Someone once said… “I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, all about a Somebody, who can save anybody.” Is that true of you?

In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. 2 He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. 3 One afternoon about three o’clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said. 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.” 7 As soon as the angel was gone, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier, one of his personal attendants. 8 He told them what had happened and sent them off to Joppa. —Acts 10:1-8 (NLT)

What do we learn about Cornelius?
What do we learn about God?

Witnessing doesn’t get much easier than someone coming knocking on your door asking you to tell them about Jesus. But sometimes we need to be prepared for who comes knocking.

Read Acts 10:9-23.

What do we learn about Peter?
Why did God send this vision 3 times?

Peter didn’t go seeking Cornelius… but he was seeking God’s will. Cornelius was also seeking God’s will… and so God brought them together.

We don’t get to choose the kind of “seekers” that might approach us.
Why is this important to remember?

3 thoughts about witnessing from this section of scripture.

1.If someone comes to you and asks about your faith, it’s very likely that God sent them.

Peter was given the special privilege – BY GOD – to share Jesus with someone. If God would do it with Peter, why wouldn’t he do it with you?

Who has God brought your way recently (even if you didn’t recognize at first)?

2.If someone comes to you, it’s always a good idea to know what to tell them.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. —1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

What does this verse mean?

Peter didn’t simple tell Cornelius theology. He shared with Cornelius his story of faith. He shared why he believed.

When was the last time you shared your faith story with someone?
Why?… What happened?… Would you be willing to do it again, right now?

3.Once God brings someone to you to share your story… then let God do His work.

Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. 45 The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. 46 For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, 47 “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” 48 So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Afterward Cornelius asked him to stay with them for several days. —Acts 10:44-48 (NLT)

How did God interrupt the normal process?
Why would God do this?