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A Gospel Meeting, Acts 10:24-26. V. 24 : “And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea, and Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. V. 25 . And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet to worship him.
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A Gospel Meeting, Acts 10:24-26 • V. 24: “And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea, and Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. • V. 25. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet to worship him. • V. 26. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
Acts 10:27-28 • V. 27. “And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. • V. 28. “And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Acts 10:29,30 • V. 29. “Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? • V. 30. “And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing.
Acts 10:31,32 • V. 31. “And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. • V. 32. “Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side; who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
Acts 10:33,34 • V. 33. “Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. • V. 34. “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.
Acts 10:35 • V. 35. “But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.
Analyze Text and note the Parallels • Corneliussent for a preacher; for Peter, the one God recommended. • Background information, Acts 10:1-6 • Cornnelius was morally upright. • We have sent for a preacher, one whom we believe God would recommend. • Doctrinal soundness, spirituality and ability; not just a big name. cf. Ezra 7:10; Ephesians 4:15
Cornelius Had things in Readiness for Success, v. 33 • Cornelius was present, v. 33. • He had called together his kinsmen and near friends, v. 24. • He said they came together “Before God,” v. 33. • They came together to hear “all things” commanded of God, v. 33.
We, Too, Should Have All Things in Readiness! • We should be present! Hebrews 10:25. • We should call together all whom we can encourage to be present. • We should all be present to hear “all things” commanded of God, Acts 10:33.
That Gospel Meeting Was A Great Success! • The Word of God was Proclaimed, Acts 10:36-42. • People were obedient to the word proclaimed, Acts 10:44-48.
The Purpose of Our Meeting – Viewed Negatively. • It is not for the Purpose of Pleasing Men, Galatians 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:1-4. • Not for the Purpose of Entertaining the People. Proverbs 15:11; 17:22; I Corinthians 2:1,2. • Not for the Purpose of Compromising the Truth! James 4:7; John 17:16,17; Proverbs 23:23; 2 John 9-11.
The Purpose of Our Meeting – Viewed Positively. • To Enable People to hear “all things” commanded of God, Acts 10:33. • To cause Saints to take Personal Inventory, 2 Corinthians 13:5. • To Revive Members of the Church. • To Convert Sinners, Acts 3:19. • To Glorify God, I Corinthians 10:31.
What Can We Do to Make this Meeting a Great Success? • Attend Every Service! Hebrews 10:25. • Pray for the Success of the Meeting! • Invite as many as Possible to Attend. • Sit near the Front of Auditorium. • Engage heartily in the Singing. • Meet and Greet all Visitors. • Be An Example of what Christianity is all about!
Conclusion • Good meetings tend to give local churches a much needed “shot in the arm.” • It is too easy for congregations to “get in a rut.” Good meetings help us get out of the proverbial “rut.” • Good meetings provide opportunity for sinners to hear the gospel. But the gospel must be obeyed!