Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 20, 2022
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 10. This chapter shows how the gospel message spread to a Roman Centurion named Cornelius, his family, and many other gentiles. The Holy Spirit spoke to Peter and Cornelius in a vision. God confirmed His work through multiple people, and the message was clear — gentiles are welcome in God’s kingdom and receive the same full benefits as Jewish believers.
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We see in Isaiah 56:6-7 God’s plan from the beginning of time is for His house to be a house of prayer for all people; we are all equal members. Meditate on this truth, that 700 years before what we read in Acts 10, this was God’s plan. God is always faithful.
Scripture describes Cornelius as a devout man who feared God and prayed continually. Do you have a regular time devoted to prayer and study of God’s word? How is the Holy Spirit leading you to make this a priority?
Reflecting on God’s timing to meet Cornelius at 3 pm during his prayer time, how does this change your view of ways God will meet you through obedience and submission to His ways?
This chapter in Acts tells us of the conversion of Cornelius and Peter’s transformation in heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any hidden or obvious bitterness or bias you have towards other people. Will you allow the Holy Spirit to change your heart?
We see in this chapter both Peter and Cornelius have visions and an experience with an Angel of God. Read Acts 2:17-20 and John 14:12. Meditate on these passages and the truth that in the last days God will pour out His Spirit on all flesh and we shall see visions and dream dreams. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to all of the ways He is speaking to you.
God spoke to both Peter and Cornelius, not just one of them. Reflecting on this, are there any instances God spoke to you and then confirmed it either through His word or another believer? How does this grow your faith to trust, surrender and obey when God speaks to you? Are you living in a community with other believers where God can confirm what He says to you through other witnesses?
God gives each believer different spiritual gifts to use for His kingdom and His glory. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to the gifts He has given you and how He wants you to use them. (1 Corinthians 12)
In this chapter, we read about people receiving visions from God and new believers receiving the gifts of tongues. The kingdom of God does not make sense to the world; we serve a King who rose from the dead. Do you have any preconceived ideas or beliefs that may not align with God’s word? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach and transform your heart.
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to submit, surrender, and turn from the desires of this world to Jesus? Jesus will do everything; He will change you then change the world through you.