BIBLICAL LESSONS CONCERNING EVANGELISM
PART 2
Acts 10:1-48
INTRODUCTION:
A. Last week we began this message entitled Biblical Lessons Concerning Evangelism.
1. As I thought about it I wondered how many of us consider ourselves to be evangelists?
a. The Greek word translated “evangelist” is only used 3 times in the New Testament
b. The word means 1) a bringer of good tidings, an evangelist; 2) the name given to the NT heralds of salvation through Christ who are not apostles
c. And in our context it would mean anyone of us who give out the good news of Jesus Christ – the gospel
2. However, in the church today we seem to have given the work a capital “E” thus saying that we should leave the propagation of the gospel to those who are in the called “profession” with the duty to proclaim.
a. They have been armed with a program and statistics.
b. They have all the answers.
c. Not us.
3. This is quite unfortunate because it was not the way of 1st century church nor was it ever intended to be that way.
4. The spreading of the gospel is a wonderful opportunity for all Christians to express the greatness of our God and the love he has extended unto all.
B. As noted last week, the task of evangelism is not to be dependent upon programs, statistics, and the ability to have all our questions answered
1. In fact, we found that in order to be truly effective at evangelism we have to have the Holy Spirit active in all our efforts.
2. God does the work of drawing lost sinners to himself yet He has chosen to use us as the messenger of His great plan.
3. And God has given us some insight into evangelism in Acts 10.
4. In this chapter we can find 4 Biblical Lessons Concerning Evangelism
a. Last week we looked at the first two
1) Lesson 1: God Prepares the Heart – it is God who prepares the heart of the sinner to receive the gospel and it is God who prepares the heart of the saint to present the gospel.
2) Lesson 2: God’s Messenger Follows God’s Leadership
- It is up to the messenger of the gospel to follow God’s leadership if the gospel is going to be presented to the lost
- Having our hearts prepared to give the gospel we must follow God’s leadership to be ready when He affords the opportunity.
b. This week we will look at the final two lessons:
1) Lesson 3: God’s Messenger Presents God’s gospel
2) Lesson 4: God Saves The Lost
C. When it is all said and done, evangelism is a God thing from start to finish and we have the privilege and blessing to be a part of God’s plan in spreading the gospel to every living creature!
PRAY
Knowing that God prepares the heart and having follow God’s leadership in providing the opportunity to give the gospel we come to
I. LESSON 3: GOD’S MESSENGER PRESENTS GOD’S GOSPEL, Acts 10:34-43 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: [35] But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. [36] The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) [37] That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; [38] How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. [39] And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: [40] Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; [41] Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. [42] And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. [43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
A. Wow – God’s Messenger Presents God’s Gospel - Peter Presents The Gospel – notice a couple of things
1. Peter begins by being careful to note that God does not give the gospel with respect to persons
a. If Peter’s heart had not been prepared for this situation he might have let his personal prejudices get in the way, but God having dealt with him, showed him that it was not just a salvation for the Jews, but for Gentiles as well
b. God is no respecter of persons; but in every nation…
c. Peter came to the house of the Gentile by the leadership of God and now he was about to present the gospel to those of a different culture
2. He then presents the gospel clearly, Acts 10:38-40 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. [39] And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: [40] Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
a. Peter testifies to what he has seen and knows personally.
b. He makes the presentation very personal
c. And he explains that there is a judgment day coming
3. Peter gives Cornelius the opportunity to make a decision
a. Acts 10:42-43 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. [43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
b. This was the moment that Peters heart had been prepared for, his following the Lord’s leadership was ordained for, and the presentation of the gospel was meant for.
c. The opportunity for a lost sinner to make a decision concerning the Lord Jesus Christ!
B. Now What About Our Presentation Of The Gospel
1. We need to remember that the Lord Jesus Christ died for all men regardless of race, economical status, national origin, or way of lfie
a. We are not to be a respecter of person when it comes to our sharing of the gospel
b. Romans 2:11 states For there is no respect of persons with God.
c. And James warns us, My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons…But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. Jam 2:1 & 9
d. A soul is a soul, regardless of its encasement – all are precious to God!
2. Once the opportunity to give the gospel message is presented by God we need to present it clearly.
a. This can be done right from scripture found in 1 Cor 15:1-11
b. Not only do you have the gospel: the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but you also have the record of over 500 eye witnesses.
c. A Savor is necessary because we are all sinners and judgment is coming Rom 3:23, Rom 6:23
d. And Hebrews 9:27 states, it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
e. Again it is after having our hearts prepared and having followed the leadership of God that we can have confidence in presenting the gospel to another fellow human being.
3. And once the gospel is given always provide the opportunity for the receiver to make a decision.
a. Their decision could take one of three courses as seen in Acts 17:32-34 where Paul had just presented the gospel – listen: And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. [33] So Paul departed from among them. [34] Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed:…
b. Some may have been placed in our paths to have a seed planted
c. Some will let you talk to them again
d. And some will accept the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior – of course this is what we would love to see every time
So having learned lessons 1-3 we find ourselves out speaking to others about the Lord Jesus Christ, in particular about the saving grace as found in the gospel. We now come to
II. LESSON 4: GOD SAVES THE LOST, Acts 10:44-48 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. [45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. [46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, [47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? [48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
A. What a great day in the life of Peter: God had prepared his heart to present the gospel, he had followed God’s leadership to go to Cornelius’ house and he had presented the gospel.
1. I don’t know what he was thinking but it was not long before everything changed
2. He had no sooner got the words out of his mouth and boom – the Spirit did His greatest work.
3. Cornelius and his house hold believed in Jesus Christ, were filled with the Spirit and then baptized
4. More than likely the days to follow, what ever there number, were filled with fellowship and discipleship!
B. There is no greater moment in the life of a child of God than to see the birth of a babe in Christ!
1. When God is at work in the heart of the unbeliever, the gospel message will pierce the heart on a true trajectory.
2. And when, in God’s timing, the individual gives their life to God we can rejoice at the workings of God!
a. In the mid 90’s I did a church plant in Great Falls and we went to visit a family that had come to our attention.
b. We arrived at their door step and were asked in – after a very short time of getting to know each other I began to ask them if they knew Christ as Savior and they broke in and said, “We want to get saved!”
c. I was dumbfounded – I had said nothing, I could say nothing, for a few seconds and so we led them to Christ!
3. Salvation is a sovereign act of God whereby the heart is changed.
- God does the work of bringing a person to be convicted of their sin
- God works in the heart of people to bring it to repentance
- God uses the word to bring about faith that is placed in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
- And to those who confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in their heart that God has raised him from the dead shall be saved…For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. [13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:11-13
4. What a glorious blessing to be a part of something that is of this magnitude!
5. God does all the work but allows us to be the one who communicates the gospel.
6. What a honor!
CONCLUSION: In closing
A. We find in Acts chapter 10 some Biblical Lessons Concerning Evangelism.
1. Lesson 1: God Prepares the Heart
2. Lesson 2: God’s Messenger Follows God’s Leadership
3. Lesson 3: God’s Messenger Presents God’s Gospel
4. Lesson 4: God Saves The Lost
B. Maybe you are here this morning because God has been preparing your heart to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ and come to salvation
1. You are not here by accident – God is working – He is calling – will you listen.
2. You know that you are a sinner - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23
3. You know the judgment for your sin is death because Romans 6:23 states, the wages of sin is death;
4. But God has shown you in light of the gospel, how that he so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
5. And this morning you have come to the point that you are convicted of your sinfulness, to the point you want to change and ask Christ to save you.
- Romans 10:9-10 & 13 states, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation…For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
6. God is calling you to place your faith in Christ – would you do it this morning?
C. Dear saint of God, has God laid upon your heart a lost sinner who needs to hear the gospel?
1. He is preparing your heart this morning to present it – will you follow God’s leadership?
2. Make a commitment to God right now that you will go and make a clear presentation of the good news
3. Then pray and watch to see what our great God will do next!
BIBLICAL LESSONS CONCERNING EVANGELISM
MAY WE LEARN QUICKLY – TIME IS GROWING SHORT
DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST!
