"And when Peter came to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, saying, "You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them.. But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning....And when they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, 'Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.' "
Acts 11:2-4, 18
The Jewish Christians confronted Peter because he had dinner with Gentiles. So Peter explained to them what had occurred – that God had accepted Gentiles into His Church. This event was so important to the Church that the Holy Spirit devoted two chapters to it. Some groups make isolationism a badge of honor. "Come out from among them and be separate" becomes a part of the identification of who they are. But how can we, as Christians, impact a lost world if we don't have social contact with it? Jesus didn't isolate Himself. He ate with all kinds of sinners – tax collectors, religious hypocrites, and prostitutes. I confess that it has been a long, long time since I have invited an unsaved person for dinner.
Today's Thought: God's love of people is bigger than my little clique.
Have an inclusive day. Love you.
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