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. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.”  Acts 10:34-36

This Sunday we continue our walk through the Book of Acts, Luke’s companion letter to his Gospel.  Each week during this series I invite you to read through the Book of Acts with me.  Each Sunday our sermon will focus on a specific reading from that portion of scripture.  This week we are reading Acts chapters 10-12.

There comes a point in every story when the page turns and everything changes.  This is that point in the Book of Acts, chapter 10-12, when everything changes.  Up to this point in the story the sharing of the message was exclusively within the Jewish community.  The apostles were going around Jerusalem and the surrounding communities and sharing the Good News in the Synagogues and in house gatherings with fellow Jews.  The Gentile community was excluded, they were outsiders, unclean and undesirable.  But, God had other plans!

Isn’t that how God works.  We think we know the plan, the way, the message, the people…but God reveals a totally different concept!  That was Peter’s experience.  God revealed to him a new idea…that included everyone – EVERYONE!

In Acts 2, we are told that on Pentecost the room was filled with Jewish people who were filled with the Holy Spirit.  In Acts 10, we see a God-fearing Roman Centurion (a Gentile) and his household filled with that same Spirit.  What an amazing moment for Peter to witness a second Pentecost – another outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all who gathered in that place.  Everything changed from that point forward.  The message was now for Everyone! 

In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, since you are Christ’s family, then you are Abraham’s famous “descendant,” heirs according to the covenant promises. (Gal 3:28, 29)

Isn’t that great news!  The message, the Good News of Jesus, is for everyone!  That includes you and me!  We are part of God’s plan.  We are included in the family, grafted in, and joined with others.  There is no us and them.  There are no outsiders and insiders.  We are one in Christ.  I love that!  Though we may have our differences we are still united in our love for Jesus.  I think that is something shout about! 

Blessings,

Pastor Jenni

“It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone.” 

(Acts 10:34-36, MSG)