Through The Bible - English - 45 (Acts-2) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The sermon analyzes Acts chapter 10, focusing on God's universal reach to the Gentiles through Cornelius. Key takeaways include that God hears sincere prayers, regardless of biblical knowledge, and that true ministry requires not just knowledge, but the personal experience of salvation. The speaker emphasizes that one must have the experience to effectively teach about salvation, and that God's calling to ministry is persistent; if one refuses, God will use another.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
How God responds to sincere seekers like CorneliusCornelius was a devout man who prayed and gave to the poor without knowing the Bible or Jesus, yet God heard him and sent an angel because He is no respecter of persons.
The vision of the sheet and Peter's realizationGod used a vision of clean and unclean animals to break down Peter's Jewish prejudices against the Gentiles, leading him to realize that anyone who fears God is welcome.
Why God sends men instead of angels to preachAlthough angels know the gospel better than anyone, only humans who have experienced salvation are permitted to speak about it.
The marks of Jesus' anointed ministryJesus did not speak in tongues because His communication with the Father was perfect, but He was anointed with power to do good and deliver those oppressed by the devil.Acts 10:38
Agabus prophesies a famine and believers share resourcesAgabus foretells a global famine under Claudius, prompting the Antioch believers to collect relief funds for the poor brethren in Judea.
Understanding true New Testament prophecy versus controlUnlike Old Testament prophets who directed people's lives, New Testament prophets like Agabus speak the truth and leave decisions to individuals guided by the Holy Spirit.
Recognizing God's sovereignty in suffering and deliveranceGod delivered Peter from prison while allowing James to be killed, teaching believers to submit to His sovereign plan without bitterness.
The biblical pattern of appointing elders in every churchPaul and Barnabas appointed a plurality of elders in every church rather than placing a single pastor in charge, reflecting the New Testament body-life principle.
Disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John MarkA sharp disagreement arose between Paul and Barnabas regarding taking John Mark, resulting in two separate missionary teams that ultimately furthered the spread of the gospel.
The nobility of the BereansThe Bereans were commended because they eagerly received the word and checked everything Paul said against the scriptures daily.
Paul's farewell testimony to the Ephesian eldersPaul reviews his three years of ministry in Ephesus, highlighting his humility, preaching of repentance and faith, and his manual labor to support himself.
Paul's unhindered conclusion in RomePaul finishes his journey living in his own rented quarters in Rome, preaching the kingdom of God with all openness and writing important epistles.
