Opening: Do you have something that is your favorite? A
favorite team? A favorite fast-food place? A favorite brand of car? Is it
something that you root for or use exclusively? You know, “Yeah Ohio State. Boo
Michigan.”
Scripture: Read Acts 10:34-48.
Insights:
- Peter shares the essential truths of the Gospel:
- God doesn’t show favoritism. He wants a relationship with everyone.
- Jesus is God’s love gift of peace to us.
- Jesus came to banish pain, sorrow, and sin from the world.
- He was crucified him, but God raised him to life.
- We are to be proclaimers of this message, that everyone who believes in Him will be forgiven.
- The Holy Spirit doesn’t wait for Peter to finish his sermon; He came to those who heard the message even as Peter was speaking. This was proof that God invited even Gentiles – you and me – to become children of God. The gift of the Holy Spirit was confirmation that the apostles were to go “…everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
- Cornelius wanted Peter to stay with him for several days. He was a new believer and realized his need for teaching and fellowship.
Life Questions:
- Sometimes we can limit who God wants us to reach. We think that neighbor that is so mean and has those all night parties isn’t a person God wants. It may that ex-spouse; certainly God knows the kind of person he or she is. Do you really think God has given up on them?
- What are you doing to grow in your understanding and your relationship with Christ? Is there someone you count on to help you?
Prayer Focus: That the Holy Spirit will not wait for us, but
show us clearly who we might share the Gospel with.
