The Secret of Partnering with God
Is God Really In Control? | Week 4 | Aug 23, 2020 | Pastor Scott Borman
THE TWO-FOLD SECRET IS IN THE…
1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God -fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed regularly. 3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said’ “Cornelius!” 4 Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! 5 Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.”
Acts 10:1-6
9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners.
Acts 10:9-11
He [Peter] said to them: “you are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.
Acts 10:28
34 Then Peter began to speak: I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, 35 but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.
Acts 10:34-35
1. TRUSTING
As soon as the angel was gone, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier, one of his personal attendants.
Acts 10:7
1 Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. 2 For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. 3 Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Psalms 37:1-3
• Choice #1: God deliver me.
• Choice #2: God turn me into a deliverer.
2. DOING
19 Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. 20 Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.” 21 So
Peter went down and said, “I’m the man you are looking for. Why have you come?”
Acts 10:19-21
So, I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. 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
But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves.
Nehemiah 4:9
25 I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. 27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
John 14:25-27