A new way to relate

God can’t mean them.

Acts 10:1–4 HCSB

There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment. He was a devout man and feared God along with his whole household. He did many charitable deeds for the Jewish people and always prayed to God. About three in the afternoon he distinctly saw in a vision an angel of God who came in and said to him, “Cornelius!” Looking intently at him, he became afraid and said, “What is it, lord?” The angel told him, “Your prayers and your acts of charity have come up as a memorial offering before God.

Cornelius had Gods attention and he had it because he was doing the right things even without knowing why. If we look at the original language here it’s interesting. The term Luke uses can be understood to mean a proselyte to Judaism. It more likely here that Luke simply means that Cornelius was a devout or religious man.

We need to start to relate to people that don’t know God the way God relates to them. By reaching to them where they are.

Listening and Learning

Acts 10:9–10 HCSB

The next day, as they were traveling and nearing the city, Peter went up to pray on the housetop about noon. Then he became hungry and wanted to eat, but while they were preparing something, he went into a visionary state.

We need to Relate to God on a regular basis through prayer, prayer that includes us shutting up and letting him change our perspective.

Peter having a vision while praying means God is doing something special, he wants Peters attention. God relates to us where we are, through means that bring change if we will let it.

Get over yourself

Acts 10:11–14 HCSB

He saw heaven opened and an object that resembled a large sheet coming down, being lowered by its four corners to the earth. In it were all the four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, and the birds of the sky. Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat!” “No, Lord!” Peter said. “For I have never eaten anything common and ritually unclean!”

Rules are not the basis for a relationship.

Peter is basing his realtionship with God on following the rules set out in the Old Testament. Rules that served to separate man from God and man from each other.

FOr some reason there is in the church that living a virtuious life means following a bunch of rules, living a sanctified life is tied to what we don’t do, what we don’t accept..who we don’t accept.

A better way

Acts 10:15–16 HCSB

Again, a second time, a voice said to him, “What God has made clean, you must not call common.” This happened three times, and then the object was taken up into heaven.

God is in the demolition business. He wants to break down the barriers that keep people from relationship with him and with each other, because it is through relationship that lasting change can happen, it is through relationship that Humans earn the right to speak into a persons life the truth of the Gospel. This doesn't mean that we compromise the gospel, it doesn't’ mean we sugar coat the truth.

Open your eyes

Acts 10:28–29 HCSB

Peter said to them, “You know it’s forbidden for a Jewish man to associate with or visit a foreigner. But God has shown me that I must not call any person common or unclean. That’s why I came without any objection when I was sent for. So I ask: Why did you send for me?”

See people the way God sees them yes but also see your own prejudice and DEAL WITH IT.

Acts 10:34–35 HCSB

Then Peter began to speak: “Now I really understand that God doesn’t show favoritism, but in every nation the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him.

God has chosen Humanity to have relationship through the work that Jesus did. He related to us by coming where we are. We must relate to others in the same way.

Demolishes hypocrisy

This week’s challenge

Step out of your comfort zone and begin building a relationship with someone that is not like you.

Demolishies

Just listen, don’t try and offer answers

Wait for God to open the door to go deeper and when He does don’t hesitate to speak the gospel in love!