A Divine Appointment

Can God arrange a meeting between someone searching for truth and someone prepared to share it?

Acts 10 shows that He can.

In this sermon from Fannin County Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Rusu examined the story of Cornelius and Peter and presented six practical lessons for personal evangelism.

Cornelius was praying for greater light. Peter was praying for opportunities to reach people. Heaven answered both prayers by bringing the two men together in what can only be called a divine appointment.

Cornelius: A Man Searching for Truth

Cornelius was a Roman centurion living in Caesarea.

He was not an ordinary man. As a centurion, he held military authority, commanded soldiers, exercised influence, and likely possessed considerable financial means.

Yet the most important facts about Cornelius were spiritual:

• He feared God.
• His household respected God.
• He gave generously to those in need.
• He prayed continually.
• He desired greater truth.

Cornelius had turned away from the polytheistic religion common in the Roman world and had begun worshiping the God of Israel.

He had not yet received the complete gospel message, but he was responding faithfully to the light he possessed.

God saw his sincerity.

God Heard His Prayers

While Cornelius was praying, an angel appeared to him.

The angel told him that his prayers and charitable acts had come before God as a memorial. Cornelius was instructed to send men to Joppa and ask for Simon Peter.

This teaches us that God notices sincere seekers.

A person may not yet understand every biblical doctrine. They may not belong to the church. They may still have many questions.

But when someone genuinely seeks God, heaven is aware.

God knows where that person lives, what that person is praying, and who can help lead that person into greater truth.

Peter Was Also Praying

Approximately forty-five miles away, Peter was staying in Joppa.

He went onto the housetop to pray.

During that time, he received the vision involving a sheet filled with animals. The lesson was not that unclean animals had suddenly become suitable for food. Peter himself explained its meaning:

God had shown him that he should not regard another person as spiritually common or unclean.

Peter’s prejudice against Gentiles had to be removed before he could enter Cornelius’s home.

While Peter was receiving this lesson, the men sent by Cornelius were approaching the house.

The timing was not accidental.

Cornelius prayed.

Peter prayed.

Heaven arranged the meeting.

Evangelism Is God’s Mission

The first major principle of the sermon is that evangelism belongs to God.

We often speak about:

• Our outreach
• Our campaign
• Our prophecy seminar
• Our missionary strategy
• Our evangelistic plans

But salvation did not begin with the church.

God began pursuing humanity immediately after sin entered the world. He is already working in hearts before we arrive.

Our responsibility is not to invent God’s mission. It is to make ourselves available to participate in what He is already doing.

The success of the mission ultimately rests with God.

We are instruments placed in His hands.

Lesson One: Make Yourself Available

Peter had dedicated his life to the proclamation of the gospel.

Because he was available, God could redirect him.

Being available means praying:

• Lord, show me whom You want me to reach.
• Place me where You can use me.
• Interrupt my plans when necessary.
• Remove my prejudices.
• Give me courage to obey.
• Help me recognize the opportunities You send.

Many divine appointments may be missed because Christians are too distracted, hurried, fearful, or preoccupied to recognize them.

Availability is a form of surrender.

God Goes With Those He Sends

When Jesus gave the Great Commission, He promised to remain with His disciples.

Missionary work is not something we do alone while God watches from a distance.

When we go where Christ sends us, He goes with us.

This gives us confidence because:

• We do not have to manufacture results.
• We do not have to know every answer.
• We do not have to possess extraordinary abilities.
• We do not have to depend upon human persuasion.
• We do not have to carry the burden alone.

God takes responsibility for His mission.

Our responsibility is faithfulness.

Lesson Two: Pray for a Divine Appointment

Prayer is the foundation of personal evangelism.

The sermon referred to Ellen White’s description in The Acts of the Apostles, page 135. Peter’s hunger on the rooftop represented more than a desire for food. His heart was burdened for the salvation of people.

We can imagine Peter looking over the city and praying:

• How can I reach these people?
• Who is ready to hear?
• Where should I go?
• What should I say?
• Lord, open a door.
• Lead me to someone who needs Jesus.

That prayer was answered through Cornelius.

Two Prayers Meet

The story contains a beautiful spiritual pattern.

Cornelius was praying for truth.

Peter was praying for an opportunity to share truth.

God brought them together.

The same thing can happen today.

There are people in our communities who are praying:

• Lord, help me understand the Bible.
• Show me which church teaches the truth.
• Send someone who can study with me.
• Help me understand prophecy.
• Show me how to find peace.
• Teach me how to follow Jesus.

At the same time, church members may be praying:

• Lord, give me someone to invite.
• Show me who needs a Bible study.
• Help me share my faith.
• Open a door for conversation.
• Bring someone into my life who is searching.

When these prayers meet, heaven can arrange a divine appointment.

Pray for One Person

The sermon gave the congregation a simple challenge connected with the upcoming evangelistic meetings:

Pray that God will help you bring one person.

A church may distribute hundreds or thousands of invitations. Advertising has a useful place.

But a personal invitation from someone trusted often has far greater influence.

Imagine what could happen if every church member:

• Chose five names
• Prayed for them consistently
• Asked God for an opening
• Personally invited one person
• Offered transportation
• Sat with the guest
• Followed up afterward

One prayerfully invited guest from each member could fill the church.

Prayer Is More Important Than Machinery

Pastor Rusu referred to the writings of E. M. Bounds, who emphasized that the church’s greatest need is not simply better machinery, newer methods, or more organization.

The church needs people of prayer through whom the Holy Spirit can work.

Plans matter.

Organization matters.

Advertising matters.

Equipment matters.

But none of these can replace consecrated people who pray earnestly for souls.

The Holy Spirit works through surrendered men and women.

Lesson Three: Do Not Work Alone

Peter did not travel to Caesarea by himself.

Several believers from Joppa accompanied him.

This provides an important model for outreach.

Christian witnesses need support.

When one person speaks, another person can pray.

When one person becomes discouraged, another can provide encouragement.

When difficult questions arise, another person may contribute wisdom.

When spiritual opposition comes, believers can stand together.

Jesus frequently sent His disciples out in pairs. Personal evangelism is strengthened by partnership.

The Ministry of Prayer Partners

Not every person has to be the speaker.

Some of the most important missionary work takes place silently through prayer.

A prayer partner can pray for:

• The speaker
• The visitor
• Open hearts
• Clear communication
• Protection from distraction
• Technical equipment
• Health and strength
• The working of the Holy Spirit
• Decisions for Christ
• Continued discipleship

Public evangelism needs an unseen foundation of intercessory prayer.

Lesson Four: Begin With Family and Friends

When Peter arrived, Cornelius was not alone.

He had gathered his relatives and close friends.

Cornelius had received an invitation from heaven, and immediately he thought about the people closest to him.

This reflects a pattern found throughout the Gospels.

Andrew brought Peter.

Other disciples brought family members and friends.

Philip invited Nathanael.

The first missionary field is often not a distant country. It is the network of relationships God has already given us.

That may include:

• A spouse
• A child
• A parent
• A sibling
• A neighbor
• A coworker
• A close friend
• A former church member
• Someone experiencing a crisis

Begin with those who already know and trust you.

Personal Effort Matters

The sermon referenced The Desire of Ages, page 141, where Ellen White emphasizes the power of personal Christian ministry.

Many people are waiting to be personally approached.

They may never respond to a general advertisement, but they may respond to someone who cares enough to speak directly with them.

Personal evangelism does not have to be complicated.

It may begin with:

• A meal
• A visit
• A listening ear
• A shared prayer
• A book
• A Bible study invitation
• A ride to church
• A sincere testimony
• An invitation to an evangelistic meeting

Small acts of love can open eternal doors.

Lesson Five: Share With Humility

When Peter entered the house, Cornelius fell at his feet.

Peter immediately lifted him up and said that he was also a man.

Peter did not present himself as spiritually superior.

That is an important lesson for Christian witnessing.

We do not approach others as though we are perfect people correcting inferior people.

We are sinners who have found grace.

We are human beings who have encountered Jesus.

Our message is not:

“Look how good I am.”

Our message is:

“Let me tell you what Jesus has done for me.”

Three Questions for a Personal Testimony

Pastor Rusu gave three simple questions that can help organize a Christian testimony:

1. What was my life like before I encountered Jesus?
2. How did I receive Jesus into my life?
3. How has my life changed since receiving Him?

A testimony does not require advanced theological training.

It requires honesty.

You can share:

• What you struggled with
• How God reached you
• What truth became meaningful
• How Christ gave forgiveness
• What changed in your priorities
• How God continues to help you
• Why you now have hope

A sincere testimony often reaches the heart more effectively than an argument.

Jesus Drew People Without Condemning Them

Sinners and social outcasts felt drawn to Jesus.

He never approved of sin, but He did not approach broken people with an attitude of superiority.

They sensed His compassion.

They knew He understood their pain.

They felt that change was possible in His presence.

Christian witnesses should create the same atmosphere.

People should feel that they can approach us without being mocked, humiliated, or immediately condemned.

Truth must be shared with the spirit of Christ.

Lesson Six: Invite People Into a Family

After Cornelius and his household received the gospel, Peter and the other believers remained with them for a time.

This shows the importance of fellowship and discipleship.

We do not merely invite people to attend a program.

We invite them into a spiritual family.

A visitor should not feel like:

• A number
• A project
• A potential baptism statistic
• An outsider sitting alone
• Someone forgotten after the meetings

They should experience:

• Friendship
• Hospitality
• Follow-up
• Bible study
• Prayer
• Meals together
• Sabbath fellowship
• Spiritual mentoring
• A place to belong

Evangelism does not end when someone attends a meeting. That is often where discipleship begins.

The Power of Hospitality

The sermon shared an example from Hispanic congregations that faced difficulty organizing public evangelistic events.

Instead of abandoning outreach, members began inviting friends into their homes for meals.

Friendship and hospitality created doors that formal programs could not.

The result was significant growth and many baptisms.

A home can become a missionary center.

A dining table can become a place where people experience:

• Christian kindness
• Trust
• Conversation
• Prayer
• Bible truth
• Genuine friendship

Hospitality is one of the simplest and most powerful forms of evangelism.

The Six Lessons From Acts 10

The sermon concluded by reviewing the six lessons:

• Be available.
• Pray for a divine appointment.
• Do not work alone.
• Begin with family and friends.
• Humbly share what Jesus has done for you.
• Invite people into fellowship and discipleship.

These principles are simple enough for every church member to practice.

Why This Message Matters

Many Christians believe evangelism is only for pastors, Bible workers, or trained speakers.

Acts 10 shows something different.

God uses praying people.

He uses available people.

He uses ordinary people.

He uses friendships, families, homes, testimonies, and personal invitations.

You do not have to preach a public sermon to participate in God’s mission.

You can begin by praying for one person.

Practical Application

This week:

• Write down five names.
• Pray for each person daily.
• Ask God to arrange a divine appointment.
• Look for natural opportunities to speak.
• Invite one person to church or a Bible meeting.
• Ask another believer to pray with you.
• Prepare your three-part testimony.
• Invite someone into your home.
• Sit with your guest at church.
• Continue the friendship after the event.

A Call to Be Available

Cornelius was praying.

Peter was praying.

God arranged the meeting.

The same God is working today.

There are people near us who are searching for truth. They may be praying for someone to help them understand the Bible.

The question is whether we are available.

Will we pray?

Will we go?

Will we invite?

Will we share what Jesus has done?

Closing Appeal

Ask God to give you one divine appointment.

Pray for one person.

Carry one invitation.

Make one phone call.

Open your home to one friend.

Share one honest testimony.

Then trust God with the results.

Evangelism is His mission. We are privileged to participate.

Short Prayer

Heavenly Father, make us available for Your mission. Give us a burden for people who are searching for truth. Teach us to pray as Peter prayed and to respond when You open a door. Lead us to our family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Give us humility, courage, and love as we share what Jesus has done for us. Arrange divine appointments and use our church as a welcoming spiritual family. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Discussion Questions

• What made Cornelius receptive to greater truth?
• Why did Peter need the rooftop vision?
• How does prayer prepare both the witness and the truth seeker?
• Why should Christians avoid working alone?
• Who are the family members or friends God may be calling you to reach?
• How would you answer the three testimony questions?
• What makes a church feel like a spiritual family?
• Who will you pray for as your divine appointment?