Acts (9)

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24.27

Be sure to view the video introducing our study of Acts 10 (Lesson 9) by clicking here.

Read and meditate on Acts 10.24-33.
Act 3: Cornelius catches Peter up on why he’s been summoned to Joppa. Being cautious, Peter explains that he really has no business being in the home of a Gentile, except that God had shown him that, at least on this occasion, it was OK. Tension builds. Cue quivering strings. Peter still doesn’t get it, but he will.

For reflection
1.  How thoughtful of Cornelius to gather a group of family and friends for the occasion – more of God’s sovereignty at work. We see the piety and humanity of both Cornelius and Peter as they meet, the one bowing as to worship, the other lifting him and saying that he is just a man. Clearly, God arranged this meeting. Peter is making some progress in understanding the Lord’s will in this situation. How can you see that in verses 26-28?

2.  Cornelius explains what has given rise to this occasion, as Peter listens intently, doubtless reflecting on his own experience two days previous. Cornelius still doesn’t know what Peter has been summoned to tell him, but he and his family and friends are all present, like some scene out of Agatha Christie, for the reveal that Peter will provide. And Peter still doesn’t know why he’s there (v. 29). How can you see that God is at work here, not only in the external circumstances, but in the hearts of each of these men? Does God need to work in your heart in any way, to prepare you for the ongoing work of Christ?

3.  Evangelism is a process, not an event. Sometimes opportunities for sharing the Good News will crop up unexpectedly, with people you would not consider to be likely candidates for hearing about Jesus. Would it help us to be ready for any such situations, if we prepared daily in prayer? Explain.

4.  The ongoing work of Christ, advancing His Kingdom against the kingdom of darkness and the Lie, is also a process. We don’t need to know the whole story of what God wants to do with us; we just need to know what’s next, what God requires of us today, in this moment. Because, as we obey every next step the Lord shows us, the drama of redemption moves forward toward some exciting denouement in our lives or in the life of someone who needs to know the Lord. Would you say that this describes your mindset as you go out into your Personal Mission Field each day? Why or why not?

5.  How do you discern the Lord’s next steps for each day of your walk with Him? What is the role of Scripture in this? Of prayer? Of listening for the Spirit’s leading? Of working to get to know and care about the people in your Personal Mission Field?

Summary
So, here we are, the principal players in the drama have met and begun to get acquainted. And still, neither one knows why they are here, except that God has spoken to each. What are you learning from this story about how to approach working your Personal Mission Field for the ongoing work of Christ?

Closing Prayer
Gracious is the LORD, and righteous;
Yes, our God is merciful.
The LORD preserves the simple;
I was brought low, and He saved me.
Return to your rest, O my soul,
For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.
For You have delivered my soul from death,
My eyes from tears,
And my feet from falling.
I will walk before the LORD
In the land of the living.
I believed, therefore I spoke,
“I am greatly afflicted.”
I said in my haste,
“All men are liars.”
What shall I render to the LORD
For all His benefits toward me?
I will take up the cup of salvation,
And call upon the name of the LORD.

Psalm 116.5-13

T. M. Moore

Each week’s studies in Acts are bound together into a free PDF that you can download for personal or group use (click here). Each week also features a video related to the studies of the week, which you may find helpful as you work through our studies in Acts.

Acts is the record of Christ’s ongoing work as King and Lord. This is the work of bringing the Kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven. Read more about the implications of this work in our new book, The Kingdom Turn (click here).

Please prayerfully consider supporting The Fellowship of Ailbe by sending a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Or, you can click here to donate online through credit card or PayPal