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No, these are not my dogs. My white dog, Buddy, is much smaller than my red one, Pal. But, they do have something in common- they are nosey. After-all, a dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do. And as I look at these fine looking Poodles, I am reminded that people are all alike to. Generically, we all do the same types of things. Like eating, sleeping, working, thinking and doing things we want to do. However, there are differences, but first the similarities...
Acts, Chapter 10
34 Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; 35 but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. 36 The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all— 37 you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. 40 God raised him up the third day, and gave him to be revealed, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. 45 They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God.
Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just like us.” 48 He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. 45 They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God.
Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just like us.” 48 He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.
God doesn't show favoritism because people are all alike. Everyone who "works righteousness" is acceptable to HIM. This can be anyone who fears God and does what God wants (righteousness). The almighty proved this point by the manifestation of the Holy Spirit falling on non-Jews. Since this showed approval of them, who could forbid them from being baptized and becoming disciples. Yes, people have a lot in common, but the sad fact is that not everyone will do what God wants. Some will go their own way, do their own thing. Personally, I prefer to dwell on the positive and try to be thankful for those who will listen- and obey!!! If you haven't, why wait???