Sunday Morning Series - Bearing Fruit for God - Moving Forward

Text: Acts 10 & 11

Cornelius is a Gentile. We're told he feared God, gave alms generously, and prayed to God always. He has a vision of an angel about 3 P.M. in the afternoon. The angel gives him specific instructions for an unspecified reward. He obeys and sends his servants to find Peter in Joppa.

Meanwhile, God is preparing Peter for their arrival. He goes up to the rooftop to pray, but gets very hungry. While food is being prepared, he falls into a trance and sees a vision of animals that are considered unclean for Jews to eat. God tells him to kill and eat, but he declines saying he's never eaten anything unclean. God gives this command three times.

The men from the house of Cornelius arrive, and Peter and some others go with them. So, Cornelius summons Peter in obedience to the angel's instructions even though he doesn't know the purpose, and Peter goes expecting Cornelius to have questions.

He tells Cornelius it's unlawful for a Jew to "keep company or go to one from another nation," but he had come as God instructed him. Cornelius relates his vision, and Peter shares the Gospel. The Holy Spirit falls on Cornelius and his household, and they speak with tongues. Peter and those with him are amazed, and agree they cannot withhold water baptism since God already baptized them in the Holy Spirit. Peter understands that salvation is not only for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles.

While the initial pruning process is often to remove something negative, God also prunes to prepare for future assignments. Peter had teachings that hindered ministry to the Gentiles. God corrected him and demonstrated his favor on those Peter previously avoided.

Pruning may come in the form of instruction to take up a certain subject or hobby, so we can better relate to unbelievers. Perhaps the Lord impresses on us to learn a foreign language, so we can minister more effectively in the future. Pruning initially involves removal of things that hinder us. As we grow, it can also include things that hinder God to work in us.

To hear the entire message, go to our website and click on the Sermon Player. You can also download it to your MP3 player or podcast it for FREE.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, our Sunday Service begins at 10:00 A.M. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. The church phone number is (215) 343-7686.