Love God Greatly: EmpoweredSample

Jesus’ earthly ministry was primarily to the nation of Israel (Mt 15:24). Acts 10 is a major turning point in the history of the church. The nation of Israel was a distinct, unique nation of people, set apart by God Himself. Israel was designated by God hundreds of years before Jesus to be a holy nation, one who would represent God to the world. Israel had a strict set of food they were permitted to eat. This and other rituals set them apart from other nations as holy to God. ⁣

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The Gentiles, people not of Jewish descent, were considered unclean by the Jews and, until the events recorded in Acts 10, the apostles and other disciples had been preaching the gospel mainly to other Jews. Acts 10 records Peter’s vision in which God told him to no longer consider Gentiles unclean. Peter went and preached the gospel to a Gentile named Cornelius, an officer in the Roman army. ⁣

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While the division between Jews and Gentiles did not end at this moment, the conversion of Cornelius and those with him was a significant turning point in the history of the church. The early church began to understand that one’s salvation did not come from their nationality, history, background, or family, but from grace alone. Only by God’s mercy are we saved, and because of this, we can rejoice!⁣

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Lord Jesus, I praise You, for You do not show favoritism with people. Thank You for allowing me to hear Your gospel. Help me to be faithful to the gospel message and preach it to all people without showing favoritism. In Your name, amen.