SUMMARY: Astonished
OVERVIEW: Peter and other Jews were astonished that God was sending them to the Gentiles and that the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit.
BIG IDEA: God shows no favoritism. He welcomes all people to know him and follow him.
KEY VERSE: Acts 10:34–35 (Peter to Cornelius and the crowd)
Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.”
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
My love transcends language, culture, race, geography, economic status, religion, age, level of education, reputation, and every human-made label. Everyone—whoever and wherever—is loved extravagantly by me. Let this be known. Teach others this truth, but live it out yourself. Extend your hand and an invitation to those who are not like you. Love them, serve them, and lead them towards me. Let them see my love and experience it, too.
My word is for everyone. The salvation work that Jesus completed on the cross is for anyone and everyone who receives him. Welcome all people, reach out to all, see everyone as I see them—lost but loved children in need of their gracious father. Turn your fear and prejudice over to me. And then step out in faith and boldly love and serve those you know and those you don’t yet know. Treat them like family. Love them beyond reason.
NEXT STEP
Do you show prejudice against an ethnic group or a particular person? Confess this sin to God and ask him to help you love the way he loves people.
FAITH STORY
BONUS Lyric Video