Then Peter began to speak: I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. (Acts 10:34-35 NIV). Though these words to us are not that revolutionary, for them to have come from the mouth of … Continue reading –>
Read Acts 10:1-8, Acts 10:23-48. What does the story of this Gentile becoming a follower of Jesus teach us about salvation and witness? The conversion of Cornelius, a pagan officer in the Roman army, along with his family and friends, has been termed the Gentile Pentecost. It is a crucial story in Acts, one that … Continue reading –>
Lesson for August 15-21 Key Thought : Salvation was never meant just for the Jews; it is good news to all people. We are invited to join Him in His mission to all peoples. 1. Have a volunteer read John 4:7-10 a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point … Continue reading –>
Jesus’ last words before His ascension were of a missionary nature: Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). Here again we see the mandate to spread the gospel into all the world. Only 10 days later, … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Acts 2:5-21; Acts 10:1-8, Acts 10:23-48; Rom. 2:14-16; Acts 10:9-22; Acts 11:1-10; Acts 15:1-35. Memory Text: Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For … Continue reading –>
I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. … Continue reading –>
1. Gentile culture clashes. Does that fact that Jesus spent most of his early earthly ministry with the Gentiles of Nazareth make any difference in His life on earth? Did He choose Nazareth because it would make an excellent headquarters for the gospel ministry? How much of an impact did Jesus have on the Gentiles … Continue reading –>
Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. Sir, they said, we would like to see Jesus. Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Jesus replied, The hour has come … Continue reading –>
Read Luke 17:11-19. What lessons are here for us, regardless of our nationality or origins? Notice first that the unfortunate men all knew Jesus. They called Him by both name and title, pleading for intervention. What’s fascinating, too, is that they were not cleansed right then and there. They were told simply to go and … Continue reading –>
Read Luke 8:26-39 and Matthew 15:21-28. How do these stories help us understand how Jesus related to non-Jews? How do we understand Jesus’ words to the Canaanite woman? Also, what lessons should the disciples have picked up, seeing Jesus minster to those who were not part of the covenant people? The region of the Gadarenes … Continue reading –>
