"Where in the World is God Taking Us?"
Sermon Notes
Cornelius & Peter
10.1-16 - Cornelius and Peter see a vision while praying
The work of God starts with prayer
• Cornelius: Will you seek Me?
Are we seeking God in prayer? On occasion God will radically intervene (Acts 9), but typically He responds to our search to seek Him with our whole heart. Let’s pray each day for a greater heart to seek Him in prayer.
• Peter: Will we recognize how much our prejudices limit us?
Again, God forgive us for choosing to yield to our own prejudices rather than seeing other people for who they are and reaching out to them.
Just as the case with Saul, I believe God speaks in visions today. In countries around the world today He is bringing people to His Son through visions, just as He is doing in Acts 10.
10.17-23a - The visions intersect
The work of God continues with His leadership
• God is speaking to us - will we listen?
10.23b-33 - Peter and Cornelius put aside their prejudices and they meet face to face for the first time
The work of God continues through improbable relationships. You will never know how people will respond until you go/obey.
10.34 - 43 Peter proclaims the gospel
The work of God is forged through the message of the gospel
10.44-48 God Himself confirms the truth through the Holy Spirit
The work of God is established through the work of the Holy Spirit
11.1-18 The Jerusalem church celebrates the growth of the gospel into new and uncomfortable areas
This new work of God in Ceasarea is embraced by the Jerusalem church
Lessons for us:
• Discrimination is unacceptable - we must reject it.
• Prayer is foundational.
• God confirms His work through the Holy Spirit.
• Being good is not good enough.
• The gospel is powerful. Through Christ prejudices can change - life can change. Do we believe this?