Broadening the Tent
Acts 10 records one of the most pivotal moments in church history. God made clear that His salvation is for all peoples, not just one.
He brought two unlikely men together: Cornelius, a God-fearing Gentile centurion, and Peter, a faithful Jewish apostle. Their meeting was no accident, it was orchestrated by God to show that the wall between Jew and Gentile had been broken in Christ.
In this message, Pastor David Rose asks you to look honestly at the prejudices and fears that keep you from sharing Christ with people who seem unlike you. Peter didn’t go on his own initiative. God moved him. And God used him to expand His kingdom beyond what Peter thought possible.
If you’ve wondered how God might use you to reach others for Christ, this message is for you.
Key Takeaways
- God hears and answers prayer. (Acts 10:1-7)
- God speaks in unusual ways. (Acts 10:8-23a)
- God works when His people obey. (Acts 10:23b-33)
- God saves when people hear the gospel. (Acts 10:34-46)
- God unites believers in baptism. (Acts 10:47-48)
The Gospel
If you have questions about what it means to be a Christian, we would love to talk with you about it.
Reach outThe good news starts here: despite our religious efforts and good deeds, we’re separated from God by sin. Cornelius shows this clearly. He was devout, generous, and prayerful. It still wasn’t enough.
God, in His love, sent Jesus Christ. Though innocent, He was crucified. On the third day, God raised Him from the dead, proving His power over sin and death.
Everyone who believes in Jesus receives full forgiveness of sins. Not by works, but by grace through faith in Christ alone. As Ephesians 2 tells us, “It is by grace you have been saved through faith. It’s not from yourselves, it’s God’s gift.”
When you trust in Christ’s finished work, the Holy Spirit changes you. Peter’s story shows us what that looks like: assurance of salvation and a new life in Christ.
To receive this gift:
- Acknowledge your sin and your inability to save yourself
- Believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again
- Confess Jesus as Lord
- Trust in His finished work alone for salvation