Jesus in You: Intentionally Diverse (Acts 10:1-48)

From the beginning of the Spirit work of Jesus in the church - it is clear that the saving message of Jesus Christ is for all people. Acts 1:8. It is not just for you and me. It is to go out from us to all people. One of the first things the spirit does is break down the walls of separation of the people in Jerusalem (Acts 2:5 - every nation). The work of Jesus is to break down the dividing walls of hostility. It has been that way from the very beginning. Even the promise of God to Abraham was that he would be the means of blessing all people through him (well, not him, but the one to come from him - Jesus!). The diversity of the church is like unto the harmony that runs throughout the melody of the story of Acts. It's always happening...subtly, but certainly. Acts 8:1-2, even in their pain, the message goes to all people. Next, Phillip goes to Samaria, and then an Ethiopian. An then in Acts 10, the Spirit ambushes Peter and takes him to a Roman Centurian - and his whole house is saved. By the end of this, "gentiles" receive the same outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The church in Antioch is a church rich in diversity (Acts 13:1-3). Jesus people understand; if Jesus is for all people - then all people are to be reached for Jesus. This is why we say, "We exist so that every man, woman, and child has the opportunity to know Christ..." It is our calling. Just like the church in Acts reflected the world around her, so to may New Work Fellowship look more and more like the community around us.