Sunday Sermon Summary – May 05 2024

Surprised by God

Acts 10: 44-48

Our reading took place in the house of Cornelius the Roman Centurion.  His family and friends had gathered, and they invited Peter to speak God’s Word. God surprised them by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  

 The Lord delights in surprising His people. He even surprised Abraham when he was about to sacrifice Isaac.  

1.  No discrimination 

Acts 10:44. Acts 10:34

Galatians 2:11-13

This was the second time the Holy Spirit was poured upon people. It was a surprise gift to the gentiles who were gathered in the house of Cornelius. Peter saw that even the gentiles received the Holy Spirit and was surprised. Our Lord has no discrimination against any people. Everyone is equal in His sight. Beginning with the book of Genesis we see God’s love and care for all people. That is why the Gospel is preached to the whole world. 

2. No preconditions 

Acts 10:45 

Acts 15:5ff. The Jerusalem Council 

There was a dispute when some Pharisees who converted to Christianity demanded that even the non-Jews must follow the law of Moses. That is when the apostles gathered in Jerusalem and decided to send a letter to the Christians in Antioch that they only need to be true to their faith in Christ and they need not follow all the rituals of the law. Our Lord reminds us that He is loving and kind. He delights in surprising his people with good things without any preconditions. 

3.  No time limits

Acts 10: 46, 47

Luke 11:13

Our Lord said that we, who are evil know how to give our children good things; how much more will our Heavenly Father give us His Holy Spirit! If God gives us His Spirit, He will also give us all good things. 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He never changes. We can expect God to bless us in the same way He blessed His true followers in the early church. We witness God’s wonderful deeds every day in the lives of his people. He delights in blessing his people with good things. No good thing will he withhold from those who walk upright before Him.  Amen