A Spirit-Empowered Message for All

SESSION 6 A Spirit-Empowered Message for All

Summary and Goal

The gospel resists and tears down the boundaries that often separate people in the world, and the writers of the New Testament were often at pains to confront the church when it failed to unite around the gospel and break these walls down. Peter, who struggled with such issues himself, learned the importance of calling the church to brotherly unity, but his journey toward unity took the Holy Spirit paving the way in the heart of a Gentile and then in his own heart. With God, there is no favoritism, and salvation is offered to people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. Main Passages Acts 10:1-16,34-48 Session Outline 1. God cultivates a Gentile’s heart to receive the gospel (Acts 10:1-8). 2. God condemns His people’s sense of superiority (Acts 10:9-16). 3. God calls His people to welcome all who believe the gospel (Acts 10:34-48).

Theological Theme God shows no favoritism but offers salvation to people of every ethnicity. Christ Connection God challenged Peter’s tradition of “clean” and “unclean” foods in order to further challenge his perspective of “clean” and “unclean” people. Peter learned that God does not show favoritism but calls His people to proclaim the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection to all people, to celebrate His work in their lives, and to welcome believers into His family, regardless of their ethnicity. Missional Application God calls us not to show favoritism in sharing the gospel but to extend the call of salvation to all people.

Date of My Bible Study: ______79

Session 6

Introduction For Further Recount the writer’s story about a youth ministry reaching teenagers who Discussion didn’t fit the mold of his suburban church and how some in the church Why do you think a church became uncomfortable with this development (leader p. 82; PSG p. 64). for all people is so crucial to the message of the Bible? What boundaries have you seen or experienced that separated Christians from one another? That wrongly kept the unchurched from hearing the gospel? Point 1 Option Summarize this session about the gospel that tears down the boundaries that Ask groups of 3-4 to read the “Essential Christian often separate people (leader p. 83; PSG p. 65). Doctrine” God’s Plan and Human Action (leader p. 84; PSG p. 66) and to discuss 1. God cultivates a Gentile’s heart to receive the the following questions gospel (Acts 10:1-8). (consider writing the questions on a board or Ask a volunteer to read Acts 10:1-8. Describe who Cornelius was and that sheet of paper for groups to God had been cultivating a spiritual hunger in him. Note how God drew have; also available on the DVD in The Gospel Project him to a deeper relationship by commanding him to meet with Peter for Adults: Leader Pack): (leader pp. 83-84; PSG pp. 65-66). • Why might we struggle to affirm the biblical truth of Why do you think God chooses to use Christians to spread God’s sovereign control over history alongside the the gospel? biblical truth of humanity’s authentic responsibility? Speak to our need to pay attention to what motivates people in our own • How does knowing that God is sovereign encourage culture to various religious practices—we might discover hearts that long for you? In what ways does it truth. Such people will not find what they’re looking for apart from God’s challenge you? miraculous intervention and apart from God’s church (leader pp. 84-85; After a couple of moments, PSG p. 67). allow groups to share some of their reflections. What are some ways you see non-Christians in the world around you seeking a spiritual encounter?

Pack Item 5: How might you point them to Jesus in light of their Early Church misguided efforts to find a substitute for God? Expansion Map Caesarea and Joppa are highlighted on the map.

80 Leader Guide 2. God condemns His people’s sense of superiority (Acts 10:9-16). For Further Read Acts 10:9-16. Explain Peter’s vision of the sheet with four corners being Discussion lowered from heaven and why he refused to obey the Lord’s command to Despite its dietary and ritual regulations no longer “kill and eat” (leader pp. 85-86; PSG pp. 67-68). being binding because of the new covenant, how What are some ways God has surprised you or disrupted does the Law of Moses your expectations? still provide wisdom for Christians? What things should we State that Peter’s vision marked a turning point in the life of the church— keep in mind when tempted Israel’s time of being separate from the rest of the world on account of the to write off parts of the law as strange or impractical? Law of Moses had come to an end. What would set apart God’s people now was their faith in Jesus (leader pp. 86-87; PSG p. 68).

How should we reconcile the details of this story with the truth that God never changes?

What traditions might we need to reject or hold loosely so we don’t call impure what God has made clean?

3. God calls His people to welcome all who believe the gospel (Acts 10:34-48). Tell how Peter understood the vision, which is why he went with the three men Cornelius sent. Then read Acts 10:34-48. Clarify that as Peter preached the gospel, the Holy Spirit descended upon all those who heard the gospel message and they believed in Jesus (leader pp. 87-88; PSG pp. 69-70).

How have you been surprised by God’s grace getting Christ Connection: God through to someone and calling them to faith in Jesus? challenged Peter’s tradition of “clean” and “unclean” foods in order to further Challenge the group to consider how this story might apply to us as it relates challenge his perspective of “clean” and “unclean” to cultural, political, racial, and social issues (leader p. 89; PSG pp. 70-71). people. Peter learned that God does not show What groups of people might we be prone to write off as favoritism but calls His too resistant to the gospel? people to proclaim the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection to all What are some specific ways this story should change people, to celebrate His our perspective? work in their lives, and to welcome believers into His family, regardless of Conclusion their ethnicity. Exhort the group to examine themselves in light of Cornelius’ story and to ...... Missional Application: root out their implicit biases toward people (leader p. 89; PSG p. 71). God calls us not to show Apply the truths of this session with “His Mission, Your Mission” (PSG p. 72). favoritism in sharing the gospel but to extend the call of salvation to Pass out bookmarks from Pack Item 7: Jesus’ Peace to help group members all people. remember the beauty of the gospel of Jesus as peace available for all people.

Session 6 81 Expanded Session Content A Spirit-Empowered Message for All

Session 6

Introduction Voices from Many years ago, I was a volunteer leader at a youth ministry at a quiet, Church History suburban church. It was a pretty dignified place in its appearance and in “Never…lose heart in the the makeup of its people. One Wednesday night at our youth group power of the gospel. Do not believe that there gathering, a handful of new kids showed up. They’d been invited by the exists any man, much less youth minister, promising the typical youth group fare: pizza, games, any race of men, for whom the gospel is not fitted.” 1 music, and a time of talking about Jesus. These kids didn’t fit the mold of –Charles Spurgeon most of the church’s well-heeled members. They lived in a poorer (1834-1892) neighborhood nearby. They wore grimy flannel shirts and heavy boots (it was the ’90s, after all). They rode skateboards across the parking lot, jumping curbs and sliding on railings. They were edgy, nervous, and unfamiliar with the church. At first, the church welcomed them. Soon they were sitting up close at our gatherings, some of them asking earnest questions about Jesus and about what it meant to be a Christian. Eventually, many of them came to faith and got baptized. They invited more of their friends. The youth group started to look different, and the youth group kids were excited, learning what it meant to live on mission. Something was stirring in the community, and it was beautiful. But some in the church were troubled by these developments. They didn’t like the unfamiliar faces in the parking lot. They worried about what kind of influence this new “element” might have on the lives and faith of their kids. Tension began to build and conversations took place until the day the church fired the youth minister. The Wednesday night youth group meeting was disbanded. Signs were posted that banned skateboarding from the parking lot. Kids that still showed up on Sundays were scolded if they weren’t dressed appropriately, and of course, those kids left. Soon things returned to the comfortable familiarity that the church had known before.

What boundaries have you seen or experienced that separated Christians from one another? That wrongly kept the unchurched from hearing the gospel?

82 Leader Guide Session Summary The gospel resists and tears down the boundaries that often separate people in the world, and the writers of the New Testament were often at pains to confront the church when it failed to unite around the gospel and break these walls down. Peter, who struggled with such issues himself, learned the importance of calling the church to brotherly unity, but his journey toward unity took the Holy Spirit paving the way in the heart of a Gentile and then in his own heart. With God, there is no favoritism, and salvation is offered to people from every tribe, tongue, and nation.

1. God cultivates a Gentile’s heart to receive the gospel (Acts 10:1-8). Further The Holy Spirit began the work of taking the gospel to the Gentiles Commentary and helping the fledgling church see this as God’s plan. In Acts 10:1-8, we “To date the gospel had been well established see that He began a new stage of this work with a man named Cornelius. in Jerusalem and was extending throughout 1 the Jewish territory (9:31). At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of It was only a matter of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared time, therefore, before the limits of that territory God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and would be reached (both prayed continually to God. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw geographically and demographically), and clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” the problem of Gentile 4 And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he eligibility would have to be faced. What was said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial needed was a test case— before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who something to show clearly 6 what God’s will was in is called Peter. He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house the matter—and the case is by the sea.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he of Cornelius met that need. Of course, Luke called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who had the advantage of attended him, 8 and having related everything to them, he sent them hindsight. He saw a far greater significance in the to Joppa. admission of Cornelius and his friends into the church than anyone could Cornelius seems to be someone who had revered God for a long time. have at the time. At first, He was a Roman living in Judea and overseeing several hundred Roman it was probably seen as something exceptional, soldiers stationed at Caesarea. He was not a foot soldier but more like certainly not a precedent a battalion commander, a person with political and military power at by which to establish a rule, much less an incentive his disposal. to actively seek other It’s likely that Cornelius had been strongly influenced by the Jewish Gentiles to bring into the church. And Luke himself culture surrounding him. When Luke tells us he was devout and feared understood this.” 2 God, most commentators agree that this means he was in some way –David John Williams worshiping the one true God as revealed in the Old Testament Scriptures. Perhaps this meant he was attending the synagogue and participating in Jewish religious and cultural practices. He was certainly moved enough by his religious efforts to give “alms generously to the [Jewish] people.”

Session 6 83 He was also someone of great influence. Luke says “all his household” Voices from feared God. His own religious piety and practice had rubbed off on those the Church around him, and this household included his family and the families of “My identity and my a number of servants. So in Caesarea, we have a little enclave of God- security are not in my seeking Gentiles, led by Cornelius. spiritual progress. My identity and my security God had been cultivating this hunger in Cornelius, and when He sent are in God’s acceptance an angel to speak with him, He commended Cornelius’ good heart and of me given as a gift in Christ.” 3 good work—describing his efforts as a “memorial offering,” a worthy –J. D. Greear sacrifice before the Lord. In the Roman Empire, where religions abounded, religious performance abounded too. It was a pluralistic and inclusive culture around religion, which invited Romans to participate in the worship of whatever gods happened to be important to them or 99 Essential nearby. For Cornelius, though, something more was at work. He wasn’t Christian Doctrines simply doing his religious duty and going through the motions while 25. God’s Plan stationed in Judea. Instead, his heart was moved to worship God. As the and Human Action psalmist pointed out, mere material sacrifice doesn’t impress God, but a God’s sovereignty over all of life encompasses broken and contrite heart does (Ps. 51:17). God commended Cornelius for the free actions of human this greater sacrifice of the heart and invited him to know Him further. beings. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in the Notice how God drew Cornelius to a deeper relationship with mind of a man, but it is the Himself. He didn’t simply reveal Jesus to him in his vision. Instead, He purpose of the Lord that will stand.” In ways we are commanded him to meet with Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples. God-fearing unable to comprehend Cornelius obeyed, gathering some servants and sending them off to find fully, the Lord’s plan goes forward through the Peter in Joppa, where the angel said he would be. choices of human beings as moral agents. Even Why do you think God chooses to use Christians to spread freely chosen sinful actions are factored into God’s the gospel? overarching plan, as is the case with the crucifixion of Jesus—an event both In our day, we could find many people who are seeking after God but purposed by God through don’t know Jesus. We live in an age where, alongside rigid secularism, religion foreknowledge and yet also carried out by the abounds. There’s a kind of feel-good “God is love” religion whose concepts of wicked decisions of God are vague and simplistic. There’s new age spirituality that takes its form human beings (Acts 2:23). Knowing that God is in yoga and meditation. And there’s a kind of power-of-positive-thinking working all things for the religion that shows up in many different forms. As Christians, we can good of those who love Him (Rom. 8:28), we trust certainly find elements of these religions that are objectionable, but we should in His promise to fulfill be careful not to dismiss the people who practice them too quickly and not to His plan, even when we do not understand our be too simplistic in our thoughts about them. present circumstances. If we pay attention to what motivates and attracts people to their various religious practices, we might discover hearts that long for truth. We might even discover people with an awareness of their spiritual poverty, people who are looking under every leaf for the possibility of a meaning spiritual encounter. We know those folks won’t find what they’re ultimately looking for apart from God’s own miraculous intervention to draw them to Himself. Moreover, we shouldn’t expect them to find God apart from the evangelistic ministry of His church.

84 Leader Guide That’s one of the most surprising things about Cornelius’ story. As pious as he was and as much as his heart seemed to be in the right place, he needed more than good motives to find God. He needed the church, the community of faithful saints who are filled with the Spirit and telling the world about Jesus. When we encounter people like Cornelius, we have a similar opportunity. We should pay attention to the ways their hearts are seeking God, and when we see good things at work in their hearts, such as humility, brokenness, love, and charity, we can applaud them. But we can’t stop there; we must also invite them to think about Jesus, and we can invite them to come to know him in the community of His church.

What are some ways you see non-Christians in the world around you seeking a spiritual encounter?

How might you point them to Jesus in light of their misguided efforts to find a substitute for God?

2. God condemns His people’s sense of superiority (Acts 10:9-16). Further Meanwhile, the apostle Peter had a vision of his own that would Commentary challenge his understanding of God and His image-bearers. “The four corners of the sheet in the vision correspond to the four 9 The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching points of the compass— north, south, east, and the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. west. The sheet’s contents 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they indicate the swarming 11 millions that populate the were preparing it, he fell into a trance and saw the heavens opened earth. Cornelius, all his and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four soldiers, all his servants, 12 all the Roman people, all corners upon the earth. In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles other nations on the face and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill of the earth—all mankind 14 were bound up together in and eat.” But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten one loathsome bundle. And anything that is common or unclean.” 15 And the voice came to him Peter was standing above them, surveying them all again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” and spitting out revulsion 16 This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once and rejection. Peter was about to see in living color to heaven. his cold attitude toward the world—or at least toward This was not your average “hungry guy dreams of food” dream, and non-Jews. Teeming millions were stone-blind spiritually, many aspects of this event mark it as significant. For starters, it was not and yet Peter’s callous a dream at all; it was a vision, something the Lord gave him as he was reply was, ‘Surely not, Lord!’ But once he really up on the roof praying. He didn’t fall asleep, and he didn’t stumble upon understood what it all God’s revelation. He heard from God because he was seeking God, having meant, Peter would never forget this strange vision! In already been drawn to Him through Christ. In and of itself, this is an fact, he spoke of it over and important point. For both believer and unbeliever alike—Seek the face of over again.” 4 God as He draws you to Himself, and He will be found! –R. Kent Hughes

Session 6 85 In the vision God gave him, he saw something coming down from the Voices from heavens, lowered by “four corners.” More than describing the geometrical Church History shape of this sheet, this phrase indicates that something with big “This assurance and implications was happening. The sheet with four corners recalls the four certainty [that a corners of the earth (see Isa. 11:12; Rev. 7:1); whatever God was revealing movement is of the Holy Spirit] consists principally to Peter had world-spanning consequences. in four things or reasons. In the sheet, Peter saw all the animals and birds of the earth represented. First is love for God and granting my neighbor what Peter, who lived according to the rules and traditions of Jewish culture, God has granted and given would have been scandalized by this sight and even more scandalized by the to me, for his praise and the salvation of my soul. command to “kill and eat.” Dietary laws were integral to Jewish national Second is to count it as and cultural identity. God gave the law to Israel as a way of distinguishing loss and to give up life to the point of death, to suffer them from the pagan culture of their neighbors, and breaking with this for the sake of Christ and pattern was seen as dishonoring to God, family, and nation. the gospel in all patience. Third, to realize when God So Peter’s response to the voice of the Lord was a firm no. Perhaps unlocks or opens a door, Peter thought he was being tested—was his hunger so strong that it could that one enters the same with the teaching of the overcome his convictions about the dietary laws he had kept from birth? gospel…Fourth, that one be The voice responded by telling him that God had made these animals free and sound in teaching and judgments and in clean and Peter must not call them impure anymore. truth, in order that none Luke tells us that this whole scene happens three times. In ancient speak unless Christ works through his Holy Spirit.” 5 Hebrew literature, repetition was never accidental. Rather, repetition –Pilgram Marpeck was meant to connote emphasis. In the Psalms and the Prophets, certain (1495-1556) phrases and ideas received poetic repetition as way of calling attention to their centrality in the message. In this passage, the repetition works to communicate the importance of what Peter was hearing and to set the stage for what would happen next. Voices from Church History What are some ways God has surprised you or disrupted “So the voice of the Lord your expectations? came down, not only because God was rebuking him but also he was saying Peter’s vision marked a turning point in the life of the church. Luke clearly, ‘What God has tells the story in a way that shows us God’s providence at work. Cornelius’ cleansed, you must not call common.’ Then [Peter] heart was being drawn to God just as Peter’s heart was being opened to immediately understood new possibilities. Something was about to change; some expectation, some that the time had come when the shadows had to sense of Jewish identity, was about to shift. be transformed into truth… In some ways, this was nothing new for Peter. Like most of the Jews of As I have said, the law was figures and shadows that his day, he was eagerly anticipating the coming of the Messiah, and when remained ‘until the time he started following Jesus, he thought he was about to witness a social and of correction.’ ” 6 political revolution. This was why he and so many of the other disciples would –Cyril of Alexandria (circa 375-444) bicker about who would sit next to Jesus on His throne, and this was why Peter was eager to draw his sword the night Jesus was arrested in Gethsemane. Jesus disrupted all of these expectations, walking a path of suffering and hardship rather than war and glory, defeating the spiritual enemies of Israel—Satan, sin, and death—rather than their political enemies, such as Rome. In Acts, Jesus disrupted Peter’s expectations again.

86 Leader Guide The command to ignore Israel’s dietary laws and “kill and eat” indicated that the time of Israel’s being separate from the rest of the world Voices from on account of the Law of Moses had come to an end. What would set Church History them apart from the world now was their faith in Jesus, not their cultural “The Gospel is open to and religious traditions. Peter would soon discover that in this new reality, all; the most respectable sinner has no more claim he had more in common with a Gentile centurion who trusted in Jesus on it than the worst.” 7 than with a Jewish brother or sister who didn’t believe. Christians today –Martyn Lloyd-Jones have more in common with believers from the Middle East or Russia than (1899-1981) they do with their unbelieving neighbor next door. See how unity in Christ is more important than cultural experiences?

How should we reconcile the details of this story with the Further truth that God never changes? Commentary “Peter announced his newly What traditions might we need to reject or hold loosely so acquired understanding we don’t call impure what God has made clean? that, in matters of race or ethnicity, ‘God shows no favoritism’…He ‘accepts,’ 3. God calls His people to welcome all who or rather ‘welcomes’ from every ‘nation,’ including the believe the gospel (Acts 10:34-48). Jews, those who reverence him (Deut. 10:12) and ‘do As Peter was contemplating his vision and its meaning, the three men what is right’ (lit. ‘produce Cornelius sent arrived at Simon the tanner’s house. They invited Peter to righteousness’). ‘Nation’ points to any racial, ethnic, come to Caesarea to meet Cornelius, recounting his visit from an angel, or cultural grouping by and the next day they set out. It’s telling that Peter went along with them. which humans distinguish themselves. Peter and Luke As he later explained to Cornelius, “You yourselves know how unlawful it are seeking to avoid two is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation” (10:28). extremes here: the Jews’ ethnic pride and prejudice, He only went because he understood his vision—God was telling him which saw no Gentile as a that Gentiles are no longer unclean and should not be excluded from the fit object of God’s saving call, and the view that the good news of the gospel. religions of all cultures When they arrived, Cornelius fell down to worship Peter, believing are equally valid bases for 8 this was the proper response to meeting the one God had spoken about. being acceptable to God.” But Peter picked him up and explained that he was a mere human and –William J. Larkin unworthy of worship. Cornelius then told him about his own dream, and Peter replied in Acts 10:34-48:

34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree,

Session 6 87 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not Voices from to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, Church History who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And “These words of Peter he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the have one sense or one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him meaning…namely, that whether they are Jews all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives or Gentiles, circumcised forgiveness of sins through his name.” or uncircumcised, the 44 important thing is that they While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all fear God, believe in Christ who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who Jesus and do right. Thus they are God’s children, had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was well pleasing to him and poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in heirs of his kingdom, 47 according to the promise tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold which he gave to Abraham water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as saying, ‘In your seed’ 48 (which is Christ) ‘shall all we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus the heathen be blessed.’ ” 9 Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. –Dirk Philips (1504-1568) Peter’s message to Cornelius and all the people he had gathered reflected God’s vision for the inclusion of Gentiles into the church. God’s desire has always been a restored humanity, and in Jesus that’s now possible. Yes, Jesus comes through Israel—but through Israel to the world. What matters is not your religious or ethnic pedigree but your faith in the One God sent. Peter preached the gospel, covering the entire story of Jesus’ life and ministry, His death, and His resurrection, and while he was still speaking about these things, the Holy Spirit descended upon all those who heard the gospel message. Cornelius’ whole household no longer just feared God but believed in Jesus, and as the Spirit was poured out on them, they erupted in ecstatic expressions of His presence and gifts. As with Philip and the Ethiopian in the previous session, Peter couldn’t think of any reason to withhold baptism from this Spirit-filled community comprised of Gentiles. Cornelius was a man of wealth, power, and influence. He was a Roman in Judea and had every cultural reason to look down his nose at the Jews around him and their religious beliefs. Likewise, Peter had every reason to refuse the journey, to assume that this powerful Roman would take no interest in the story of Jesus. What was most likely to happen, culturally, was that the Roman would take a fleeting interest in Christianity as one religion amongst the many he observed. But none of that happened. Instead, Cornelius sought the face of God and demonstrated a willingness to listen to the folks God sent his way. Likewise, Peter, also seeking God, was given a message that implied the inclusion of Gentiles in the body of Christ. Both were surprised by God.

How have you been surprised by God’s grace getting through to someone and calling them to faith in Jesus?

88 Leader Guide We should consider how this story might be reframed in our own contexts. For any number of cultural, political, racial, and social reasons, Voices from Christians throughout the history of the church have had to wrestle with the Church the temptation to write off certain people as improbable Christians, if not “You don’t need to have impossible. We assume “that person” would never get saved or “that perfect obedience to be accepted into His family… group” is too hostile to the gospel. We assume those who are different Yep—the gospel doesn’t from us would be unwilling to hear us. We assume that those who differ require our good works. To be a child of God requires from us on politics are too ideologically different to hear us. And one thing—Christ—and sometimes we just assume that certain people are too evil, too stupid, or when we place our faith in Him, we are all counted too prideful to hear us. as equal children. He’s It is always a mistake to think this way. God has long been in the got a colorful family, and therefore so do we.” 10 business of surprising His people. Seeing that pattern so clearly in –Trillia J. Newbell Scripture—from David becoming king, to Jesus being the Messiah, to a gruff fisherman being the catalyst for the conversion of a Roman centurion and his entire household—we ought to be eager to see that pattern in our ordinary lives. The gospel once surprised us with grace. Through us, we Voices from might just get to see it surprise us (and the world around us) again Church History and again. “The preacher should not preach [the Messiah] as What groups of people might we be prone to write off as silver and gold, but as too resistant to the gospel? peace. This is the beautiful, magnificent sermon: that no one else but he himself What are some specific ways this story should change has established peace our perspective? between God and us—as well as all creatures! What is all the wisdom, Conclusion knowledge and power on earth if we are not one with While the story of Peter and Cornelius might be familiar, we may God? If this peace stands, I will not be pestered much still be unaware of the way implicit biases have taken up residence in our by the devil, death, sin and own hearts. So like the early church, we’re wise to pause, examine our hell. They can be as evil as they want; I have grasped consciences, and ask whether our attitude toward people—especially those hold of the Word and am who are not like us for racial, social, economic, or political reasons—might at peace with God. But if the devil does not want to be hindering the unity of the body of Christ. It’s a tough question but one leave me in peace, what do worth pressing into for the sake of a church that knows no favoritism or I care? For my heart stands in the true assurance of distinctions for those in Jesus. God’s peace. The man named Jesus of Nazareth— Lord over everything—is CHRIST CONNECTION: God challenged Peter’s tradition of my Lord, so you cannot “clean” and “unclean” foods in order to further challenge his devour me!” 11 perspective of “clean” and “unclean” people. Peter learned that –Martin Luther (1483-1546) God does not show favoritism but calls His people to proclaim the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection to all people, to celebrate His work in their lives, and to welcome believers into His family, regardless of their ethnicity.

Session 6 89 Additional Resources A Spirit-Empowered Message for All

References Get expert insights on weekly studies through Ministry 1. C. H. Spurgeon, “The Cripple at Grid at MinistryGrid.com/web/TheGospelProject. Lystra,” in Spurgeon’s Sermons, 8th series (New York: Sheldon and Grow with other group leaders at the Group Ministry Company, 1865), 244. blog at LifeWay.com/GroupMinistry. 2. David John Williams, Acts, in Understanding the Bible Commentary Series (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2016) [WORDsearch]. Study Material 3. J. D. Greear, Gospel: Recovering the Power That Made Christianity --“The Promise of Blessing to the Nations”—Chapter 5 in From Creation Revolutionary (Nashville: B&H, 2011), 55. to New Creation by Tim Chester 4. R. Kent Hughes, Acts: The Church Afire, in Preaching the Word --“Christian Responsibility and the Mosaic Law”—Article by Geoff Ashley; (Wheaton: Crossway, 2008) [WORDsearch]. find a link to this article at GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources 5. Pilgram Marpeck, Kunstbuch: Concerning the Humanity of --Previous Biblical Illustrator articles, including “Keeping Things Kosher,” Christ, quoted in Acts, eds. Esther Chung-Kim and Todd R. Hains, can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at vol. 6 in Reformation Commentary on Scripture: New Testament LifeWay.com/BiblicalIllustrator. Look for Bundles: The Gospel Project. (Downers Grove: IVP, 2016) [WORDsearch]. 6. Cyril of Alexandria, Against Julian, Sermon Podcast 9.318-19, quoted in Acts, ed. Francis Martin, with Evan Smith, vol. V in Ancient Christian Commentary Daniel Akin: “The Gospel for All the Nations” on Scripture: New Testament (Downers Grove: IVP, 2014) [WORDsearch]. 7. David Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Find a link to this at GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources quoted in The Westminster Collection of Christian Quotations, comp. and ed. Martin H. Manser (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2001), 150. Tip of the Week 8. William J. Larkin, “Acts,” in Cornerstone Biblical Commentary Insightful Contributions (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2008) [WORDsearch]. 9. Dirk Philips The Enchiridion: The “Those who teach adults should recognize the fact that their students New Birth and the New Creature, quoted in Acts, eds. Esther might have better and more valuable contributions to make to group Chung-Kim and Todd R. Hains, learning than they, the teacher, might bring. That can be threatening to vol. 6 in Reformation Commentary on Scripture: New Testament some adult teachers. Instead of being threatened, the adult teacher should [WORDsearch]. 10. Trillia J. Newbell, United: Captured see [group] insights and feedback as one of the greatest assets of adult by God’s Vision for Diversity (Chicago: Moody, 2014), 91. education. Adults can take an average [group] and make it outstanding, if 12 11. Martin Luther, Sermon on Easter only adult teachers would tap into this quality of the adult learner.” Monday Afternoon (1544), quoted in Acts, eds. Esther Chung-Kim and Todd R. Hains, vol. 6 in Reformation Commentary on Scripture: New To facilitate such contributions from your group members, utilize the small Testament [WORDsearch]. group and discussion activities in the session plans. Also, consider pairing 12. Lawrence O. Richards and Gary J. Bredfeldt, Creative Bible Teaching or grouping members to discuss specific, important questions related to our (Chicago: Moody, 1998), 246. mission as Christians. These will help people open up in less intimidating scenarios and provide opportunities for group members to share their God-given experiences and learning with others.

90 Leader Guide About the Writers

Unit: 1 Mike Cosper is the founder and director of Harbor Media, The Gospel Project® Adult Leader Guide ESV where he develops podcasts that help Christians navigate a post- Volume 6, Number 2 Winter 2017-18 Christian world. Previously he served for 16 years as one of the

Eric Geiger founding pastors of Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, Vice President, LifeWay Resources Kentucky, where he oversaw Sojourn Music—a collective of Ed Stetzer and Trevin Wax musicians writing songs for the local church. He is the author of General Editors four books, including (most recently) Recapturing the Wonder. Brian Dembowczyk Managing Editor Katie Orr Daniel Davis (special session), creator of the FOCUSed15 Bible Content Editor study method, is passionate about equipping busy women

Josh Hayes to experience God daily. She is a teacher, speaker, podcaster, Content and Production Editor and prolific writer for blogs, magazines, and Sunday School Ken Braddy curriculum. A former Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) staff Manager, Adult Ongoing Bible Studies member and mother to three young children, she and pastor- Michael Kelley Director, Groups Ministry husband, Chris, are part of the church revitalization movement.

Send questions/comments to: Unit: 2 Content Editor by email to Jason C Dukes [email protected] or mail to (sessions 7-9) has been a church starter, Content Editor, The Gospel Project: a church renewer, and tries to be a disciple-maker. He’s Adult Leader Guide, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0102; currently the Multiplication Minister with Brentwood Baptist or make comments on the Web at lifeway.com. Church near Nashville, Tennessee. He has authored books Printed in the United States of America and periodically blogs, which you can learn more about at LiveSent.com. He and his wife, Jen, are thankful for their The Gospel Project®: Adult Leader Guide ESV (ISSN 2330-9377; Item 005573550) is published seven children. quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. © 2017 LifeWay Christian Resources. Daniel Im (sessions 10-12) serves as the Director of Church For ordering or inquiries, visit lifeway.com, or write LifeWay Resources Customer Service, One Multiplication for NewChurches.com at LifeWay Christian LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, email Resources. He is also a teaching pastor at The Fellowship in [email protected], fax 615.251.5933, or write to the above address. Nashville, Tennessee, and author of No Silver Bullets: Five We believe that the Bible has God for its author; Small Shifts That Will Transform Your Ministry and Planting salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Missional Churches. He is married to Christina, and they have Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To review LifeWay’s doctrinal guideline, please visit three children, Victoria, Adelyn, and Makarios. www.lifeway.com/doctrinalguideline. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the English Standard Version® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

WRITERS