October 15, 2001

Lessons for October 28

FAMILY BIBLE STUDY:
Cornelius and his family present a good example
___ Acts 10:1-43
___By Christine Hockin-Boyd
___Texas WMU, Dallas
___This week's lesson brings closure to the unit of study "God's Plan for Families." Hopefully it was successful in communicating the important role of families in teaching Christian doctrine and behavior and making families centers of biblical instruction.
___This final lesson gives emphasis to the idea that families can help others know about Jesus. Sharing the good news of Jesus is not necessarily one individual sharing with another, but rather it could be as a group of individuals or a family. Witnessing is usually thought of as one person sharing with another person. But the truth of the matter is that families can have a great impact on those around them--neighbors, school, church or at play. Christian families should seek opportunities to share with others the good news of salvation in Christ.
___In the early church, strife and tension existed concerning relationships between the Jewish Christians and Gentile believers. Some Jewish Christians demanded that Gentiles become Jewish proselytes before they could become Christians. Peter's experience with Cornelius and his relatives along with close friends reveals the truth that the gospel is for all people.
___In reading verses 1-3, you see a man who had great influence upon his family--a man who led his entire family to a deeper understanding and respect for God. Cornelius knew God. He loved God. And Cornelius guided his family in knowing the Father intimately.
___"He and his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly" (10:2). What does this reveal to us? I speculate that Cornelius took time and made effort to know each of his family members. And as he taught his family he modeled before their eyes Jesus' teachings. He helped those in need. He gave willingly and served those around him. He modeled servanthood.
___And Cornelius was a man of prayer. I suspect he prayed alone and with his family. I imagine his children knew about their father's relationship with the Savior and his special prayer times with the Father. Scripture says he prayed regularly. This father modeled and lived the example of humility and petitioning the Father. Cornelius was a spiritual leader for his family.
___How would children today evaluate and comment on their parents' behavior and relationship to the Father both privately and openly? Do children even know of the parents' commitment level to God? Do yours? Do children see parents living the example of helping others? Do yours? Do children today see their parents praying in the home? Do you?
___Our world is still in fear and anxiety of being safe because of the attack on America. How long will it take to feel normal again, if that's possible? Regardless of the answer, we, Christian families, still have the responsibility of raising and teaching children God's principles. Christian families should continue to serve one another, help neighbors and friends, and pray for and with one another. And the most vital thing we should continue to do, with greater conviction, is sharing the good news as we go--as we go to school, work and play.
___In reading verses 24 and 33 you see the words "family," "relatives" and "close friends." Cornelius wanted everyone to hear what God had to say to him or her. He didn't want anyone to be left out. Tell me, does your entire family know the Lord--have a personal relationship with Jesus? If not, have you shared the good news with them?
___If you are like most family members, you may find it difficult or challenging to share the good news with the people closest to you. Why is that? Maybe it's because we don't want to feel rejected or alienated. We would rather keep the family relationship intact. Unfortunately, that relationship could be severed for eternity. Is it worth the risk? Cornelius didn't think so.
___What is the good news? Simply put: God loves you. He cares for you deeply. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Verse 43 says, "All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
___Tell the good news. Tell your immediate family, your extended family and distant relatives. Tell your closest friends, neighbors, co-workers and school acquaintances. Tell them all God loves them and wants to have a personal relationship with them. Model sharing the good news before your children. Let them see the importance of sharing the good news to others. Allow your family to be a living example to others of Christ's love and forgiveness in your own lives.
___Have you said this prayer? Dear Jesus, I am a sinner. I believe you love me and died for my sins on the cross. Please forgive me of those sins. I invite you to be a part of my life and have complete control. I surrender my life to you. Thank you for loving me. Amen.

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