SCRIPTURE: Acts (NIV) 10:33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” 34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism…
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.
OBSERVATION: People were gathered in Cornelius’ house to hear what God “had commanded Peter to tell them.” Only one problem, God had not given Peter a special message for this unique congregation of Gentiles/non-Jews. Peter did not have time to go through his sermons to choose the one most appropriate. Peter did not have sermon notes in his briefcase.
Peter just “began to speak.” And the One who had made it clear to Peter to go to Cornelius’ house, began to speak through Peter. Peter was just being obedient. Peter was not prepared; he did not even know how to prepare.
The Holy Spirit interrupted Peter’s speaking and filled everyone who was listening so full that other languages began to flow out of their mouth. It was the same thing that happened on the day of Pentecost to the Jewish believers! (Acts 2)
APPLICATION: It is so important that we understand how God works. We do not need to be experts or be great orators. We only need to be obedient! God will do what God wants to do, we only need to be obedient. Peter could not fill the Gentiles with the Holy Spirit, but Peter could open his mouth and speak!
PRAYER: Lord, I want to be obedient and do what you give me to do. You will use my faithfulness to do my little part, and through it you will be faithful to do Your Big Part! My little part opens the door for you to do far more than I could ever dream! Through these little SOAPs, you have spoken into the lives of many people. I am humbled. Amen
Pastor Leon
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