race, color, status, language and nationality. Hence Cornelius became a beacon of faith to humanity. One’s encounter with The Divine can lead to a profound Impact of Faith to those around one’s vicinity. May you experience an encounter with The Master of Human Relations ; Jesus Christ, The Son of The Living God.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE

• John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

• Romans 10:9-17

⁹ If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. ¹¹ As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”^[a] 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, ¹³ for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”^[b]

¹⁴ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵ And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”^[c]

¹⁶ But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”^[d] 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

Stay blessed in Christ Jesus.