Learn about our Elder Candidates here before the vote on December 6!
November 8, 2026
God Has No Favorites
- Matt Nickoson
Sermon Notes
Q: Who may be forgiven by God?
Acts 10:1-2 NIV
At Caesarea, there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.
Acts 10:3 NIV
One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”
Acts 10:4 NIV
Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.”
Never forget that God is paying attention and taking note of your generosity.
Proverbs 19:17 NIV
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.
Hebrews 6:10-11 NIV
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.
Acts 10:9-10 NIV
About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.
Acts 10:15 NIV
The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
Things become clean because they come in contact with the holy God.
Acts 10:17-18 NIV
While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
Acts 10:19-20 NIV
While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”
The goal for every believer is to be in the presence of God and listen for His voice, and then to act immediately!
Acts 10:25-26 NIV
As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”
Acts 10:27-29 NIV
While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”
Acts 10:30-31 NIV
Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.”
Acts 10:34-35 NIV
Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”
Acts 10:42-43 NIV
“He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he (Jesus) is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him (Jesus) that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
The Greek word for 'every' in 'from every nation' is pas. Peter uses it seven times in this sermon, starting in verse 35, where God accepts people from every nation, and ending in verse 43, where everyone who believes receives forgiveness. It starts wide and lands personal.
Q: Who may be forgiven by God?
A: Everyone who believes in Jesus and asks for forgiveness will be forgiven.
Acts 10:44-46a NIV
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.
Acts 10:46b-48a NIV
Then Peter said, ‘Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.