GETTING STARTED
You know it when you feel it. Whether you’re at a party, school, or church, or with a neighbor, a coworker, or a new acquaintance—or in any other social or relational environment—you know when you feel welcomed. And you know when you don’t. Most people are “acceptance magnets.” We gravitate naturally to those people or groups who make us feel welcomed, while we avoid the places and people who don’t. I’m not sure of all the ingredients that go into creating a healthy climate of acceptance, but you know it when you feel it. And it makes all the difference.
- What is it that makes you feel most welcomed or accepted?
READ THE WORD: ACTS 28:29-31 (ESV)
29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, having much dispute among themselves.
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
- What was Paul’s posture/attitude toward those who came to him? What might this have looked like?
- With Paul as our example, how would you rate your “welcome quotient” toward people who don’t believe as you do?
- As Paul engaged a growing Gentile audience, we can be certain they had questions and opinions about everything from history to tradition to popular culture. What issues/topics did Paul focus on as he spoke with these people? Why do you suppose he did this?
- Paul’s ministry to those who were not Christians, yet who were spiritually interested, obviously continued beyond chapter 28. What actions could you take to contribute an “Acts chapter 29” toward the work of God to those who don’t yet have faith in Christ?
RESPOND TO GOD
Sincere love and acceptance is the optimal environment for genuine life-change. Jesus knew this. His teaching and personal interactions consistently attracted irreligious and sinful people, and transformed them (Matthew 21:31). And the Savior sends his followers to do the same (John 20:21). Each true follower of Jesus has the opportunity to impact those around them in life-giving ways. John R. W. Stott, the great preacher and communicator, said it this way: “The acts of the Apostles have long ago finished. But the acts of the followers of Jesus will continue until the end of the world, and their words will spread to the ends of the earth.”
- Ask the Lord to help you think as he thinks and feel as he feels toward those who are not yet believers.
- Find one simple way to warm up the welcome factor with the spiritual outsiders God has placed near you.