Embracing God's Inclusive Love and Surprising Grace

Devotional

Day 1: All Creation Is Called to Praise the Lord

The call to praise God is not limited to a particular group or place; rather, it is a universal invitation that extends to all of creation—heavenly beings, the sun, moon, stars, and every part of the earth. No matter what season of life you are in—joy, peace, confusion, or pain—there is always a reason to praise the Lord, for His presence and love remain constant. Praising God is not just an act for good times but a posture to carry through every circumstance, reminding us of His sovereignty and goodness. [18:09]

Psalm 148:1-6 (ESV)
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts! Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created. And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.

Reflection: In what circumstance this week—whether joyful or difficult—can you intentionally pause to praise God, trusting that His presence is with you?

Day 2: God’s Love and Salvation Are for All People

God’s vision for His kingdom is radically inclusive, breaking down barriers that humans have built. Through Peter’s encounter with Cornelius, God revealed that no one is to be called unclean or excluded from His love and salvation. This challenges us to examine our own boundaries and prejudices, and to recognize that the Holy Spirit is at work in people who may be very different from us. God’s grace is for every person, regardless of background, tradition, or status. [32:54]

Acts 11:1-11 (ESV)
Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” But Peter began and explained it to them in order: “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me. Looking at it closely, I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’ This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven. And behold, at that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea.”

Reflection: Who in your life or community have you unconsciously excluded or overlooked? How can you take a step today to extend God’s love and welcome to them?

Day 3: Openness to God’s Surprises Leads to Growth

Being open-minded in faith allows God to challenge our assumptions and traditions, leading us to a deeper and broader understanding of His will. Just as Peter’s worldview was transformed by God’s vision, we too are invited to let go of rigid thinking and be receptive to the new things God is doing. This openness may feel uncomfortable, but it is often where spiritual growth and a fuller experience of God’s love are found. [39:22]

Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Reflection: What is one belief or tradition you have held onto that God might be inviting you to reconsider or see in a new light?

Day 4: Loving Others Must Take Priority Over Rules

Sometimes, our rules or traditions can get in the way of truly loving people as God calls us to. When we let fear or the desire to conform to expectations override compassion, we miss opportunities to embody Christ’s love. God’s message to Peter—“Do not call anything impure that I have made clean”—reminds us that people are always more important than our comfort zones or established boundaries. [56:17]

Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Reflection: Is there someone you have withheld love or acceptance from because of a rule or tradition? What would it look like to choose love over fear today?

Day 5: The Church Is Called to Be a Welcoming, Transformative Community

The church is not just a building or a set of programs, but a living community called to embody God’s inclusive love and to welcome all people. When we open our doors, minds, and hearts, we become a place where lives are changed, needs are met, and the light of Christ shines even in our darkest moments. Our mission is to share the name and love of Jesus with grace, humility, and openness, trusting that God is always at work in new and surprising ways. [57:53]

Romans 15:7 (ESV)
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Reflection: How can you help make your church or community a more welcoming place for someone who feels like an outsider? What is one action you can take this week?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering was a celebration of God’s ongoing work in our community and a call to open our hearts and minds to the surprising, boundary-breaking love of God. We began by sharing opportunities to serve and connect—whether through rescheduled picnics, supporting a young girl’s wish to help others, or providing for children’s summer camp experiences. These acts of service are not just events; they are expressions of our love for God and neighbor, tangible ways we participate in God’s kingdom.

Turning to Psalm 148, we were reminded that all creation is called to praise the Lord—sun, moon, stars, and every living thing. This universal call to praise sets the stage for a deeper reflection on how we, too, are invited to join in God’s work, regardless of our circumstances. Whether we come from weeks of joy or sorrow, clarity or confusion, God’s presence is with us, and our response is praise.

The heart of our reflection centered on Acts 11, where Peter’s encounter with Cornelius challenged long-held beliefs about who could be included in God’s family. Peter, shaped by tradition and scripture, was confronted by a vision that upended his understanding of purity and belonging. God’s voice declared, “Do not call anything impure that I have made clean,” signaling a radical openness to those previously considered outsiders. This was not just about food laws, but about people—about the expansiveness of God’s grace.

We explored how difficult it can be to let go of inherited assumptions, whether about the shape of the world or the boundaries of faith. Like Peter, we are sometimes called to move beyond what we’ve always been told, to risk loving those whom tradition or comfort might exclude. Personal stories—of changed minds, missed opportunities, and the courage to embrace new understanding—reminded us that faith is a journey of continual openness to God’s surprising work.

As we go forth, we are invited to carry the light of Christ into the world, to share the name of Jesus with grace and love, and to remain open to the new things God is doing among us. May our minds, hearts, and doors remain open, so that all may experience the wild, inclusive love of God.

Key Takeaways

1. Openness to God’s Surprises: God often challenges our assumptions and traditions, inviting us to see beyond what we’ve always known. When we remain open-minded, we create space for God to surprise us, expand our understanding, and reveal a broader vision of love and inclusion. This openness is not a rejection of tradition, but a willingness to let God do new things in and through us. [39:22]
2. The Risk and Reward of Changed Beliefs: Changing deeply held beliefs can be unsettling, especially when those beliefs are rooted in family, culture, or religious tradition. Yet, as with Peter’s experience, growth in faith sometimes requires us to question, learn, and even change our minds in light of God’s ongoing revelation. The journey from fear to freedom is marked by humility and courage. [52:32]
3. Love Over Rules: There are moments when our rules of faith or inherited doctrines can become barriers to loving others as Christ commands. True discipleship means allowing love to take precedence over exclusion, even when it costs us comfort or approval. The call is to embody the grace that welcomes all, just as God has welcomed us. [55:14]
4. The Universality of God’s Grace: God’s gift of repentance and new life is offered to all people, regardless of background, status, or identity. The story of Peter and Cornelius is a reminder that God’s Spirit is not limited by human boundaries, and that every person is a beloved part of God’s tapestry. Our task is not to stand in the way, but to celebrate and participate in this inclusive grace. [56:17]
5. Community as Light-Bearers: When our own light feels dim, the community of faith is there to rekindle it. We are called to support, encourage, and “light the fire” for one another, so that together we can carry the light of Christ into the world. This mutual support is both a gift and a responsibility, sustaining us as we share Jesus’ name with grace and love. [01:01:00]
** [61:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Announcements and Community Opportunities
[05:30] - Make-A-Wish Partnership and Service Projects
[09:20] - Camp Bays Mountain and Mission Support
[12:10] - Upcoming Vacation Bible School
[17:46] - Call to Praise: Psalm 148
[18:09] - Prayer Requests and Pastoral Prayer
[21:14] - Testimony: What Church Means to Me
[32:54] - Scripture Reading: Acts 11 and Introduction
[34:41] - Obvious and Not-So-Obvious Truths
[35:33] - Challenging Long-Held Beliefs
[39:22] - Peter’s Vision and the Challenge of Tradition
[41:20] - Peter and Cornelius: Crossing Boundaries
[44:58] - Criticism and the Cost of Inclusion
[51:06] - Personal Stories of Changed Understanding
[52:32] - When Fear Gets in the Way of Love
[55:14] - From Exclusion to Embrace
[56:17] - God’s Grace for All
[57:53] - Closing Prayer and Sending Forth
[61:00] - Benediction and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In Psalm 148, who or what is called to praise the Lord? What does this say about the scope of God’s invitation? ([17:46])
According to Acts 11, what was the main criticism that Peter faced from other believers after visiting Cornelius? ([32:54])
What did Peter see in his vision, and how did he respond to God’s command? ([39:22])
What was the outcome for Cornelius and his household after Peter shared the message of Jesus with them? ([41:20])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God chose to use a vision about food to challenge Peter’s beliefs about people? How did this vision connect to the bigger issue of inclusion? ([39:22])
What does Peter’s willingness to visit Cornelius, despite criticism, reveal about the risks and rewards of following God’s leading? ([44:58])
The sermon mentioned that God’s grace is for all people, regardless of background or status. How does this challenge the way we sometimes draw boundaries in our own faith communities? ([56:17])
When Peter asked, “Who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” what does this question mean for us as individuals and as a church? ([56:17])

Application Questions

The sermon talked about being open to God’s surprises, even when it means letting go of traditions or assumptions. Can you think of a time when God challenged something you always believed? How did you respond? ([39:22])
Peter risked criticism and discomfort to follow God’s leading. Is there a situation in your life right now where you feel called to step outside your comfort zone for the sake of love or inclusion? What’s holding you back? ([44:58])
The pastor shared a personal story about letting fear get in the way of loving someone. Have you ever let fear or the desire for approval stop you from showing Christ’s love? What would it look like to choose love over rules next time? ([55:14])
The story of Peter and Cornelius shows that God’s Spirit is not limited by human boundaries. Are there people or groups you tend to see as “outsiders”? What would it look like to welcome them as part of God’s family? ([56:17])
The sermon emphasized the importance of community in keeping our light burning. When your faith feels weak, who do you turn to for encouragement? How can you be a “light-bearer” for someone else this week? ([01:01:00])
Acts of service—like supporting a child’s wish or helping with camp—were described as ways to participate in God’s kingdom. What is one practical way you can serve or connect with someone in need this month? ([09:20])
The call to praise God is for all creation, in every circumstance. How can you practice praise this week, even if your circumstances are difficult? ([19:14])

Sermon Clips

Maybe, just maybe, when we are open -minded, we are inviting God to surprise us, even if that challenges our tradition or our comforts at times. Living out our faith is what we've been talking about after Easter. When we live out our faith with an open mind, we will grow and see a broader context, I believe, of what God is asking us to do, what God is doing in the world, and to be able to see a bigger and fuller picture of this wild and all -inclusive love of God. [00:40:34]

So Peter saw that and he heard a voice that said, Peter, get up and eat. Have one of those animals. And Peter's like, no, no, no, no. This has got to be a trick, right? I can't do that. Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth. And this happens three different times to Peter in this vision. And then this word from God says, do not call anything unclean that I have made clean. [00:42:25]

Now Cornelius is a centurion. He's a Roman general in the army. So he's not from Israel. He's what's called a Gentile, which a Gentile is anybody who is not Jewish in the Bible. Raise your hand if you're a Gentile. Okay, that would be all of us. None of us, I don't think, for the most part, none of us are Jewish right now. Or at least you're not practicing Judaism because you're here this morning. [00:42:59]

He got to talk to Cornelius about how much Jesus loved him. He got to talk to Cornelius about Jesus' death and resurrection. He gets to talk to Cornelius about this amazing new life that is in Christ Jesus. It's all going really good. Those are good stuff to talk to people about, right? [00:44:08]

Could you imagine the church, the body of Christ, criticizing someone for sharing Jesus with them? Could you imagine the church, the body of Christ, criticizing someone because of who they shared a meal with while they were talking about the love of God? [00:45:02]

So Peter explains what happened, and to do that, he tells a story, and he tells how God challenged his thinking, how God moved him to see what he, beyond what he thought he has always known, because that's simply what he had always been told. [00:51:44]

Have you ever thought one thing, and then later, because maybe you learned something, you changed your mind? Have you ever thought one way, and then maybe even you changed a theological understanding? Maybe it was because there was information presented to you in a way that you didn't know, and maybe your heart and your mind was opened to something new. [00:52:02]

What she thought about something changed because she had an experience of it. I grew up, I didn't grow up in the United Methodist Church. The first time that I went with Heather and I saw a woman standing in the pulpit, I was a little confused because that's not what I thought, right? And I'm glad that it happened because it immediately challenged me to say, why did I always think that? Right? Well, I always thought that because I was always told that, and I never ask any questions about it. I just accepted it at face value that someone in this leadership position must be right. [00:53:19]

Now, thankfully, I got to see Vivian there. Thankfully, every Sunday, you see KC standing here as a leader in the church. Thankfully, in the United Methodist Church, we ordain women, right? Our bishop is a female right now. We're going to be moving into a new district, I believe, after annual conference. We'll be part of the Clinch Mountain District, and the Reverend Jane Taylor will be our district superintendent. It's just an opening of the mind, I believe, to experience something new. [00:53:54]

But I didn't believe that anymore. I had researched it myself. I had dug into the Greek. I had talked with scholars and professors and preachers. I'd spent a lot of time talking to God about it. So what I believed had changed. And I thought just for a second about telling her, yes, I would do it. But I didn't. I was afraid. I was afraid of what other people might think about me if I did that. I was afraid I would lose my job. And I remember telling her, no, I couldn't do it. And she was just like dumbfounded. And she was like, but Michael, why? And the real answer to that question, I guess I could have listed six Bible verses and tried a theological discussion. But the real answer to that question, I think, was I was just afraid. And that hurt our relationship for a really long time. My rules of faith got in the way of loving people. [00:55:14]

See, when Peter heard a voice that said, do not call anything unclean that I have made clean, it's not about food anymore. When Peter heard that voice, it's not about the shrimp and the lobster and the crabs. What it is about is people. And it's all people, as you heard Will mention. [00:56:17]

And for Peter, the change was whether they were circumcised or not. Not even something we would ever even think about today, right? For Peter, the issue was whether they were Jewish or not. Maybe for some people, the issue is about the color of their skin. Or maybe the issue is about their nationality. Or for some people, maybe it's political ideology. Or for some people, it's about social or economic backgrounds. And yet, all of these different people are different shades of this beautiful tapestry that God is weaving together called the human race. [00:56:37]

And that God grants this repentance that leads to eternal life to every person who is created in his image and who God loves, which is all people. [00:57:11]

Peter's question. So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus, who was I to think that I could stand in God's way? That was a great question for Peter to think about. It's a great question today for the church to think about. It's a great question for me to think about. And I hope it's a great question for you. [00:57:25]

So may God continue to open all of our minds to be surprised by his wild and amazing love. In the name of the Father, Son, and God. and Holy Spirit. [00:57:44]

take the light from this table we are reminded now that that light of christ is in us that we have an opportunity to go share the wonderful name of jesus with someone else and to do it in grace and in love sometimes our light goes out too right and maybe some days you feel like the light's not really shining in me much but that's why we're connected with other people so somebody i'm going to keep the musical references and y 'all just try to pick them up somebody else can light your fire you know what i'm saying [01:00:17]

but as you go from this place most of all you go in the grace, the love, and the mind -opening knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, amen, and God bless you. [01:00:55]

When we live out our faith with an open mind, we will grow and see a broader context, I believe, of what God is asking us to do, what God is doing in the world, and to be able to see a bigger and fuller picture of this wild and all -inclusive love of God. [00:40:52]

And yet, all of these different people are different shades of this beautiful tapestry that God is weaving together called the human race. And that God grants this repentance that leads to eternal life to every person who is created in his image and who God loves, which is all people. [00:56:59]

So may God continue to open all of our minds to be surprised by his wild and amazing love. [00:57:44]

Help us stand with the prophet Isaiah to hear your words that would say, behold, I am doing a new thing. Don't you see it? So God, give us open eyes to see the new things and give us open minds to understand. Give us open hearts to love and help us continue to have open doors to welcome in all people. This we ask in the name of Jesus, our Lord. [00:58:16]

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