November 21, 2008

Key Passage: Acts 10:34-43

Topic: Salvation; Faith/Trust

Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him" (Acts 10:34-35, ESV).

There are 300 acres of hilly, untamed land near Corning, Missouri, where a lot of motorcycle enthusiasts want to ride dirt bikes. Expectantly they haul their Hondas, their Kawasakis or their Suzukis to a country road--only to find a locked gate and a sign: "Members Only." Their hopes dashed, they're forced to turn around and drive away.

Today, we're reading about people who are a little like those riders...feeling like they're excluded from something great.

They were Gentiles who thought the Gospel message was exclusive; that Jesus only came to save the Jews.

But they were wrong.

Jesus' disciple, Peter, enlightened them: "God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable."

How exciting is that! For them and for us!

Salvation through Jesus Christ is not an exclusive gift; you don't get it based on your race or background, how much money you have or what group you're a member of. It's based on faith in Jesus Christ who forgives your sins and makes a relationship possible with God the Father.

John 3:16 includes us: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16, ESV).

That "whoever" isn't just for the Jewish people but for men, women and children from every nation. Anyone can become a member of God's family; all that's required is receiving Jesus.

And there is a lot more at stake here than a fun-filled day; there's a Christ-filled "here and now" and an eternity in heaven.