Conspicuous for ChristSmashing a comfort zoneActs 11:1-18

Cons

picu

ous f

or

Chris

t their cultureCulture is a combination of

attitudes and assumptions• attitude “gentiles don’t qualify

for the gospel”• assumption “therefore we should

be separate from them”

Cons

picu

ous f

or

Chris

t their culturetheir traditions trumped their

theologyA church is in grave danger when

its internal culture holds back God’s purposes

Cons

picu

ous f

or

Chris

tGod gave a vision to the church’s leader (v4-8)

“Do not call anything impure that God has called clean”

Cons

picu

ous f

or

Chris

tGod gave a command to be obeyed

“The Holy Spirit told me to have no hesitation”

Cons

picu

ous f

or

Chris

tGod sent a messenger (v13-14)

“… he will bring you a message through which you and all your family will be saved”

Cons

picu

ous f

or

Chris

t God sent his Spirit (v15-18)

• the ‘Gentile Pentecost’• confirmation of true Christian

faith was evidence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life

• their criticism ceased and their worship began

Cons

picu

ous f

or

Chris

t So?• The church of Jesus Christ should

embrace all people• God is glorified when his Word

and his Spirit operate together• In credit is not the same as in

Christ

Cons

picu

ous f

or

Chris

t

victoria baptist churchbringing faith to life