Embracing God's New Invitation Beyond Tradition
Summary
God is always inviting us into something new, not just as individuals but as a community. While it’s natural to cherish the past and the ways God has worked before, we’re also called to embrace the new things He is doing right now. The story in Acts 10, where God moves through Peter and Cornelius, is a powerful reminder that God is not limited by our traditions, categories, or comfort zones. Cornelius, a Roman centurion and a Gentile, represents a new kind of pursuer—someone who, by all cultural standards, should have been excluded from God’s people. Yet God sees his heart and draws him in, showing that His invitation is for all who seek Him sincerely.
Peter’s vision on the rooftop challenges the boundaries of what is considered pure and impure. God uses the image of formerly forbidden foods to teach Peter that the old distinctions no longer apply. Through Jesus, God is redefining what it means to be clean—not by tradition or custom, but by the transformative work of Christ. This is not just about food; it’s about people. God is breaking down the walls that separate us, building a new family where our primary identity is not in our background, but in being redeemed and reconciled through Jesus.
This newness can be unsettling. We often prefer the comfort of what we know, or we long for the “glory days” of the past. But God is not just the God of what was; He is the God of what is and what is to come. He calls us to trust His unchanging character even as He leads us into unfamiliar territory. Embracing the new may stretch us, challenge our preferences, or require us to step out in faith, but we can do so with confidence because God Himself does not change.
As a church and as individuals, we’re invited to reflect on our openness to God’s new work. Are we willing to move beyond our comfort zones, to love those who are different, to serve in new ways, or to invite others into this family of faith? God’s mercies are new every morning, and He is always at work, making all things new. Our response is to trust Him, to step forward in faith, and to celebrate the unity and hope we have in Christ.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Invitation Extends Beyond Our Categories
God’s heart is not confined to our traditions, backgrounds, or assumptions about who belongs. Cornelius, a Gentile, was drawn by God and welcomed as a true seeker. This challenges us to recognize that God is always reaching beyond our boundaries, inviting all who earnestly seek Him, regardless of their starting point. [16:07]
- Embracing the New Does Not Mean Discarding the Past
We can honor and celebrate the ways God has worked before without becoming stuck in nostalgia. The past and the new are not in competition; rather, God calls us to remember His faithfulness while also stepping into the joy of what He is doing now and what He will do next. This posture keeps our faith vibrant and expectant. [07:41]
- God Redefines Purity and Belonging Through Jesus
Peter’s vision reveals that God is not interested in external distinctions or rituals as the basis for belonging. Through Christ, the invitation to be made clean and to belong to God’s family is open to all. This calls us to examine where we may be limiting God by clinging to old categories or resisting His work in unexpected places. [23:00]
- The Gospel Breaks Down Barriers and Builds a New Family
Where people draw lines and build walls, God builds bridges. The church is meant to be a community where our primary identity is found in Christ, not in our ethnicity, status, or preferences. This unity is a powerful witness to the world and a call to embrace those who are different from us as brothers and sisters. [29:25]
- Trusting God’s Unchanging Character in Changing Circumstances
Stepping into the new can be uncomfortable and may challenge our preferences or routines. Yet, we can embrace change with courage because God’s character and promises never change. Even when our circumstances shift, we are anchored by the faithfulness of Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. [32:28]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[03:53] - Teen Lingo and the Challenge of New Things
[07:41] - Embracing the Past and the New
[09:33] - Avoiding “Uncle Rico” Faith
[10:35] - God’s Promise to Make All Things New
[12:51] - Cornelius: A New Kind of Pursuer
[16:07] - God’s Invitation to All Seekers
[18:49] - Our Role: Praying and Loving Across Boundaries
[20:15] - Peter’s Vision: Redefining Purity
[23:00] - Limiting God and Boxed-Up Faith
[25:15] - The Limitless Possibilities of God
[27:18] - Jesus’ Sacrifice: Cleansing for All
[29:25] - The Gospel Unites a New People
[30:52] - The Church: Unified by Christ
[32:28] - Trusting God with the New
[33:09] - Embracing New Steps as a Church
[35:06] - Practical Ways to Step Into the New
[37:00] - Communion and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
Acts 10:1-35 (ESV)
(You may want to read the whole chapter, but focus on verses 1-35 for group discussion.)
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 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.”
Galatians 3:26-28 (ESV)
“For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 10, what made Cornelius an unlikely person to be included in God’s people? What details about his background and actions stand out? ([12:51])
2. What was the main point of Peter’s rooftop vision, and how did it challenge his understanding of what was “clean” or “unclean”? ([20:15])
3. According to Galatians 3:26-28, what is the new basis for belonging in God’s family?
4. In Isaiah 43:18-19, what does God promise to do, and how does He describe His work among His people?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to use Cornelius, a Gentile and Roman centurion, as an example of someone sincerely seeking Him? What does this say about God’s heart for outsiders? ([16:07])
2. How did Peter’s vision about food actually point to something much bigger than dietary rules? What was God really trying to teach Peter and the early church? ([23:00])
3. The sermon mentioned that God is “not limited to one nation or one tradition.” How might this truth challenge the way we view people who are different from us, even those from other religions or backgrounds? ([16:07])
4. The message said that God is always doing something new, but that doesn’t mean we throw away the past. How can we honor what God has done before while still being open to new things He wants to do? ([07:41])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to consider if there are “Cornelius types” in our lives—people we might assume are far from God. Who comes to mind for you, and what would it look like to pray for or reach out to them? ([16:07])
2. Peter was uncomfortable with God’s new instructions because they went against his traditions. Are there any traditions, routines, or preferences in your life or in our church that might be limiting what God wants to do? How can you be more open to God’s leading? ([23:00])
3. The message said, “God builds bridges where people build walls.” Is there a relationship or group where you’ve drawn boundaries? What is one step you could take to build a bridge instead? ([29:25])
4. The sermon talked about not getting stuck in “Uncle Rico” faith—always longing for the “glory days.” Are there ways you’ve been holding onto the past that keep you from embracing what God is doing now? What would it look like to trust God with the new? ([09:33])
5. The idea of “newness” can be unsettling. Is there an area in your life where you sense God inviting you into something new, but you feel hesitant or afraid? What’s one small step of faith you could take this week? ([32:28])
6. The message encouraged us to love and serve those who are different from us. What is one practical way you can show love to someone outside your usual circle this month? ([18:49])
7. As a church, we’re called to be unified in Christ, not divided by background or preference. What’s one thing you can do to help build unity in our church family? ([30:52])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help you see where He is doing something new and to give you courage to step into it.
Devotional
Day 1: God Is Doing Something New—Embracing the Newness of God
God is always at work, not just in the past but in the present and future, inviting His people to celebrate what He has done while also embracing the joy and hope of what is to come. Rather than being stuck in nostalgia or resistant to change, followers of Jesus are called to trust that God’s new movements are rooted in His unchanging character and good intentions. This means that even when we feel uncertain or uncomfortable with change, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that God is both trustworthy and actively working for our good. [07:41]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 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: Is there an area of your life where you are clinging to the past or resisting change? What would it look like to trust God and embrace the new thing He might be doing in you or your church right now?
Day 2: God Welcomes All Who Seek Him—The New Kind of Pursuer
God’s invitation is not limited by nationality, tradition, or background; He welcomes all who sincerely seek Him, just as He welcomed Cornelius, a Gentile outsider, into His family. This challenges us to examine our own assumptions about who can pursue God and to recognize that God is near to all who seek Him in truth, regardless of their past or present affiliations. As God’s people, we are called to pray for, love, and build relationships with those who are different from us, anticipating the new ways God might draw unexpected people to Himself. [16:07]
Acts 10:34-35 (ESV)
“So Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.’”
Reflection: Who in your life or community have you unconsciously considered “outside” of God’s reach? How can you intentionally pray for and show Christ’s love to them this week?
Day 3: God Redefines What Is Pure—A New Kind of Purification
Through Jesus, God has redefined what it means to be clean and pure, moving beyond traditions and customs to offer cleansing and relationship to all who trust in Christ. This new purification is not about external rituals but about the transformation that comes from Jesus’ sacrifice, which makes anyone who desires it clean before God. It’s easy to fall into the trap of limiting God by our own expectations or traditions, but God’s grace is bigger than our categories, and He invites us to experience the fullness of His cleansing and freedom. [27:18]
Hebrews 10:10 (ESV)
“And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Reflection: Are there areas where you have tried to limit God’s grace—either for yourself or others—based on tradition or personal preference? How can you open your heart to the transforming, cleansing work of Jesus today?
Day 4: God Unites a New Kind of People—Breaking Down Barriers
The gospel breaks down the walls that separate people, creating a new family where identity is found not in race, status, or background, but in being redeemed and reconciled through Jesus. God’s desire is to build bridges where people have built boundaries, uniting diverse individuals into one body—the church—through the blood of Christ. This unity is a powerful witness to the world and a call for us to embrace and celebrate the diversity and togetherness that God’s Spirit brings. [30:52]
Galatians 3:26-28 (ESV)
“For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Reflection: Is there someone in your church or community who is different from you in background or perspective? What is one step you can take this week to build a bridge of unity and fellowship with them?
Day 5: Trusting the Unchanging God in New Seasons
Even when God calls us into new seasons that stretch our comfort or challenge our routines, we can move forward with courage because God Himself never changes. His faithfulness, love, and promises remain constant, giving us the security to embrace new opportunities to serve, grow, and invite others into His family. Whether it’s stepping into a new ministry, sharing your faith, joining a group, or turning from sin, God’s mercies are new every day, and He invites you to trust Him as you step into what’s next. [33:09]
Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Reflection: What is one new step of faith God might be inviting you to take right now—whether in service, community, or personal growth—and how can you trust His unchanging character as you respond?
Quotes
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