First Irving Sermons First Irving

Main Idea. The conversion of Cornelius is a turning point in salvation history, as God reveals that the time for the Gentiles to receive the Gospel of Christ and the Spirit has come.

A. God Draws Near (1–23)
1) The Call of Cornelius (1–8)
2) The Convincing Vision for Peter (9–23)

B. Christ is Preached (23b–43)
Apply. For the gospel to be presented, you must preach Christ crucified and raised.
C. The Spirit Falls and Converts (44–48)
D. Peter Counsels the Disciples (11:1–18)

Takeaways.
Consider Peter’s repentance.
Remember the Gospel is for all nations.
Behold the triune God’s work in salvation.

Main Idea. The sovereign Lord Jesus intervenes and he heals, and many lives are changed through it.

1. Jesus changes lives by tending to the weak (32–35)
2. Jesus changes lives because he has authority over death (36–43)

Eph 5:26–27 Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

Takeaways.
1. Jesus saves everyone who turns and believes in him.
2. Jesus is alive and reigning today, and he still intervenes in our lives.
3. A life changed by Jesus is meant to testify to others.

Main Idea. Behold the glorious grace of the Lord Jesus, who converts hearts for his purposes.

The Lord Jesus Confronts Saul (1–5)
The Lord Jesus Converts Saul (6–9)
The Lord Jesus Commissions Saul (10–19)

Takeaways.
Salvation is by God’s grace alone.
God's grace can save the most zealous sinner.
Conversion involves a confrontation with Jesus. (but all look different)
Surrender to a new Master follows conversion.
The Holy Spirit is given at conversion.
Every convert is now commissioned.
Conversion is ultimately for God's glory

Main Idea. God’s gospel is for the outsider: he provides messengers to explain it, the Messiah to save, and the means for obedience.

God provides messengers to explain
God provides a Messiah for saving
God provides means for obedience

Takeaways.
Rejoice that Jesus treats his servants differently than earthly kings treat theirs.
Rest in God for he provides and pursues his people.
Remember the Spirit’s leading.
Reflect on Philip’s Christlike life.
Receive the Eunuch (and anyone who is a sinner).
Repent and believe, then be baptized.

Main Idea. The gospel expands past boundaries and into the hearts of people from different nations, and yet also exposes those who do not have genuine faith in the name of Jesus.

1. The Gospel Expands (4–8)

2. The Gospel Exposes (9–25)
(3 things the gospel exposes from this text)
1. The Gospel exposes real hope (9–13)
2. The Gospel exposes authentic power (14–17)
3. The Gospel exposes sneaky counterfeits (18–24).

Application.
Recognize the difference between the repentance of attrition and contrition.
“We can distinguish between two kinds of repentance: attrition and contrition. Attrition is counterfeit repentance, which never qualifies us for forgiveness. It is like the repentance of a child who is caught in the act of disobeying his mother and cries out, ‘Mommy, Mommy, I’m sorry, please don’t spank me.’ Attrition is repentance motivated strictly by a fear of punishment. The sinner confesses his sin to God, not out of genuine remorse but out of a desire to secure a ticket out of hell (or punishment). True repentance reflects contrition, a godly remorse for offending God. Here the sinner mourns his sin, not for the loss of reward or for the threat of judgment, but because he has done injury to the honor of God.” R.C. Sproul

Takeaways.
Repent and turn to Christ.
Consider the difference between genuine faith vs. counterfeit faith from this text.
The church must observe the lives of her people, both for the potential protection of the person and the protection of the church who bears Christ’s name.
The gospel (still) brings great joy to the nations (v.8, 25).

The Christlikeness of Stephen from three angles.

1. Stephen's Christ-like Character (6:8–16)

The two specific charges (13, 14):

Speaking against the temple
Speaking blasphemous words against Moses and changing customs

Psalm 34:4–7: I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

Do you ask God to be filled with grace and his Spirit? (Lk 11:13)

2. Stephen's Christ-centered Message (7:1–53)

Two Themes in Stephen’s response
1. Temple/Land (1–50);
2. The Law (51–53)

Three undercurrent lessons Stephen is trying to teach the Council.
God’s presence with his people is not confined to a building or land (his customs change)
God’s people historically have rejected their redeemers
You say Israel’s leaders and worship elements have value, but they are all fulfilled in the Righteous One you killed