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Sermon Title: "BLESS and Watch God Work"

Text: Acts 10
Preacher: Josiah Friesen
Date: February 23, 2025

Summary Tagline:

"Blessing others opens the door for God to do what only he can do."

Message Summary:

Josiah opened with a personal story about giving a ride to a new friend named Jake on his way to Bible College. Over the course of the journey, they ate together, Josiah listened, and Jake asked about his faith. This simple act of hospitality led to an opportunity to share his testimony, and in time, Jake became a believer. Later, Josiah had the privilege of baptizing him, showing how God works through everyday moments of connection. This story served as a real-life example of the BLESS model—begin with prayer, listen, eat together, serve, and share your story.

In Acts 10, Peter and Cornelius have a similar encounter, orchestrated by God. Peter, a Jewish disciple of Jesus, is brought into the home of Cornelius, a Roman centurion. Cornelius had been faithfully praying and seeking God, and Peter was given a vision that challenged his assumptions about who belonged in God's family. By stepping out in obedience, Peter shared a meal with Cornelius and ultimately shared the gospel. The result? Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit and were baptized. Josiah emphasized that blessing others is not about forcing outcomes—it’s about faithfully showing up and watching God work.

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Questions:

  1. Have you ever had a friendship or connection that started in an unexpected way? What made it meaningful?
  2. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like an outsider? What helped you feel welcomed?
  3. Have you ever resisted reaching out to someone because they seemed too different from you? If you reached out anyways, what happened?

Read Acts 10 together and discuss any questions that arise from the passage. Then use a few of these questions for further reflection.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Cornelius was actively seeking God, and Peter was open to being used by God. How do we develop this kind of spiritual awareness in our daily lives?
  2. Peter’s vision challenged his assumptions about who belonged in God’s family. What are some barriers—social, cultural, or personal—that sometimes prevent us from engaging with others?
  3. Josiah’s story about Jake showed how simple acts of kindness—giving a ride, listening, eating together—opened the door for gospel conversations. How can we be more intentional in looking for those everyday opportunities?
  4. In Acts 10:44-48, the Holy Spirit moved in Cornelius’ household before Peter even finished speaking. What does this teach us about God’s role versus our role in sharing the gospel?
  5. The sermon ended with a challenge: Who are the five people God is calling you to bless? What practical steps can you take this week to start living that out?

For Further Study:

  1. Acts 10:1-48 – Peter and Cornelius: Breaking barriers through the gospel.
  2. Luke 10:1-9 – Jesus sending out the seventy-two to bless and proclaim the kingdom.
  3. Matthew 28:18-20 – The Great Commission: Making disciples of all nations.
  4. Romans 10:14-15 – How will they hear without someone preaching?
  5. Galatians 3:28 – There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ.
  6. Colossians 4:5-6 – Let your conversation be full of grace, seasoned with salt.
  7. 1 Peter 3:15 – Be ready to give an answer for the hope within you.
  8. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 – We are ambassadors of Christ, entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation.
  9. James 2:14-17 – Faith without works is dead—showing faith through action.
  10. John 13:34-35 – Jesus’ command to love one another as he has loved us.

Gospel Connections

Let’s discuss how we can apply this message to our lives as we seek to make the following connections as we follow Jesus:

  1. How does actively looking for ways to bless others deepen your relationship with God?
  2. How can our church better reflect the heart of Jesus by breaking down barriers and welcoming people into God’s family?
  3. How can our group encourage and support one another in building relationships that lead to gospel conversations?
  4. What are some creative ways we can bless our city, making space for people to experience the love of Christ?

 

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