GOD'S ACCEPTANCE. By Pastor Fernando

SCRIPTURE

Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right..."
Acts 10:34-35

OBSERVATION

Peter's world was being rocked to the core. The traditions of Jewish rituals were being challenged. The Holy Spirit was being poured out upon the Gentiles. The Jews were not God's favorites, all men despite of their culture and religious background was being embraced bu God's grace. The promises of the Scriptures were being fulfilled and all kinds of people were coming to relationship with God. Peter got it, but still there were some Jews that had a hard time accepting what God was doing.

APPLICATION

The other day a gentleman had a question at church. He was wondering if we were going to teach the women to implement a dress code in our church because some ladies came to church showing too much skin. Actually he said, that his wife had that question and asked him to come and bring this issue up with me. I kindly answered that we do not have a dress code for our weekend services. We accept people as they come. As long as they are dressed, anybody is welcomed. This means that some people, because of their cultural background, and specially women, may not understand the concept of modesty. But I'm convinced that as they decide to follow Christ and they are filled with the Holy Spirit, God himself is going to reveal to them about their clothing options. We are also teaching in our New Life Construction Course about this, but only if they are serious in becoming disciples of Christ.

This couple's question reminds me that there are many people, usually Christians, with an old legalistic mindset. They are not bad people, but they are misguided. They need to be reminded about the grace that once embraced them. God can reach and fill and use people that do not look like strong believers. They need to understand that we are called to reach all people, including those who do not dress with modesty. Visitors and new believers are accepted just as they are, and as they become committed to follow Christ, there are going to be intersections in their spiritual walk where they will be confronted in love about their habits. The church will not change them, the Holy Spirit will.

PRAYER

Dear heavenly Father, thank you so much for the grace you give to all those who are seeking you, despite of their cultural background and blindness. Please use our church and my life to always exemplify grace and acceptance, regardless of what people look like. Also let your Holy Spirit fill them up so they make changes in their lives , not because they have to, but because they want to. And also, give us a special anointing to help those trapped in the mindset of legalism. Use us to proclaim grace, to have the perfect balance between mercy and truth, and to leave behind empty traditions, religiosity, and discrimination. Help us to be a community when people are loved and accepted, not for what they do, but for who they are. Amen!