The GOSPEL for OTHERS

Speaking of Jesus: ...there is no other name given under heaven by which we can be saved. PETER Is that true for ALL people?

Cornelius -Head of a regiment of soldiers -Italian -God-fearer -Gave alms -Prayed always

Prayed always A good person, a religious person

Had Cornelius repented ? No ! Was Cornelius saved ? Not yet !

Goodness cannot earn salvation. Goodness is not enough! God demands perfection – to love God with all our heart . . . & to love our neighbours as ourselves. Goodness cannot earn salvation. ”all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” Isaiah 64:6

People must hope in God’s mercy God’s mercy has ALREADY been demonstrated – Jesus, the Saviour has been sent & died for our sins. The problem: many people have not yet heard / understood the Good News about Jesus

Cornelius had not heard about Jesus. Who was going to tell him?

Acts 1:8 You will receive POWER when the HOLY SPRIT comes on you, and you will be MY WITNESSES in Jerusalem AND in all Judea, AND in Samaria, AND to the ends of the earth.

“.. . All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:3 God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us , that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.” Ps.67:1-2 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” Ps.96:3 I will make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvaion to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah: 49:6

Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost – 3000 people believed & were baptised

“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ… walk!" Acts.3:6

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

Peter on his travels healed Aenas, a paralytic in Lydda, & in Joppa raised Dorcas to life.

How are they going to meet? Peter, God’s servant, prejudiced Cornelius, pagan, a God-seeker How are they going to meet? The majority community God’s people

Cornelius prayed & received a vision. God’s angel gave him a special message.

Caesarea Simon’s house Joppa

I have never eaten anything impure or unclean." “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat!" “Surely not Lord. I have never eaten anything impure or unclean."

Peter, a Jew, invited 3 pagans into the house to eat & to stay the night !

Cornelius welcomed Peter & his companions. He fell at Peter’s feet.

“Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” Acts 10:33

“You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a non-Jew or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any person impure or unclean…” Acts 10:28

God does not show favouritism. The Good News of JESUS, forgiveness of sins & salvation, is for ALL people, of whatever tribe or religion.

T0he Holy Spirit came upon them. Peter began to speak – about JESUS. They believed. The Holy Spirit came upon them. T0he Holy Spirit came upon them.

Lessons The gospel is powerful. Many from other lands, now in our community are seeking The Gospel of Jesus is for ALL people PRAYER is vital in the mission of the church We need to move out of our comfort zones – be FRIENDS with ALL people! We are His witnesses – by life & by lip

JOIN MILLIONS OF CHRISTIANS WORLDWIDE IN PRAYER MAY 15 - JUNE 14

- 6 lesson interactive weekly DVD course -produced by Interserve - suitable for Christians of all age groups & all walks of life - to enable you to approach Muslim friends with confidence -equipping you with skills & resources to be an effective witness to Jesus Christ.

By our lives & by our words. Salvation – Jesus alone ! Be His witnesses ! By our lives & by our words. Lord, Make us a house of prayer for all the nations. We will intercede. Show us the way to be Your vessel in this hour; To be the ones to bring Your power. Lord, Teach us to pray! ‘that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.’ Phil.2:10