Sermon Tone Analysis

Intro

What does it mean to be the sent people to God?

For the first seven chapters, which we have been looking at, we only see the gospel in Jerusalem and Judea, but because of the execution of Stephen and then the persecution that ensued, the great body of Christians in Jerusalem were scattered.

As they went out, for the first time the church finally became a church in mission, which is what Jesus always wanted them to be.

The term mission, by the way, comes from the Latin word that means to be sent.

The word mission today is almost everywhere.

Everybody has a mission statement.

Every organization has a mission statement.

People create personal mission statements.

But I think in English, originally, the word mission really belonged to the Christian church.

So the question comes up …

What was the mission of the earliest church?

Keller, T. J. (2013).

The Timothy Keller Sermon Archive, 2012-2013.

New York: Redeemer Presbyterian Church.

Organic Mission - Notice that it says everyone was scattered with the exception of the top clergy!

Everyone who were scattered were preaching the word!

Openning Prayer

Message

Who is the Gospel for?

Acts 10:1-2

Review of Caesarea

Show Map, a man made city constructed by Heared the Great with massive Roman aqueducts bringing fresh water to the city.

This city became really the centre for Roman rule in Judea at the time .

16km for the aquiduct to travil from the base of MT Carmal a tunal build right into the mountin

Review the rank of Centurion

Roman Centurion was an officer typically holding rank over 80 men.

However more senior Centurions would hold rank over a cohort , typically used as a garrison.

What does it mean to be devoted to God without being a Jew?

Acts 10:3-

Having a clear vision...

Look at Cornelius’ response, it is immediate, he sends people the next day.

To follow this instruction was an act of faith and obedience.

So the group begin the trek down to Joppa…

Peter was in a state of prayer.

But notice how his state fo Hunger shaped his prayer life.

What do most people dream about when they are hungry - food!

Galations 4:12 - We have freedom from the law.

Christ has set us free to live New Lives in HIM

Pure vs Impure

Eating bacon

Freedom from the law

Who’s job is it to claim something is clean or unclean?

We become extremely focused hyper fixated on we have to ready scripture this way, pray this way, sing songs this way.

Really it comes back to the heart.

This was what Peter was beginning to be convicted of by the Holy Spirit.

Truly convicted.

Acts 10:17-

Acts 10:

God’s leading and convictions were equipping him for this moment.

Acts 10:23-

Cornelius was so excited about the message he had get to fully understand, he invited all of his friends and family.

Peter correctly points the Glory to God - He refuses to accept God’s praise

Acts 10:34-

Peter expresses his realization that God will accept anybody of any race who reverences him and lives righteously!

Acts 10:44-

Application:

Who is the Gospel for?

For you...

For those far from God or close to God.

The truth is the Gospel is for all who are willing and wanting Christ to be the Lord of their lives.