Rev. Bob Penny

Order of Service

• Call to Worship — Psalm 95:1-11
• Hymn
• Prayer of Invocation
• Prayer of Confession — from Psalm 51
• Assurance of Pardon — from Psalm 51
• Scripture Reading — 1 Samuel 20:1-17
• Pastoral Prayer
• Special Music
• Sermon
• Hymn
• Benediction — 2 Corinthians 13:14

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Sermon Title: The Gospel Goes to the Gentiles

Scripture: Acts 10:1-48

I. The Character of Cornelius

A. Cornelius was a Roman centurion — commander of a hundred men — stationed at Caesarea B. He is described in four ways:

1. Devout
2. God-fearing, with his whole household
3. Generous in giving alms to the people
4. Devoted to continual prayer C. He was well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation (Acts 10:22) D. Cornelius is a "one and done" figure in Scripture — appearing only in this chapter — yet his example is rich and instructive

II. The Vision and the Divine Coordination

A. Cornelius received a vision at the ninth hour: an angel directed him to send for Peter in Joppa (Acts 10:3-6) B. Peter received a complementary vision on the rooftop: a sheet lowered from heaven containing all kinds of animals, with a voice saying, "What God has made clean, do not call common" (Acts 10:9-16) C. The Holy Spirit confirmed the connection, telling Peter to go with the men without hesitation (Acts 10:19-20) D. The two visions are complementary — God was orchestrating the first proclamation of the gospel to the Gentiles

III. Cornelius's Gospel Expectations

A. He gathered his family, relatives, and close friends to hear the word — godly family leadership in action (Acts 10:24) B. His declaration sets the tone for the whole gathering: "We are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord" (Acts 10:33)

1. This is the right posture for any congregation gathered for worship
2. To be in the presence of God is not to be taken lightly (Matthew 18:20) C. The preached word comes as pastor and elders pray and seek what God has commanded for a particular congregation

IV. Peter's Gospel Message

A. Peter declared that God shows no partiality — in every nation, those who fear him and do what is right are acceptable to him (Acts 10:34-35) B. The content of the gospel Peter preached:

1. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power (Acts 10:38)
2. Jesus went about doing good and healing all oppressed by the devil
3. He was put to death — hung on a tree
4. God raised him on the third day (Acts 10:40)
5. The apostles were witnesses who ate and drank with him after the resurrection
6. He is appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42) C. The culminating promise: "Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name" (Acts 10:43)
7. This includes the worst of sinners — even Paul, the former persecutor of the church (Acts 9)
8. Justification by faith brings peace with God — this is the most important message in the world (Romans 5:1)

V. A Mini-Pentecost Among the Gentiles

A. While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word (Acts 10:44) B. The Jewish believers with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles C. This mirrors the outpouring in Acts 2 — the same Spirit, now extended beyond Israel D. Peter commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:48)