Audio Sermons
The Gospel to the Uttermost (I)
Building up the Church of Christ:
The Gospel to the Uttermost
Life B-P Church Worship Service, 28th May 2023
Text: Acts 10:1-33; 44-48
- The Gospel had progressed from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria. It was about to be launched to the rest of the world. (1:8; 6:7; 9:31)
- The account of Cornelius’s salvation is found three times in the book. (10:1-20; 30-33; 11:4-15)
- There are two important lessons for us to learn from this account:
1. Everyone Needs to Believe in Christ for Salvation.
a. Cornelius needed to be saved despite all his good works.
- He was a Roman, but had turned away from idolatry. (v.2a)
- He was a centurion, but did not abuse his power. (vv.1, 22a)
- He was not a Jew, but had done much to help them. (v.2b)
- He had great responsibilities, but found time to pray and to be a helpful influence on his family, servants, soldiers and friends. (vv.2, 7, 24)
b. Cornelius needed to hear the Gospel in order to be saved.
- His good works could not save him. (cf. Acts 11:14)
- He was not congratulated but warned through an angel. (v.22b)
Application: Do not rely on good works to save you.
c. Cornelius was saved only by believing in Jesus Christ.
- He learned about Christ’s life, death, resurrection, return and offer of salvation through Peter. (vv.36-43)
- He responded by believing in Christ for salvation. (v.43,44)
Application: Have you trusted in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation?
2. God Sends the Gospel of Christ to Bring Sinners to Salvation.
a. God knew the deepest needs of Cornelius.
- He knew Cornelius by his own name. (v.3)
- He regarded his prayers and his almsgiving favourably. (v.4, cf. Matthew 6:2-6)
- They revealed a heart that was seeking after Him (cf. John 6:37).
Application: Seek after God earnestly, and you will find Him.
b. God answered the prayers of Cornelius.
- He directed Cornelius to fetch Peter to Caesarea. (v.6)
- Cornelius obeyed God immediately – He sent three men to Joppa and gathered his family and friends into his house.
c. God prepared the way to bring the Gospel to Cornelius.
- He brought Peter to Joppa providentially. (9:36-43)
- He changed his attitude to Gentiles with a vision.
- He brought the men of Cornelius to the house precisely.
Application: Be always on the lookout for the opportunities that God provides, and be ready to share the Gospel anytime.
Questions for Reflection:
1. How would you answer a non-Christian friend who tells you that all religions can lead people to God and to heaven?
2. Does God bring the Gospel to someone because he had made himself worthy to be saved by doing many good works? Why?
3. Can a good person who died without ever knowing the Gospel claim that God is being unfair to condemn him? Why?
4. Why did God save you while many others are not saved?