Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

I’m adopted. I grew up in a typical, white, Christian home in south Mississippi, but biologically I’m half Japanese. Very seldom did any of that information play a major role in my life, but it was typically used for those get-to-know-you games, or fun facts about me in a group setting. In high school, I began dating my now wife, a white girl also from south Mississippi. Early on in this relationship, a mutual friend became vocal that we should not be dating because we were “unequally yoked,” referring to 2 Corinthians 6:14. When I asked her to clarify, she said we were unequally yoked because I was Japanese and my then girlfriend was white, that different races are not equally yoked. If you’re unfamiliar with that scripture, know that this is a drastic misinterpretation. While I’m sure you can imagine the argument that followed, she did not change her stance.

In Acts 11, we see Peter, a Jew, sharing the Gospel with Gentiles or non-Jews. Jewish believers at the time believed the gospel was only for Jews, ignoring that God called the Jews to bring the message of salvation to all people (Isaiah 49:6). When the Jews heard about Peter bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles, they confronted him. But Peter, in verses 16 and 17 of Chapter 11 referred back to what Jesus said in the past and stated, “If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” The Jews heard him and began glorifying God accepting their wrong view and praising God that Gentiles would receive salvation as well as the Jews.

Like the conversation I had with a friend in high school, our love for Christ should always overflow into the study of scripture. Peter was able to quote Jesus accurately and help fellow believers better understand God and His plan for salvation. In the same conversation, the believers who were talking with Peter were receptive to what he had to say and were willing to change their beliefs. It’s important to listen to our fellow believers because the Holy Spirit may teach us through them.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

When was a time you took correction graciously? Is there a place in your life now where you need to be taking correction from those around you?

Family Application: Acts 11

By: Nichole McCardle

What do you think of when you hear the word “church?” Do you think of your church building? Your church campus? Your KXP class? All of those are great places, but that is what they are- places, buildings, and classrooms. But we will learn today in Acts 11, that the church is actually the people who follow Jesus. Yes, that is right- You and I ARE the church! Remember from Tuesday’s readings, we learned about the followers of Jesus who had to flee from Jerusalem and move to different towns? One of the places that they went to was called Antioch. There, they continued to teach the gospel and more and more people came to know, love, and follow Jesus. The church (the group of people) grew and grew. Here, they were first called, “Christians.”

• Go to YouTube or Spotify and listen to “Your Church” by Venture Worship.
• In this song, we hear again that “these walls are not your church.” This means that WE are the church. Wherever we go, we can do the work of the church and tell others about Jesus, serve others, pray for others, and help others in need. Where can you “be the church” this week?
• Prayer: God, You are mighty and amazing! Thank You for giving us the Bible to help us grow and learn more about You! Help me to be a good example of the church everywhere I go. Amen.