Our Inclusive God

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – October 31, 2021

Series Title: The Church for Everyone

Today’s Title: “Our Inclusive God”

Today’s Text: Acts 10:1-23

 

Some of the most difficult aspects of life to change are what we eat, who we spend time with, and what we believe about God. When food and friends are important elements in a cherished but inadequate belief system, change is extremely challenging.  (but not impossible)

 

CORNELIUS

The God-fearing, praying, Gentile, leader of Romans soldiers (v1-2)

God hears the prayer of this Gentile leader of Romans soldiers (v3-7)   

      - Luke 7:1-10

 

PETER

The Spirit-filled, law-abiding, praying, Jewish leader of the apostles (v9-13)

 

HOW GOD LEADS PETER TO CHANGE

 

FOOD RULES SHOULD NOT OVERRULE GOD’S VOICE (v14)

            “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” – Peter

            “unclean” 108x in Leviticus (chapter 11 contains food laws)

 

GOD BREAKS GOD’S OWN RULES TO GET TO US (v15)

                Jesus changed the rules about food – Mark 7:14-23

                God is teaching Peter WHAT He requires and WHO can come to Him

 

THE POWER OF THREE (v16-19)

                The same vision three times

                “Three men are looking for you. Do not hesitate to go with them”

                Peter’s three denials of Jesus – Luke 22:54-62

                Jesus to Peter three times: “Do you love me?” – John 20:15-19

 

COME TO HIS HOME AND SPEAK (v21-23)

                Peter preached to large crowds, spoke boldly before the Sanhedrin,         called out deception in the church, spoke words of healing, and        spoke words that brought a woman back to life

 

                Was he ready to speak in the home of a Gentile Roman soldier?