Good News, Cornelius

Good News, Cornelius!

Acts 10:24 – 10:48

Jeff Hughes – July 27, 2003

Calvary Chapel Aggieland

I. Introduction

a. Over the past two weeks, we have looked at a man named Cornelius, a centurion living in Caesarea. He was a man who wanted a relationship with the living God, but he just didn’t know how.

b. Historically, the Jews thought that they had a corner on a relationship with God, and to some degree, this had carried over into the church that had started at Jerusalem.

c. God’s grace had to be extended to Cornelius so that he could come into that relationship, so that he could have not only peace in his life, but also that he would have eternal life.

d. This morning, we are going to see the gospel, the good news about Jesus coming to the house of Cornelius as we continue through our study in Acts this morning. But first, let’s pray, and ask His blessing on our study today.

II. PRAYER

III. Illustration

a. In a 1995 survey by Barna Research Group, it was discovered that non-Christians have no clue what Christians mean when some they use some of the phrases Christians often take for granted.

b. 63% of non-Christians don’t know what Christians mean when they talk about the Gospel. 75% of non-Christians don’t know what John 3:16 is. Add to the phrases like "a broken heart", "I’ve been convicted", and "get into the Word, which non-Christians would hear quite differently. The problem for unbelievers is they hear this unspoken message from Christians, "If you don’t understand the holy lingo, you don’t belong to the holy huddle." However, 40% of Christians don’t know what the Gospel means, and 53% don’t know John 3:16.

c. Cornelius had done some digging in his life, and he had no doubt heard about the things that the Jews were doing, and he sought to emulate that.

d. But, he didn’t need a lot of regulations, he didn’t need a lot of holy doubletalk, what Cornelius needed was to hear the good news – that Jesus had come and died for Him, in a very clear and direct way.

e. So, God chose to send Peter, a clear and direct fisherman from Galilee to tell Cornelius what he was missing, and it would change Cornelius’ life forever.

f. Our study comes from Acts, chapter 10 verse 24, through the end of the chapter, verse 46, as we continue our study this morning. Let’s read along

IV. Study

a. Intro

i. 24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself am also a man." 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28 Then he said to them, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?" 30 So Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, ’Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God."

ii. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ--He is Lord of all-- 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they F53 killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins."