Encountering JesusSample

DISCOVER

As we read in this passage, Cornelius, a gentile, lived a moral life because he feared God, as did all the other members of his household. His generosity ("charitable contributions") to the people (Jews), and his continual prayers, were further evidence of his respect for Israel's God. His relationships with God and people were admirable. Cornelius had not become a full Jewish proselyte(11:3), but he did pray to the Jews' God. The Lord allowed Cornelius and Peter to cross paths because He wanted Peter to understand that the gospel message was meant for all people. It also explains that because of Jesus, changes needed to occur regarding Jewish-Gentile relations, as well as the law that Jews followed.

LEARN

Peter's Jewish cultural prejudices were overriding the Word of God in his thinking. For this reason, God repeated the vision three times so that Peter would be sure he understood God's command correctly. The repetition served to confirm the shocking message and emphasize its significance. Peter, just like Jonah, thought that the mission God gave him of preaching to the Gentiles didn't make sense. God also called Jonah to carry a message of salvation to the Gentiles in Nineveh, but Jonah fled from that very city (Joppa) to escape his calling. Now, Peter found himself in the same position. Because Jonah disobeyed God, the Lord sent a storm that caused the Gentile sailors to fear, but be cause Peter obeyed the Lord, God sent the' wind of the Spirit' to the Gentiles, and they experienced great joy and peace.At times, the Lord will allow us to be out of our comfort zone because his power will be more visible in our weaknesses.

APPLY

Everyone is raised in a different culture through which they filter all of their experiences. We encounter a unique culture within our country, our state or region, and even our family. Our cultures dictate what is right and wrong in our understanding, but, when we come to know Jesus, our cultures should shift from our own culture to Kingdom culture. As a believer, Jesus dictates what is right and wrong; what is acceptable and what is not. Jesus died for the whole world, but only those who believe in Jesus’ as their Savior will be given the gift of eternal life. Are you willing to go share the redemption message of Jesus with others? Are you bold enough to eat with them, to meet in their homes, to get to know their families and their life stories, and share the gospel with them? Let’s spend time intentionally investing in others with the hopes of earning the right to share the beautiful story of divine redemption with them. Who can you do this with?