Read Acts 10:1-8; 21-23
I. The Man Cornelius. V1-2; 22-23
A. He was a religious man. 'a devout man' (2)
1. The word 'devout' means he held a special reverence for God.
2. He acknowledged and feared God. (2)
3. Prov. 1:7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom'.
4. We know that He was a religious man because the verse goes on to say that he prayed much.
B. He was a benevolent man. 'gave much alms'
1. He cared about others.
2. He no doubt had many charities that he gave to regularly.
3. This was an unusual characteristic of an Roman soldier, they are usually pictured as cruel and heartless.
C. He was an influential man. 'a centurion'
1. He was in charge of a company of 100 soldiers.
2. He was an officer of the Roman army.
3. He is said to be 'of good report among all the nation of the Jews'.
4. This is no doubt where he got many of his religious ideas and understanding of God.
NOTE: He sounds like the type of person you might find on the cover of Time magazine or listed in the book of Who's Who, but yet be lacked something.
II. What Was Lacking In His Life?
A. He had to hear the message of Christ.
1. Note the Apostle Paul's words in Romans 10:13-17
2. God knew that Cornelius would have to hear the Word preached in order to be saved.
a. it was not enough that he was sincere
b. it was not enough that he was commendable in his actions
c. he still had to hear the 'Word'
3. That is why God had Cornelius send for Peter.
B. The message of Christ that he had to hear, was the Gospel! cf. I Co. 15:3-4
1. Peter's message was just that. V34-42
2. Peter didn't speak with him concerning social issues of the day.
3. He didn't give him a list of do's and don'ts.
4. He simply had the truth of the Gospel.
C. He had to believe the message and receive Christ.
1. Notice v43, "... whosoever believeth in him..."
2. This meant he had to repent!
a. but you say, 'he was such a good man'
b. 'surely God wouldn't send him to hell'
c. Jesus said, 'Repent or ye shall...perishl
d. John the Baptist said, 'Repent ye and believe the Gospel. Mark 1:15
3. No matter how good he may have appeared to men,, or how many godly things he may have done he was still lost without Christ. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us..." --Tit-3:5
III. What Did He Receive? v43-48
A. He received remission of sins.
1. Remission means 'forgiveness'
2. It is promised to all who believe in their heart the gospel. cf Ro. 10:9
3. It was Just what he needed, and it is the need of all those who are religious today without Christ.
B. He received the Holy Spirit.
1. This is not an unusual things, every person who is saved will receive the Holy Spirit.
2. He comes to seal or secure our salvation. cf. Ephesians 1:13
3. Without the Holy Spirit, a person is not saved! "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.' Romans 8:9b
4. Note: Tongues are a sign for the unbelieving Jews. (languages)
C. He was obedient to the Lord's command of baptism.
1. Baptism is the outward profession of the inward conversion.
2. Baptism always follows belief in the Gospel.
3. Note: Romans 6:4
Conclusion: Cornelius' example is one of an ideal conversion. He the Word, received the Word, and obeyed the Word. What about you today? Have you ever received the Gospel message of Jesus Christ or have you been trusting in your religious ways? Have you been obedient to the Word of God since you have been saved? If not then you need to come and commit your life to Him today.