“You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil because God was with him. We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:37-43)
This Scripture tells Cornelius, his family, his friends, and us what God wants us to know most about Jesus so we can follow his example. First, He wants us to know that Jesus can save. When we believe and ask him to save us, we’ll receive the anointing of God’s Spirit and power. Secondly, He wants us to receive the baptism of repentance as Jesus did. Jesus didn’t need to repent, but he humbled himself to set an example. The enemy caused churches to deceive us by calling infant dedication, baptism. God calls us who believe to repent, bury our sins in water, and be lifted up in freedom with Jesus.
With the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus shows us we can heal those who are under the power of the enemy. Hosea 14:4 tells us we can heal waywardness with love.
After Jesus rose from the dead, God provided witnesses to prove he was alive. Jesus said, “Because I live, you also will live.” It will be a perfect life. We’ll be able to eat, drink, celebrate, and love in the presence of God without tears for eternity.
Lastly, God wants us to know that we’re not to judge. We’re to preach and testify that Jesus is the judge of the living and the dead, not us, because He is the only one who understands temptation and knows our hearts.
Father God, I praise you for Your gift of Your Holy Spirit and Your power. Thank you for the proof of witnesses letting me know for sure that Jesus lives after death, and I will live also. Help me heal waywardness with love. Convict me when I need to repent and when I’m judging others. Give me the opportunity to tell others about Jesus. In His name, I pray, amen.