Embracing Inclusivity: Our Call to Good Works

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Creates Access for All

Description: Acts 11 reveals that the gospel is for everyone, breaking down cultural and religious barriers. Peter’s vision teaches us that God’s love and salvation are inclusive, challenging us to extend this grace to all people, regardless of their background. This inclusivity is a fundamental aspect of our faith and mission. Peter’s vision and subsequent actions demonstrate that God’s love and salvation are available to all, breaking down cultural and religious barriers. This inclusivity is a cornerstone of our faith and mission. [50:01]

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: Think of someone in your life who is different from you culturally or religiously. How can you extend God’s love and grace to them today?

Day 2: Kingdom Partnerships are Essential

Description: The collaboration between Paul and Barnabas in Acts 11 highlights the importance of working together in ministry. We are not called to serve alone but to support and uplift one another. Kingdom partnerships strengthen our efforts and help us achieve greater impact for the gospel. Just as Paul and Barnabas worked together to spread the gospel, we too must collaborate and support one another in our spiritual journeys. [58:57]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: Identify a fellow believer you can partner with in ministry. How can you support and uplift each other in your spiritual journeys?

Day 3: The Church is Called to Good Works

Description: The early church’s response to the famine in Jerusalem demonstrates our call to a life of good works. We are to be proactive in meeting the needs of others, showing God’s love through our actions. This commitment to service is a vital expression of our faith. The early church's efforts to support those in need, such as the collection for the famine-stricken believers in Jerusalem, exemplify this call. [01:23:07]

James 2:15-17 (ESV): "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Reflection: Think of a practical way you can meet the needs of someone in your community this week. How can you show God’s love through your actions?

Day 4: The Great Commission is for Everyone

Description: Matthew 28:19 reminds us that the Great Commission is not just for pastors but for all believers. We are all called to evangelize, disciple, and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mission is central to our identity as Christians and must be pursued with urgency and dedication. Our church is a dynamic movement, called to be creative and proactive in reaching out to the world. [01:04:43]

2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel? How can you share the message of Jesus with them this week?

Day 5: Dynamic and Creative Ministry

Description: Our church is called to be a dynamic and creative force in the world. We must think outside the box and use innovative methods to reach people with the gospel. Whether through traditional means or modern platforms like social media, our goal is to engage and attract people to the message of Jesus Christ. This dynamic approach is essential for effectively reaching out to the world. [01:20:32]

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (ESV): "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."

Reflection: What is one creative method you can use to share the gospel with others? How can you implement this method in your daily life?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, Mission Ebenezer Family Church! Today, we celebrate the incredible work being done by our Royal Ranger program, which is shaping our young men into future leaders. We also welcome all newcomers and remind everyone that our church is a place of dynamic commitment to Jesus Christ. Our focus today is on the book of Acts, specifically chapter 11, which highlights the expansion of the gospel beyond Jewish communities to the Gentiles. This chapter underscores three key movements: Jesus creating access for all to receive and believe, the importance of kingdom partnerships, and the church's call to a life of good works.

Acts 11 shows us that the gospel is meant for everyone, not just a select group. Peter's vision and subsequent actions demonstrate that God’s love and salvation are available to all, breaking down cultural and religious barriers. This inclusivity is a cornerstone of our faith and mission. The second point emphasizes the necessity of kingdom partnerships. Just as Paul and Barnabas worked together to spread the gospel, we too must collaborate and support one another in our spiritual journeys. The third point calls us to a life of good works, exemplified by the early church's efforts to support those in need, such as the collection for the famine-stricken believers in Jerusalem.

We are reminded of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations. This mission is not just for pastors or church leaders but for every believer. We must remain committed to evangelism, discipleship, and living out our faith in tangible ways. Our church is a dynamic movement, called to be creative and proactive in reaching out to the world. Let us embrace this calling with zeal and dedication, knowing that we are part of a greater purpose.

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Key Takeaways

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2. Kingdom Partnerships are Essential: The collaboration between Paul and Barnabas in Acts 11 highlights the importance of working together in ministry. We are not called to serve alone but to support and uplift one another. Kingdom partnerships strengthen our efforts and help us achieve greater impact for the gospel.

3. The Church is Called to Good Works: The early church’s response to the famine in Jerusalem demonstrates our call to a life of good works. We are to be proactive in meeting the needs of others, showing God’s love through our actions. This commitment to service is a vital expression of our faith.

4. The Great Commission is for Everyone: Matthew 28:19 reminds us that the Great Commission is not just for pastors but for all believers. We are all called to evangelize, disciple, and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mission is central to our identity as Christians and must be pursued with urgency and dedication.

5. Dynamic and Creative Ministry: Our church is called to be a dynamic and creative force in the world. We must think outside the box and use innovative methods to reach people with the gospel. Whether through traditional means or modern platforms like social media, our goal is to engage and attract people to the message of Jesus Christ.

### [50:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[40:15] - Recognizing Royal Rangers
[41:20] - Welcoming Newcomers
[42:02] - Men Standing Up
[43:08] - Vision for Young People
[44:24] - Challenges During the Pandemic
[45:59] - The Call to Witness
[47:00] - Concentric Circles of Influence
[48:02] - Beyond Comfort Zones
[49:18] - True Commitment
[50:01] - Jesus Creates Access for All
[52:12] - Peter’s Vision
[53:41] - Breaking Traditions
[55:02] - Gospel to the Gentiles
[57:11] - The Word of God is Central
[58:57] - Kingdom Partnerships
[60:10] - Revelation and the Word
[64:43] - The Great Commission
[83:07] - Called to Good Works
[80:32] - Dynamic and Creative Ministry
[92:24] - Commitment to Discipleship
[94:38] - Prayer and Seeking the Lord
[97:43] - Closing and Blessings

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the significance of Peter’s vision in Acts 11, and how did it change the early church’s approach to evangelism? ([50:01])
How did the partnership between Paul and Barnabas contribute to the spread of the gospel according to Acts 11:19-26? ([55:02])
What specific actions did the early church take to support those in need during the famine in Jerusalem? ([56:20])
According to Matthew 28:19-20, what are the key components of the Great Commission that Jesus gave to His disciples? ([01:04:02])

Interpretation Questions

How does Peter’s vision in Acts 11 challenge the cultural and religious barriers of his time, and what does this teach us about inclusivity in the church today? ([50:57])
Why are kingdom partnerships, like the one between Paul and Barnabas, essential for effective ministry? How can we apply this principle in our own church community? ([58:57])
What does the early church’s response to the famine in Jerusalem reveal about the importance of good works in the life of a believer? ([56:20])
How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 apply to every believer, and what does it mean for our personal responsibility in evangelism and discipleship? ([01:04:43])

Application Questions

Reflecting on Peter’s vision, are there any cultural or personal biases that might be hindering you from sharing the gospel with certain people? How can you overcome these barriers? ([50:57])
Think about a time when you worked with others in a ministry or project. How did collaboration enhance the outcome? How can you foster more kingdom partnerships in your current ministry efforts? ([58:57])
The early church was proactive in meeting the needs of others. Identify a specific need in your community or church. What steps can you take this week to address it? ([56:20])
The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. Who is one person in your life that you can begin to disciple? What practical steps will you take to start this process? ([01:04:43])
Our church is called to be dynamic and creative in ministry. What is one innovative method you can use to share the gospel or serve others this month? ([01:20:32])
Reflect on your current level of commitment to evangelism and discipleship. What changes can you make to prioritize these aspects of your faith more effectively? ([01:04:43])
How can you support and encourage the young people in our church to be actively involved in ministry and outreach? What specific actions can you take to mentor or guide them? ([43:08])

Sermon Clips

1. "I believe the Lord is calling the church to stand up. And he's calling men to stand up, calling men to take their rightful, you know, position. They're not only as heads of families, but out there on the front lines of sharing, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and living out a Christ-like example in the world, where the world is trying to cause us men to conform to a different standard. But I believe the Lord has called us men to a biblical standard, a biblical standard recognizing and representing what a true man is." [40:15] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If we don't put our young people to work for the gospel of Jesus Christ, if we don't have a vision for our young people, then the world is going to attract them with so much more. They're going to they're going to busy. They're going to find themselves and they're going to they're going to find other things. To captivate their minds, to attract them into a different way of life that could potentially harm them, but definitely is is meant by the devil himself to steer them away from the church, to steer them away from the kingdom of God." [43:08] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The moment you and I are called. Beyond what we are prepared. Or willing. Or ready to do. He's going to question whether or not our commitment to him is truly a commitment. Amen? It's like in the park system with sports. You know who is a true coach. When you have coaches that continue to coach kids after their kids graduate from youth. Sports. The ones who truly are called to coach. And pour into those youngsters. Will still be there at the parks. Coaching kids. Pouring into them. And enjoying part of their calling to that group of people." [48:02] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The gospel is calling us to go beyond our self-interest. Is my point. The gospel is calling us to go beyond just our families. Mission. In Acts chapter 11. We're going to see that great movement. Turn with me there. And let us read through this chapter. I'm reading out of the NIV. The new international version. And the title of my message today is. A dynamic people. The church is a dynamic people." [49:18] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The church is called into a life of good works. So we see three different things taking place here in chapter 11. First we see that the gospel is now moving into the ends of the earth. Okay. That's very significant for us as the church to understand. It's easier for us Gentiles to understand that this was God's plan all along for redemption. Than it was for the early Jewish Christians to believe and to accept. It was very difficult for the Jews to accept this." [58:57] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "The church is not called to be a non-profit. The church was called to be a dynamic. Movement. A dynamic people. That are identified. Called by God. Image bearing. Sent into motion. Identifying with the great commission. And making our purpose. And what is it? all. Should be saved. Have you lost your zeal? For sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ? Have we been so bogged down. By our own problems. Our own circumstances. Our own situations. Our own issues. That we have forgotten the urgency of the gospel of Jesus Christ." [01:13:13] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The church is called into a life of good works. Paul and Barnabas heard about the need. The famine that was in all the land. Especially the Jewish believers. That were in Jerusalem. They decided to take up a big collection of money. To send to Jerusalem. To help the church. Coach Elvis. The church just got back from national boxing. Tournament called the junior Olympics. People continue to ask coach Elvis and Olivia. About the success that we experience here at our gym. Our community center. Through boxing." [01:23:07] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "God has called us as a church. To do the work of God. In all the world. Somebody say Amen. God has called us as a church. To do the work of God. Together. In partnership. In harmony. And sometimes in disharmony. That we got to work on. And that's dynamic. Because that's ever moving. And growing. And evolving. It's never easy. But if we all remain committed. To the same purpose. We will all grow in maturity." [01:26:58] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "We accept those challenges. We face them head on. Yes, God has called us to it. God's called us to do it together. And God's called us to greater works. To greater things. Church would you stand with me. I believe the Lord is preparing our church for. A greater commitment. And when I say the church. I mean each and every one of us individually. He's calling us into. A commitment of discipleship. Learning how to disciple others. I want you to join with me in prayer." [01:31:31] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "The church. Is the people. The dynamic people. The dynamic body of believers. That God has called to demonstrate to the world. What this love is all about. That is why it is so significant. Not just for the Jews. But for all the world to understand. The gospel of Jesus Christ. And that Jesus forgives sins. Do you remember. When you first repented of your sin. And received Jesus Christ in your life. Didn't it feel like there was a massive weight. Removed from your shoulders." [01:11:22] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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