God's Inclusive Grace: Sharing Jesus with Everyone
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Crosspoint! God has been doing some incredible things here, and I want to share an update before we dive into today's message. Over the last 12 months, we've celebrated 91 baptisms. It's been amazing to see God move as people find Him and as we share Jesus and love people. Recognizing the need to make room for more, we will be moving to three services every Sunday starting August 11th. I ask everyone to start praying now that God will work in the hearts of people living far from Him.
Today, we continue our series, "Build Your Church," focusing on Acts 10. The early church is growing, spreading beyond Jerusalem due to the persecution of Stephen and Saul. We see a significant event involving Cornelius, a Roman soldier in Caesarea who feared God and was generous to the poor. One day, while praying, Cornelius received a vision from an angel instructing him to seek out Simon Peter. Cornelius sent men to find Peter, who was also praying and received a vision from God. In this vision, Peter saw a sheet with unclean animals and was told to kill and eat. Peter refused, but God told him not to call anything unclean that He has made clean. This vision repeated three times.
As Peter pondered the vision, Cornelius' men arrived. The Holy Spirit instructed Peter to go with them without hesitation. Peter went to Cornelius' house, where Cornelius had gathered his family and friends. Peter explained that it was against Jewish law for him to enter a Gentile home, but God had shown him not to call anyone impure or unclean. Cornelius shared his vision, and Peter began to preach the gospel, emphasizing that God shows no favoritism and that Jesus is Lord of all. He recounted Jesus' ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection, explaining that Jesus took on the curse of sin for all humanity.
As Peter spoke, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening, and the Jewish believers were amazed that the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Gentiles. Peter then baptized them, recognizing that God was making it clear that the gift of Jesus is for everyone. This was a significant moment for the early church, challenging their deeply held beliefs about who could be part of God's family.
Peter returned to Jerusalem, where he faced criticism for associating with Gentiles. He explained how the Holy Spirit had fallen on the Gentiles just as it had on the Jewish believers at Pentecost. This convinced the church leaders that God was indeed extending His grace to the Gentiles.
In closing, we must recognize that the gift of Jesus is for everyone. We are called to share Jesus with all people, even those who are different from us. It can be uncomfortable, but we must step into the lives of those in our community who are broken and hurting. Let's pray for the courage to share the good news of Jesus wherever we go.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Work in Our Community: Over the past year, we've seen God move powerfully in our community, with 91 baptisms as a testament to His work. This growth challenges us to make room for more people and to continue praying for those far from God. As we expand to three services, let's pray that God will soften hearts and open doors for us to share Jesus. [21:51]
2. The Vision of Clean and Unclean: Peter's vision of the sheet with unclean animals teaches us that God does not show favoritism. This vision was a pivotal moment, breaking down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles. It reminds us that God's grace is available to all, and we must not let our traditions or prejudices hinder the spread of the gospel. [29:18]
3. The Gospel for All: Peter's message to Cornelius and his household emphasized that Jesus is Lord of all and that there is peace with God through Him. This message is for everyone, regardless of their background. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones to share the gospel with those who are different from us. [38:27]
4. The Holy Spirit's Confirmation: The Holy Spirit falling on the Gentiles was a clear sign that God's gift of salvation is for everyone. This event mirrored Pentecost, showing that the same Holy Spirit who empowered the Jewish believers was now empowering the Gentiles. It challenges us to recognize and celebrate God's work in all people. [50:08]
5. Overcoming Prejudices: The early church struggled to accept that Gentiles could receive the Holy Spirit, but Peter's testimony convinced them. This teaches us that we must be open to God's work in unexpected ways and be willing to let go of our prejudices. The gift of Jesus is for everyone, and we must share it boldly and inclusively. [53:10]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[21:51] - Celebrating Baptisms and Growth
[23:20] - Moving to Three Services
[25:15] - Introduction to Acts 10
[26:18] - Cornelius' Vision
[28:47] - Peter's Vision
[30:50] - Peter Meets Cornelius
[32:21] - Breaking Jewish Traditions
[34:20] - The Great Commission
[36:26] - Cornelius' Faith and Obedience
[38:27] - Peter Preaches the Gospel
[40:29] - Jesus Took Our Curse
[43:07] - The Resurrection and Witnesses
[45:23] - Cornelius' Hope in Jesus
[47:38] - Prophecies Pointing to Jesus
[50:08] - The Holy Spirit Falls on Gentiles
[52:12] - The Church's Struggle with Inclusion
[53:10] - Peter's Testimony
[55:21] - Overcoming Traditions
[57:16] - The Gift of Jesus for Everyone
[58:29] - Stepping into the Uncomfortable
[59:06] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 10:1-48 - The story of Cornelius and Peter's vision.
2. Galatians 3:13 - "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.'"
3. Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - "If someone guilty of a capital offense is put to death and their body is exposed on a pole, you must not leave the body hanging on the pole overnight. Be sure to bury it that same day, because anyone who is hung on a pole is under God’s curse. You must not desecrate the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of Cornelius' vision and how did it lead him to seek out Peter? ([27:17])
2. Describe Peter's vision and his initial reaction to it. What did the vision symbolize? ([29:18])
3. How did the Holy Spirit confirm God's acceptance of the Gentiles during Peter's visit to Cornelius' house? ([50:08])
4. What was the reaction of the Jewish believers when they saw the Holy Spirit fall on the Gentiles? ([50:08])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why was Peter's vision of the sheet with unclean animals significant in the context of Jewish dietary laws and traditions? ([29:18])
2. How does Peter's message to Cornelius emphasize the inclusivity of the gospel? ([38:27])
3. What does the falling of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles signify about God's plan for salvation? ([50:08])
4. How did Peter's testimony help the early church overcome their prejudices against Gentiles? ([53:10])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the growth and baptisms at Crosspoint. How can you contribute to making room for more people and praying for those far from God? ([21:51])
2. Peter had to step out of his comfort zone to share the gospel with Cornelius. What are some ways you can step out of your comfort zone to share Jesus with others? ([58:29])
3. Peter's vision challenged his deeply held beliefs. Are there any traditions or prejudices you hold that might hinder the spread of the gospel? How can you address them? ([29:18])
4. The Holy Spirit's confirmation was a clear sign of God's acceptance of all people. How can you recognize and celebrate God's work in people who are different from you? ([50:08])
5. Cornelius gathered his family and friends to hear Peter's message. Who in your life can you invite to hear the good news of Jesus? ([37:27])
6. Peter faced criticism for associating with Gentiles but stood firm in his testimony. How can you stand firm in your faith when facing criticism or opposition? ([53:10])
7. The sermon emphasized the need to share Jesus with everyone, even those who are different from us. Identify one person in your community who is different from you. How can you build a relationship with them and share the gospel? ([57:53])
Devotional
Day 1: Witnessing God's Work in Our Community
Over the past year, the community has experienced a powerful move of God, evidenced by 91 baptisms. This growth is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus and the importance of sharing His love with others. As the church expands to three services, it is crucial to continue praying for those who are far from God, asking Him to soften their hearts and open doors for the gospel. This season of growth challenges everyone to make room for more people and to be intentional in their prayers and outreach efforts. [21:51]
Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: Who in your life is far from God? Take a moment to pray specifically for them, asking God to soften their hearts and provide opportunities for you to share Jesus with them.
Day 2: Breaking Down Barriers
Peter's vision of the sheet with unclean animals was a pivotal moment in the early church, teaching that God does not show favoritism. This vision broke down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles, reminding believers that God's grace is available to all. Traditions and prejudices should never hinder the spread of the gospel. Instead, the church is called to embrace all people, recognizing that everyone is made clean through Jesus. [29:18]
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: Are there any traditions or prejudices in your heart that might be hindering you from sharing the gospel with certain people? Ask God to reveal these to you and help you overcome them.
Day 3: The Universality of the Gospel
Peter's message to Cornelius and his household emphasized that Jesus is Lord of all and that there is peace with God through Him. This message is for everyone, regardless of their background. Believers are called to step out of their comfort zones and share the gospel with those who are different from them. The universality of the gospel challenges everyone to be inclusive and bold in their witness. [38:27]
Ephesians 2:17-18 (ESV): "And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father."
Reflection: Think of someone in your community who is different from you. How can you step out of your comfort zone to share the love of Jesus with them today?
Day 4: The Holy Spirit's Confirmation
The Holy Spirit falling on the Gentiles was a clear sign that God's gift of salvation is for everyone. This event mirrored Pentecost, showing that the same Holy Spirit who empowered the Jewish believers was now empowering the Gentiles. It challenges believers to recognize and celebrate God's work in all people, regardless of their background. The Holy Spirit's confirmation is a reminder that God's grace knows no bounds. [50:08]
Acts 11:15-17 (ESV): "As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?"
Reflection: How can you celebrate and recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in people who are different from you? Take a moment to thank God for His inclusive grace.
Day 5: Overcoming Prejudices
The early church struggled to accept that Gentiles could receive the Holy Spirit, but Peter's testimony convinced them. This teaches that believers must be open to God's work in unexpected ways and be willing to let go of their prejudices. The gift of Jesus is for everyone, and it must be shared boldly and inclusively. Overcoming prejudices is essential for the church to fulfill its mission of spreading the gospel to all nations. [53:10]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "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: Reflect on any prejudices you may hold. How can you actively work to overcome these and share the gospel more inclusively? Ask God for the courage and wisdom to do so.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We have to be willing to step into the uncomfortable. We have to be willing to step into the lives of the people that are living in our community that are broken and hurting and messed up. And sometimes it's going to be really uncomfortable. And so I want to close us in prayer and ask that God would give us that courage to believe. And to act upon the truth that Jesus is for everyone." [58:29]
2. "We need to be praying that God will open doors wide open for us to share Jesus as a church. And so, start praying right now. The second thing is not for everyone, because some of you are already doing this. The second thing is some of you guys, you're not serving anywhere. And I just, I want to ask that you would start praying now and start thinking now about joining one of our crew teams." [23:49]
3. "Cross point, the Old Testament clearly, clearly points to Jesus. Alright, verse 44, even as Peter was saying all these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles too. For they heard them speaking in other tongues." [49:38]
4. "Cross point, we can only be saved by Jesus. We can only be saved by his blood. We can only be saved when we stand judgment if instead of us, he stands in our place. Because we've all sinned. And this is really, really good news." [47:03]
5. "Cross point. The gift of Jesus is for everyone. We have to be a church that leans in to the truth that the gift of Jesus, the forgiveness of our sins, the opportunity to repent, to repent of those, and to have eternal life, it's for everyone." [57:16]
### Quotes for Members
1. "And so, the announcement is that we've just recognized that we need to continue to make room for more. That God is moving, and He is at work. And so, while over the next couple months, in the summertime, when everybody travels, it won't feel like it, we know that as we get to the fall, and school starts back up, which, by the way, hey, school's out. That's awesome. Yeah. Sorry, that feels like a national holiday to me. I'm just, like, fired up about that every time. But we know that as we get to the fall, and school starts back up, that we need to make room for more." [22:21]
2. "And so, starting on August 11th, we're going to move to having three services every Sunday here at Crosspoint. Yeah, we are really excited about this. So, those are going to be the first three services. We're going to be at 8.30, 10 a.m., and 11.30. And we're real excited. We think God is going to continue to do incredible things through this. I want to ask you guys right now to start doing two things for me. Okay? The first one's for everyone. The second one's only for some of you." [22:51]
3. "And so, Peter isn't totally sure, probably, exactly what God is doing here, but he recognizes, hey, this isn't my place. I need to be obedient to what God is calling me to do. It is clear that I'm not supposed to call someone unclean just because of their heritage. So why have you sent for me? Cornelius replied, four days ago, I was praying in my house about this same time, three o'clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. He told me, Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God." [36:26]
4. "And so in this moment, they have to make a choice. They have to make a choice. Are they going to hold on to their traditions, their personal convictions, or are they going to celebrate what God is doing? And it's funny, because 2,000 years later and as different as the church looks today, we still struggle with this sometimes. We still struggle with this. Now, I'm not saying, I'm not up here to introduce some crazy new doctrine. That's not happening today, okay?" [55:21]
5. "And so, Peter is staying there, and one day he is praying as these men who are coming to get him are entering the town. And so he's praying and seeking God, and just spending that time with the Lord, and the whole Holy Spirit gives him a message as well. Hey, there's some guys, they're about, well, actually, I'm sorry, I got distracted and missed a part that's really important. So he's praying and before the Holy Spirit tells him about these guys, the Holy Spirit gives him this really incredible vision, where there's something like a sheet that is lowered down from heaven." [28:47]
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