PREACHING
While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. Acts 10:44
The preaching of the gospel and the salvation of souls is one of the highest heavenly mysteries in the universe. While faith necessary for salvation comes by hearing God’s Word (Rom 10:17), and that the usual means God has ordained for proclaiming that gospel Word of Christ is by the testimony of redeemed sinners saved by grace (Rom 10:14-15), nevertheless, as considered in yesterday’s devotional (click here if you missed it), Saul of Tarsus would not have been saved by the reading of Scripture alone, neither by the hearing of the gospel preached all by itself. There must be a supernatural, spiritual encounter with the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ; and this, by the Holy Spirit of God. Jesus told His disciples on the night He was betrayed, “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness about Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning” (John 15:26-27). This is what happened at Cornelius’ house. Peter didn’t even get to finish his discourse as he preached Christ, since he was still saying these things. Surely, Peter taught the believers more gospel truth after they were baptized, since they “asked him to remain for some days” (Acts 10:48), yet by this incident, God makes a wonderful point. Whether it’s me preaching on Sunday, or you sharing the gospel with a friend, neighbor, family member, or a stranger you’ve just met, the power to save that soul and the point of time for such to be converted by God’s grace is in His hand alone. You and I need only be faithful to testify of Christ, to be His witnesses, because we have been with Him, by God’s grace, since the beginning of our own personal salvation. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Although we may proclaim God’s Word
And testify of Christ,
Unless the Spirit’s power’s heard,
The hearer has no life.
