Jesus Breaks Down The Walls

I’ve had many cross-cultural experiences where I was the only person of a particular ethnicity, religion, or socio-economic background in the room. It was often awkward. However, in many of these times, I’ve been welcomed as a “brother” in Christ. That’s the Holy Spirit at work. God’s power transcends incredible barriers.

God is constantly guiding us in the direction we need to go, and resisting makes everything more difficult. Last week, Saul turned his life around and pursued Jesus with the same passion he once had for persecuting Him. However, Saul was aggressive and insensitive, and his message was not well received (Acts 9:20-31). We’ve all experienced times when we thought God was doing something, but it didn’t go as well as expected. That’s alright. Boldness is the proper response, even if it doesn’t work out. It takes time for God to shape us into the individuals we need to be to fulfil our part of His mission.

Peter experienced something similar. For years, he remained in Jerusalem instead of spreading the Gospel abroad as Jesus commanded. Eventually, he began moving around, praying and healing people as Jesus had trained him to do. However, Peter’s Jewish customs prevented him from engaging with foreigners. God is committed to breaking the barriers separating people (Revelation 7:9), so the Spirit commanded Peter to engage with a Roman named Cornelius. It was initially awkward. However, like Paul, Peter allowed the Spirit to push him out of his comfort zone, and it changed the world (Acts 10).

Leaving your comfort zone when God calls is a bold act of faith. What uncomfortable things is the Spirit calling you to do today?

Watch the full sermon here.