Is Jesus Really for Everyone?

Today, I want to talk to you about Today, I want to talk to you about prejudice. When I first wrote this message, I was When I first wrote this message, I was feeling pretty good about myself. feeling pretty good about myself. feeling pretty good about myself. And then I had a divine encounter at And then I had a divine encounter at And then I had a divine encounter at Chick-fil-A. Let me explain. Let me explain. Tuesday, April 21st. Tuesday, April 21st. Tuesday, April 21st. I had my teeth cleaned at the dentist I had my teeth cleaned at the dentist I had my teeth cleaned at the dentist office and then went to Chick-fil-A to office and then went to Chick-fil-A to office and then went to Chick-fil-A to get a chicken biscuit, the breakfast of get a chicken biscuit, the breakfast of get a chicken biscuit, the breakfast of champions. When I pulled in the parking lot, there When I pulled in the parking lot, there was a woman pushing a shopping cart, was a woman pushing a shopping cart, was a woman pushing a shopping cart, quite obviously filled with all her quite obviously filled with all her quite obviously filled with all her worldly possessions. worldly possessions. worldly possessions. I very clearly sensed the Lord tell me I very clearly sensed the Lord tell me I very clearly sensed the Lord tell me to buy her breakfast. to buy her breakfast. to buy her breakfast. Instead of obeying, I began listing to Instead of obeying, I began listing to Instead of obeying, I began listing to the Lord all the reasons it was a bad the Lord all the reasons it was a bad the Lord all the reasons it was a bad idea. idea. idea. I said, "Lord, if I give her money, I said, "Lord, if I give her money, I said, "Lord, if I give her money, she'll probably spend it on alcohol she'll probably spend it on alcohol she'll probably spend it on alcohol instead of breakfast. instead of breakfast. instead of breakfast. She's homeless because she chose to be. She's homeless because she chose to be. She's homeless because she chose to be. I'm sure she makes a lot of money I'm sure she makes a lot of money I'm sure she makes a lot of money standing at that corner. standing at that corner. standing at that corner. I am not going to enable her."

It was an ugly, prideful, prejudice It was an ugly, prideful, prejudice prejudice moment I'm I'm ashamed of. prejudice moment I'm I'm ashamed of. prejudice moment I'm I'm ashamed of. I drove through, got my chicken biscuit, I drove through, got my chicken biscuit, I drove through, got my chicken biscuit, and headed out. and headed out. and headed out. I was maybe a block away when the Lord I was maybe a block away when the Lord I was maybe a block away when the Lord clearly rebuked me. clearly rebuked me. clearly rebuked me. I let my prejudice blind me to a need, I let my prejudice blind me to a need, I let my prejudice blind me to a need, and it was only $10. and it was only $10. and it was only $10. I was willing to ignore the voice of God I was willing to ignore the voice of God I was willing to ignore the voice of God for $10. Not $100, not $1,000, not for $10. Not $100, not $1,000, not for $10. Not $100, not $1,000, not $10,000, 10 bucks. I did a U-turn, and I headed back to I did a U-turn, and I headed back to Chick-fil-A to find that woman and make Chick-fil-A to find that woman and make Chick-fil-A to find that woman and make things right. things right. things right. I drove in the parking lot, and there I drove in the parking lot, and there I drove in the parking lot, and there she was, standing by the entrance she was, standing by the entrance she was, standing by the entrance counting dollar bills. counting dollar bills. counting dollar bills. See, she did have money. But this time my prejudice wasn't going But this time my prejudice wasn't going to win. to win. to win. I pulled up beside her, I rolled down my I pulled up beside her, I rolled down my I pulled up beside her, I rolled down my window, and I said, "Ma'am, I would be window, and I said, "Ma'am, I would be window, and I said, "Ma'am, I would be honored to buy your breakfast." honored to buy your breakfast." honored to buy your breakfast." She walked over, I gave her a $10 bill, She walked over, I gave her a $10 bill, She walked over, I gave her a $10 bill, and she looked at me, and she said, "God and she looked at me, and she said, "God and she looked at me, and she said, "God bless you. Thank you so much for your bless you. Thank you so much for your bless you. Thank you so much for your kindness."

kindness." kindness." I felt about this small. I felt about this small. I felt about this small. And I realized that moment was not about And I realized that moment was not about And I realized that moment was not about her needing to eat. her needing to eat. her needing to eat. It was about me needing a heart change. It was about me needing a heart change. It was about me needing a heart change. I drove to the office and confessed my I drove to the office and confessed my I drove to the office and confessed my sin to my son. sin to my son. sin to my son. I disobeyed God over $10 I disobeyed God over $10 I disobeyed God over $10 because of a stupid prejudice. because of a stupid prejudice. because of a stupid prejudice. So, as much as I wanted to preach this So, as much as I wanted to preach this So, as much as I wanted to preach this message as an example of someone without message as an example of someone without message as an example of someone without ugly hate, ugly hate, ugly hate, instead, I get to share it as a fellow instead, I get to share it as a fellow instead, I get to share it as a fellow struggler who's embarrassed, ashamed, struggler who's embarrassed, ashamed, struggler who's embarrassed, ashamed, and determined to change. and determined to change. and determined to change. The dictionary defines prejudice as an The dictionary defines prejudice as an The dictionary defines prejudice as an adverse judgment or opinion formed adverse judgment or opinion formed adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or beforehand or without knowledge or beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts. examination of the facts. examination of the facts. Because you live in Arkansas, when I Because you live in Arkansas, when I Because you live in Arkansas, when I said the word prejudice, you probably said the word prejudice, you probably said the word prejudice, you probably think of black and white issues or think of black and white issues or think of black and white issues or undocumented immigrants. undocumented immigrants. undocumented immigrants. I want to look at with you not at one I want to look at with you not at one I want to look at with you not at one area of prejudice, but at the bigger area of prejudice, but at the bigger area of prejudice, but at the bigger question.

question. question. Who exactly is my brother? Who exactly is my brother? Who exactly is my brother? Who is allowed in church? Who is allowed in church? Who is allowed in church? Don't walk out. Don't tune me out. Don't walk out. Don't tune me out. Don't walk out. Don't tune me out. I encourage you to keep an open heart I encourage you to keep an open heart I encourage you to keep an open heart and an open mind as we confront a and an open mind as we confront a and an open mind as we confront a difficult subject. difficult subject. difficult subject. Prejudice is really easy to spot in Prejudice is really easy to spot in Prejudice is really easy to spot in someone else. someone else. someone else. It's much more difficult to recognize in It's much more difficult to recognize in It's much more difficult to recognize in your own heart. your own heart. your own heart. Most people don't wake up in the morning Most people don't wake up in the morning Most people don't wake up in the morning and decide to be biased or exclusive, and decide to be biased or exclusive, and decide to be biased or exclusive, yet over time, experiences, culture, yet over time, experiences, culture, yet over time, experiences, culture, politics, politics, politics, even church traditions can quietly shape even church traditions can quietly shape even church traditions can quietly shape who you are comfortable with who you are comfortable with who you are comfortable with and who you avoid. and who you avoid. and who you avoid. Without realizing it, Without realizing it, Without realizing it, you begin to draw lines that Jesus never you begin to draw lines that Jesus never you begin to draw lines that Jesus never drew. drew. drew. The early church faced that exact The early church faced that exact The early church faced that exact moment. The gospel had exploded in moment. The gospel had exploded in moment. The gospel had exploded in Jerusalem, Jews were being saved, the Jerusalem, Jews were being saved, the Jerusalem, Jews were being saved, the church was growing, but a critical church was growing, but a critical church was growing, but a critical question lingered just beneath the question lingered just beneath the question lingered just beneath the surface. surface. surface. Was salvation only for people who looked Was salvation only for people who looked Was salvation only for people who looked like them, worshipped like them, and like them, worshipped like them, and like them, worshipped like them, and shared their background?

shared their background? shared their background? Or did God have something far larger in Or did God have something far larger in Or did God have something far larger in mind? mind? mind? In Acts 10, we find the story of one man In Acts 10, we find the story of one man In Acts 10, we find the story of one man who turned the tide of racism and who turned the tide of racism and who turned the tide of racism and prejudice in the early church. prejudice in the early church. prejudice in the early church. Never again after this moment in church Never again after this moment in church Never again after this moment in church history was someone denied a chance to history was someone denied a chance to history was someone denied a chance to worship because of their race, skin worship because of their race, skin worship because of their race, skin color, past mistakes, or country of color, past mistakes, or country of color, past mistakes, or country of origin. Well, that should have been resolved. Well, that should have been resolved. But sadly, the story continues. But sadly, the story continues. But sadly, the story continues. Let's go to it. Acts chapter 10 verse 1. Let's go to it. Acts chapter 10 verse 1. Let's go to it. Acts chapter 10 verse 1. In Caesarea, there was a man named In Caesarea, there was a man named In Caesarea, there was a man named Cornelius. Cornelius. Cornelius. Cornelius was a wealthy, educated, Cornelius was a wealthy, educated, Cornelius was a wealthy, educated, powerful leader in society, and a good powerful leader in society, and a good powerful leader in society, and a good man. man. man. Cornelius and his family respected God, Cornelius and his family respected God, Cornelius and his family respected God, gave to those in need, and prayed gave to those in need, and prayed gave to those in need, and prayed regularly. regularly. regularly. Although he was religious, Cornelius was Although he was religious, Cornelius was Although he was religious, Cornelius was still living according to the Old still living according to the Old still living according to the Old Testament rules and not experienced an Testament rules and not experienced an Testament rules and not experienced an intimate relationship with God through intimate relationship with God through intimate relationship with God through his son Jesus. his son Jesus. his son Jesus. Why? Why? Why? Because Cornelius was a Gentile, Because Cornelius was a Gentile, Because Cornelius was a Gentile, a non-Jew.

a non-Jew. a non-Jew. In those days, Jews did not believe In those days, Jews did not believe In those days, Jews did not believe Gentiles could or should be reached with Gentiles could or should be reached with Gentiles could or should be reached with the gospel. the gospel. the gospel. Gentiles were considered unclean and Gentiles were considered unclean and Gentiles were considered unclean and were the target of extreme prejudice. were the target of extreme prejudice. were the target of extreme prejudice. One day at about 3:00 in the afternoon, One day at about 3:00 in the afternoon, One day at about 3:00 in the afternoon, Cornelius had a vision. Cornelius had a vision. Cornelius had a vision. An angel appeared to Cornelius and told An angel appeared to Cornelius and told An angel appeared to Cornelius and told him God had noticed his prayers, his him God had noticed his prayers, his him God had noticed his prayers, his giving to the poor. giving to the poor. giving to the poor. The angel then told him to find a man The angel then told him to find a man The angel then told him to find a man named Peter. named Peter. named Peter. Cornelius summoned three of his men, Cornelius summoned three of his men, Cornelius summoned three of his men, sent them to Joppa Joppa to find Peter. sent them to Joppa Joppa to find Peter. sent them to Joppa Joppa to find Peter. About noon the following day as they About noon the following day as they About noon the following day as they were on their journey approaching the were on their journey approaching the were on their journey approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. God had prepared Cornelius for the God had prepared Cornelius for the God had prepared Cornelius for the meeting. meeting. meeting. Now it was Peter's turn. Now it was Peter's turn. Now it was Peter's turn. Peter became hungry, wanted something to Peter became hungry, wanted something to Peter became hungry, wanted something to eat. eat. eat. While the meal was being prepared, he While the meal was being prepared, he While the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven open, fell into a trance. He saw heaven open, fell into a trance. He saw heaven open, something like a large sheet being let something like a large sheet being let something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. down to earth by its four corners. down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed It contained all kinds of four-footed It contained all kinds of four-footed animals as well as reptiles of the earth animals as well as reptiles of the earth animals as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air, and then a voice and birds of the air, and then a voice and birds of the air, and then a voice told him, told him, told him, "Get up, Peter.

"Get up, Peter. "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat." Kill and eat." Kill and eat." "Surely not, Lord," Peter replied. "I've "Surely not, Lord," Peter replied. "I've "Surely not, Lord," Peter replied. "I've never eaten anything never eaten anything never eaten anything impure or unclean." impure or unclean." impure or unclean." If you've never heard this story, if If you've never heard this story, if If you've never heard this story, if this is your first time at church, you this is your first time at church, you this is your first time at church, you think, "Well, think, "Well, think, "Well, that's a weird story." that's a weird story." that's a weird story." A little context helps. In those days, A little context helps. In those days, A little context helps. In those days, the Jews had laws concerning diet. the Jews had laws concerning diet. the Jews had laws concerning diet. God told Peter to eat something that was God told Peter to eat something that was God told Peter to eat something that was unclean, that was in violation of Jewish unclean, that was in violation of Jewish unclean, that was in violation of Jewish law. law. law. Peter really didn't know what it was Peter really didn't know what it was Peter really didn't know what it was about, but he reminded God, "Hey God, about, but he reminded God, "Hey God, about, but he reminded God, "Hey God, I'm a rule follower." I'm a rule follower." I'm a rule follower." The voice spoke to him a second time. The voice spoke to him a second time. The voice spoke to him a second time. "Do not call anything impure "Do not call anything impure "Do not call anything impure that God has made unclean that God has that God has made unclean that God has that God has made unclean that God has made clean." This happened three times, made clean." This happened three times, made clean." This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back and immediately the sheet was taken back and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven. Three times God told Peter to to heaven. Three times God told Peter to to heaven. Three times God told Peter to eat, three times Peter told God he eat, three times Peter told God he eat, three times Peter told God he wouldn't eat anything impure, and each wouldn't eat anything impure, and each wouldn't eat anything impure, and each time God replied with, time God replied with, time God replied with, "Do not call anything impure "Do not call anything impure "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."

that God has made clean." that God has made clean." Verse 17, while Peter was wondering Verse 17, while Peter was wondering Verse 17, while Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, about the meaning of the vision, about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius find out where the men sent by Cornelius find out where the men sent by Cornelius find out where Simon's house was and stopped at the Simon's house was and stopped at the Simon's house was and stopped at the gate. gate. gate. They called out asking if Simon, who is They called out asking if Simon, who is They called out asking if Simon, who is known as Peter, was staying there. known as Peter, was staying there. known as Peter, was staying there. While Peter was still thinking about the While Peter was still thinking about the While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the spirit said to him, "Simon, vision, the spirit said to him, "Simon, vision, the spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. Get up, three men are looking for you. Get up, three men are looking for you. Get up, go downstairs. go downstairs. go downstairs. Don't hesitate to go with them, for I Don't hesitate to go with them, for I Don't hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them. have sent them. have sent them. Peter went down and said to the men, Peter went down and said to the men, Peter went down and said to the men, "Get out of here. I'm a Jew. We don't "Get out of here. I'm a Jew. We don't "Get out of here. I'm a Jew. We don't talk to people like you. talk to people like you. talk to people like you. Go back where you came from." Go back where you came from." Go back where you came from." Culturally, that's what you expect, but Culturally, that's what you expect, but Culturally, that's what you expect, but Peter's God encounter changed his Peter's God encounter changed his Peter's God encounter changed his outlook. If your time with God doesn't result in If your time with God doesn't result in a softened heart towards people, you a softened heart towards people, you a softened heart towards people, you need to spend more time. need to spend more time. need to spend more time. Prejudice cannot survive in a heart Prejudice cannot survive in a heart Prejudice cannot survive in a heart softened by the Holy Spirit and in tune softened by the Holy Spirit and in tune softened by the Holy Spirit and in tune with God's voice. "I'm the one you're looking for.

"I'm the one you're looking for. Why have you come?" Why have you come?" Why have you come?" The men replied, "We've come from The men replied, "We've come from The men replied, "We've come from Cornelius, the Centurion. He's a Cornelius, the Centurion. He's a Cornelius, the Centurion. He's a righteous, God-fearing man who's righteous, God-fearing man who's righteous, God-fearing man who's respected by all the Jewish people. respected by all the Jewish people. respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come A holy angel told him to have you come A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so he could hear what you to his house so he could hear what you to his house so he could hear what you have to say." have to say." have to say." Then Peter invited the men into the Then Peter invited the men into the Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guest. house to be his guest. house to be his guest. The next day, so they spent the night. The next day, so they spent the night. The next day, so they spent the night. The next day Peter started out with The next day Peter started out with The next day Peter started out with them. Some of the brothers from Joppa them. Some of the brothers from Joppa them. Some of the brothers from Joppa went along. went along. went along. God told Cornelius to send men to get God told Cornelius to send men to get God told Cornelius to send men to get Peter, Peter, Peter, told Peter to go with the men. Peter told Peter to go with the men. Peter told Peter to go with the men. Peter obeyed, obeyed, obeyed, headed off with the men to Cornelius' headed off with the men to Cornelius' headed off with the men to Cornelius' house. house. house. The following day, The following day, The following day, he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and called together his expecting them and called together his expecting them and called together his relatives and close friends. Cornelius relatives and close friends. Cornelius relatives and close friends. Cornelius was so excited to hear what God had to was so excited to hear what God had to was so excited to hear what God had to say through Peter, even though he didn't say through Peter, even though he didn't say through Peter, even though he didn't know what it was. know what it was. know what it was. He invited all his friends and relatives He invited all his friends and relatives He invited all his friends and relatives to hear. to hear. to hear. The next few words are incredibly The next few words are incredibly The next few words are incredibly significant as Peter entered the house. significant as Peter entered the house. significant as Peter entered the house. Cornelius met him and fell at his feet Cornelius met him and fell at his feet Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence, which shocked everyone.

in reverence, which shocked everyone. in reverence, which shocked everyone. Cornelius, a Centurion, was used to Cornelius, a Centurion, was used to Cornelius, a Centurion, was used to receiving honor, but Cornelius honored receiving honor, but Cornelius honored receiving honor, but Cornelius honored Peter. Peter. Peter. Peter's reaction was great. He didn't Peter's reaction was great. He didn't Peter's reaction was great. He didn't show off or take attention for himself. show off or take attention for himself. show off or take attention for himself. Instead, Peter made him get up. Stand Instead, Peter made him get up. Stand Instead, Peter made him get up. Stand up, he said, I'm only a man myself. up, he said, I'm only a man myself. up, he said, I'm only a man myself. Talking with him, Peter went inside and Talking with him, Peter went inside and Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. found a large gathering of people. found a large gathering of people. He said to them, you are well aware that He said to them, you are well aware that He said to them, you are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to it is against our law for a Jew to it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit with associate with a Gentile or visit with associate with a Gentile or visit with him. This was truly institutionalized him. This was truly institutionalized him. This was truly institutionalized racism. Visiting in the home of a racism. Visiting in the home of a racism. Visiting in the home of a Gentile was against Jewish law. But God has shown me But God has shown me that I should not call any man that I should not call any man that I should not call any man impure impure impure or unclean. Peter made the connection. or unclean. Peter made the connection. or unclean. Peter made the connection. He realized his vision wasn't about food He realized his vision wasn't about food He realized his vision wasn't about food but about a group of people he'd been but about a group of people he'd been but about a group of people he'd been taught to hate. taught to hate. taught to hate. Peter decided, I cannot allow my Peter decided, I cannot allow my Peter decided, I cannot allow my personal prejudice to blind me to God's personal prejudice to blind me to God's personal prejudice to blind me to God's grace.

grace. grace. So when I sent for I came without So when I sent for I came without So when I sent for I came without raising any objection. Now, may I ask raising any objection. Now, may I ask raising any objection. Now, may I ask why you why did you send for me? why you why did you send for me? why you why did you send for me? Peter wanted to know, what's this all Peter wanted to know, what's this all Peter wanted to know, what's this all about? about? about? Why am I here? Why am I here? Why am I here? Cornelius answered, four days ago I was Cornelius answered, four days ago I was Cornelius answered, four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, 3:00 in my house praying at this hour, 3:00 in my house praying at this hour, 3:00 in the afternoon. in the afternoon. in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, Cornelius, God has before me and said, Cornelius, God has before me and said, Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your heard your prayer and remembered your heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. gifts to the poor. gifts to the poor. Send to Joppa for Simon who's called Send to Joppa for Simon who's called Send to Joppa for Simon who's called Peter. He's a guest in the house of Peter. He's a guest in the house of Peter. He's a guest in the house of Simon the tanner who lives by the sea. Simon the tanner who lives by the sea. Simon the tanner who lives by the sea. So I sent for you immediately. So I sent for you immediately. So I sent for you immediately. It's good for you to come. Thanks for It's good for you to come. Thanks for It's good for you to come. Thanks for that. that. that. Now, we're all here in the presence of Now, we're all here in the presence of Now, we're all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has God to listen to everything the Lord has God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us. commanded you to tell us. commanded you to tell us. Suddenly Peter knew what his vision was Suddenly Peter knew what his vision was Suddenly Peter knew what his vision was all about. all about. all about. He knew what the Lord commanded him to He knew what the Lord commanded him to He knew what the Lord commanded him to tell. Peter began to speak. tell. Peter began to speak. tell. Peter began to speak. Powerful words. I now realize how true Powerful words. I now realize how true Powerful words. I now realize how true it is it is it is that God does not show favoritism that God does not show favoritism that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who but accepts men from every nation who but accepts men from every nation who fear him fear him fear him and do what is right.

and do what is right. and do what is right. Peter had his own Chick-fil-A divine Peter had his own Chick-fil-A divine Peter had his own Chick-fil-A divine encounter. encounter. encounter. God does not show favoritism was a huge God does not show favoritism was a huge God does not show favoritism was a huge statement coming from a Jew who believed statement coming from a Jew who believed statement coming from a Jew who believed the gospel was for them and only them. the gospel was for them and only them. the gospel was for them and only them. But now Peter having heard from God But now Peter having heard from God But now Peter having heard from God said, "God doesn't play favorites." said, "God doesn't play favorites." said, "God doesn't play favorites." There's not just one race of people There's not just one race of people There's not just one race of people eligible for salvation. Heaven is big eligible for salvation. Heaven is big eligible for salvation. Heaven is big enough for all of us. God's love is enough for all of us. God's love is enough for all of us. God's love is available to all. It's a key moment in available to all. It's a key moment in available to all. It's a key moment in scripture. Peter made the move that scripture. Peter made the move that scripture. Peter made the move that propelled the church to reach all men, propelled the church to reach all men, propelled the church to reach all men, eventually including you and me because eventually including you and me because eventually including you and me because guess what? Almost all of us are guess what? Almost all of us are guess what? Almost all of us are Gentiles. In Peter's brief statement we discover In Peter's brief statement we discover the criteria for acceptance with God. the criteria for acceptance with God. the criteria for acceptance with God. Number one, fear him. Number one, fear him. Number one, fear him. That's about trust. It's not fear like, That's about trust. It's not fear like, That's about trust. It's not fear like, "Oh, I'm afraid." It's It's placing your "Oh, I'm afraid." It's It's placing your "Oh, I'm afraid." It's It's placing your trust. It's fearing disobeying him. trust. It's fearing disobeying him. trust. It's fearing disobeying him. Choose to place your trust in God. Choose to place your trust in God. Choose to place your trust in God. Confess you've done wrong. Invite him Confess you've done wrong. Invite him Confess you've done wrong. Invite him into your heart and life. Trust in Jesus into your heart and life. Trust in Jesus into your heart and life. Trust in Jesus and his death on the cross as payment and his death on the cross as payment and his death on the cross as payment for your sins. That's the first step.

for your sins. That's the first step. for your sins. That's the first step. Number two, do what's right. Number two, do what's right. Number two, do what's right. In other words, change your ways. That's In other words, change your ways. That's In other words, change your ways. That's about repentance. about repentance. about repentance. Repentance is not just being sorry. It's Repentance is not just being sorry. It's Repentance is not just being sorry. It's changing and following God's plan for changing and following God's plan for changing and following God's plan for your life. That's it. your life. That's it. your life. That's it. That is the criteria for acceptance from That is the criteria for acceptance from That is the criteria for acceptance from God. Fear him, trust him, God. Fear him, trust him, God. Fear him, trust him, do what is right, do what is right, do what is right, repent. repent. repent. God didn't say you have to be a Jew. God didn't say you have to be a Jew. God didn't say you have to be a Jew. God didn't say you have to be white or God didn't say you have to be white or God didn't say you have to be white or black or Asian or Latino or Middle black or Asian or Latino or Middle black or Asian or Latino or Middle Eastern. God didn't say you have to be Eastern. God didn't say you have to be Eastern. God didn't say you have to be thin, rich, successful, smart, or thin, rich, successful, smart, or thin, rich, successful, smart, or beautiful. God didn't say how you have beautiful. God didn't say how you have beautiful. God didn't say how you have to dress or what kind of job you have to to dress or what kind of job you have to to dress or what kind of job you have to have. If you want to be accepted by God, have. If you want to be accepted by God, have. If you want to be accepted by God, trust him trust him trust him and do what's right. Repent. Change. and do what's right. Repent. Change. and do what's right. Repent. Change. Peter continued, Peter continued, Peter continued, "You know the message God sent to the "You know the message God sent to the "You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, people of Israel, people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through telling the good news of peace through telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what's happened throughout You know what's happened throughout You know what's happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the Judea, beginning in Galilee after the Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached. How God baptism that John preached. How God baptism that John preached. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. How he went around Spirit and power. How he went around Spirit and power. How he went around doing good and healing all who were doing good and healing all who were doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil because God under the power of the devil because God under the power of the devil because God was with him.

was with him. was with him. We are witnesses. We saw We are witnesses. We saw We are witnesses. We saw of everything he did in the country of of everything he did in the country of of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. the Jews and in Jerusalem. the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a They killed him by hanging him on a They killed him by hanging him on a tree, tree, tree, but God raised him from the dead on the but God raised him from the dead on the but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. third day and caused him to be seen. third day and caused him to be seen. He commanded us to preach to the people He commanded us to preach to the people He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom and to testify that he is the one whom and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and God appointed as judge of the living and God appointed as judge of the living and dead. All the prophets testify about him dead. All the prophets testify about him dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone that everyone that everyone who believes in him who believes in him who believes in him receives forgiveness of sin through his receives forgiveness of sin through his receives forgiveness of sin through his name." name." name." Everyone, regardless of their race, Everyone, regardless of their race, Everyone, regardless of their race, color, country of origin, immigration color, country of origin, immigration color, country of origin, immigration status, educational level, or status, educational level, or status, educational level, or socioeconomic position. Everyone, socioeconomic position. Everyone, socioeconomic position. Everyone, regardless of their past mistakes or regardless of their past mistakes or regardless of their past mistakes or failures. Everyone who believes in him failures. Everyone who believes in him failures. Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness through his name. receives forgiveness through his name. receives forgiveness through his name. I am included in everyone. I am included in everyone. I am included in everyone. You are included in everyone. You are included in everyone. You are included in everyone. Everyone is accepted and belongs. Every Everyone is accepted and belongs. Every Everyone is accepted and belongs. Every soul matters to God. If you are the soul matters to God. If you are the soul matters to God. If you are the worst person in your family, if you're worst person in your family, if you're worst person in your family, if you're the worst person in the city, you're the worst person in the city, you're the worst person in the city, you're included in everyone. Everyone who included in everyone. Everyone who included in everyone. Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness believes in him receives forgiveness believes in him receives forgiveness through his name.

through his name. through his name. Isn't that exciting? Isn't that exciting? Isn't that exciting? Everyone. Well, Peter was still speaking these Well, Peter was still speaking these words and wondering, words and wondering, words and wondering, "How are they going to respond? I mean, "How are they going to respond? I mean, "How are they going to respond? I mean, they know I've been prejudiced towards they know I've been prejudiced towards they know I've been prejudiced towards them. What are What are they going to them. What are What are they going to them. What are What are they going to do?" do?" do?" The Holy Spirit came on all who heard The Holy Spirit came on all who heard The Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. the message. the message. The circumcised believers who'd come The circumcised believers who'd come The circumcised believers who'd come with Peter were astonished that the gift with Peter were astonished that the gift with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out of the Holy Spirit had been poured out of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on even the Gentiles, on even the Gentiles, on even the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues for they heard them speaking in tongues for they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. and praising God. and praising God. Now, up to this point, the other Now, up to this point, the other Now, up to this point, the other believers weren't sure. believers weren't sure. believers weren't sure. They They didn't know why Peter brought They They didn't know why Peter brought They They didn't know why Peter brought them. They're just along for the ride. them. They're just along for the ride. them. They're just along for the ride. This is a whole new way of thinking, but This is a whole new way of thinking, but This is a whole new way of thinking, but while Peter was still talking, Cornelius while Peter was still talking, Cornelius while Peter was still talking, Cornelius and his family began speaking in tongues and his family began speaking in tongues and his family began speaking in tongues and praising God. God confirmed his and praising God. God confirmed his and praising God. God confirmed his message with a powerful Holy Spirit message with a powerful Holy Spirit message with a powerful Holy Spirit moment. Then Peter said, moment. Then Peter said, moment. Then Peter said, "Can anyone keep these people from being "Can anyone keep these people from being "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized in water? baptized in water? baptized in water? They've received the Holy Spirit just we They've received the Holy Spirit just we They've received the Holy Spirit just we have."

have." have." So, he ordered that they be baptized in So, he ordered that they be baptized in So, he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Apparently, the name of Jesus Christ. Apparently, the name of Jesus Christ. Apparently, there were no objections. there were no objections. there were no objections. Cornelius, Cornelius, Cornelius, his family, his friends his family, his friends his family, his friends were the first non-Jewish people to be were the first non-Jewish people to be were the first non-Jewish people to be baptized as followers of Jesus. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> The rest is history. >> The rest is history. >> The rest is history. The church received a mandate to love The church received a mandate to love The church received a mandate to love and reach all men. and reach all men. and reach all men. They were obedient. The gospel spread They were obedient. The gospel spread They were obedient. The gospel spread all over the world. But as so with so many other things over But as so with so many other things over time, the church forgot the lesson. For many churches, the answer's become For many churches, the answer's become very restrictive. If you're the wrong very restrictive. If you're the wrong very restrictive. If you're the wrong color, not in our church. color, not in our church. color, not in our church. Wrong race? Wrong race? Wrong race? Mhm, not here.

Mhm, not here. Mhm, not here. Wrong side of the tracks? You won't fit Wrong side of the tracks? You won't fit Wrong side of the tracks? You won't fit in. in. in. Wrong political party? No, no, no. Wrong political party? No, no, no. Wrong political party? No, no, no. Addict? Alcoholic? Addict? Alcoholic? Addict? Alcoholic? No way. No way. No way. Divorced? You need to go somewhere else. Just got out of prison? Just got out of prison? I don't think so. I don't think so. I don't think so. You're too old. We're a young church. You're too old. We're a young church. You're too old. We're a young church. You're too You're too young. You won't You're too You're too young. You won't You're too You're too young. You won't respect our traditions. You hear it over respect our traditions. You hear it over respect our traditions. You hear it over and over as churches decide who is and and over as churches decide who is and and over as churches decide who is and who isn't allowed in church. who isn't allowed in church. who isn't allowed in church. So, let me answer the question for you. So, let me answer the question for you. So, let me answer the question for you. Who is allowed in this church? Personal Who is allowed in this church? Personal Who is allowed in this church? Personal are are are Yeah, black people, Yeah, black people, Yeah, black people, white people, white people, white people, Hispanic people, Hispanic people, Hispanic people, Asian people, Asian people, Asian people, African people, African people, African people, all people, all people, all people, even some dogs. Drug addicts, Drug addicts, alcoholics, alcoholics, alcoholics, homeless people, homeless people, homeless people, wealthy people, wealthy people, wealthy people, people struggling to get by, people struggling to get by, people struggling to get by, single people, single people, single people, married people, married people, married people, divorced people, divorced people, divorced people, people who just got out of prison, people who just got out of prison, people who just got out of prison, people are still in prison, people are still in prison, people are still in prison, Republicans, Republicans, Republicans, Democrats.

Democrats. Democrats. See, now you were okay when I was See, now you were okay when I was See, now you were okay when I was talking about blacks and whites. But, when I mentioned that other But, when I mentioned that other political party, now you're not so sure. political party, now you're not so sure. political party, now you're not so sure. Single moms, single dads, divorced Single moms, single dads, divorced Single moms, single dads, divorced people, hearing people, deaf people, people, hearing people, deaf people, people, hearing people, deaf people, young people, old people, middle-aged young people, old people, middle-aged young people, old people, middle-aged people, people who don't speak English, people, people who don't speak English, people, people who don't speak English, people with special needs. Who's allowed people with special needs. Who's allowed people with special needs. Who's allowed in our church? in our church? in our church? Yeah, whoever God sent his son to die Yeah, whoever God sent his son to die Yeah, whoever God sent his son to die for. for. for. The Bible says, "Everyone who believes The Bible says, "Everyone who believes The Bible says, "Everyone who believes in him in him in him receives forgiveness of sin through his receives forgiveness of sin through his receives forgiveness of sin through his name. That's who all out. name. That's who all out. name. That's who all out. Everyone. It's easy to clap and cheer. Aren't we It's easy to clap and cheer. Aren't we great? great? great? Yeah, we love everyone. Let me take a few moments to take it to Let me take a few moments to take it to a personal level. a personal level. a personal level. I want you to consider four key I want you to consider four key I want you to consider four key questions. Number one, who are your questions. Number one, who are your questions. Number one, who are your gentiles?

Who have you decided isn't worth Who have you decided isn't worth reaching? reaching? reaching? Who have you decided is just too Who have you decided is just too Who have you decided is just too difficult to reach? Who have you decided doesn't deserve to Who have you decided doesn't deserve to be reached? Who are your gentiles? Who are your gentiles? Ask yourself, do I disqualify people Ask yourself, do I disqualify people Ask yourself, do I disqualify people because of their race, their color, or because of their race, their color, or because of their race, their color, or where they were born? Do I disqualify people because of their Do I disqualify people because of their economic status? Do I disqualify people because of how Do I disqualify people because of how they look or how they smell? Do I disqualify people because of their Do I disqualify people because of their immigration status? Do I disqualify people because of their Do I disqualify people because of their past? past? past? Do I disqualify people because of the Do I disqualify people because of the Do I disqualify people because of the level of their intelligence? Do I disqualify people from my Do I disqualify people from my acceptance and love because of the way acceptance and love because of the way acceptance and love because of the way they dress? Do I disqualify people who have Do I disqualify people who have different preferences in regards to different preferences in regards to different preferences in regards to church? See, this is a key question, not church? See, this is a key question, not church? See, this is a key question, not just for our church, but for you just for our church, but for you just for our church, but for you personally.

personally. personally. Here's another way to ask it. Who would Here's another way to ask it. Who would Here's another way to ask it. Who would make you uncomfortable if they came in make you uncomfortable if they came in make you uncomfortable if they came in and sat beside you? Second question. Second question. How does God view your gentile? How does God view the people you've How does God view the people you've decided aren't worthy of your love and decided aren't worthy of your love and decided aren't worthy of your love and attention. attention. attention. Answer is very simple. Answer is very simple. Answer is very simple. God loved them enough to send Jesus to God loved them enough to send Jesus to God loved them enough to send Jesus to die for them. die for them. die for them. God views them as objects of love and God views them as objects of love and God views them as objects of love and grace. It's easy to convince yourself that It's easy to convince yourself that acceptance of others is enough, that acceptance of others is enough, that acceptance of others is enough, that allowing them to fellowship and worship allowing them to fellowship and worship allowing them to fellowship and worship with you somehow hits the mark. But let with you somehow hits the mark. But let with you somehow hits the mark. But let me remind you, God is not passive in his me remind you, God is not passive in his me remind you, God is not passive in his regard for you. regard for you. regard for you. He sent his son Jesus to die for you, He sent his son Jesus to die for you, He sent his son Jesus to die for you, for all people. He continuously pursues for all people. He continuously pursues for all people. He continuously pursues every heart not in right relationship every heart not in right relationship every heart not in right relationship with him. with him. with him. You are most like Jesus when you You are most like Jesus when you You are most like Jesus when you actively extend and express his love and actively extend and express his love and actively extend and express his love and grace to others.

Tolerance is not love. Tolerance is not love. Let me say that again. Tolerance is not Let me say that again. Tolerance is not Let me say that again. Tolerance is not love. love. love. You might see people in our church who You might see people in our church who You might see people in our church who are not like you, but do you talk to are not like you, but do you talk to are not like you, but do you talk to them? Do you reach out to them? Do you reach out to them? Are you intentionally kind? Do they You Are you intentionally kind? Do they You Are you intentionally kind? Do they You consider them your friends or do you consider them your friends or do you consider them your friends or do you avoid them? avoid them? avoid them? Just being okay with them being in Just being okay with them being in Just being okay with them being in church isn't enough. Everyone Everyone who believes in him who believes in him who believes in him receive forgiveness of sin through his receive forgiveness of sin through his receive forgiveness of sin through his name. So let me ask you another way. Who is So let me ask you another way. Who is the American church's gentiles? Is it the uneducated? Is it the uneducated? Is it the abortion doctor or the girl Is it the abortion doctor or the girl Is it the abortion doctor or the girl who got the abortion? who got the abortion? who got the abortion? Is it the unchurched who don't Is it the unchurched who don't Is it the unchurched who don't understand our values, our traditions?

understand our values, our traditions? understand our values, our traditions? Who are our gentiles? Is it possible Is it possible our Gentiles or just anyone who's not our Gentiles or just anyone who's not our Gentiles or just anyone who's not like us? Third question. Third question. Is there a room for prejudice in the Is there a room for prejudice in the Is there a room for prejudice in the body of Christ? body of Christ? body of Christ? From the Bible, the answer is From the Bible, the answer is From the Bible, the answer is emphatically no. emphatically no. emphatically no. There is no such thing as a prejudiced You might say, "Well, Pastor Rod, you You might say, "Well, Pastor Rod, you don't understand. It's just the way I don't understand. It's just the way I don't understand. It's just the way I was raised." It's not my goal to offend you. And I It's not my goal to offend you. And I know this is sensitive, but I have to know this is sensitive, but I have to know this is sensitive, but I have to ask, is it possible there's something ask, is it possible there's something ask, is it possible there's something wrong with the way you were raised? Is it possible that the prejudice you Is it possible that the prejudice you learned from others or from your parents learned from others or from your parents learned from others or from your parents are wrong and unscriptural? It's not are wrong and unscriptural? It's not are wrong and unscriptural? It's not only possible, it's probable.

only possible, it's probable. only possible, it's probable. How you were raised is no longer the How you were raised is no longer the How you were raised is no longer the issue. You're old now. issue. You're old now. issue. You're old now. You're accountable for the truth you You're accountable for the truth you You're accountable for the truth you know that God's love is available to all know that God's love is available to all know that God's love is available to all men, everyone who believes in him men, everyone who believes in him men, everyone who believes in him receive forgiveness of sin through his receive forgiveness of sin through his receive forgiveness of sin through his name. name. name. Others might say, "Well, Rod, you don't Others might say, "Well, Rod, you don't Others might say, "Well, Rod, you don't understand. I have good reason for my understand. I have good reason for my understand. I have good reason for my prejudice. prejudice. prejudice. You don't know how I've been treated." You don't know how I've been treated." You don't know how I've been treated." That's interesting. That's interesting. That's interesting. But but can you really allow your But but can you really allow your But but can you really allow your experience to take priority over God's experience to take priority over God's experience to take priority over God's word? Everyone who believes in him Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sin through his receives forgiveness of sin through his receives forgiveness of sin through his name. Rod, I reject this. You're wrong. You Rod, I reject this. You're wrong. You just don't understand. just don't understand. just don't understand. You're right, I don't understand. I You're right, I don't understand. I You're right, I don't understand. I don't understand how you can reject the don't understand how you can reject the don't understand how you can reject the central truth of scripture, the reason central truth of scripture, the reason central truth of scripture, the reason Jesus left heaven and came to earth. Jesus left heaven and came to earth. Jesus left heaven and came to earth. I don't understand how you can reject I don't understand how you can reject I don't understand how you can reject someone that he expects that he accepts someone that he expects that he accepts someone that he expects that he accepts and still expect heaven's doors to swing and still expect heaven's doors to swing and still expect heaven's doors to swing wide open for your arrival.

Too often critics have the loudest Too often critics have the loudest voice. voice. voice. We allow negative people to spout and We allow negative people to spout and We allow negative people to spout and spew and intimidate us into silence. I'm spew and intimidate us into silence. I'm spew and intimidate us into silence. I'm calling for followers of Jesus to let calling for followers of Jesus to let calling for followers of Jesus to let your voice be heard and your feelings be your voice be heard and your feelings be your voice be heard and your feelings be known privately, publicly, and on social known privately, publicly, and on social known privately, publicly, and on social media that everyone is welcome and media that everyone is welcome and media that everyone is welcome and accepted by God. Now it gets hard. Now it gets hard. Like it hasn't been already. If you reject someone God accepts, If you reject someone God accepts, what does that say about you? God didn't give Peter an option. God didn't give Peter an option. I've searched scripture. I've searched scripture. I've searched scripture. He didn't give us an option either. He didn't give us an option either. He didn't give us an option either. When you reject someone God accepts, you When you reject someone God accepts, you When you reject someone God accepts, you devalue the price Jesus paid on the devalue the price Jesus paid on the devalue the price Jesus paid on the cross in your place your bias and cross in your place your bias and cross in your place your bias and prejudice on a higher plane than his prejudice on a higher plane than his prejudice on a higher plane than his sacrifice.

Not sure? Not sure? 1 John 4:7. Let me read it slowly. Dear 1 John 4:7. Let me read it slowly. Dear 1 John 4:7. Let me read it slowly. Dear friends, let us love one another, let us love one another, for love comes from God. for love comes from God. for love comes from God. Everyone who loves Everyone who loves Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. has been born of God and knows God. has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love Whoever does not love Whoever does not love does not know God, Seems to be pretty clear. Seems to be pretty clear. If you reject those God accepts, you If you reject those God accepts, you If you reject those God accepts, you cannot claim to be a true follower of cannot claim to be a true follower of cannot claim to be a true follower of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. This is a big deal, guys. This is a This is a big deal, guys. This is a This is a big deal, guys. This is a heaven or hell issue. heaven or hell issue. heaven or hell issue. And a message the church in America And a message the church in America And a message the church in America needs to hear. Who's allowed in our church? Who's allowed in our church? Everyone. Everyone. Everyone. Our criteria is and will be the same as Our criteria is and will be the same as Our criteria is and will be the same as God's. He sent his son Jesus to die for God's. He sent his son Jesus to die for God's. He sent his son Jesus to die for all men. We will accept and love all men. We will accept and love all men. We will accept and love everyone Jesus died for.

Now, let me give you the caution cuz I Now, let me give you the caution cuz I can already hear what you're thinking. Do not leave here and say Pastor Rod is Do not leave here and say Pastor Rod is soft on sin. soft on sin. soft on sin. That is not the case at all. You leave That is not the case at all. You leave That is not the case at all. You leave here saying that, you have here saying that, you have here saying that, you have misrepresented me because your prejudice misrepresented me because your prejudice misrepresented me because your prejudice has been confronted and you're has been confronted and you're has been confronted and you're uncomfortable. We will love and accept everyone Jesus We will love and accept everyone Jesus died for. died for. died for. But we will challenge them to live in a But we will challenge them to live in a But we will challenge them to live in a way that honors him and obeys scripture. way that honors him and obeys scripture. way that honors him and obeys scripture. We are not soft on sin. We are not soft on sin. We are not soft on sin. We are soft-hearted towards sinners. We are soft-hearted towards sinners. We are soft-hearted towards sinners. Because we recognize Because we recognize Because we recognize oh, oh, oh, we were all once sinners. we were all once sinners. we were all once sinners. And we've been saved by grace. And we've been saved by grace. And we've been saved by grace. How could we not extend that How could we not extend that How could we not extend that to someone else? And now let me give you a couple And now let me give you a couple thoughts before we go.

thoughts before we go. thoughts before we go. I want to look at the other side of the I want to look at the other side of the I want to look at the other side of the story. story. story. Because Cornelius also had to overcome Because Cornelius also had to overcome Because Cornelius also had to overcome some things. some things. some things. He invited Peter, who was a Jew, He invited Peter, who was a Jew, He invited Peter, who was a Jew, the source of institutional prejudice the source of institutional prejudice the source of institutional prejudice against him into his home. against him into his home. against him into his home. He was willing to listen and learn from He was willing to listen and learn from He was willing to listen and learn from a Jew, even though he'd been mistreated. a Jew, even though he'd been mistreated. a Jew, even though he'd been mistreated. Cornelius also had to overcome Cornelius also had to overcome Cornelius also had to overcome prejudice. prejudice. prejudice. I want to be very sensitive, I want to be very sensitive, I want to be very sensitive, but I have to tell you if you've been but I have to tell you if you've been but I have to tell you if you've been the target of prejudice, that does not the target of prejudice, that does not the target of prejudice, that does not give you the right to respond with a give you the right to respond with a give you the right to respond with a prejudice of your own. prejudice of your own. prejudice of your own. No one has the right to hate. No one has the right to hate. No one has the right to hate. If prejudice is sin, it's sin regardless If prejudice is sin, it's sin regardless If prejudice is sin, it's sin regardless of its target and direction. of its target and direction. of its target and direction. If you've been hurt by others, the right If you've been hurt by others, the right If you've been hurt by others, the right response is love, not hate. Just because I preach this message, Just because I preach this message, we won't automatically end all prejudice we won't automatically end all prejudice we won't automatically end all prejudice among people who attend our church or among people who attend our church or among people who attend our church or wear our t-shirts.

wear our t-shirts. wear our t-shirts. But if you've got an every soul matters But if you've got an every soul matters But if you've got an every soul matters to God sticker on the back of your car to God sticker on the back of your car to God sticker on the back of your car and you don't live that out, please take and you don't live that out, please take and you don't live that out, please take the sticker off your car. We aren't perfect. We aren't perfect. I'm not perfect. I told you that story I'm not perfect. I told you that story I'm not perfect. I told you that story to start. to start. to start. Please be patient with those of us who Please be patient with those of us who Please be patient with those of us who are still on the journey. are still on the journey. are still on the journey. We also have people here who attend our We also have people here who attend our We also have people here who attend our church who have not yet made the church who have not yet made the church who have not yet made the decision to follow Jesus. decision to follow Jesus. decision to follow Jesus. Pray that as they commit their lives to Pray that as they commit their lives to Pray that as they commit their lives to Jesus, their hearts, lives, and Jesus, their hearts, lives, and Jesus, their hearts, lives, and attitudes will change and they will attitudes will change and they will attitudes will change and they will reflect his glory. reflect his glory. reflect his glory. If you struggle with prejudice If you struggle with prejudice If you struggle with prejudice against white people against white people against white people or black people or black people or black people or immigrants or immigrants or immigrants or poor people or poor people or poor people or Republicans or Democrats, ask God to or Republicans or Democrats, ask God to or Republicans or Democrats, ask God to help you change and to fill your heart help you change and to fill your heart help you change and to fill your heart with love instead of hate because with love instead of hate because with love instead of hate because everyone who believes in him everyone who believes in him everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sin through his receives forgiveness of sin through his receives forgiveness of sin through his name.

name. name. See, if it's arbitrary, See, if it's arbitrary, See, if it's arbitrary, if everyone isn't included, if everyone isn't included, if everyone isn't included, then I might not have made it. then I might not have made it. then I might not have made it. If it's arbitrary, if it doesn't apply If it's arbitrary, if it doesn't apply If it's arbitrary, if it doesn't apply to everyone, then who decided you were to everyone, then who decided you were to everyone, then who decided you were included? I challenge you to make this decision. I challenge you to make this decision. Because every soul matters to God, Because every soul matters to God, Because every soul matters to God, every person will matter to me. I challenge you not to be passive, I challenge you not to be passive, but to be active in your love. but to be active in your love. but to be active in your love. Will you be criticized? When you reach out to people that others When you reach out to people that others don't feel qualified for the love of don't feel qualified for the love of don't feel qualified for the love of Jesus, you will be criticized. Jesus, you will be criticized. Jesus, you will be criticized. Peter was. Is it worth it? Is it worth it? Jesus is worth it. Jesus is worth it. Jesus is worth it. He is. He is. He is. One person, Peter, heard from God.

One person, Peter, heard from God. One person, Peter, heard from God. Because of what he did, we're here Because of what he did, we're here Because of what he did, we're here today. today. today. One person heard from God, One person heard from God, One person heard from God, was willing to go against society, and was willing to go against society, and was willing to go against society, and he changed the world. Forgive us Forgive us for our rational feelings towards people we've decided don't towards people we've decided don't qualify for your love. Forgive us for changing scripture from Forgive us for changing scripture from everyone to everyone I think qualifies.

Lord, forgive us for our excuses. Lord, forgive us for our excuses. It's just how I was raised. It's just how I was raised. It's just how I was raised. Or you don't know what was done to me. Or you don't know what was done to me. Or you don't know what was done to me. Where we've justified Where we've justified Where we've justified our ugly sin our ugly sin our ugly sin instead of allowing your Holy Spirit to instead of allowing your Holy Spirit to instead of allowing your Holy Spirit to confront it. confront it. confront it. And so we And so we And so we we just quietly pause in your presence we just quietly pause in your presence we just quietly pause in your presence today. And ask you to reveal to us And ask you to reveal to us who our Gentiles are. And to change our hearts And to change our hearts the way you changed Peter's. That we would be filled with love That we would be filled with love to towards those to towards those to towards those whom we've disregarded. whom we've disregarded. whom we've disregarded. Forgive us, Lord. Forgive us, Lord. Forgive us, Lord. Lord, I pray if if there are people Lord, I pray if if there are people Lord, I pray if if there are people here, people here, people here, people watching online watching online watching online who they've been the object of prejudice who they've been the object of prejudice who they've been the object of prejudice from the church.

Lord, would you Lord, would you would you help them give the church would you help them give the church would you help them give the church another chance? And let your church be another chance? And let your church be another chance? And let your church be your church. your church. your church. Loving everyone Loving everyone Loving everyone that you sent Jesus to die for. Can't preach that message with just out Can't preach that message with just out without asking you without asking you without asking you if you need to make your heart right if you need to make your heart right if you need to make your heart right with Jesus. with Jesus. with Jesus. I'd love to pray with you. I'd love to pray with you. I'd love to pray with you. Regardless of who you are, what you've Regardless of who you are, what you've Regardless of who you are, what you've done what category you fit what category you fit you fit in this, everyone. Do you need to respond to love of Jesus Do you need to respond to love of Jesus tonight? If that's you, just raise your tonight? If that's you, just raise your tonight? If that's you, just raise your hand. I want to pray for you. hand. I want to pray for you. hand. I want to pray for you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, thank you. Thank you. If you raise your hand, would Thank you. If you raise your hand, would you stand? We're going to pray. Say, you stand? We're going to pray. Say, you stand? We're going to pray. Say, "What are people going to think?"

"What are people going to think?" "What are people going to think?" They're going to celebrate. They're sure They're going to celebrate. They're sure They're going to celebrate. They're sure not going to be prejudiced. not going to be prejudiced. not going to be prejudiced. >> [laughter] >> Now, >> Now, we're going to do it a little different. we're going to do it a little different. we're going to do it a little different. If somebody If somebody If somebody near you is standing who is not like near you is standing who is not like near you is standing who is not like you, [music] you, [music] you, [music] I want you to go stand with them. They might be a different age. They They might be a different age. They might be a different race. They're snot like you. I want you to They're snot like you. I want you to stand with them. You know, we're going to pray together. You know, we're going to pray together. And the reason why I have people come And the reason why I have people come And the reason why I have people come stand with you who aren't like you is stand with you who aren't like you is stand with you who aren't like you is because I want you to feel the love and because I want you to feel the love and because I want you to feel the love and acceptance of God's people. acceptance of God's people. acceptance of God's people. And I want you know, we don't get it And I want you know, we don't get it And I want you know, we don't get it right every time.

right every time. right every time. But we're going to love you to Jesus. But we're going to love you to Jesus. But we're going to love you to Jesus. And we're going to extend the love of And we're going to extend the love of And we're going to extend the love of Jesus to you. Lord, tonight, Jesus to you. Lord, tonight, Jesus to you. Lord, tonight, we just receive your love. we just receive your love. we just receive your love. Thank you. Lord, thank you that anyone Thank you. Lord, thank you that anyone Thank you. Lord, thank you that anyone and everyone is a candidate for your and everyone is a candidate for your and everyone is a candidate for your love. love. love. And so we thank you for that. And we And so we thank you for that. And we And so we thank you for that. And we just receive it right now. We admit just receive it right now. We admit just receive it right now. We admit we've done wrong. The Bible calls that we've done wrong. The Bible calls that we've done wrong. The Bible calls that sin. sin. sin. And where there's [music] there's And where there's [music] there's And where there's [music] there's something in us, we feel the need to something in us, we feel the need to something in us, we feel the need to respond your love tonight. We we feel respond your love tonight. We we feel respond your love tonight. We we feel the need for forgiveness. We need that the need for forgiveness. We need that the need for forgiveness. We need that love to fill our hearts. We need We need love to fill our hearts. We need We need love to fill our hearts. We need We need your love to wash away our hate. your love to wash away our hate. your love to wash away our hate. And so, we just respond to you tonight And so, we just respond to you tonight And so, we just respond to you tonight and ask you to fill us with your love. and ask you to fill us with your love. and ask you to fill us with your love. Thank you, Lord, for a church family Thank you, Lord, for a church family Thank you, Lord, for a church family that's committed to loving people. that's committed to loving people. that's committed to loving people. Forgive us when we get that wrong. Forgive us when we get that wrong. Forgive us when we get that wrong. But, help us to love. Lord, we know But, help us to love. Lord, we know But, help us to love. Lord, we know right now heaven celebrates as people right now heaven celebrates as people right now heaven celebrates as people respond to your love, and we celebrate respond to your love, and we celebrate respond to your love, and we celebrate with them.

with them. with them. You're a good God. You're a good God. You're a good God. Thank you, Lord, that no matter what Thank you, Lord, that no matter what Thank you, Lord, that no matter what we've done or where we've gone, no we've done or where we've gone, no we've done or where we've gone, no matter our background, we're loved by matter our background, we're loved by matter our background, we're loved by you. you. you. So, we receive that love today. Lord, we So, we receive that love today. Lord, we So, we receive that love today. Lord, we commit our lives to you. And we thank you And we thank you in Jesus' name. in Jesus' name. in Jesus' name. Amen.