THE CERTAIN MAN

Acts 10: 1,2,

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian Band, a devout man; and one that feared GOD with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to GOD always.

CERTAIN MEN; DEVOUT MEN

We spoke, the week of Mother's Day, about a Certain Woman who was devout. Now we are looking at a Certain Man, Cornelius, who is a devout Gentile, Roman centurion of the Italian Band.

The account of Cornelius marks the beginning of the Gospel going to the Gentiles, foreigners, and strangers, thus bringing them into the fellowship of the saints and the household of GOD. The LORD anointed this "certain man" to be the door through which many would come to know JESUS. It is important for us to know the characteristics of this "certain man" so that we can grow in our relationship with the LORD.

1. Cornelius was devout. He was certain that the LORD GOD was GOD in deed and in truth; he worshiped the LORD together with his whole household.

2. Cornelius was a God fearing man. He worshiped the LORD in great humility and obedience.

3. He was a giving man. Cornelius gave alms to the poor in abundance and was known for his generosity.

4. He was a man of prayer. He prayed always unto the LORD.

We can learn from this that the LORD honors those who honor Him and He uses, in a mighty way, those who are serious about their relationship with GOD. Men who fear the LORD and inspire their family to fear the LORD; who give alms to the poor and have compassion on those in need; and who pray without ceasing, are vessels for the mighty work of GOD to be seen. Certainly in the life of Cornelius, this is true, because his devotion to GOD opened the door for the LORD to bring the Good News of GOD in Christ JESUS to the Gentiles, foreigners and strangers. As we look at this, we see that great things happen through devout, "certain men".