Bible Reading: Acts 11
Acts 11:13-14 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
Cornelius had seen an angel who instructed him to send for Peter. This Cornelius was an interesting guy. The Bible says of him:
Acts 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
He was devout and feared God. He prayed all the time and yet, he was lost. How can this be? Because he had not trusted in Jesus Christ. This is the sad shape of millions around the world. They believe in God and do religious things, but they are not saved. When Cornelius encountered the angel, he was given specific instructions to send for Peter. He was told that Peter would come can tell him words whereby he and his house would be saved.
This flies in the face of much of ‘lifestyle evangelism’ teaching. Cornelius would not spend time getting to know Peter and observing his life. Peter would come and tell him words. When Cornelius and his household heard these words, they could be saved. What words would Peter tell him? He told him the gospel of Jesus Christ. He told of Christ’s life and ministry, his death on the tree, his resurrection and the fact that forgiveness of sins comes through faith in him. Peter said:
Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Cornelius believed Peter’s words (which are actually God’s words) and he and his house were saved. What about us today? Do we tell people words whereby they can be saved? We should. Our lifestyle is important so that we are not a stumbling block to others, but our lifestyle does not save anyone. It is the words of the gospel of Jesus Christ that save those who hear.
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Words are important! Share some words about Jesus with someone today.
In Christ,
Rody
