Pastor Pete opens this series with a powerful truth: acceptance is something every human longs for. Whether we admit it or not, we’ve all felt the joy of being welcomed and the sting of rejection. The heart of the message is this: God’s acceptance is unwavering.

Unlike human relationships that can be conditional or disappointing, God never rejects His children. This truth is anchored in Romans 15:7–13 where Paul reminds believers that Jesus accepted both Jews and Gentiles, breaking cultural and religious barriers to extend mercy and hope to all.

Pastor Pete emphasizes that in the context of Paul's time, Gentiles were seen as outsiders, unworthy of God's favor. Yet, God had a different plan. Through Christ, everyone is invited into God’s family, regardless of background or past.

The big idea of the message is simple yet profound: "Any friend of Jesus is a friend of mine."

This statement calls believers to not only rest in their own acceptance by God but also to extend that same grace and welcome to others.