12 April
The Spirit Breaks Barriers (Acts 10:1 – 11:18)
The Holy Spirit breaks down long-standing barriers as Peter witnesses God welcoming Gentiles into his people. This topic explores how the gospel crosses cultural boundaries and invites us to join God’s mission of redemptive grace. (Note: study questions for the message are released on the church’s sermon page on the Monday after each sermon, and to find them, go here and scroll until you find the Sunday listed: https://wcc.org.au/podcasts/media/series.)
Reflection/Discussion Questions (for website)
Comprehension
- What vision does Peter receive in Acts 10:9–16, and how does it prepare him for meeting Cornelius?
- How do the believers in Jerusalem respond to Peter’s report in Acts 11:1–18, and what convinces them that God is at work among the Gentiles?
Going Deeper
- How does the encounter between Peter and Cornelius challenge traditional Jewish ideas about clean and unclean, and what does this reveal about the nature of the gospel?
- What does the giving of the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles (Acts 10:44–48; 11:15–18) show about God’s initiative and the inclusivity of salvation?
Personal Application
- Where might God be inviting you to cross cultural, social, or personal barriers to share God’s love with others?
- What biases or assumptions might the Holy Spirit be challenging in your life as you follow Christ’s mission?
