Sunday 20 September
Rongopai. Pt 3. All People Are Acceptable to God
Mark Wells
Mark walks us through Act 10:27-48 - Peter's speech to those gathered at Cornelius' home - where Peter talks about Jesus to gentiles (non-Jewish people) and the Holy Spirit falls. Gentiles are now a full part of God's kingdom and have the same responsibility to be God's witnesses. Mark challenges us to be aware of and act on opportunities that we have to share Jesus with other and extend an invitation for them to take the next step.
Life Group questions
Rongopai. Pt 3. All People Are Acceptable to God
Rongopai: Truth Translated – Speeches from the Book of Acts. Part 3. All People are Acceptable to God
Read: Acts 10:27-48
- What do you notice?
- What stands out to you?
- What observations or questions does this passage raise?
Discuss:
- What does Peter assume that his hearers know?
- What does he decide he needs to explain or re-frame for them?
- How does Peter avoid pre-conceptions or misunderstandings?
- How much of this do you think that Peter had processed before he was invited to speak to the crowd in Cornelius’ house?
- What did Peter have to rely on as he processed his revelation out loud in real time?
When we are in the situation of talking with people who are really close to faith, but from an expected direction:
- Is your natural inclination to roll with it, or retreat? What might help us hang in there?
- How might we know what is the right thing to say?
- How can we test the others’ knowledge and understanding in a respectful way?
- How can we avoid letting our cultural habits become obstacles for others to come to faith?
- Depending on where abouts on the journey they are, what might be some next steps we could suggest?
- If you thought they were ready, how would you lead them to the Lord?
- How can our engaging with people who are different to us bring glory to God?
Pray: for opportunities to share faith with people at all different stages along the journey, and for courage and confidence to step across cultural lines where opportunity presents itself. Pray for opportunities to open up at events like Street Party to connect with people different to us.
Past talks