Helping everyone to find and follow Jesus.
Praying to God
Cornelius was a centurion, a devout man, who feared God, gave alms, and prayed to God continually. He clearly saw in a vision an angel who said, “Cornelius!” Being alarmed, he said, “What is it, Lord?” He said, “Your prayers have ascended as a memorial before God. Now dispatch men to Joppa, for a man named Peter who is staying with Simon.” When the angel had departed he summoned servants and sent them to Joppa. As they were approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray. Acts 10: 1-9
Listening to God
Peter fell into a trance; and in the sky, an object like a great sheet coming down, and in it all kinds of animals, crawling creatures and birds. A voice came, “Arise, Peter, kill and eat!” but Peter said, “By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean.” Again a voice came, “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” This happened three times. Acts 10:10-16
Obeying God
While Peter was perplexed as to what the vision meant, the men sent by Cornelius appeared, asking whether Peter was staying there. While Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said, “Three men are looking for you. Go downstairs and accompany them without misgivings; for I have sent them.” Peter said, “I am the one you are looking for, what is the reason for which you have come?” They said, “Cornelius, a God-fearing man was directed by an angel to send for you to come to his house and hear a message from you.” On the next day he went with them, and some Jewish brethren accompanied him. On the following day he entered Caesarea. Cornelius had called together his relatives and friends. When Peter arrived, Cornelius met him and worshipped him. But Peter raised him up, saying “Stand up, I, also am just a man.” Many were assembled. Acts 10: 19-26
Preparing for Change
Peter said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to associate with a foreigner, yet God has shown me I should not call any man unholy. That is why I came without any objection. I ask for what reason have you sent for me?” Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was praying, and a man stood before me in shining garments, and he said, “Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. Send to Joppa and invite Peter to come to you. Now we are all here to hear all commanded by the Lord.” Peter said, “I understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right, is welcome to Him. Of Jesus, all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him has received forgiveness of sins.” While Peter was speaking the Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. Acts 10:28-35, 43, 44
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