On Mission with God Acts 10:1-48
Peter on Mission with God I had a lot of trouble learning to be on mission with God. How could God use a brash fisherman like me to impact the world. Even self confidence got in my way. I later learned that it was only with God s strength that I could really do anything. But when I finally caught on, God was able to do far more through me that I could have ever imagined.
Matthew 16:18-19 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatsoever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
A Church for all PEOPLES Gentiles entered the Jewish church Jews hated Gentiles for centuries Acts 13:47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth
What Were the Ethnic Differences? Jews One God One wife Many taboos Gentiles Many Gods Immoral Few taboos
I) God initiates conviction in the hearts of the lost
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8 ) ower when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in earth (Acts 1:8)
God prepared the Jewish church to include Gentiles(Acts 9:36 10:16).
Revelation 14:6 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people
II) God interrupts His people to involve them in His mission Acts 10:13 13 And a voice came to him, Rise, Peter; kill and eat. Acts 13:47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth
Gentiles ( All people ) A Testimony: Therefore I will praise You Among the Gentiles, I will sing hymns to Your name. Psalm 18:49 An Invitation Again it says, Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people Deut 32:43
An Exhortation And again, praise the Lord, all you Gentiles and sing praises to Him, all you peoples Psalm 117:1 A Prophecy And again, Isaiah says the Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in Him. Isaiah 11:10
Three Waves of Change... God prepared Peter God prepared Cornelius God prepared Peter further
Peter Prep: Step 1 Ministry to Samaritans
Peter Prep: Step 2 Live with the tanner by the sea Joppa
Woe to him who is a tanner by trade The Jewish Babylonian Talmud
Peter was not like Caesarea Jonah at Joppa Joppa
Cornelius Prep Alms & prayers Vision
eter Prep: Step 3 Eat unclean food (10:8-16) The sheet contained Get up, Peter! Kill and eat! all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air (10:12)
What foods? Camel, rabbit, bacon, ham, snake, and the eagle, vulture, raven, certain kites and owls, the gull, any kind of hawk, the stork, any kind of heron, and the bat. Leviticus 11
III) God instructs the committed as they go on mission with Him a) Through prayer b) Through the Living Word of God c) Through circumstances
What s God going to do to these unclean men? Peter must have wondered why God wanted him to go with the servants of Cornelius
IV) God intervenes to complete His plan as you and His church obey Him Romans 10:13-15 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call Him in whom they have not heard. And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!
Peter s Response: I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right, is welcome to Him (10:34 35).
God gave His Spirit to Cornelius
V) God intends to use His church until He is glorified by all peoples Psalm 96:3 Declare His glory among the nations, His marvellous works among all the peoples!
The Jerusalem church had to accept Gentile conversion because this change was from God (10:45 11:18) Peter defends his lack of prejudice
Reactions Astonishment by Jewish believers (10:45-46) Acceptance by Peter (10:47-48) Accusation by Pharisaical believers (11:1-3) Approval by the Jerusalem church (11:4-18)
Conclusion William Carey Father of Modern Missions Young man, sit down when God pleases to convert the heathen, He ll do it without consulting you or me William Carey s motto Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God."
Missions Explorer Osaka Duration 1 to 3 months Involvement Evangelism, Bible Study, Children s Prog, English conversation, Website development, CP Team, learn Japanese language and culture No of people alone or two or more Estimated cost S$1000 a month S$ 600 air fare
COOS SMS Short Missions Service 1 year service No age limit ( good health ) No prior missions experience required Need to visit location at least once (if the applicant has never visited the place previously) before we can accept him or her
Tips/Preparation for Missions Be actively involved in ministry Learn about the country People, Culture, Language