Follow this link to comment on the sermon, or to read what others have said.  View a printer-friendly copy of this outline in Adobe Reader.

Here is a link to the sermon audio in the mp3 file format.  Here is a link to the sermon audio in the wma file format.  Here is a link to the sermon audio at our iTunes podcast.
Cornelius' Conversion
(Acts 10:1 - 11:18)

Introduction:  

*      We remember those who do things first:
      Neil Armstrong -- first man on moon
      George Washington -- first president

*      Cornelius was the first Gentile convert to Christianity.

*      We learn from Cornelius that . . .

Discussion:  

I.      Salvation is needed by EVERYONE and available to ALL

         A.      Needed by ALL

                  Acts 10:1-8 -- Cornelius

         Rom 3:23 – All have sinned

B.     Available to ALL

         Acts 10:9-16 -- Peter’s vision

         Rom 1:16 – gospel is the power of salvation to everyone

Two broad groups:

Family, neighbors, friends, co-workers

Prostitutes, drug dealers, murderers, liars

II.      Morality, miraculous events or prayer alone will NOT save

         A.      Morality is not enough

                  10:2 -- Cornelius a devout man

                  10:30 -- He fasted

                  10:31 -- He prayed and gave alms

                  10:24 -- His influence on others

         B.      Miraculous not involved

                  10:3 -- Cornelius saw an angel

         C.      Prayer alone is not enough

                  10:4-5 -- God recognized his prayers; He told to send for Peter

III.     Hearing the truth, obedience to God, and immersion in water WILL save

         A.      Hearing

                  11:13-14 -- speak words by which saved

                  Heb 11:6 -- must have faith

                  Rom 10:17 -- faith comes by word of God

         B.      Obedience -- baptism

                  10:47-48 -- baptized

                  Acts 22:16 -- Paul’s conversion

                  Matt 28:19-20 -- great comission

         C.      Immersion

                  Acts 8:38-39 -- eunuch

                  Romans 6:3-4 -- buried

                  Mark 16:15-16 -- believe and baptized

IV.     The Holy Spirit was not given to save but to indicate God’s approval

         A.      Coming of H.S.

                  10:44-46

                  11:15  

         B.      Why did H.S. come?

                  a.      God showing salvation open to all; 2 instances in NT (Acts 2 & 10)

                  b.      Not to save Cornelius -- he was baptized in water

                  c.      Purpose -- Gentiles fit for Kingdom

                           Acts 11:2-4

                           Acts 11:18

 

Glory to God in the church by Christ Jesus
Franklin Church of Christ