Do not be hindered by your personal theology!

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the gentiles also. Acts 10:44-45
 
A devout man had a vision. An angel called him by name. Cornelius answered, “What is it Lord?” The angel answered, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter”
 
Cornelius was not Jewish. He did not know the Lord. And yet his prayers and good works are described as a memorial before God!
 
This event did not fit into Jewish theology. It fits into God’s theology. It was part of the Lords divine plan!
 
I was employed as a route salesman. I pulled up to a store and parked. A man dressed in robes and sandals was sitting in the driveway. He had long hair and a beard. I looked down from my truck. He smiled and said, “I have been waiting for you.”
 
I had never seen anybody dressed like that before. I didn’t know what to say or do. I jumped out of my truck. I ran to the back door. I pulled out a loaf of bread. I gave it to him. I stood in silence and watched him walk away until I could not see him anymore.
 
Something happened that day. Maybe he was an angel. I cannot say for sure. I do know I did not know the Lord. I also know whatever happened does not fit into my theology!
 
Cornelius gathered his family to hear what Peter had to say. Peter shared the Gospel with them. For the first time non-Jewish people received salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. They were filled with the Holy Spirit. Everyone present was amazed!
 
God works in mysterious and miraculous ways. Some of the things He does will not fit into our personal theology!
 
Calvinists theologians will be amazed at some of the people who get saved. Arminian theologians will be perplexed by some of the people they see in heaven. Cessationist theologians may witness miracles with their own eyes. All of us must stop judging our unsaved neighbors and people in bondage to sin!
 
I once suffered a drug induced psychotic episode. A Christian friend came by to visit. He did not judge or criticize. He did share Jesus with me. A short time later I fell on my knees before Jesus. The seeds my friend planted bore fruit for the kingdom of God!
 
Do not be hindered by your personal theology. Encourage people who have fallen into sin. Love unsaved people. Watch as Jesus moves in mysterious and miraculous ways.
 
Jesus will save lost, lonely, and brokenhearted people. You can bet your eternal life on that truth!
 
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