Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: Cornelius and the Missing Piece - Pastor Ben Hodges

Acts 10:1-8 Cornelius was devout, generous, prayerful—but still missing something.Acts 10:9-23a Acts 10:23b-34 Cornelius’s prayers and alms rose like sweet incense before the Lord.Romans 10:14Acts 10:34-43 Peter preaches to Cornelius and his household:- Jesus is Lord of all (v. 36).- He died on a cross (v. 39).- God raised Him from the dead (v. 40).- Forgiveness is possible: “through his name everyone who believes in him” (v. 43).- Cornelius had prayer, generosity, devotion—but he needed Christ crucified and risen.Acts 4:12 Acts 10:44-48 The Holy Spirit Confirms the Missing Piece“While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.” (v. 44).- The Spirit didn’t fall when Cornelius prayed.- The Spirit didn’t fall when he gave alms.- The Spirit fell when the gospel of Jesus was preached and believed.- Salvation is not in works, but in grace through faith in Christ.What Cornelius and Peter Did Right1. They had a fear of the Lord – honoring, doing, open to instruction.Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.Psalms 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.2. They took their next best next step: fear the Lord, prayers, alms, listening to preaching,responding, baptized.3. They obeyed quickly – “without hesitation, immediately, at once” – in response to the Spirit’spromptings.4. Cornelius brought his whole house to hear.5. They went public with their faith in baptism.