Today, points are shared on the prayers of Cornelius, of Saul, and of the first Gentiles to receive gifts from the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. Saul of Tarsus and others are spoken of as building the church of Christ, in the same way Moses and Joshua are credited as leading Israel into the Promised Land. However, believers are to understand, it was the work of GOD by the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2: 46-47, KJV). The household of Cornelius may be compared to that of Abraham. With more than 350 men of age to serve as a fighting force, the workers, women and children along with the nomadic Patriarch’s family may have numbered in the thousands; and, in effect, was a small town acknowledging GOD through their routines for life wherever they would journey. All were in the relationship with GOD while he was known as El Shaddai, and would continue with Abraham into the covenant of circumcision with GOD revealed to him as Jehovah. The Apostle Peter was dispatched by the Holy Spirit to the home of Cornelius to witness and authenticate their receiving the necessary divine gifts to testify of Christ and further spread the Gospel. A great congregation was there expecting only to hear a sermon and some teachings. However, before Peter could completely introduce the doctrines, the entire household had the experience of Pentecost with tongues of flame, the rushing mighty wind, and speaking in languages they had never learned or used before. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Sarah” (Level 2 with 462 points, a member since June 04, 2014) questioned the Scripture with the following thrust against the sinner’s prayer:
Christians, if god doesn't hear a sinners prayer then why did he answer Cornelius's prayer?
I heard that god doesn't answer a sinners prayer and that you have to be saved in order for god to answer your prayers but why did god answer Cornelius's prayer? he also answered sauls and some more peoples prayer and they werent saved so if god doesn't answer a sinners prayer then why did he answer all of these people's prayer?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Luke 18: 9-14, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Saved by a Prayer? (10/31/2014); Is Prayer an Act of Faith? (11/01/2014); Blessing and Inheritance from Abraham? (06/05/2014); On Christians Executing Judgment (06/06/2014); Saul of Tarsus (03/26/2014); The Nature of Scripture (03/27/2014); Gentiles and the Law? (09/19/2013); According to This Word (09/20/2013); And This Was Good News (12/01/2012); A Need to Fear? (12/02/2012); Caesarea Philippi (10/22/2012); Love in Christ (10/23/2012)
“Sarah”, in the same way many ask questions because of their disbelief and doubt, rather than their willingness to learn and grow spiritually, many pray to challenge and test divinity, rather than submit themselves to sacred discipline. Believers focus upon the operation of GOD, rather than the actions and decisions of men. Yet, consider the following:
(1.) Cornelius approached GOD through his attitude and deeds as well as prayers. (A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. Acts 10: 2, KJV).
(2.) Cornelius prayed repeatedly, and with importunity (we say, persistence).
(3.) Cornelius prayed unselfishly (we say, interceded, spoke on behalf of others). Through the “ministry” of Cornelius, many were saved and brought to Christ.
(4.) Cornelius held GOD in awe (we say, fear of the Lord), and responded to operations by the Spirit of Truth. The former soldier began to operate as a prophet (we say, spokesperson for divinity), receiving guidance and visions from GOD. (And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. Acts 10: 22, KJV).
As usual, there is far more to be said, correctly understood, and properly apprehended. (For example, (5.) Many of those (such as Saul) who were answered before being “saved” were nevertheless in covenant, and were prepared to receive divine interventions that would result in their serving as instruments and witnesses of Christ. All believers who come to Christ do so having first been under condemnation for sin that is still a condition of human existence since the time of Adam and Eve.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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