Overcoming prejudice in the Overcoming prejudice in the Church – Acts 10:1-11:18Church – Acts 10:1-11:18

1.1. God saves a seekerGod saves a seeker

a. He is devout – 10:2a. He is devout – 10:2

b. He is compassionate – 10:2b. He is compassionate – 10:2

c. He prays – 10:2,3c. He prays – 10:2,3

BUTBUT

a. He needs to hear the message of salvation – a. He needs to hear the message of salvation – 11:1411:14

b. He needs to receive forgiveness & the Spiritb. He needs to receive forgiveness & the Spirit

2. God transforms a prejudiced 2. God transforms a prejudiced messengermessenger

The O.T. saw the Gospel going to all nations The O.T. saw the Gospel going to all nations –Gen.12:3; Ps.2:7,8; 22:27,28; Is.2:2-4; –Gen.12:3; Ps.2:7,8; 22:27,28; Is.2:2-4; 42:6; 49:6; Joel 2:28,29; Zech.2:11; 42:6; 49:6; Joel 2:28,29; Zech.2:11; 8:22,23 etc8:22,23 etc

Peter slowly changesPeter slowly changes

1.1. Stays with Simon the Tanner – 9:43Stays with Simon the Tanner – 9:432.2. Has a repeated vision – 10:10-16Has a repeated vision – 10:10-163.3. Receives Gentile visitors – 10:17-23Receives Gentile visitors – 10:17-234.4. Sees hungry listeners – 10:24-43Sees hungry listeners – 10:24-435.5. Sees God welcoming Gentiles –10:44-48Sees God welcoming Gentiles –10:44-48Peter is transformed - 10:28,29,34,35; 11:17Peter is transformed - 10:28,29,34,35; 11:17The Church is challenged - 11:1-3,18The Church is challenged - 11:1-3,18BUT – Peter relapses – Gal.2:11,12BUT – Peter relapses – Gal.2:11,12

3. The Good News that transforms 3. The Good News that transforms people – 10:34-43people – 10:34-43

a. The Good News of peacea. The Good News of peace

1. Peace with God - 10:43; Rom.5:1; Eph.2:1-101. Peace with God - 10:43; Rom.5:1; Eph.2:1-10

2. Peace with others – Eph.2:11-182. Peace with others – Eph.2:11-18

b. The Good News of Jesusb. The Good News of Jesus

1. God’s anointed Saviour – 10:38,391. God’s anointed Saviour – 10:38,39

2. His death – 10:39; Gal.3:13; 1Pet.2:242. His death – 10:39; Gal.3:13; 1Pet.2:24

3. His resurrection – 10:40,413. His resurrection – 10:40,41

4. His exaltation – Lord of all -10:36,424. His exaltation – Lord of all -10:36,42

4. What are your prejudices?4. What are your prejudices?

a.a. Recognising them & allowing God to Recognising them & allowing God to transform ustransform us

b.b. Embrace a Gospel for ALL PEOPLEEmbrace a Gospel for ALL PEOPLE

c.c. Strive for the Church being a display of Strive for the Church being a display of heaven – multicultural/multiracialheaven – multicultural/multiracial