Faithful to the Mission

06/19/24 – 06/26/24

An Obedient Response

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  06/24/24

Many Christians desire to see a great harvest of souls, but the work may seem daunting. So many sin barriers, cultural barriers, and faith barriers would need to be torn down. Acts 10 is a reminder of how God can break through these barriers to spread the Gospel to every corner of the world. What He did then, He can do today.

In this story, we see the Holy Spirit accomplishing things man never could. God brings about a memorable conversion by preparing the hearts of an unbeliever and a witness. What happens next is spectacular.

It started with Cornelius, and today we will look at how the Holy Spirit moved in his life.

As a Roman centurion, Cornelius had 100 men reporting to him. He had heard of Yahweh, God of the Jews, and respected Him enough to donate to the church. Still, Cornelius was not a committed believer.

That changed one afternoon when an angel of the Lord appeared to Cornelius. Acts 10:4-5 states, “The angel answered, ‘Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.'”

The angel in shining clothes appearing inside his house had Cornelius’ attention, and he obeyed. God was preparing Cornelius’ heart for a life-changing message.

Prayer: God, thank You for the power of Your Spirit that can change lives. Help me to respond in obedience to Your promptings. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands” (1 John 2:3).