I'm Committed Beyond My Abilities

- “leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

“leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

I’m Committed Beyond My Abilities

2-I’m Committed Beyond My Abilities

Peter always made promises he couldn’t keep. Now he lets the Spirit lead himHow do we put ourselves in a position to be used by God? Peter did not start his day thinking that he would herald salvation to the Gentiles…

1-The Spirit is Seeking Willing Hearts

The Spirit commissions the ministry to the Gentiles - but he begins with the Gentiles. Things are happening behind the scenes.Cornelius was a God fearer, not a Jew - the 7 laws of Noah. He was righteous, generous, respected1.Do not deny God.2.Do not blaspheme God.3.Do not murder.4.Do not be sexually impure.5.Do not steal.6.Do not eat from a live animal.7.Establish courts/legal system to ensure obedience to said laws.

​ ESV9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”

2-The Spirit is Changing Willing Hearts

Even in his dreams Peter was devout

3-The Spirit is Leading Obedient Hearts

The Doppelganger Gospel - a physical double, a spiritual confirmation

4-The Spirit is Converting Open Hearts

The 3 Conversions of Peter

You might think Cornelius’ conversion is the most important but look at how the Spirit changes Peter.

4.1-We must sacrifice our prejudices and pride

- “but God has shown me”

4.2-We must sacrifice our priorities

- “God shows no partiality”God loves all: the story of Jonah

4.3-We must surrender our structures and categories

- “who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have”I am a citizen of heaven