Today’s passage is where Pastor Dave focused his message Sunday. If you weren’t able to join us, you can take it in one more time.

PRAY
Today’s story involves prayer time for Peter in which he spends more time hearing from the Lord (through a vision) than he does talking to the Lord. Take some time to be still and listen to the stirrings of the Holy Spirit. Write out any impressions below:

Close out your time by agreeing with this prayer:
Lord, Thank You for speaking to me in so many ways. As I dive into Your Word, speak to me once again. Amen.

PETER AND CORNELIUS
Today we will read through this story in three sections, pausing after each section to reflect and respond.

READ AND CONTEMPLATE ACTS 10:1-8
In this passage, take up the position of Cornelius. View what is happening through his eyes.

If you are Cornelius in this passage, what is going on inside you?

READ AND CONTEMPLATE ACTS 10:9-23
Now, take up the position of Peter.

As you read this, keep in mind that what Peter is seeing goes against long held Jewish standards when it came to eating certain meats.

If you are Peter, what would be going on inside you?

READ AND CONTEMPLATE ACTS 10:24-48
Stay in Peter’s Sandals as these events unfold.

Recount what you see happening in this passage, and what sticks out to you from these events.

MAKE IT PERSONAL
There are two things we NEED to take away from this passage as we consider its connection to our Here to There journey.

1. The message of Christ is for everyone! This is the core point to this passage. This is especially driven home as Peter is led by the Holy Spirit to speak to a non-Jew (strike 1, if you are Peter), who is an elite (strike 2) soldier (strike 3).
2. There is ALWAYS more to learn from Jesus. At this point, Peter seems like a superstar. He is leading thousands to Christ in a moment, healing the sick, and raising the dead. You could almost think that Peter is There in his Here to There journey. Yet, God continues to grow and challenge Peter.

Who is someone or a group of people that you are convinced is beyond the reach of Jesus?

Take time to pray for this person or group, and consider ways to reach out and show the love of Christ.

How open are you to God stretching you or challenging your long-held beliefs?

BOTTOM LINE
If you think you are There, and there is no room for growth in your walk with Christ, you are in a dangerous place. More tomorrow, but may we be a people who are open to the move of God in the lives of ALL people, and are always willing to learn more from Jesus.