March 22nd, 2026: Welcoming Others in Christ- | Acts 10:9-15, 30-35, Galatians 3:28-29

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (John 10:14-16).

In 1543 Nicolaus Copernicus published the now accepted view that the Sun, rather than the Earth, is the center of the universe.  Until that time, the Earth was considered the center.  Galileo made telescopic observations in the 17th century to confirm Copernicus’ idea, but did you know that the true beginning of this thought was in the 3rd century BC from a Greek astronomer named Aristarchus of Samos?  You might be thinking this is a strange way to start a Sunday School lesson. And you would be right.  It is noteworthy to consider how long it actually took for men of science to agree that the earth (which includes mankind) is NOT the center of everything. 

The lesson today shows us that placing the wrong idea or person as the center of our spiritual thinking is an issue as well. The scriptures show us over and over that God alone is the focal point, and everything revolves around Him. Yet, here we are in the year 2026, struggling to remind ourselves that things do not revolve around our individual preferences, denominations, or rules created by men.  As you read today’s lesson, pause to think about the stumbling blocks that are present today. What are the ideas that hinder welcoming others into the true church?

Background

 God called out the family of Abraham to be an example to all nations of the power and authority of God. They were His chosen people. Chosen to carry His words, live in His holiness, and share His goodness with the nations around them.  However, as the family of Abraham grew into a great nation, they barricaded themselves behind man-made rules. They separated themselves from the stranger (the non-descendants of Abraham). They called the strangers Gentiles. 

 The law of Moses, however, made provisions for welcoming the stranger. If the Gentiles chose to believe in the God of the Israelites, they were allowed to join in. The strangers were to be taught and treated the same as a natural-born descendant of Abraham.

And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. (Exodus 12: 48-49) Notice there were not two different sets of rules.  There was one law, and it applied to both.

The prophets had told of a time when God would rejoin not only the nation of Israel, but also all the nations of the world: Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord. And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto thee. (Zechariah 2:10-11). But at the time of our lesson, what is left of the family of Abraham, the Jews, did not socialize with Gentiles. They don’t eat their food or visit their houses. It was forbidden by man-made religious rules and customs of the time. 

Acts 10: 9-15

On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

Peter, ever quick with an answer, yet always being taught something new.  Ever feel like Peter?  Thinking for sure you got this answer right, only to find out that you don’t think like God? The Law of Moses consisted of many different “kinds” of laws.  There were ceremonial, moral, civil, and dietary laws. The dietary law was very specific. Interestingly, Jesus himself commented on the dietary laws when He said:

And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats? And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. (Mark 7:18-20). Some habits take longer to change.  Peter receives a vision to help him understand.  The illustration is not just about food; it is about people. 

The important line in this passage is that God tells Peter NOT to call anything unclean that He has deemed clean. Here starts the lesson for us as well. We are guilty of thinking some individuals are beyond being saved, predestined to Hell, or that they must do some work to earn God’s consideration to even ask forgiveness. We are to be a separate people, dedicated to God, and we are to live in such a way as to attract unbelievers to Christ.  It is not our duty to place stumbling blocks in the sinner’s way or make the path of salvation unwelcoming. 

As Peter ponders why God sent such a vision, Cornelius’s men are at the door to tell Peter of the vision their leader has had.   God sends Peter to Cornelius, a Roman Centurion, an enemy of the Jews.  He is the captain of 100 Roman soldiers.  He is a Gentile.  By the customs and religious laws of the day, Peter is not allowed to even be in Cornelius’ house.   

Acts 10: 30-35

And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

When Peter arrives at Cornelius’ house, he finds it filled with friends and family of the Centurion.  He listens as Cornelius recounts the vision that he received to call for Peter.  What does this Gentile Roman authority want?  To hear the words of Peter.  The words of Jesus, His life, His death, and His resurrection.  How much wiser would we be in our Christian walk if we remembered that the most important message we can ever carry is that of Jesus? Peter begins to understand. God is no respecter of persons. Anyone, everyone, who wishes to, may come in prayer and repentance to God through Jesus. When God deems it clean, it is clean, despite customs, traditions, or religious rules.  It is genuinely that simple. Nothing added.  All people are welcome into this new covenant relationship. Peter will see the Holy Spirit poured out on the Gentiles present.  The same Spirit that fell at Pentecost is present at Cornelius’ house.  The angel didn’t deliver the message- He directed Cornelius to Peter.  God asked Peter to bring the words of salvation. 

Galatians 3: 28-29

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Paul, writing to the Galatians, is still trying to teach this challenge to the early churches.  There are several letters where the idea of inclusion of all peoples is the main topic for teaching.  It takes a long time to change opinions and traditions. Jews and Gentiles are no longer separate.  Together they form the bride of Christ, the church. In the year 2026 we still struggle to see everyone as equal. We too cannot be a respecter of persons.  We cannot decide who can and who cannot find salvation in Jesus.  There are no social constructs or religious rules to divide us in Christ’s kingdom. All who profess salvation through Jesus are welcome. All believers become the spiritual seed of Abraham and heirs to the same promises.  How do we know this is God’s intent?  The apostle John summed it up while banished on the Isle of Patmos. 

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 7: 9-12).

Is there anything in your thinking or actions that is unwelcoming or that would prevent allowing someone to come before the throne of God in repentance? It is time to understand that mankind is not the center of God’s rescue plan. The whole plan of salvation revolves around the Son, Jesus Christ.

Thank you for studying with us! God bless!