Legacy of Acts Church

 WORDS OF LIFE

Thursday 11 December

ACTS 10

The legacy of the Acts Church - vulnerability and values

I am only a man myself' (v 26)

'VISION' and 'venture' are not what you would call mission methodology. Rather, they are timeless principles for mission that overlay mission strategy and, in themselves, are a legacy of the Acts Church.

Another mission principle to emerge as the drama of Acts chapter 10 unfolds is vulnerability. After Peter and his party of travellers left Joppa to visit Cornelius in Caesarea, on entry to the house 'Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself." While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them, "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?"' (vv 25-29).

The power of Peter's vulnerability here, underpinned by deep humility, was key to the breakthrough of the gospel into the Gentile world. Peter is treated like a god, but says, 'I am only a man.' He acknowledges the huge barrier between Jews and Gentiles, but his very presence in the room breaks this stronghold. He confesses to how he once looked down on Gentiles, but how God has shown him something different and he has changed his mind.

Peter demonstrated the values of the Kingdom of God – vulnerability to seeing how God sees people and mission, humility and contriteness of heart, courage to take risks for the sake of the gospel, respect for others, and integrity in fulfilling the vision God has given him. Living out our values as the people of God is not an end in itself. They disarm and challenge the world, and are an integral part of being 'witnesses'. They prepare the world for our message about the love of God in Jesus.

FOR REFLECTION

Some territories have made a formal statement about what they value. Transformation, integrity, respect, inclusion, diversity, boldness, collaboration and caring for the environment all get a mention. Values at IHQ also include grace and truth. Spend time contemplating the values of the Kingdom of God. Pray that such values will be evident in your own life, and in the life and mission of your own faith community.

IHQ

#SeasonOfPrayerAndCommitment  - Salvationist online