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April 21, 2024 – Gentiles Became Part of the Church – Acts 11
CHRIST CONNECTION:
Even though some people tried to stop it, the gospel spread throughout the earth—not only to Jews but also to Gentiles. The good news about Jesus is for everyone. God calls us to celebrate when others believe and help them know and love Jesus more.
Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:12
For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body, so also is Christ.
Big Picture Question: What is the church?
The church is all Christians everywhere, who gather together in their communities to worship and serve God.
Read Acts 11:18
The Jewish believers in Jerusalem rejoiced when they realized the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit. Rather than focus on the differences between Jews and Gentiles, they chose to praise God and be thankful He saved the Gentiles.
As the church, we can rejoice and be thankful when others believe in Jesus too. Even when new people come to church who may be different from us, we can choose to be happy they are here and pray that God saves them through Jesus.
How were the Gentiles saved?
Gentiles were saved just as the Jewish believers were: by faith in Jesus. The Gentiles repented of sin, turned to Jesus, and were given the Holy Spirit.
Do you rejoice when others trust in Jesus?
The greatest event that can happen in anyone’s life is to trust in Jesus as his or her Savior. Salvation is more special than birthdays, vacations, getting new toys, etc. Celebrate and praise God when you hear about someone trusting in Jesus.
The church in Antioch grew after Barnabas arrived and encouraged the believers there. Why do you think the church grew after Barnabas encouraged the believers in Antioch?
Barnabas encouraged the believers to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts. One way we can show we are devoted to God is by being obedient to His command to share the good news of Jesus with others. Sharing the gospel is how the church grows as others hear and believe the good news.