Acts 11

Acts 11. scolded

Acts 11:1-30

SUMMARYScolded

OVERVIEWThe Jewish believers initially reprimanded Peter for entering a Gentile house. But after Peter explained what God had done, all the believers in Jerusalem understood and praised God.

BIG IDEABe teachable. Don’t think you understand everything about God.

KEY VERSE: Acts 11:17–18 (Peter and group interact)
“And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?” When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.”

IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
My message is for all people, even those who don’t look like you, or those with different customs, languages, and backgrounds. Your church is not a closed group. Open the doors. Don’t hoard the faith and the blessings and the new life I have given you. Share it with everyone. There’s more than enough for you—you’ll never run out. Take my message everywhere and welcome all who want to follow. The joy and hope you’ve received are for all.

Do not be quick to judge or criticize those who make adjustments to welcome outsiders into the faith. Be a student. Listen to people and learn from them. Seek to understand who they are and why they do what they do. They may need to be corrected or redirected, but they may also be following my instructions. I’m looking for people to follow me wholeheartedly. Follow me and encourage others who are doing the same.

NEXT STEP
Finding a group of believers to grow with—a church to worship in—can be comfortable for those on the ‘inside’, but seem exclusive to those on the ‘outside’. What can you do to ensure your church and your group of Christian friends welcomes those from different backgrounds? Who can you invite to be a part of what God is doing in your life?

LYRIC VIDEO