03 God Is Already There

Worship Thru Music

“We gather to be formed in God’s presence so we can be sent into our community”

Concluding ministry time/prayer: “Lord, open our eyes this week to those who are curious about faith.”

Dismiss Kids

“At this time, all checked-in kids are invited to head to Kids Ministry. Thank you for starting the morning with our SVC family. As you go, remember that God is building you into missionaries too, and He has a purpose for your life. Parents, if your child has been checked in, you may dismiss them to Kids Ministry now. Have a great morning, Kids!”

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You can complete a Connect Card at sangamonvalley.net/ConnectCard or by using a green outlined paper Connect Card today.

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NEW ANNOUNCEMENT: ____

These are not events to attend — it is an environment to build relationships.

Prayer for...

Sermon

THE TENSION

(Why This Matters - Name the struggle)

We either avoid spiritual conversations because we feel inadequate, or we force them because we feel responsible for the outcome.

Acts 10 shows us a better way: God prepares people, God sends us, and God transforms hearts.

What if the stranger we are hesitant to approach is someone God has already been preparing…and what if God is preparing us too?

Main Point: When we reach people, we are often joining work God has already begun.

MY STORY

(Relatable Entry Point - vulnerable authenticity - emotional connection)

THE SCRIPTURE: Acts 10

(Context, Characters, Read)

THE DISCOVERY

(What We See Unfolding — 3 Movements: What does this reveal about God? - What does this reveal about us? - What lie is being confronted?)

1. God Is Working Before Us

Acts 10:1–23

Before Peter arrives, God is already at work in Cornelius.

Cornelius is praying and seeking God.

God speaks to Cornelius.

God speaks to Peter.

God begins preparing Peter to see someone differently than he had before.

Peter does not bring God into Cornelius’s life. God is already there.

And God is not only preparing Cornelius…He is also preparing Peter.

Sometimes the person we think God is sending us to reach is also someone God will use to stretch us and teach us.

Key thought: Mission begins with what God is already doing, not with what we can manufacture.

Instead of asking: “How do I get this person interested in God?”

We can begin asking: “God, what are You already doing in this person’s life?”

2. God Works Through Us

Acts 10:24–43

When Peter arrives, Cornelius tells him what God has been doing.

Peter listens.

Then he recognizes something: “God does not show partiality/favoritism.” — Acts 10:34

Peter is learning even as he is ministering.

But listening and learning do not mean Peter avoids the truth. He clearly points everyone in the room to Jesus.

He tells them about:

Jesus’ ministry

His death

His resurrection

His authority

forgiveness through His name

Key thought: God opens doors, but He still calls us to faithfully point people to Jesus.

Reaching the stranger means we can: Listen without assuming. Learn without compromising. Love without approving everything. And speak clearly about Jesus when God opens the door.

We do not need to force spiritual conversations. But we should be ready when God creates one.

3. God Does What Only He Can Do

Acts 10:44–48

Peter is still speaking when the Holy Spirit falls.

That is significant. Peter does not manipulate a response.

He does not talk them into something.

God moves. THEY ENCOUNTER GOD!

The people receive the Holy Spirit and are baptized. People who had previously been considered outsiders are now visibly being welcomed into the family of God.

Key thought: We can love people, listen to people, and share Jesus with people…but only God can transform a heart.

That takes pressure off of us. Our responsibility is faithfulness. The results belong to God.

The Movement of Acts 10:

God is working before us. We learn to notice.

God works through us. We faithfully point people to Jesus.

God does what only He can do. We trust Him with the response.

PRACTICE OBEDIENCE

(Next Steps - Application)

Notice – Listen – Share – Trust

NOTICE

Pay attention to where God may already be working.

What questions are they asking?

What is happening in their life?

Where might God already be stirring something?

LISTEN

Learn their story before assuming you understand it.

Peter had to enter Cornelius’s home and hear what God had already been doing.

Sometimes reaching the stranger begins with curiosity rather than answers.

SHARE

When God opens the door, point them toward Jesus.

You do not need a perfect presentation.

You simply need to be able to share what Jesus has done and why He matters to you.

TRUST

Trust God with what happens next.

You cannot save anyone.

You cannot force faith.

You cannot produce transformation…That is the work of the Holy Spirit.

Weekly Challenge: Have one intentional conversation this week where your primary goal is to listen.

A meaningful question such as:

“What has God been teaching you lately?”

“How can I pray for you?”

“What has life been like for you recently?”

Pray: “Jesus, help me recognize what You are already doing and show me how I can join You.”

Closing: We don’t have to manufacture God’s work in someone’s life. We simply learn to recognize where He is already working, faithfully join Him, and trust Him with the results.

Commissioning:

This week, build one relationship. Pray for one person far from God.

As you depart…Take one step toward discipling someone.

DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit, and we are missionaries.