“A Short Sermon”

 Acts 10:33–43 (NIV)

33 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.”

34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

 There is only one solution = Forgiveness

 People’s reaction to God’s solution of sin:

1.   They spend their whole lives trying to earn what is freely given.

2.   Look at God’s standards and throw up their hands and walk away.

3.   Try to take the test.

4.   Accept the gift.

 Through Christ, God did away with the problem of a severed relationship.

Romans 5:12 (NIV)

12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—

When Adam sinned…

1.   Fellowship with God was destroyed

2.   Death came into the picture

Romans 6:23a (NIV)

23 For the wages of sin is death…

 Our sin and the debt that resulted left us in a position where we need both…

1.   Pardon

2.   Payment

The Bad News:

One sin forfeited our relationship with God

The Good News:

One act by God has brought us back to Him

Romans 5:18–19 (NIV)

18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

Hebrews 10:12–14 (NIV)

12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

 Invitation

Psalm 107:43 (NIV)

43 Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.

Life Group Notes:

• How does it make you feel when someone gives you an unexpected gift for no reason?

• Have you ever had someone reject a gift that you gave them? Tell the story?

• What impact has this series on “Grace that receives, Grace that gives” had on you? 

• We can’t give what we don’t have.  How important is it for us to live in God’s forgiveness daily?

• God’s only solution for sin is forgiveness. Neal mentioned four reactions to His plan.  Can you think of another, or which one of the four he mentioned have you experienced in yourself and with others?

• Have you ever struggled with forgiving yourself even after God has forgiven you?

• What would you say to someone who struggles with God’s forgiveness?

• Read Romans 5:18-19 and compare the differences between Adam and Jesus?

• Acts 10:42 – Shows Jesus as our judge and that “everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name”.  What does that mean to you?

• How do you experience fellowship with God?