Topic: Break The Barrier [19th October 2018 Daily Devotional]
Text: Acts 11:1-18 (KJV)
Key Verse: “But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common“ (Acts 11:9)
MESSAGE:
It is quite important to understand that life throws diverse forms of barriers on our way to progress. The most significant key to success in life is how effectively one handles the barriers. In today’s text, Peter faced two critical situations. One was the confrontation from the elders of the church in Jerusalem who expressed displeasure about his preaching to the Gentiles. His response is a classic example of how to handle misunderstandings among brethren in the church. He humbly and courteously narrated the events that led him to the Gentiles with the gospel of salvation.
The explanation was no doubt convincing because Peter was doing the will of God and was wise in his presentation. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). There will be less suspicion, bickering, divisions and splinter groups in the family and society, if we all learn to display humility as we communicate with one another. A believer should not feel too big to be questioned.
Peter’s other challenge was the innate Jewish prejudice against the Gentiles which was easily taken away from him once he surrendered to the absolute will and word of God. The Church will certainly be able to do more good in the world by drawing sinners to Christ, if members of the Body of Christ will do away with all forms of prejudice and the holier-than-thou attitude. To win people to Christ requires genuine demonstration of love to others in our neighbourhood, marketplace, workplace or wherever we have the opportunity of interacting with others.
It is not God’s will to discriminate against any on the basis of tribe, status, gender or any other factor either in the church or outside.
Thought For The Day: Barriers separate, but love attracts.
Bible Reading In One Year: Matthew 15; Mark 7
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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