Scripture References: Acts 10:23-48 (Main); Acts 1:8; Galatians 3:28
Intro: This sermon explores God's heart for the nations, using the pivotal story of Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10. We examine why the gospel message, meant for all, sometimes seems slow to cross cultural and personal borderlines, identifying internal obstacles ("isms") that can hinder our participation in God's global mission.
Key Points:
- The Divine Appointment (Acts 10 Recap): God sovereignly orchestrates an encounter between Cornelius, a devout Gentile seeking God, and Peter, a Jewish apostle initially resistant to crossing cultural lines. Both receive visions preparing them for this groundbreaking meeting.
- The Resistance to Mission: Despite Jesus' command (Acts 1:8), the early church was slow to move beyond its Jewish roots. Similarly, we can be slow to cross borders. Three internal "isms" often act as speed bumps:
- Moralism (The Hearer's Obstacle): Cornelius was a "good man" (moral, prayerful, charitable), yet God knew he needed the specific gospel message Peter would bring. Good works, while commendable, can curdle into self-righteous moralism ("I've earned my rights") that prevents receiving salvation as a free gift of grace ("bleeding charity").
- Favoritism (The Sender's Obstacle): Peter initially balked due to deeply ingrained cultural/religious pride and prejudice ("unclean"). We too carry biases (race, class, politics, etc.) that make us prefer "our own" and hinder outreach. The gospel shatters these divisions (Gal 3:28).
- Conservatism (The Sender's Obstacle): Peter's "Surely not, Lord" reflects resistance to God's unfamiliar or uncomfortable leading. We cling to tradition or comfort. This is overcome by trusting God's sovereignty and predestination – the truth that He is the "already previous God" who goes before us, preparing people and good works in advance.
- The Breakthrough (Acts 10:34-48): Peter obeys, preaches Christ, and witnesses the Holy Spirit falling upon the Gentiles while he is still speaking, confirming God's acceptance and validating the gospel crossing this crucial border. The Gentile church is born.
Conclusion: God's heart is for all nations. Our internal barriers – relying on our goodness (moralism), preferring our own kind (favoritism), or fearing the unfamiliar (conservatism) – hinder His mission through us. Overcoming these requires embracing grace, seeing others through the lens of the gospel, and trusting the God who actively prepares the way for His message to advance.
Call to Action: Examine your heart for hidden moralism, favoritism, or conservatism. Repent and receive God's grace anew ("bleeding charity"). Ask God to break down internal borderlines towards people different from you. Trust the "already previous God" and say "yes" to His leading, whether across the street or across the world.
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