Columbus Baptist Church's Podcast Christopher Freeman

Title: Measuring Spiritual Success

Text: Acts 11:19-24

FCF: We often struggle in our responsibilities to make disciples because we place too much or wrong responsibilities on ourselves.

Prop: Because God’s sovereignty and human responsibility work in perfect concert in evangelism and discipleship, we must go and make disciples of all nations.



Scripture Intro:

[Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 11. In a moment we will read from the scriptures beginning in verse 19 from the Legacy Standard Bible. You can follow along in the pew bible on page 1244 or in whatever version you prefer.



After officially concluding the episode of Corenlius, a God-Fearer now received into the body of Christ, Luke now continues his record of the unified and triumphant church. The Gospel continues to spread far and wide, geographically and culturally. And today we will see another first for the gospel.



Up to this point, we have only seen people come to the Messiah of the Jews, Jesus of Nazareth, with a previous affiliation or familiarity with the faith of the Jews. Even Cornelius, a God-Fearer, maintained a level of intimacy with the practice of the Jewish faith.



But what about outright pagans? What about those who worship false deities? Is God able to save them directly through Christ? Would they even be able to believe on the Jewish Messiah while not being connected to Judaism at all? This question and its answer will change the trajectory of the book of Acts and the ministry of the church… forever.



Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God.



Prayer for Illumination:

Father, make your Word a swift Word, passing from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip and conversation; that, as the rain returns not empty, so neither may your Word, but accomplish that for which it was given. I ask this in Jesus name… Amen.



Transition:

[Slide 2] Every morning my girls go out and do chores. They feed chickens and ducks and cats. But before they go out they always consult our temperature gage to determine if they need to bundle up or not. Imagine if they go to read the gage and it says 30 degrees. So predictably they go out in their winter gear. Only to find out that the temperature is actually 30 degrees Celsius. Just in case you don’t know that 9/5 of the Celsius temperature plus 32 is the Fahrenheit, let me just tell you that 30 degrees is 86 degrees Fahrenheit. See what can happen when we start using the wrong tool to measure things? In the church we know that we are to go and make disciples. We know that. We know that God has given us certain responsibilities for His Kingdom on earth. But if we are measuring our success by Celsius when we should be measuring by Fahrenheit… we are bound to be disappointed or overwhelmed. What is our scale to measure whether we are successful or not? Let’s see if the text today can answer this for us.



I.) God’s sovereignty and human responsibly work in concert together in evangelism, so we must go and make disciples of all nations. (19-21)

a. [Slide 3] 19 – So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone.

i. The emphatic particle here that is translated “...

Title: The Same Story

Text: Acts 10:44-48

FCF: We often struggle with assuring ourselves of our and others’ faith.

Prop: Because all true believers share a common conversion experience, we must observe these in all whom we give assurance and receive into fellowship.



Scripture Intro:

[Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 10. In a moment we’ll be reading from the LSB starting in verse 44. You can follow along in the pew bible on page 1243 or in whatever version you prefer.



Today we will conclude the episode of Cornelius, saving the epilogue of chapter 11 for next week.



God’s hand has been prevalent in this entire episode. Giving two visions, speaking through the Spirit directly to Peter, leading him to the home of a Gentile, finding many gathered there. And after Peter gives a focused explanation of the gospel that Jesus is Lord of all, now we’ll see the dramatic conclusion.



And although there are few doctrinal issues that arise here in which Christians disagree, even amid those differences we will highlight the common and uniform experience of conversion for all who are truly united to Christ by faith.



So, stand with me out of respect for and to focus on the reading of the Word of God.



Invocation:

O Christ, we have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation and believed in you. May your Spirit meet with us today, and guarantee our inheritance in you, to the praise of your glory. In your name we pray. Amen.



Transition:

[Slide 2] If something has fur, a tail and barks. You would probably call it a dog. If something has feathers, a bill, and quacks – a duck. Grey skin, very large, with a trunk… you got it - elephant. Isn’t it funny that I can list out three characteristics of an animal and invariably you can guess what it was. Why is that? Well, we come to expect certain characteristics and attributes to be the same across certain animals. Even though no two elephants are exactly the same. Generally speaking they share certain characteristics. Today, Peter will conclude without doubt that the Gentiles before him are genuine members of the body of Christ. He does not conclude this on a whim. Instead, he isolates key characteristics that prove it to be true. Let’s see if we can arrive where Peter does.



I.) All true believers share a common conversion experience, so we must look for these commonalities for the assurance of salvation. (44-46a)

a. [Slide 3] 44 – While Peter was still speaking these things,

i. Peter’s message was not yet concluded.

ii. Most likely Peter intended to carry on preaching like he did at Pentecost to implore Cornelius and his friends and family to repent and believe in the name of Jesus.

iii. However, Peter was interrupted. And he was interrupted by the Third Person of the Godhead, God the Holy Spirit.

b. [Slide 4] The Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the word.

i. Because we will need to gather all the evidence from this text to do so, we will not comment on the specific meaning of the words “fell upon” here. Nor will we unpack exactly what the Spirit’s work is at this point. We’ll reserve...

Title: The Same Story

Text: Acts 10:44-48

FCF: We often struggle with assuring ourselves of our and others’ faith.

Prop: Because all true believers share a common conversion experience, we must observe these in all whom we give assurance and receive into fellowship.



Scripture Intro:

[Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 10. In a moment we’ll be reading from the LSB starting in verse 44. You can follow along in the pew bible on page 1243 or in whatever version you prefer.



Today we will conclude the episode of Cornelius, saving the epilogue of chapter 11 for next week.



God’s hand has been prevalent in this entire episode. Giving two visions, speaking through the Spirit directly to Peter, leading him to the home of a Gentile, finding many gathered there. And after Peter gives a focused explanation of the gospel that Jesus is Lord of all, now we’ll see the dramatic conclusion.



And although there are few doctrinal issues that arise here in which Christians disagree, even amid those differences we will highlight the common and uniform experience of conversion for all who are truly united to Christ by faith.



So, stand with me out of respect for and to focus on the reading of the Word of God.



Invocation:

O Christ, we have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation and believed in you. May your Spirit meet with us today, and guarantee our inheritance in you, to the praise of your glory. In your name we pray. Amen.



Transition:

[Slide 2] If something has fur, a tail and barks. You would probably call it a dog. If something has feathers, a bill, and quacks – a duck. Grey skin, very large, with a trunk… you got it - elephant. Isn’t it funny that I can list out three characteristics of an animal and invariably you can guess what it was. Why is that? Well, we come to expect certain characteristics and attributes to be the same across certain animals. Even though no two elephants are exactly the same. Generally speaking they share certain characteristics. Today, Peter will conclude without doubt that the Gentiles before him are genuine members of the body of Christ. He does not conclude this on a whim. Instead, he isolates key characteristics that prove it to be true. Let’s see if we can arrive where Peter does.



I.) All true believers share a common conversion experience, so we must look for these commonalities for the assurance of salvation. (44-46a)

a. [Slide 3] 44 – While Peter was still speaking these things,

i. Peter’s message was not yet concluded.

ii. Most likely Peter intended to carry on preaching like he did at Pentecost to implore Cornelius and his friends and family to repent and believe in the name of Jesus.

iii. However, Peter was interrupted. And he was interrupted by the Third Person of the Godhead, God the Holy Spirit.

b. [Slide 4] The Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the word.

i. Because we will need to gather all the evidence from this text to do so, we will not comment on the specific meaning of the words “fell upon” here. Nor will we unpack exactly what the Spirit’s work is at this point. We’ll reserve...

Title: Lord of All

Text: Acts 10:34-43

FCF: We often struggle humbly trusting and loyally submitting to Christ in faith.

Prop: Because Jesus is Lord of All, we must believe in Him through His name.



Scripture Intro:

[Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 10. In a moment we will read from the LSB starting in verse 34. You can follow along in the pew bible on page 1243 or in whatever version you prefer.



We are more than halfway through the episode now. Cornelius’ vision has come to pass. He and his family sit poised to hear the message from Peter. Peter’s understanding of the vision he received is expanding to its fullest meaning. As the immediate effect of that… Peter will preach the message Corenlius and his family need.



Let’s waste no time.



Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God.



Invocation:

O risen Christ, there is salvation in no one else; there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Let your saving presence be upon us today that we might glory in your abundant love and rightly proclaim your good news of redemption. We pray this in the name of our Lord Jesus. Amen.



Transition:

[Slide 2] There is a saying we have. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. It is this truism that motivated our forefathers to seek out a government that put power in the hands of the many rather in the hands of the few. As power is consolidated, it is more easily and readily used to corrupt and abuse those who are governed. To us the idea of one ruler holding all power is a fearful thing to consider. Peter’s gospel presentation to Cornelius and his friends and family… is all about what happens when the RIGHT MAN holds absolute power. Let’s look.



I.) Jesus is Lord of Jew and Gentile, so we must believe in Him through His name. (34-36)

a. [Slide 3] 34 – And opening his mouth, Peter said:

i. And just like that, something clicks in Peter’s mind.

ii. The full weight of the vision and all its implications are now falling on Peter.

iii. Regarding the message that Cornelius has several times alluded to. The message that the servants he sent alluded to. The message that Cornelius has said was ordered by the Lord. We have yet to read in Acts what that message might be.

iv. God in speaking to Peter never gives him a message to deliver.

v. Certainly, as Peter hears this for the second time now, he might have been wondering up to that point what message God would have him give to these gentiles.

vi. But taking the vision and the Spirit’s instruction into account, and seeing the events that have unfolded more clearly… Peter knows now exactly what message he is to deliver to Cornelius and his house.

vii. It isn’t a message for the Jews to consider their ceremonial laws fulfilled – although this is true.

viii. It isn’t a message for the Jews to abandon their scruple...

Title: Not to Us, LORD, Not to Us

Text: Acts 10:23b-33

FCF: We often struggle giving reverence and honor to God’s agents rather than God alone.

Prop: Because God alone deserves praise for building His church, we must follow Christ alone.



Scripture Intro:

[Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 10. In a moment we will be reading starting from verse 23 from the NIV but you can follow along in the pew bible starting on page 1242 or in whatever version you prefer.



As we find our way back to Acts chapter 10, let us review again, just this episode and all that has transpired.



Cornelius, a God-Fearer, not a proselyte, receives a vision from an angel informing him that his prayers and alms have been received as an offering to God. The angel also instructs him to send for Peter who is in Joppa so that Peter can bring a message to him.



Less than a day later Peter receives a perplexing vision which challenges his understanding of the Ceremonial laws regarding clean and unclean animals.



The men Cornelius sent arrive and Peter is informed by the Spirit to go with them and not to hesitate or to raise any objections out of his Jewish sensibilities. Peter hosts them in the home by the sea and intends to go out with them.



In the episode so far, and in the book of Acts so far, we have seen the Lord superintend in the expansion, growth, preservation, and purity of His church. This theme will continue today. But perhaps we will see it from a slightly different angle.



Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the reading of the Word of God.



Invocation:

O Lord, the psalmist says, “when I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? (Psalm 8:3-4)”



As we approach the text of scripture you have for us today, let us remember that You have created us to glorify you and enjoy your presence. Be mindful of us now, O Lord, and be present with us, that we might lift up your name and your mighty works for your glory. “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. (Psalm 115:1)”



In Jesus name we pray, Amen.



Transition:

[Slide 2] In every single false faith and religion, whether they are heresies of Christianity or paganism and its relatives, the human agent is always seen as a near divine figure. To question the authority, the morality, or the veracity of Muhammed is to give a great insult upon the religion of Islam. Yet Muhammed never claims to be divine in any way. The Budda, Joseph Smith, Charles Taze Russel, from monks to shaman, priests to prophets, false faiths have at least one thing in common. They worship, honor, and venerate their human leaders to the point that to denigrate them, would be to commit a great sin. But is Christianity the same? Let’s look.



I.) God’s messengers are not worthy of worship or reverence, so we must follow Christ alone. (23b-26)

a. [Slide 3] 23b – The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along.

i. Here we see two things.

ii. First, we see that Peter had absolutely no intention of allowing his prejudices and Jew...

[Slide 1] Turn in your bible to I Corinthians chapter 15. In a moment we will read from the King James Version starting in verse 12. You can follow along in the pew bible starting on page 1297 or in whatever version you prefer.

Today, I’ll preach a sermon originally delivered by the Prince of Preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

[Slide 2] Who is Charles Spurgeon?

Born: June 19, 1834

It was clear from an early age that he was a prodigy.

But In spite of his boyhood preaching and reading of theology books, his true conversion did not come until he was 15 years old.

Although raised in a congregationalist church that baptized infants, he never believed the scriptures taught this and became a Credobaptist.

In 1852 at the age of 17 he became the main preacher of the Baptist Church of Waterbeach. It grew from 40 congregants to 400 in the two years he preached there.

In 1854 at the age of 19 he was called to take the pastorate of New Park Street Chapel of Southwark (Sutherk). This was a rather prestigious church which was formerly pastored by Benjamin Keach and John Gill. If those names mean nothing to you… you should go check them out.

The church desired to give him the title of reverend which he rejected because he did not find any such title in the scriptures.

Aside from his preaching Spurgeon had a magazine called the Sword and the Trowel. In these publications he spoke outwardly and boldly concerning the state of Christendom of his time. He used this venue to criticize the East India Trade Company’s treatment of the Indian people, as well as the US Southerners for their acceptance of slavery. He called them kidnappers and even had a former slave speak in his church.

In 1856 he established his “Pastor’s College” where he endeavored to train Pastors. He did not run the college himself, but did frequently teach the students. Those lectures have been compiled into a book called “Lectures to My Students” which can still be purchased and read today.

Spurgeon also opened several orphanages in London to care for street children.

By 1861 the church had grown so much they needed to build a new building to accommodate 5000 attenders. The church was renamed the Metropolitan Tabernacle, which still exists today.

Because of all of this, he was often ill. He would spend many winters in France to recover strength.

One final contributing factor to his poor health came in 1859 when Charles Darwin published his Origin of Species. Although not directly eliminating God from creation, it paved the way for textual criticism and liberalism to emerge within the church.

From 1859 on, churches and pastors began questioning the miracles of the scriptures, taking a more allegorical approach to the creation account, and questioning key doctrines such as the sinfulness of man, the truth of the resurrection, the inspiration of the bible, and the substitutionary atonement of Christ’s death on the cross.

All of this came to a head in 1887 in something called the Downgrade controversy. Spurgeon and his church were part of a collection of Baptist Churches called the Baptist Union. Although the Union was quite broad in their doctrine, Spurgeon began to criticize openly the inclusion of churches within the Union that were espousing the aforementioned liberal teachings.

In 1887, Spurgeon published several articles in his Sword and the Trowel magazine arguing for the establishment of the traditional doctrines of plenary inspi...