A Light for My Path

This week’s memory verses are Romans 5:8 and John 1:12.

He sent the message to the Israelites, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all.

Acts 10:36

Many believers know that Simon Peter failed again after Jesus returned to Heaven. He became afraid of the Jewish religious leaders because he was living as a born-again Gentile and even ate with them. However, fear took over, and he tried to convince the Gentiles to follow Jewish rituals.

Paul reminded Peter that by the work of Jesus, people no longer had to worry about consuming unclean food. Jesus removed every barrier to redemption. Acts 10:9-16; Galatians 2:11-14.

Then Peter got the opportunity to start over. He met a man named Cornelius. Cornelius was a Roman centurion of all things, but he believed in God. In fact his story reveals that his whole family loved God. They devoutly followed the Jewish religion. Not only were they religious, but they cared about God’s people. He prayed for the Jews and was charitable to them in their need.

But one thing was missing. Cornelius and his family had never met Jesus.

God saw Cornelius and loved him and included him in His great story.

The Holy Spirit moved upon Cornelius and caused him to have a vision. The angel of the Lord instructed Cornelius to send for Simon Peter.

Peter obeyed the leadership of the Spirit.

Peter began to speak: “Now I truly understand that God doesn’t show favoritism, but in every nation the person who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.  He sent the message to the Israelites, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all.” (Acts 10)

And God in His goodness did for these Gentiles what He offers to do for you and me.

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. (Acts 10)

You see, when we as believers commit ourselves to God, then people see the beauty of Christ who welcomes even the vilest offender. There is room for anyone in spite of who we are or what we have done. That is because our salvation is about what Christ has done.

But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, 

John 1:12

Share the Gospel in your world!

Isaiah 52:7

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

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