God at Work (Sermon: Acts 11:19-21)

The church at Antioch is just one more example of God at work in the church and in the world. Who would have thought that the stoning of Stephen would cause a church to be born among a group of Gentiles, but that is exactly what took place. God used the persecution to get believers in place to serve as missionaries in Antioch and throughout the world. Out of the faithful witness of the believers from Cyprus and Cyrene, a Gentile church was born.

Not only is it amazing that a Gentile church was born, but this church grew rapidly and would soon be more than Barnabas alone could disciple. Further, the church grew to the point that they were financially helping the mother church in Jerusalem. Isn't it amazing how God works.

Could it be that God is working in our churches and in our communities in the same unexpected and unforeseen manner? Why not pray and ask God to move in your life and in your church? But be careful...you may get what you ask for!

The Pathway to Life (Sermon: Acts 10:44-11:18)

The church was amazed that "repentance that leads to life" had been granted by God to the Gentiles as well. Most people today would be amazed to know that it is repentance that leads to life. A quick glance at American culture today reveals a culture chasing all types of illusions in order to achieve life and happiness.

We hear statements like: "If only I had one more 'thing' my life would be better," or "If I made more money, I wouldn't have any problems." People who think or say these things are looking in the wrong direction for life. Our problem is not external, it is a problem of the heart. What we need is repentance. Our greatest problem, separation from God because of sin, has already been cured through Jesus' death on the cross. All we need to do is repent and accept God's forgiveness.

Yes, repentance that leads to life has been granted, but it is up to us to accept it. Is there any sin you could not trade for eternity in heaven? If not, repent and receive the life that God freely offers.

A Humble and Faithful Witness (Sermon: Acts 10:34-43)

In Acts 10, Peter goes to the Gentiles and delivers the good news of salvation through Jesus. As Peter arrives Cornelius actually falls to the ground and worships him. How easy it would have been for Peter to lose perspective, get caught up in the moment, and get off track. But he does none of these things. Instead, Peter instructs Cornelius that he himself is only a mere man and is not to be worshiped.


Peter had preached at Pentecost and thousands responded. It demonstrates true character on his part that such a response did not puff him up. Peter stayed the course. When he went to the Gentiles, he faithfully and humbly shared the good news that had been entrusted to him.

Peter gives us an excellent example of being a faithful witness. As believers we are called by God to be messengers not authors. And any glory that comes from delivering this message belongs to God not to us. We all need to follow Peter's example and faithfully and humbly pass along the gospel that has been entrusted to us.

How Do You Come To God? (Sermon: Acts 10:9-33

The Bible tells of a man named Cornelius. He was a devout man who was seeking God, but he was a Gentile. For Peter and the other Jews of this time, Gentiles had no place in the church. But thanks be to God, we don't come into the church based upon our ancestry, but based upon our response to hearing the Gospel. So when Cornelius sought God, God sent Peter to preach to him. And so Cornelius became a part of the early church, not because he was born into the right family, but because he listened with the right heart.

How do you come to God? The same way that Cornelius did. You seek Him and you receive His Word. You must believe with a child-like faith that has no doubts. The Bible promises: "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:9-13

May you embrace the promise of His word today and come to God.