When it comes to knowing the way to God, it is very obvious that the American population is no different than the male driver.  It seems every year most Americans wander about from Christmas until Easter before they stop and ask God for directions.  Chances are after today the average American won’t stop for directions until Christmas.  So to reduce the chances for that to happen you will be handed directions to the church when you leave this morning.

In our scripture lesson from Acts we learn about a man named Cornelius.  Cornelius is like most Americans.  He was a man trying to earn a living.  He climbed the corporate ladder, became an officer in the Roman army.  He tried to live a good life.  He had the reputation as a godly man, who put his faith into action. He is described in vs. 2 as being,

“devout and God fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.”

He was indeed a man who was respected by the Jews.

Cornelius was also a man who was not afraid to ask directions.  For when he was asked by Peter,

“Why have you sent for me?”
He responded, Four days ago I was in my housing praying…Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said…Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter…. So I sent for you immediately.  We are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything
that Lord has commanded you to tell us.”

Cornelius’ decision to invite Peter meant that Peter would now have to make a decision.  If he accepted Cornelius’ invitation and entered his house he would be breaking a whole list of Jewish rules.  This would result in interrogation from his fellow disciples and ridicule from other Jews.  Certainly it would be more convenient for him and there would be fewer hassles if he refused the invitation.  However this would mean deciding against God.

When you think about it Peter’s situation is no different than the situations that you and I are faced with on a daily basis. Everyday we are faced with situations that require us to decide for or against God.  When we make decisions, when we hold on to thoughts and opinions that are not consistent with the word and will of God we are easing God out.

What is the most important decision you have ever made?

When I think about all the decisions I have had to make in my life.  From childhood decisions of obeying my parents, applying myself in school, what influence my peers would have on me, to making decisions about health and fitness, about careers and college; the decision about marriage and after that there was the decision about children.  The list goes on and on.  Of all those kinds of decisions, what would you say was the most important decision?

There is one decision in my life, which is greater than all the others.  The decision I refer to is my decision to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  I say this not because I am a minister.

This is the most important decision you will ever make.  It is more important than the person you chose to be your spouse.  It is more important than what you do for a living.  This one decision impacts all my other decisions.  It is the only decision that has eternal ramification.  As great as these decisions are, they only impact this life.  Only the decision to follow Christ or not has temporal and eternal significance.

“God does not show favoritism but
accepts people from every nation
who fear Him and do what is right.”

God does not show favoritism. Jesus died on the cross for everyone. Jesus said,

“I am the way the truth and the life,
no one comes to the Father but by me.”
He also said,
“This is the will of my Father, everyone
who sees My Son and believes in Him
will have eternal life.”

So you have a choice, a decision to make,
fear God and do what is right,
which means accepting Jesus as your Savior
and just as important your Lord.

Your earthly life and your eternal life
hang in the balance.

amen