Salvation For Every Nation
Notes
Transcript
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
We have spend about four seeks studying the last week of Jesus’ life on earth.
Lazarus being raised from the dead and how God is ALWAYS on time.
Woman with the alabaster box; we give God our all.
Greeks who were intentional about seeing Jesus; as we must be.
The Last Supper; God alway prepares us for what is coming.
Then we began the second part of the series.
Acts 2:38; Holy Ghost outpouring
Salvation in the face of opposition; spreading of the Gospel
Today: Salvation for every nation
God’s plans are bigger than our ideas, preconceptions, prejudices.
Cornelius was a man on a journey!
Roman Centurion from Italy.
A pagan who had converted to Judaism.
Upon his conversion, he became the model Jewish worshiper.
He was devout (followed the law)
Lead his whole house in following the law.
Gave alms (tithe, offerings)
Prayed ALWAYS!
Yet he was in the middle of a four day fast because something was missing!
Angel appears - your prayer and giving has built a memorial in heaven, God is going to answer your prayer!
Send men to Joppa and find Peter, he will tell you what you need to do!
NOTE: there are people all over this city, you know dozens of them right now, hungry and looking for something different!
Looking to fill the void in their life!
Meanwhile in Joppa… God is dealing with his nemesis, human flesh and preconceived notions.
Next day:
9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
Peter goes into prayer about noon… probably was in an extended fast because he was hungry and fell into a trance.
Heavens open, sheet is lowered with unclean animals on it - God’s voice speaks, “Get up, kill and eat!”.
14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
Often the church has a harder time hearing the voice of God then sinners do!
God was dealing with old prejudices and ideas.
But a fasting and prayerful church will always hear from God!
Look at verse 17! Peter doubted what it meant…
Acts 10:17–20 (KJV 1900)
17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,
18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
Now Peter goes to Caesarea… he don’t know what to expect or what God is doing.
He just knows that something is happening!
And the takes witnesses!
Acts 10:28 (KJV 1900)
28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
I don’t know who was about to receive the greatest revelation… Peter or Cornelius!
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Then he began to preach salvation to them!
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Why are we surprised when God does the miraculous!
God pla: Repents, baptism, Holy Ghost
But because of prejudice God filled them before baptism…
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Conclusion:
I will be let of God!
I will do what Gos asks of me!
3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
