Acts 10 - A Harvest of Households

As we continue through Dr. Terry Teykl's book, Acts 29, we are learning how to use the book of Acts as a prayer guide and in Acts 10 Dr. Teykl makes an interesting observation when he writes, "Cornelius was devout, he gave generously, and he prayed regularly.  Yet, he was lost - religious and lost."  What a powerful statement for today's culture, for in our world Cornelius would be considered a spiritual man, one who practiced a faith of human generosity in giving and godly conversation in prayer.  What a wonderful man he is and yet he was lost.  He was religious, but he was lost. 

Why was he lost?  He wasn't lost because he did not attend church or synagogue.  Let's be clear about that point.  Cornelius, though a Gentile, may have been what was called in those days a Godfearer, one who attended synagogue meetings for the prayers and the interpretation of scripture, but was not a Jewish proselyte, meaning he did not convert to the Jewish religion.  He was a spiritualist, but lost in terms of knowing a relationship with God.  It wasn't until the Holy Spirit sent Peter to his home that Cornelius and his entire household were saved - baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and now recipients of God's Holy Spirit!

As we continue to use Acts of the Apostles as a guide for prayer, the emphasis that Dr. Teykl makes is the importance and significance of praying for entire households.  One ministry we can recommit to this fall is to pray for the salvation of entire households.  Do you know families that need the saving grace of Jesus Christ?  This week, think about the unchurched households on your street this week and pray for them.  Also pray for the families that God would send to your church.  Pray that they find a place in your church where they can come and worship together as a family, and if not in your church, then to a church God leads them.

As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:18 - we are called into a ministry of reconciliation.  Let us pray for the reconciliation that needs to take place within families - both with God and within each of the family members.

Dennis