The Gospel: Thursday of the Fourth Week of Pascha

The Gospel: Acts 10:34-43, especially vs. 43: "To Him all the prophets witness that, through His Name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins." The message that the Apostle Peter preached to a gathering of Gentiles in the home of the Centurion Cornelius was the "'...word which God sent to the children of Israel...'" (vs. 36). It is the word that Jesus of Nazareth proclaimed after the baptism preached by John (see vss. 37,38). That message was and is known as "the Gospel" (Mk. 1:1,14), or the Good News. St. Peter knew that, in preaching the Gospel to those with Cornelius, he was obeying a command of the Lord Jesus (vs. 42). He was certain also that it made no difference whether those who heard him were Jews or Gentiles (vss. 34,35) - the message is the best news for all people (Mt. 28:19). Pay close attention to the six points in the Apostle's message for its truths remain applicable for you and everyone from the Apostle's time and forever. As you review try reframing St. Peter's six points into questions to consider for your own life. 1) Saint Peter knew that God is forever concerned for everyone without respect to culture, race, ethnicity, language, or religion (vss. 34,35,42-43). Christian Faith is not inherently imperialistic, despite the fact that some have mistakenly sought to impose its truth on others. True, the Faithful in Christ are under mandate to disciple all nations without partiality (Mt. 28:19; Acts 10:34). Still the command does not imply force or hype. The Gospel is to be offered as a free gift (Rom. 5:15). Have you freely chosen to receive the Gospel yourself? 2) Many do not consider faith in Christ important. Others think God is a useful idea of someone is inclined toward "that sort of thing." But consider Peter's belief that God cares for everyone and ask yourself: "Do I believe that God is active in history, including my life? Do I believe that He truly is concerned about me and cares what I believe and do and say?" 3) From the Apostle Peter's perspective, the primary life-issue facing every person who has ever lived is the state of his relationship with God. Yes, the Saint also knew that everyone's relationship with God is significantly disrupted by sin (vss. 42,43). The disruption is significant for you because your broken relationship is with the One Who created you - He Who holds your life and eternal destiny in His hands. "Am I concerned about my sins against God?" 4) Lest you think the Christian message is simply an effort to "make people feel guilty," be assured that the Gospel, which St. Peter set forth in today's reading, firmly asserts that Jesus Christ is "...He Who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead" (vs. 42). The Gospel affirms that ultimately you will have to give an account to God for the sins that have broken your relationship with Him. "Am I concerned about what I will say to God when I stand before the dread Judgment seat of Christ?" 5) The outstanding element in the good news of the Gospel that the Apostle preaches is this: the Judge you will face, Jesus Christ, is the "...Lord of all" (vs. 36), the Person of God accepting, loving,  forgiving, and healing, and freeing you and everyone from demonic compulsions (vss. 38,43). Is my heart seeking Christ as my God and Savior, praying for Him to prompt me to repent, accept me, and move me to fear God and work righteousness (see vs. 35)? 6) What St. Peter proclaimed in Caesarea is a message for everyone - those who read of his meeting with Cornelius and those who do not. Consider what he preached, be honest and ask, 'Do I fear God so that I am willing to humble myself before the Lord Jesus, believe in His promises, cry out for His forgiveness, and work with Him to renew my way of life?' (see vs. 43). Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner!