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When we carefully read the account of Cornelius in Acts chapter 10, several fascinating, if not puzzling, questions arise.

Did Cornelius become a Christian in the same sense as believers are saved today?

Was Cornelius baptized into the church, the body of Christ?

Since Cornelius is a Gentile, is Acts 10 the beginning of the church, the body of Christ?

Or, did Cornelius become a Jewish proselyte?

Did Cornelius hear the gospel of grace, or something else?

I will answer these questions as we progress through this study.

At first glance, the events that took place in Cornelius’ home look very similar to Pentecost in Acts chapter 2. Peter preaches about Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit falls upon the listeners, who begin speaking in tongues. But when we carefully compare Acts 10 with the later writings of the Apostle Paul, an important question arises.

Paul says this about his own salvation:

“Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” 1 Timothy 1:16.

Paul became the pattern for those who would afterward believe. So, how should we understand Cornelius's experience in Acts 10?

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Most Christians know what happened in Acts chapter 2.

The Holy Spirit came, tongues of fire appeared, and Jesus’ apostles began speaking in other languages.

And most believe that was the start of the church, the body of Christ.

But is that the truth or mere tradition?

The appropriate question is rarely asked.

Why did the Holy Spirit come at that precise moment in history?

Why not earlier?

Why not during Jesus’ ministry?

Why not after Paul's conversion?

The Holy Spirit’s coming in Acts chapter 2 was not a random or unexpected event.

It happened at the precise moment God had already foretold in prophecy.

To understand Acts 2, we will examine three topics:

The promise of the Spirit

The prophetic timing

The national call to Israel

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This is the great paradox of the Christian life:

God hides resurrection power inside fragile people.

Today, we are going to examine what that means.

What does it mean to carry the dying of Jesus?

And how does His life become visible through vessels like us?

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