Embrace Change

INTRO:

We are looking at the 5th section of the Book of Acts: Mission Possible

This section is (Acts 10:1-12:25) titled Breaking Barriers: The Inclusion of Gentiles in Gods plan.

10:1-10:33 - Visionary Encounter

10:34-11:18 - Good News for All

11:19-12:25 - Crisis and Miracles

This morning we are going to be looking at Sub-sections one and two.

I want you to indulge me for a moment……

If you are in a wheel chair or have a walker …. this request does not apply to you.

I am going to ask you to stand ….. change where you are sitting.

Come on …. get up and move to another location of the church ……… and not the next seat over.

(Have two people come up to the platform and ask each one of them these questions ….)

(1) How did that make you feel? Why or why not?

(2) Did you like it? Why or why not?

(1) Did you really care about you regular seat? Why or why not?

(2) Would you like to do this ever Sunday? Why or why not?

Thank them and have them go back to their NEW SEATS.

Did you know that …..

How many of you have heard of a thing called a “Change Initiative?”

A Chain Initiative is basically an organized plan in a company or group to make a big shift—like updating how things work, adopting new tools, or changing the overall vibe—to help everyone adapt and reach bigger goals.

It's not just a quick fix; it's a guided effort to handle the "what's next?" with people on board, aiming for stuff like better teamwork or fresh ideas.

Did you know that 70% of “change initiatives” fail according to a study by McKinsey & Company.

This highlights the challenges organizations face in managing change effectively, often due to resistance or lack of engagement from those involved.

45% of people report feeling anxious about change, according to a survey by the American Psychological Association.

This anxiety often stems from uncertainty or fear of the unknown, which can make transitions more difficult.

36% of employees report that they are "enthusiastic" about change initiatives within their organizations, as found in a study by Gallup.

This suggests that a portion (a little more than 1/3) of the workforce is open to change, especially when they see it as beneficial or aligned with their values.

85% of people believe that change is necessary for progress, according to a survey by the Harvard Business Review.

This indicates a widespread acknowledgment that change, while sometimes difficult, is essential for innovation and improvement but the majority of the people are against it/don’t like it. 

SEGWAY:

We are going to take a look at how the Gospel of Jesus Christ rocked the world with CHANGE …….

Title of the Sermon - Embrace Change

If you have your bibles …… and you are able and willing to stand for the reading of God’s Word …..

BODY:

Acts 10:1–22 ESV

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven. Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.”

Acts 10:44–48 “While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.”

Give a quick overview of this story…… “Cornelius, Peter and the Gentile”

Cornelius is a centurion (50-100 men)

What significant about this is he is a follower of Yahweh.

Him and his whole family.

He gave faithfully to the people and prayed continually to God.

About 3:00pm he clearly (in a vision) sees an angle of the Lord.

He is told to send men to Joppa for Peter.

Immediately after the Angle disappears He calls for some men and instructs them what to do and they leave.

Meanwhile, the next day, around noon, Peter is on the housetop praying and while praying he falls into a trance.

The Lord opens the heavens and lowers a cloth with animals in it.

He tell Peter to kill and eat.

Peter refuses to do this (3 times)

The Lord takes the animals back up.

Peter is perplexed and pondering what he was told to do.

About that time Cornelius’s men arrive and approach Peter.

He is told by the Lord to “immediately go with these men.”

Again Peter disobeys and has the men come in and stay the night and they leave in the morning.

Peter arrives and Cornelius is waiting with anticipation.

He shares what the Lord spoke to him about ….

Peter share what the Lord had revealed to Him.

He know understands what is going on ….

The Gospel is about to bust wide open, all over the Gentiles.

But folks, this almost didn’t happen …….

All because Peter was disobeying God.

Peter, a devout Jew, a fisherman, a baptized follower of Christ, was having a hard time with CHANGE.

Take note, Cornelius didn’t have a problem obeying the Angel of the Lord.

But Peter …..

Denied Him 3 times (Again)

Never did eat of those animals.

Why did this almost not happen …..

Why did Peter refuse to eat these Animals?

Because of his heritage.

Because Peter was resistant to this change.

Don’t be to hard on Peter ….. I believe we all have a hard time with change.

Let me give you an example …..

In recent years, there has been a significant shift from cash transactions to digital payment methods, including mobile payments and online banking.

This change represents a major shift in how people handle financial transactions.

Just take for example how we collect tithes and offering

I have heard people complaining that if you are not physically placing the money in an offering plate somehow its not WORSHIP.

I have heard the older generations or those accustomed to cash may be skeptical or uncomfortable with digital payments due to security concerns or technology apprehension.

Some people had a hard time adapting to this change.

Some still do!

Just like Peter having to change in order to stay relevant and seeing that this was from the Lord ….. He saw the light (So to speak) He changed!

SEGWAY:

Church, I know that change is hard, I get it!

But in order to stay relevant we are going to need to change.

There are 4 things that can help us deal with change and stay relevant for an ever changing culture.

At the core, these principles revolve around adaptability, openness, and growth within our spiritual and cultural contexts. Here's a breakdown:

Prioritize Purpose Over Process

Answer the “WHY” before you answer the “HOW and the “WHAT.”

The essence of your mission is the compass guiding you through change.

When you focus on the mission's core values (WHY), you allow flexibility in “HOW” you achieve it.

This openness to different methods ensures you're not bound by outdated practices and can adapt to new environments.

Prioritize Purpose Over Process

Embrace Boldness and Innovation

Being bold and innovating in our approach means being open to revolutionary ideas that challenge the status quo.

This mindset fosters innovation and transformation, encouraging spiritual growth and a deeper connection with the world.

Embrace Boldness and Innovation

Cultivate Cultural Awareness

By becoming a student of culture, we gain insights into diverse worldviews, fostering empathy and understanding.

This awareness helps us remain relevant and engaged, as it aligns our practices with the evolving cultural landscape.

Cultivate Cultural Awareness

Connect with the Younger Generation

Engaging with younger people brings fresh perspectives and new ideas.

Their experiences and insights can invigorate our spiritual journey, keeping it dynamic and forward-thinking.

Connect with the Younger Generation

CONCLUSION: