“Peter & Cornelius: When the Spirit Breaks Down Barriers in Ministry, Pt.2” (Billy Russell 7/19/20)
Shaken & Sent to the Nations
“Peter & Cornelius: When the Spirit Breaks Down Barriers in Ministry, Pt.2”
(Acts 10:1-11:18)
Luke tells the dramatic story of Peter’s A-ha! moment when he really gets that God wants even the gentiles (non-Jews), like Cornelius and crew, to experience the grace of the Gospel. What biases and barriers might God need to break down for you, so that others might hear the good news of Jesus through you?
Lessons on Diversity & Ministry for the 21st Century Church
God shows no favoritism (10:34-36)- He is holy/just, w/o bias/prejudice.
He is gracious to all who seek Him- He saves indiscriminately!
He sends His people to share the Gospel- for the good of others!
Cornelius... a Roman Centurion stationed in Caesarea has a divine vision.
He is a gentile, seeker, awaiting whatever God has to say through Peter.
He is has a reputation of compassion and generosity to those in need.
He is the recipient of Jewish prejudice in need of God’s grace.
He is waiting on a believer to work thru the barriers.
Peter... has long held prejudice towards gentiles (religious/ethnic)
His perspective is greatly skewed, though he thinks it’s right.
He is called to repent and turn to the truth.
He is charged to go with the gospel to someone who needs grace.
He is the messenger of good news to people who need Jesus!
God shows no favoritism (10:34-36)- He is holy/just, w/o bias/prejudice.
He is gracious to all who seek Him- He saves indiscriminately!
He sends His people to share the Gospel- for the good of others!
What about you? Applications, attitude adjustments, redeeming actions
What long held bias/prejudice must you lay down for the gospel?
How has God been redirecting your perspective to see people as He
does? (Imago Dei - dignity, worth, value of each person, every life.)
We must repent/turn from the prejudice, racism, bias which keeps us
from gospel work.
We are not God’s favorites! He loves all equally! What great grace!
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