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Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and 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 ordained by God 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 10:34-43)
I never attended one in person, but I say plenty on television. The manner in which the gospel was presented was a dynamic message, compelling and challenging. And at the end of each sermon, an invitation to Jesus was given, and Billy Graham would wait while George Beverly Shay sang, "Just as I Am," and the crowds would flock to the altar. So many would give their lives to the Lord in those crusades and I believe many would remember the hymn sang as they did. The message was as shared by Peter in this passage: God loves all people, but especially welcomes those who fear Him and try to live as God expects. God preached through Jesus, who is Lord of all, and through Jesus gave witness of His power and willingness to make all people whole. The promise was that in this life we would find life to the fullest, but at the end of this life we would enter life eternal, where all healing and restoration begins in an eternal way. And all our sins are removed.
There are no more Billy Graham crusades, and the sermons that compel and challenge seem to be few and far between for many; but the message is still the same; come to God through Jesus and receive a new life. The hymn is sometimes still sung, but many don't hear the entire message and believe they should stay as they are with no change needed; habits, practices, and addictions should continue for all is right with me. Please re-read your Bible and hear the true message that God desires for us to be made right in and through Him. Life in abundance means leaving behind that which "kills, steals, and destroys." (John 10:10). If you made a resolution for the New Year it probably involved leaving or shedding something; the best thing to rid ourselves of is our sin.
PRAYER: Loving God, I confess that I am a sinner and stand in need of Your love and mercy. I don't want to stay as I am, I want to be a new creature made whole and right in You. You know my needs and ills and I turn them all over to You asking for healing, comfort, forgiveness, transformation, and reconciliation in my life. This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord.
Eradio Valverde
