Sermon Direct Link
7/5/20
Rev. Clint Smith
Cornelius was a Roman centurion. He was a leader in the most elite army of his time. Yet he was a servant leader as we will see. We, like Cornelius, must make a choice when Jesus calls. Will we chase after this world’s stuff or chase after Christ?
What Cornelius was not when God called him:
- He was not a Christian.
- He was not a Jew.
- He was not a Pastor.
- He was not a minister.
- He was not a deacon.
- He was not a member of a church.
What Cornelius was:
- He was a devout man with a good reputation among the Jews.
- He was a generous man.
- He was a helper of the poor.
- He observed regular prayer time and Scripture reading.
- He was a family man.
- He was sensitive to the things of God.
God sent an angel to give him a message. The message? “Your prayers and gifts of charity have ascended as a memorial offering before God.” God hears and sees you every day. (Psalm 139:1-12) The angel told Cornelius to send for Peter who was in Joppa. God had a Divine Appointment for Cornelius.
Cornelius immediately obeyed God. He sent messengers to the specific house which the angel told him.
Peter received a vision from God he did not understand. The Holy Spirit brought clarity to Peter (v.19). God had a Divine Appointment for Peter.
Peter received the men into the house for the evening, even though they were Gentiles. Peter obeyed the command of the Holy Spirit.
- God is calling us today to put down the traditions of men and get busy sharing the Gospel. God wants all men to come to the saving know of Christ Jesus.
- God shows no favoritism to any people group. (Romans 1:16,17)
- Is God calling you to salvation today?
- Is God calling you to obedience today?
- Is God calling you to break down barriers in your life to receive His full revelation?
- What does your spiritual resume look like? (1 Timothy 2:1-7).
