Week One

The Foreign Policy

1 Peter 1:1-3; Acts 10:9-16, 28; 11:3,18

Peter didn’t understand Jesus’ foreign policy immediately.  It took much time and teaching for him to understand, both logically and spiritually the implications of letting go of his preconceived notions. He needed a “shake-up” to see that God did not favor one people group over another.

Peter was called away from his original career as a fisherman.  Describe how this is the same and different for you in your life. 

Matthew 4:18-20; Mark 1:16-18; Luke 5:3-11

Some may say that Peter was a slow learner about Jesus’ admonition to preach the good news to the Gentiles.  Check out Matthew 15:15 and then compare that to Acts 10:9-15.  How would you assess Peter’s “learning curve” based on his ethnicity, his character and his ability to hear Jesus’ voice?  How does your life  compare with Peter’s in view of sharing the gospel with ‘everyone?”

Jesus gave some gripping words  before he left planet earth.  {Matthew 28:16-20}

What was necessary for Peter to have in his “toolbox” in order to fulfill the great commission?  How do you deal with the great commission in your life?  What does it look like on a daily basis?  What have you had to sacrifice, let go of, and offer up to God in surrender?