So What! (Today's Noontime Bible Study Class at work)

The Bible is clear about who God loves, "for God SO LOVED the world". The world includes YOU!

• So what, you're not wealthy
• So what, you may have failed
• So what, you have cussed & fussed
• So what, you haven't been to church
• So what, you haven't cleaned yourself up
• So what, no one else in your family is Saved
• So what, you don't think that you are worthy

God LOVES YOU! Don't worry about those who "think" they are in a position to tell you what God thinks of you. People are quick to label other people; perhaps labeling other people makes one feel better about their own transgressions and shortcomings.

The Apostle Peter felt himself to be  "above" the Gentiles. Peter was a Jew, had received the law and the oracles of God, was a leader in the Jerusalem church, on and on and on. In essence, Peter was a church goer. However, God had to deal with Peter's biases much like He does our biases today. The church needs to open its eyes, hearts and doors to those who are in need of joy and not judgement; in need of salvation and not segregation; in need of strength and not stress; in need of acceptance and not abandonment just because they aren't JUST LIKE YOU or resemble your church as you have come to know it traditionally. Like Peter, we need to change our view, perception and acceptance. Are we truly ready to be THE CHURCH...not just a black church or a white church...are we ready to accept the addict, tattooed and pierced? What are the barriers that we need to tear down?

Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.” Cornelius replied, “Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God! So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.” Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. (Acts 10:28‭-‬31‭, ‬33‭-‬36 NLT)