The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1945-12-28

Fellowship is impossible where
there is prejudice and intolerance.
The world is full Of it even now,
after we have fought a global war
to stop such inhumanity of man to-
man.
1t would be q surprise even to
some Christian people to learn that
"God Is no respecter of persons, "
that with Him q man is mot re-
! ceived because he is of particular
race, color. education or social posi-
/ ton.
God created all men, He loves all
men, Christ died for all men, and
every Christian ought to be desper-
ately concerned that all men should
hear about their Saviour and come
to know the love of God.
| The church Of Christ has It's
| greatest opportunity now to show
that the things it processes to be-
lieve actually work in the relation
| ship Of m an to man. They will work
| If we will only let them! Our les
son presents:
l. Prinoiple-God Is No Respecter
Of Persons wv. "a, 35).
Peter had learned about Gods
| love for the Gentiles by the vision
given him concerning Cornelius.
Tread Acts 10:1-33.)
Peter was Jew, and God now
used this vision to teach him a much
needed lesson about the carrying Of
the gospel to the Gentiles. The Jews
were (and still are-let us remem-
Der it) Gods chosen people. How
ever, they were not chosen for their
own comfort, convenience or glory,
but that they might be channels for
the outflowing of Gods blessing to
all nations.
Cornelius was typical of those in
every nation who are ready for the
preaching of the gospel. He was
God-fearing, righteous man, but
nonetheless in need of redemption.
God brought this man, who was
ready to receive the message, to-
gether with the man Peter, who
was prepared to preach it, and the
result was salvation.
Whatever it may be that keeps us
from carrying the gospel to all ma
tons, we ought to recognize as I'M
christian, and put it aside. 1t may
be race prejudice, for it still per-
sists; but 1t may be an equally dead
ly indifference to the needs of 9TH
ers. Let us, like Peter, go to them
and open our mouths ". 34) to pro-
claim Christ.
III. Practice-Jesus Did Good to
All (vv. 36-4D.
The attributes Of God are always
active. He not only is good, He does
good. So the principle, "no respecter
of persons" is perfectly exemplified
in our Lord Jesus who event about
doing good and healing all that were
oppressed of the devil" and we may
well place the emphasis on the word
call" ee
The death of Christ for their sins
". 39), His resurrection from the
dead for their justification ". 40), the
coming judgment for sin ". AZ, and
the remission of sins in His name
these are the essentials of Peters
message.
Note how plain Is the truth. Jesus
has come and has wrought redemp-
ton for all who will believe. Now we
must chosse whether we want Him
to be our Judge or our Redeemer.
Either He is your Saviour, or He
will be your judge. (John 3:17, 49,
The proclamation of this message
Of redemption was never completed,
even "while Peter yet spake these
words, the Holy Spirit fell upon them
all" ". ~. Blessed interruption!
Would that we might have pore like
1t in our churches and BibfWSschools!
This leads up to our last point,
namely, that we have
III. Privilege-We Are to Preach
to ALI People wv. AZ, 43).
Yes, 1t is a command (Matt. %:
10, 20), but it is also an unestimable
privilege to be called of God to tell
all nations about the One in whom
they have remission of sins"
Let US preach that message. Book
reviews, political addresses. discus
sion of civic or social problems will
not bring the result. Forums, clubs,
discussion groups, unless they have
for their subject the Word of God.
need not expect anything like this to
happen.
Preaching Of the Word of God con-
corning the person and work Of
Christ, whether it be In home Qike
that Of Cornelius) or in a great
cathedral (and thank God, some Of
them do have such preaching), will
result In some soul finding Christ
and receiving the Holy Spirit.
It is worthy Of note that these be-
levers gave evidence of their new
found spiritual life by magnifying
God. obeying His word, and testify
ing to others. It is to the credit OF
Peter and his companions that they
recognized the workings of Gods
grace in the lives of these Gentiles.
May we also be quick to see. ap-
preciate and encourage every true
/ L