TO THE GENTILES
July 14, 2019 | Adam Barnett
To some in the early church, the idea that God's grace extended beyond the Jewish people to the Gentiles was not an easy thing to grasp. But God's plan for salvation through Christ was not meant to be contained, but to spread. Adam Barnett explores Peter's vision in Acts 10 and how his response to God's call impacted the growth of the early church.
MESSAGE NOTES
TO THE GENTILES
Acts | Week 8 | July 14, 2019 | Adam Barnett
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Acts 1:8 NIV
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 9:31 NIV
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
oikodoméō
GOD moves. PEOPLE talk about it. The CHURCH grows.
Salvation through Christ is not just for Israel but for all people.
Acts 10:9-22 NIV
About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven. While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?” The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.”
Keep it all about Jesus.
Acts 10:33b NIV
“Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”
Acts 10:43 NIV
All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
We need to strive to be better gardeners.