No Distinction

Key Takeaways

• We live in a world of distinctions, often driven by fear of contamination.

• The gospel breaks down barriers between people that society and religion have created.

• Jesus has the power to make the unclean clean, both spiritually and socially.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  The sermon mentions "negativity dominance" and how we tend to view contamination. How do you see this principle at work in your own life or in society?

• Question 2

  Peter had to overcome deeply ingrained cultural and religious barriers to visit Cornelius. What are some modern-day barriers that Christians might need to overcome to share the gospel?

• Question 3

  How does the story of Jesus touching and healing the leper challenge our understanding of holiness and contamination?

• Question 4

  John reminds us, "No one is God and no one is garbage." How does this perspective change the way we interact with others, especially those different from us?

• Question 5

  In what ways might we unconsciously label people or situations as "unclean" in our lives? How can we change this mindset?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : Breaking Down Barriers

READING :

Acts 10:1-33

DEVOTIONAL :

God's love knows no boundaries. In Acts 10, we see how God challenged Peter's preconceptions about who was "clean" or "unclean." Just as Peter had to confront his biases, we too must examine the invisible fences we've built around our hearts. Are there people or groups we've deemed "unclean" or unworthy of God's love? Remember, Christ's sacrifice was for all. Today, pray for God to reveal any prejudices in your heart and ask for the courage to reach across divides, just as Peter did with Cornelius.

APPLICATION :

This week, intentionally reach out to someone you might typically avoid or consider "outside" your usual social circle.

Day 2 : The Transforming Power of Grace

READING :

Romans 3:21-26

DEVOTIONAL :

Paul reminds us that "there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This humbling truth levels the playing field of humanity. No one can claim superiority, for we all need God's grace. Yet in this shared need, we find hope. God's grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, transforms us from "unclean" to "righteous." Reflect on areas in your life where you still feel "unclean." Bring these to God, trusting in his power to cleanse and renew you through Christ's sacrifice.

APPLICATION :

Reflect on your self-talk. Are there ways you're calling yourself "unclean" that contradict what God says about you? Write down truths from Scripture to counter these thoughts.

Day 3 : Overcoming Fear of Contamination

READING :

Mark 5:25-34

DEVOTIONAL :

The bleeding woman risked everything to touch Jesus, believing he could make her clean. In a culture obsessed with avoiding contamination, Jesus showed that his purity was more powerful than any impurity. His love doesn't recoil from our messiness but reaches into it to heal and restore. What areas of your life do you hesitate to bring to Jesus, fearing they're too "unclean"? Practice coming to him with your whole self, trusting that his love is greater than your fear.

APPLICATION :

Brainstorm ways your church or community can be more inclusive and welcoming to those who might feel like outsiders.

Day 4 : The Curse Becomes the Cure

READING :

Galatians 3:10-14

DEVOTIONAL :

Paul explains how Christ became a curse for us to redeem us from the curse of the law. This profound truth reveals the depths of God's love and the lengths he goes to make us clean. Jesus, the only truly "clean" one, took on our uncleanliness so we could be made right with God. Meditate on this sacrificial love today. How does knowing that Christ bore your curse change how you view your struggles and shortcomings?

APPLICATION :

Practice the "no one is God and no one is garbage" principle in your daily interactions. Be aware of how you treat others and adjust your behavior accordingly.

Day 5 : Living as New Creation

READING :

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

DEVOTIONAL :

In Christ, we are new creations. The old has passed away, and the new has come. This transformation isn't just personal; we're called to be ministers of reconciliation, extending to others the same grace we've received. As those made clean by Christ, we're empowered to see others through his eyes of love, not judging by worldly standards.

APPLICATION :

Consider how you can be an agent of reconciliation in your relationships, community, or workplace. How can you extend Christ's love to those the world might deem "unclean"?

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: All peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! It is good to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done!

People: How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation.

Daniel 4:1-3

Confession of Faith

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

*catholic here means the universal church

Confession of Sin

Lord Jesus, we confess that we redraw your boundaries to fit our biases. We resist your Spirit when it challenges our categories. We prefer a God who blesses our traditions and stays within our circles. Forgive us for calling unclean those you call beloved. Forgive our reluctance to go, to welcome, to love. Shatter our pride. Enlarge our hearts. And send us where we’d never go without your grace. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Romans 8:31-32

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Acts 10:34-38