No Favoritism

Exodus 35-36; Acts 10 

“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.’…The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.’”

Acts 10:34, 35, 45, 46

It’s easy and understandable for anyone coming from many generations of God-fearing people to believe they have an exclusive relationship with God. If not exclusive, then very special and even favored.

Do we believe that God accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right?

What if their theology or practices are different from ours?

Do we have a ‘centered set’ view of mission or a ‘bounded set’?

A bounded set is one with very clear lines of who is ‘in’ or who is ‘out’; while a centered set views Jesus at the center and people at different stages or distances from him. What matters in the centered set perspective is the direction we are pointed and moving. Peter’s vision and experience with Cornelius moved Peter from a bounded set to a centered set view of the mission of God.

What view do we hold?

“Lord Jesus, you are drawing people from every nation to yourself. I am willing to join you on your mission, for your glory.”