Post by Zac Loh on Dec 2, 2008 7:44:05 GMT -5
Cornelius
Acts 10:1-15
Cornelius was a religious man. But what was important to God was his heart. Cornelius had a heart which was right before God. Jesus intervened to save Paul in a dramatic fashion, even though Paul was persecuting Christians, because Paul had a sincere heart. What is dear to Jesus is the heart, as our living flows from what is inside our heart. God saw through Cornelius' heart. Cornelius' actions matched his heart.
“What God has cleansed you must not call common.” (Acts 10:15)
The first distinction between a man from another, is the heart. Cornelius was special, because his heart was special.
The second distinction between a man from another, is the cleansing of God.
Those who are cleansed by Word of God are special. It sets them apart.
Cornelius' heart was cleansed by the words of the angel who was anointed by the Holy Spirit to speak. Unlike Zacharias, who doubted, and became mute for a while (Luke 1:8-22).
There are many things which one can learn from the account of Cornelius. The Lord is still searching to-and-fro for such people today.
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
God will send someone to share Christ with them. Ministering angels will be working for these heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14).
What can we learn from Cornelius?
1. Cornelius, Devout Man
Cornelius loved God even though he didn't have an interactive relationship with God through Christ yet.
Cornelius had an Italian background. Don't know whether he had any Jewish influence. The Bible says that we know the existence of God by observing His creation.
There are people today who have a true heart, seeking God. Certainly, angels will be sent to them. In some countries and societies which are closed to the gospel, I hear people receiving visions from God, ultimately leading them to Christ.
Cornelius loved God when he was yet without Christ? What about us who already have Christ? Shouldn't we love God more?
2. Cornelius Feared God
Very few people sincerely respect God. Some Christians take God as their cuddly teddy bear daddy or their seasonal Santa Claus.
But Cornelius feared God. He knew something about God that most people missed. He knew what a great, awesome, mighty person God is. He knew just by observing himself, other people and the things surrounding him …God's magnificent creation!
3. Cornelius Was Real At Home (Pun Intended!)
They say that you can know who the person really is, when he is at home. His own family members experience the real him. They know him.
Cornelius really feared God. His household feared God along with him.
Cornelius was a centurion, a commander of soldiers. As such is the case, perhaps he was a fearsome man. If this is so, it makes it even more remarkable …a fearsome man who feared God!
4. Cornelius Gave Generously To People
Rather than oppressing the people with his power, Cornelius did the reverse. Rather than abusing his power, Cornelius used his power to bless the people. Rather than showing his power, Cornelius empowered the people!
Cornelius was an example of the God-kind of leadership.
Cornelius was a giver. Therefore, he became a receiver of something much more than money, of which money cannot buy. Cornelius had a generous heart. He had a resounding identification with our Father God Who is very generous Himself.
5. Cornelius Prayed To God Always
Cornelius put some of us to shame. We have eternal life, and don't pray always.
Cornelius prayed to God always. And God gave him eternal life. Not as a reward, but as a gift. Cornelius didn't deserve it, but God knew he would surely appreciate it!
Let Cornelius be our example.
Acts 10:1-15
Cornelius was a religious man. But what was important to God was his heart. Cornelius had a heart which was right before God. Jesus intervened to save Paul in a dramatic fashion, even though Paul was persecuting Christians, because Paul had a sincere heart. What is dear to Jesus is the heart, as our living flows from what is inside our heart. God saw through Cornelius' heart. Cornelius' actions matched his heart.
“What God has cleansed you must not call common.” (Acts 10:15)
The first distinction between a man from another, is the heart. Cornelius was special, because his heart was special.
The second distinction between a man from another, is the cleansing of God.
Those who are cleansed by Word of God are special. It sets them apart.
Cornelius' heart was cleansed by the words of the angel who was anointed by the Holy Spirit to speak. Unlike Zacharias, who doubted, and became mute for a while (Luke 1:8-22).
There are many things which one can learn from the account of Cornelius. The Lord is still searching to-and-fro for such people today.
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
God will send someone to share Christ with them. Ministering angels will be working for these heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14).
What can we learn from Cornelius?
1. Cornelius, Devout Man
Cornelius loved God even though he didn't have an interactive relationship with God through Christ yet.
Cornelius had an Italian background. Don't know whether he had any Jewish influence. The Bible says that we know the existence of God by observing His creation.
There are people today who have a true heart, seeking God. Certainly, angels will be sent to them. In some countries and societies which are closed to the gospel, I hear people receiving visions from God, ultimately leading them to Christ.
Cornelius loved God when he was yet without Christ? What about us who already have Christ? Shouldn't we love God more?
2. Cornelius Feared God
Very few people sincerely respect God. Some Christians take God as their cuddly teddy bear daddy or their seasonal Santa Claus.
But Cornelius feared God. He knew something about God that most people missed. He knew what a great, awesome, mighty person God is. He knew just by observing himself, other people and the things surrounding him …God's magnificent creation!
3. Cornelius Was Real At Home (Pun Intended!)
They say that you can know who the person really is, when he is at home. His own family members experience the real him. They know him.
Cornelius really feared God. His household feared God along with him.
Cornelius was a centurion, a commander of soldiers. As such is the case, perhaps he was a fearsome man. If this is so, it makes it even more remarkable …a fearsome man who feared God!
4. Cornelius Gave Generously To People
Rather than oppressing the people with his power, Cornelius did the reverse. Rather than abusing his power, Cornelius used his power to bless the people. Rather than showing his power, Cornelius empowered the people!
Cornelius was an example of the God-kind of leadership.
Cornelius was a giver. Therefore, he became a receiver of something much more than money, of which money cannot buy. Cornelius had a generous heart. He had a resounding identification with our Father God Who is very generous Himself.
5. Cornelius Prayed To God Always
Cornelius put some of us to shame. We have eternal life, and don't pray always.
Cornelius prayed to God always. And God gave him eternal life. Not as a reward, but as a gift. Cornelius didn't deserve it, but God knew he would surely appreciate it!
Let Cornelius be our example.