Led by the Spirit - Leading People to Jesus28 FEBRUARY 2016 - ANDREW MAYNE

Everyone is Welcome : Acts 10

Finding the Fine Print• Things that seem too good to be true often are. • We are used to searching the fine print to see what the catch really is. • When we hear in church that ‘everyone is welcome’ our own prejudices or

experiences can make us believe there is fine print.

Jesus is Good News…. For Everyone• When the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) God signalled

his intent – that the good news of Jesus was for people of every nation and language.

Dealing with our past & our prejudice – Acts 10• Peter had grown up believing there were certain people who weren’t

welcome.• Peter had lived his life avoiding certain people….. like Cornelius• In a vision, God invites Peter to enjoy his first ever pork roast and in doing so

declaring “do not call anything impure that God has made clean” (v15)• Peter is obedient and goes to Cornelius’ house where he sees God’s Spirit

at work. “I now realise how true it is that God does not show favouritism but accepts those from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” (v34)

Living the Value: Everyone is Welcome• Often our need to add fine print is driven by fear:

• Of being Infected • Luke 5:12-13 (Jesus and Leper)

• Of others opinions• Galatians 2 (Paul calls Peter out on his

hypocrisy)• Of feeling like presence = permission

• Luke 5:27-32 (“why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”)

YOU are Welcome• Jesus welcomes us just as we are – no fine print• Because of His love for us He wants to heal, restore and transform us• Everyone is welcome and transformation is likely!

Life Questions: 1. Can you think of a time when you have been stung by the fine print?2. Reflect on a time when you have felt like an outsider and not really felt

welcome. What did that feel like? What did others do to make you feel that way?

3. What is your first reaction when you the statement “Everyone is Welcome”? Do you think this is true and possible to live out?

4. Read Luke 5:12-13a. What was so powerful about Jesus touching the leper? b. For personal reflection: Who can we you feel like lepers

(unwelcome, unwanted, untouchable)?5. Read Galatians 2:11-21

a. Who have been significant people in shaping your understanding of God?

b. Have you ever felt the pressure of their influence and opinion in dealing with other people?

c. What is the cost for Peter of continuing to live out his new found convictions despite the opinion of others?

d. What is the greatest lesson for you in this passage?