Turns out that the gospel is not just for _________ but _____________, not just ____________, but ________________…

Who is the gospel for?

Those you might be tempted to view as ______________.

Who is the Gospel for?

" this passage [ Acts 8 and Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian Eunuch ] is the first instance of a gentile being baptized and becoming a follower of Jesus. ...That gentile is a castrated, dark skinned Nubian slave. However, that a person of such a complex multifaceted identity was the first gentile believer in Jesus has been mostly overlooked in the reception history of this passage in the church.

...Luke brings his audience into the story of the forgotten, true first Gentile believer.” ~ Dr. Jordon J Cruz Ryan

Who is the Gospel for?

Those who are often __________________.

Here at pathway we have named a Culture of ______________ as one of the core cultures that we intend to live up to as we reflect Jesus to the world around us.

“Recognizing that all people are created in the image of God, we want to be a church where all people can find a place to belong.”

Take Aways:

If the Gospel is for everyone - if this is how the church has always been - and if what we read in Acts is a calling to be continued...

What should we do differently?

1. ________ and _____________ unlikely people.

2. Practice ______________ _______________.

3. Reflect on _____________ ____________.

4. Speak up for _________________.

5. _____________ with the Holy Spirit.


“When we act to include, welcome, and celebrate diversity, we mirror God’s own character.”

Keep The Conversation Going

1. Spend some time sharing about your past week.

2. What was something that stood out to you this week?

3. What part of the Acts 8 stood out to you most? Why?

4. Have you ever felt excluded or marginalized in a faith community or elsewhere? How did that experience shape you?

5. What does it mean to you that “the Gospel is for everyone” - including unlikely people, outsiders, or those who are different from us?

6. Are there people or groups you struggle to welcome or include? What might help you move towards greater empathy or hospitality?

7 How have you seen hidden biases (your own or others') affect who feels like they belong in your faith community? What steps can you take to address these biases?

8. Think of a time you witnessed diversity celebrated well in a church or organization. What was powerful about that experience?

9. How does trusting the Holy Spirit help you see and welcome people you might otherwise overlook?

10. What’s one specific action you feel prompted to take this week, based on this message, to better reflect God’s inclusive character and welcome all people?

Prayer

Spend some time praying together as you wrap up.