Christian Life Center

Archive for July, 2009

Cornelius was a Centurion of the Roman legion and a Captain of the Italian regiment. The Roman legion was one of the most disciplined and powerful military forces in world history. For Cornelius to hold such a rank was a great honor. But even more so, God honored Cornelius because Cornelius honored God. What can we learn from this soldier’s story to help us honor God and have His favor and blessings? (Acts 10)

First – PIETY was a hallmark of this soldier. “he was a devout and God-fearing man” (Acts 10:2 NLT). Piety is unfortunately a foreign word in our world today. Many of the Pilgrims and Puritans in early America were known for their piety. To be pious is not self-righteousness but being God-fearing and devoted to God. (Psalm 107:41-43; Psalm 1)

Second – a PATERNAL example was demonstrated to his family and fellow soldiers. Cornelius was not ashamed of his God. He became a spiritual father to family and friends. Are you influencing others for God? (Acts 10:24)

Third – PRAYER was an integral part of Cornelius’ life. George Washington and Stonewall Jackson were known as praying men. Great military leaders of the Bible, such as Moses, Joshua, and David, were men of prayer. Notice what got God’s attention concerning Cornelius. One afternoon in a vision God dispatched an angel to give Cornelius this message, “And the angel replied, ‘Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering’” (Acts 10:4 NLT). Regular fervent prayer offered in faith and devotion ascends to the throne room of God. (James 5:16-18)

Fourth – PROVISION for the needs of the poor touched the heart of God. The angel told Cornelius that God considered his gifts to the poor as an offering to God Himself. Giving out of a heart of love brings God’s favor. (Matthew 25:31-40)

Consider the rewards of this soldier’s faith and devotion to God.

First – PEACE with God. God sent the Apostle Peter to proclaim the good news to Cornelius and his household. God revealed to Peter in a vision that God shows no favoritism. (Acts 10:34) Peter then preached, “This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel – that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36 NLT). This soldier knew war but he received peace with God. You can receive peace with God only through the Lord Jesus. (Romans 5:1)

Second – PARDON and forgiveness of sins brought the peace of God to this soldier, “He is the One the prophets testified about saying that everyone who believes in Him will have their sins forgiven through his name” (Acts 10:42-43). Jesus paid the price for our pardon.

Third – the PROMISE of the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and his household. (Acts 10:44-48) Jesus had commanded his followers to receive the power of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8) Peter soon realized that God had no intention of reserving the gift of the Holy Spirit for only the Jews. Joel had prophesied that God would pour out His spirit “upon all flesh”. (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17-18) Cornelius’ experience opened up the promise of the Holy Spirit for all God’s children.

There is a new breathtaking sight along the highway near where I live. Scattered across a lush green meadow is a flock of white wooly sheep grazing contentedly. The beautiful sight seems out of place but a welcome treat to the usual landscape of herds of cattle. Spring is in the air and the grazing sheep speak to me of hope and new life.

When I was in my youth I worked with cattle but didn’t have the opportunity to be around sheep. Sheep were not common in the part of the country where I grew up. One thing I do know about sheep is that sheep receive more attention in the Bible than any other animal.

They were important to the total life of the Israelites. Earliest mention of sheep is in Genesis 4:2 where it says that “Abel was a keeper of sheep.”

In biblical times shepherds led the sheep to new locations whenever pasturage gave out. Water requirements meant that shepherds had to know where the streams or wells were located. Watering was always done at noon. King David was once a shepherd and beautifully describes the shepherd’s care of his sheep in Psalm 23. “The Lord is my shepherd,” David declared. Continuous care of the sheep led the shepherd to know each by name just as the Lord knows each of his sheep.

The Word of God refers to both good and bad shepherds and during the latter part of Israel’s history the leaders are denounced as being bad shepherds. Figures of speech concerning shepherds and sheep are used repeatedly throughout the Bible. Jesus used many illustrations concerning sheep. Jesus Christ came as the Good Shepherd (John 10) and his arrival was announced to shepherds.

When God delivered the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, He instructed them to slay a lamb and paint the blood over the top and on each side of the door frame of their homes. When the death angel passed over those homes covered with the blood, the firstborn son was spared from death. The Passover celebration was ordained as a perpetual ordinance for the Jews. (Exodus 12; Hebrews 11:28) The Apostle Paul tells us that “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed for us” (I Corinthians 5:7).