BIBLE READINGS Reading: Acts 10:1-48 Additional Readings: Ephesians 2:11-22 Matthew 9:10-13 MY NOTES MIDWEEK READINGS James killed, Peter imprisoned – Acts 12:1-5 Peter Delivered from Prison – Acts 12:6-19 Barnabas and Saul Commissioned – Acts 13:1-12 Paul & Barnabas in Iconium – Acts 14:1-7 Paul & Barnabas in Lystra & Derbe – Acts 14:8-20 Paul & Barnabas Separate – Acts 15:36-41 5-Day Devotional – Acts 10:1–48 & Ephesians 2:11–22 🌿 5-Day Devotional Breaking Barriers — The Gospel Beyond Boundaries Scripture Focus: Acts 10:1–48; Ephesians 2:11–22 Day 1: Unexpected Grace 📖 Scripture: Acts 10:28 — “God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean.” 💬 Quote from the Sermon: “Categorical exclusion of groups of people gets in the way of God’s plan for the world.” 🪞 Reflection: Peter had deeply ingrained cultural, religious, and personal reasons to avoid contact with Gentiles—especially Roman soldiers. Yet God invites him to step into Cornelius' home, and everything changes. Grace shatters barriers we thought were unmovable. 🙏 Questions: Who are the “Roman Centurions” in your heart today? Are there people or groups you’ve judged, even subconsciously? Day 2: The Pain of Prejudice 📖 Scripture: Ephesians 2:14 — “For he is our peace... and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.” 💬 Quote from the Sermon: “These categorical dismissals of dignity and humanity and value are killing us. It is poisoning our hearts. It is poisoning the Church.” 🪞 Reflection: Prejudice, especially when it’s generational or systemic, doesn’t just harm those targeted—it poisons the soul of the one holding it. Jesus doesn’t just ask Peter to welcome Cornelius—he heals Peter in the process. Reconcilation happens between both Peter and Cornelious and the two worlds they represent. 🙏 Questions: What generational or cultural prejudice have you been handed? How have you (or are you) tried to reconcile beyond the script you were given? How might Jesus be inviting you to tear down a wall of hostility right now? Day 3: A Life of Prayer Prepares the Way 📖 Scripture: Acts 10:2 — “He gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God.” 💬 Quote from the Sermon: “Both Peter and Cornelius had a word from God through a constant, regular, disciplined prayer life.” 🪞 Reflection: Cornelius and Peter weren’t just lucky. They were ready. They had built rhythms of prayer that opened their hearts to God’s guidance. Transformation doesn’t usually come in a flash; it grows in a life steeped in prayer. Prayer doesn't just always change circumstances. But through prayer God is always working in our hearts. 🙏 Questions: How consistent is your prayer life? What new or deeper rhythm is God inviting you to? Are you ready to hear from God if God speaks? Day 4: Transformation Happens through Community 📖 Scripture: Ephesians 2:19 — “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints.” 💬 Quote from the Sermon: “Do you have spiritual companions who are also praying?” 🪞 Reflection: Both Cornelius and Peter received confirmation through others. The transformation God works in us is not meant to happen in isolation. God speaks, affirms, challenges, and encourages us through the community of faith. We are all members of the Body of Christ, and God frequently chooses to work through other people. 🙏 Questions: Who are your spiritual companions in this season? How can you nurture deeper spiritual friendships? Is there a person God is leading you to? Day 5: The Hardest Step is Often the Holiest 📖 Scripture: Acts 10:48 — “So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.” 💬 Quote from the Sermon: “Stepping across that threshold was the hardest step Peter ever had to take.” 🪞 Reflection: That first step into the home of Cornelius wasn’t just a physical one—it was spiritual obedience. It cost Peter comfort, assumptions, and perhaps even reputation. But through it, Peter encountered the Spirit of God in life-changing ways. What threshold is God calling you to step across? 🙏 Questions: What is the hardest step God might be asking you to take? What is one courageous act of obedience you can take this week?