In our text this week, we see a historical account of the conversion of the first Gentile person to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This account can be considered as a template on how the God of all creation deals with and respond to humanity through His love and mercies.
Dr. Luke records that a certain man in Caesarea by the name of Cornelius who was a Roman military leader of 100 men of the Italian Band, that occupied the land of Palestine during the time Jesus life on earth and long afterwards. This man Cornelius demonstrated four characteristics that got God attention.
1. He was a devout (dedicated, diligent and sincere) man
2. He feared (respected) God with all his household
3. He gave much alms to the people
4. He prayed to God always
The scripture says this man Cornelius had a vision about 3:00 o’clock in the day. In this vision an angel of the Lord, called him by name, which startled him, but he responded, with much trepidation, "What is it Lord"? The angle told Cornelius that, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter, he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside, he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
This interesting visitation by the angel to Cornelius as a result of his desire for God, points out a number of key attributes of the only wise God.
1. God know all things
2. God understands what is in the human heart
3. God is very specific and leaves no room for ambiguities
4. God keeps a record of human actions in relation to himself
5. God is faithful to His words
The scriptures says that when the angle which visited Cornelius in his vision departed, Cornelius believed the vision, and acted upon this divine visitation by calling two men of his household plus a devout soldier to carry out the specific direction of the Angel words to him. Cornelius made sure he explained to the men on his mission all the details of the vision before they went off to Joppa to find Apostle Peter.
This account of the miraculous intervention of the Sprit of God in action in the life of a devoted Gentile man, underscores the power of God to affect and change the life of all humanity that seeks him in diligence and sincerity. This power of God is still working in AD 2012 as it did in AD 50. There has been no diminution or reduction in potency, in its ability to affect the lives of all men.
We invite you to worship with us at Meadowvale East Apostolic Church and experience this wonderful power of God in Action.
Pastor McGann
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Telephone: 416-385-1140