Breaking Barriers: The Gospel for Everyone

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel Unites All People

The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 is a powerful illustration of how the gospel transcends all barriers. Philip, a Jewish man, was led by the Holy Spirit to approach an Ethiopian eunuch, a man who was different from him in race, socioeconomic status, and sexual identity. Despite these differences, Philip shared the good news of Jesus with the eunuch, leading to his baptism. This encounter demonstrates that the gospel is for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. The Holy Spirit actively works to break down barriers and unite people in the saving work of Jesus Christ. [42:03]

Acts 8:29-31 (ESV): "And the Spirit said to Philip, 'Go over and join this chariot.' So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, 'Do you understand what you are reading?' And he said, 'How can I, unless someone guides me?' And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is different from you in race, socioeconomic status, or background. How can you reach out to them and share the love of Christ this week?

Day 2: Sin Corrupts Differences into Divisions

Differences in race, socioeconomic status, and gender are not inherently bad, but sin corrupts these differences, creating divisions. In our world, these divisions can be seen in various forms of discrimination and prejudice. As followers of Jesus, we are called to recognize and dismantle these sinful barriers, fostering unity and love. The early church faced similar struggles, but the message of Jesus was clear: the gospel is for everyone. We must actively work to break down the walls that sin has built between us and others. [33:05]

Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."

Reflection: Identify a division in your community or workplace. How can you be an agent of reconciliation and unity in that situation?

Day 3: The Gospel Meets Us in Our Suffering

The eunuch's identification with the suffering servant in Isaiah highlights that the gospel meets us in our suffering. Jesus took on our pain and suffering at the cross, offering us comfort and hope. This message is a powerful unifier, breaking down any wall between us and others. The gospel's power in suffering is a reminder that we are not alone in our pain, and it calls us to extend the same comfort and hope to others who are suffering. [46:49]

Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV): "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced suffering. How did the gospel bring you comfort and hope? How can you share that comfort with someone who is currently suffering?

Day 4: Active Reconciliation

We are not just passive non-builders of walls but active agents of reconciliation. The Holy Spirit leads us to identify and break down societal and relational barriers, inviting others into the transformative power of the gospel. This active reconciliation requires us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with those who are different from us. It calls us to be intentional in our efforts to foster unity and love in our communities. [43:05]

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."

Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation. What steps can you take this week to actively work towards healing and unity in that relationship?

Day 5: Confidence in Christ's Sacrifice

Holding onto guilt and shame diminishes the work of Jesus on the cross. If Jesus paid it all, we must leave our burdens at the cross and stand confidently in the kingdom of God. This confidence should propel us to share the gospel with others, regardless of their differences. We are called to live in the freedom and unity that Christ's sacrifice has provided, and to invite others into this life-transforming relationship with Jesus. [48:59]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: What guilt or shame are you holding onto that diminishes the work of Jesus on the cross? How can you release these burdens and stand confidently in the freedom Christ has given you?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we explored the profound question: Can something truly be for everyone? Reflecting on my own experiences moving from Colorado to Nebraska, I was reminded of the stark differences and how they can create divisions. This led us to consider the divisions in our world—racial, socioeconomic, and gender—and how sin turns these differences into barriers. The early church in Acts faced a similar struggle, grappling with the idea that the message of Jesus was for everyone, not just the Jewish people.

We delved into the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. Philip, initially chosen to help with the local food bank, was later sent to Samaria, a place despised by many Jews. Despite the barriers, Philip's ministry in Samaria was transformative, leading many to believe in Jesus and be baptized. But the Holy Spirit wasn't done with Philip. He was sent to meet an Ethiopian eunuch, a man radically different from him in race, socioeconomic status, and even sexual identity.

The encounter between Philip and the eunuch is a powerful testament to the Holy Spirit's work in breaking down barriers. Despite their differences, Philip approached the eunuch, who was reading from the book of Isaiah. The eunuch's curiosity about the scripture led to a profound conversation where Philip shared the good news of Jesus. This encounter culminated in the eunuch's baptism, symbolizing the gospel's power to unite people across all divides.

The story challenges us to look at the walls in our own lives and ask how the Holy Spirit is leading us to break them down. Whether it's peer pressure among youth or societal barriers in our workplaces and neighborhoods, we are called to be agents of reconciliation. The gospel meets us in our suffering and unites us in the saving work of Jesus, who paid it all. Therefore, we should confidently stand before God and invite others into this life of freedom and unity in Christ.

###

Key Takeaways

1. builders of walls but active agents of reconciliation. The Holy Spirit leads us to identify and break down societal and relational barriers, inviting others into the transformative power of the gospel. [43:05]
5. Confidence in Christ's Sacrifice: Holding onto guilt and shame diminishes the work of Jesus on the cross. If Jesus paid it all, we must leave our burdens at the cross and stand confidently in the kingdom of God. This confidence should propel us to share the gospel with others, regardless of their differences.

### [43:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[29:49] - Introduction: Can Something Be for Everyone?
[30:31] - Personal Story: Colorado to Nebraska
[31:48] - Nebraska's Marketing Campaign
[32:21] - Divisions in Our World
[33:05] - Sin Turns Differences into Divisions
[34:18] - Early Church Struggles
[35:03] - The Gospel in Acts
[35:50] - Philip's Ministry in Samaria
[36:30] - Persecution and Spread of the Gospel
[37:13] - Philip Sent to Samaria
[37:53] - Transformation in Samaria
[38:41] - Philip Meets the Ethiopian Eunuch
[39:12] - Differences Between Philip and the Eunuch
[40:40] - Philip's Approach
[41:14] - Breaking Down Barriers
[42:03] - Holy Spirit's Role
[43:05] - Active Reconciliation
[44:10] - The Eunuch's Question
[45:12] - Relating to Suffering
[46:49] - The Power of the Gospel
[47:50] - The Eunuch's Baptism
[48:59] - Confidence in Christ's Sacrifice
[50:06] - Sent to Break Down Barriers
[51:20] - The World Needs Jesus
[51:55] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was Philip's initial role in the early church before he was sent to Samaria? ([35:50])
Describe the differences between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. ([39:12])
How did the Holy Spirit guide Philip in his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch? ([38:41])
What was the Ethiopian eunuch's response after hearing the good news of Jesus? ([47:50])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the Holy Spirit specifically chose Philip to meet the Ethiopian eunuch? ([38:41])
How does the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch illustrate the idea that the gospel transcends all barriers? ([42:03])
In what ways does the eunuch's identification with the suffering servant in Isaiah highlight the power of the gospel in suffering? ([46:49])
What does it mean to be an active agent of reconciliation in today's context, as Philip was in his time? ([43:05])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt a division between yourself and someone else. How can you apply the lesson of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch to break down that barrier? ([42:37])
Identify a specific societal or relational barrier in your life. How is the Holy Spirit leading you to break it down and foster unity? ([43:05])
The sermon mentioned that holding onto guilt and shame diminishes the work of Jesus on the cross. Is there something you are holding onto that you need to leave at the cross? How can you take a step towards doing that this week? ([48:59])
Think about someone in your workplace or neighborhood who is very different from you. What practical steps can you take to build a relationship with them and share the gospel? ([43:39])
How can you be an agent of reconciliation among your peers, especially in situations where peer pressure creates barriers? ([43:05])
The Ethiopian eunuch asked, "Why can't I be baptized?" What are some ways you can invite others into the life of freedom and unity in Christ, regardless of their differences? ([47:50])
Reflect on the statement, "If Jesus paid it all, we must leave our burdens at the cross and stand confidently in the kingdom of God." How can this truth change the way you live and interact with others this week? ([48:59])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "The Holy Spirit is relentless at tearing down every barrier for the gospel to reach the ends of the earth. That is what the gospel is about. It's about tearing down these walls that our world builds up." [42:03] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If Jesus truly paid it all, everything, then what are you holding on to? Anything that we hold on to and choose not to let go, not lay at the foot of the cross, is a diminishing of what Jesus has accomplished at the cross." [48:19] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Leave it at the cross. We're going to have confession right after this. Leave it there. And walk away with this reality. That Jesus because he paid it all, there is now no reason that you don't belong confidently in the kingdom of God." [48:59] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Even though there's all of these worldly differences that might divide you, you and them have the greatest unifying thing. That you both were broken and have fallen short of the glory of God. And yet he has now united you in his saving work and declared you as holy and righteous." [50:06] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "In a world that is getting more and more against God, we see it right. You see it on the opening of the Olympics. You see it in all of these ways. But we should see is that's a world that more and more needs Jesus Christ. And we are sent as people to bring that." [50:45] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The problem is when sin comes in and turns differences into division. When sin comes in and turns a racial difference but leads someone to then say someone else is less than. Or when sin comes in and causes you to view wealth as a determination of status and value." [33:05] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The Holy Spirit sends Philip on this journey. And he sends him specifically to have this encounter with a person that could not have been more different than Philip. I mean let's just look at this Ethiopian eunuch. How different he is from Philip. All the walls. The societal and worldly walls. That would be built up between the two of them." [38:41] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The Holy Spirit in an instant shatters those barriers. The Holy Spirit just completely tears them down. And in a moment, Philip is now sitting next to this man who could not be more different than him. And yet they are now equals. Sitting together. Reading the word of God." [42:03] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The message that we bring in the gospel. That's the great unifier. That's the thing that can break down any wall. Any between two people. And we see this play out here. You know it's so fascinating. This eunuch. He's asking this question. Was the prophet talking about himself. Or someone else. Why is he so curious about that?" [44:41] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus knows the places that you've been. Jesus knows the suffering that you've gone through. And that's the beauty of the gospel. Is first and foremost. The gospel. The gospel meets you. Right in your suffering. Because Jesus Christ at the cross. Took on your suffering. He experienced your pain." [46:49] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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