Three Mysterious Strangers Lead Apostle on Unexpected Journey – No Golden Tickets Required! The Great Baptismal Splash, “When in Doubt, Dunk it Out”.
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Hey there, family! It’s so wonderful to see all your smiling faces today. Welcome to our church home, where God’s love is always in abundance. Today, we’re diving into an amazing story from Acts that’s going to open our eyes to God’s incredible plan for all people.
Before we get started, let me share a few quick announcements:
- Community Picnic: Next Saturday at 11 AM in Central Park. Bring a dish to share!
- Youth Group Car Wash: This Sunday after service. Help our teens raise money for their summer mission trip.
- Bible Study: New series on the Book of Acts starts Wednesday at 7 PM. Don’t miss it!
Remember, you’re all part of this family. Let’s make each other feel at home!
Section 2. Call to Worship
Let’s prepare our hearts to hear God’s word. Today, we’ll focus on Acts 11:1-18, a passage that reminds us of God’s boundless love and acceptance. Let’s read verse 18 together:
“When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, ‘So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.'”
What a powerful reminder that God’s love knows no boundaries. Let’s praise Him for His inclusive grace!
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Loving Father, we come before You with open hearts and minds. Thank You for gathering us here today. As we dive into Your Word, we ask that You speak to each of us personally. Open our eyes to see Your truth, our ears to hear Your wisdom, and our hearts to feel Your love. Help us to understand Your message of inclusion and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Now, let’s lift our voices in praise! Our worship team is going to lead us in some songs that celebrate God’s boundless love. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just like to hum along, join in as we express our gratitude and adoration to our amazing God. Remember, it’s not about perfect pitch – it’s about a perfect heart turned towards our Heavenly Father.
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Today, we’re exploring Acts 11:1-18. This passage tells the incredible story of how God showed Peter that His love and salvation were for everyone – not just the Jews, but for all people.
Let’s read the passage together: Acts 11:1-18, NIV
“1 The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.
2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him
3 and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.”
4 Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story:
5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was.
6 I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds.
7 Then I heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’
8 “I replied, ‘Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’
9 “The voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’
10 This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.
11 “Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying.
12 The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house.
13 He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter.
14 He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.’
15 “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.
16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
17 So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”
18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we reflect on this powerful passage from Acts, we’re reminded of Your boundless love and acceptance. Just as You opened Peter’s eyes to see that Your grace extends to all people, we pray that You would open our hearts too.
Lord, help us to break down the barriers that divide us. Show us where we’ve created artificial boundaries, and give us the courage to reach across them with Your love. We pray for those who feel excluded or unworthy of Your grace. May they experience the fullness of Your acceptance and love.
Guide us, Holy Spirit, to be instruments of Your inclusive love in our families, workplaces, and communities. Help us to see others as You see them – as Your beloved children.
Congregational Response: “Lord, make us channels of Your boundless love and acceptance to all people.”
Section 7. Offering
Family, as we prepare to give our tithes and offerings, let’s remember that giving is more than just a financial transaction – it’s an act of worship. Just as God’s love extends to all people, our giving allows His message of grace to reach far beyond these walls.
When we give, we’re participating in God’s mission to bring hope and salvation to every corner of the world. We’re saying, “God, use me and what I have to make a difference.”
Let’s pray:
Gracious God, we thank You for Your boundless generosity towards us. As we give today, we do so with grateful hearts. Use these offerings to further Your kingdom and to share Your message of love and acceptance with all people. May our giving be an act of worship that honors You and blesses others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Remember, friends, it’s not about how much we give, but about giving with a heart full of love and gratitude. Thank you for your faithfulness in supporting God’s work through our church.
Section 8. Special Music
Before we dive into our main message today, we have a special treat for you. Our worship team has prepared a beautiful rendition of “No Longer Strangers,” a song that perfectly captures the heart of our scripture passage from Acts. As you listen, let the words wash over you and prepare your heart for the message God has for us today.
Bring This Sermon to Life: The Full Teaching and Tools
Are you ready to take your understanding of Acts 11:1-18 to the next level? Do you want to dive deeper into God’s message of inclusion and grace?
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Don’t miss out on the full teaching that will transform your perspective on God’s love for all people. Get access to the complete sermon, including in-depth analysis, practical applications, and powerful insights that will fuel your spiritual growth.
Paid Content Section 9. Sermon
Sermon Title: “Breaking Barriers: God’s Love Knows No Bounds”
Free Bible Study: Unlock the Secret to God’s Radical Inclusion!
(That Even the Apostles Missed)
The Shocking Vision That Changed Everything
Picture this: Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, is praying on a rooftop when suddenly, he has a vision that turns his world upside down. A sheet descends from heaven, filled with animals considered “unclean” by Jewish law. A voice commands him to eat, but Peter refuses. This happens three times.
Little did Peter know that this strange vision was about to shatter centuries of religious tradition and open the floodgates of God’s love to the entire world.
Just as Peter was puzzling over this bizarre experience, three men arrived at his door. They were sent by a Roman centurion named Cornelius – a Gentile, someone the Jews considered unclean and unworthy of God’s favor.
But God had other plans.
The Moment That Changed the Course of Christianity Forever
As Peter shared the Gospel with Cornelius and his household, something extraordinary happened. The Holy Spirit fell on these Gentiles, just as it had on the Jewish believers at Pentecost.
The implications were staggering. God was making it crystal clear that His love and salvation were for everyone – no exceptions.
This radical inclusion sparked a controversy that rocked the early church to its core. But it also paved the way for the explosive growth of Christianity beyond the borders of Judaism.
Are You Ready to Embrace God’s Boundless Love?
Today, we face our own “Cornelius moments” – opportunities to extend God’s love beyond our comfort zones. Are you prepared to challenge your own assumptions and biases?
This powerful Bible study will:
- Reveal the hidden barriers that might be limiting your impact for God’s kingdom
- Equip you with practical tools to break down walls and build bridges
- Ignite a passion for inclusive ministry that reflects God’s heart for all people
Don’t miss this chance to revolutionize your understanding of God’s love and your role in His grand plan.
For just $4.99, you’ll gain access to transformative insights that will deepen your faith and expand your ministry. Plus, your purchase supports our ongoing efforts to spread God’s Word.
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May the boundless grace of Jesus Christ overflow in your life, igniting a passion for His inclusive love that transforms you, your family, and everyone you encounter.
