BREAKING DOWN THE WALLS - A FAITH BASED HUMANITARIAN AND EVANGELICAL ORGANISATION

ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA: INTEGRITY AND TRUTH

April 14, 2024

THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL: UNITY IN DIVERSITY

April 15, 2024

SERIALISED PRACTICAL GUIDE

TITLE: WHAT IS NEXT AFTER THE RESURRECTION?

DAY 10 OF 14 SERIES (SUNDAY 14^TH APRIL 2024)

TOPIC: BREAKING DOWN THE WALLS

AUTHOR: MARY LAWRENCE-DOKPESI

SCRIPTURE

“Then Peter began and said, ‘In truth, I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.’” (Acts 10:34-35)

BREAKING DOWN THE WALLS

In a vision, Peter receives instructions to visit Cornelius, a devout Roman soldier. This encounter shatters cultural and religious barriers, as Peter shares the gospel message with Cornelius and his household, leading to their conversion and baptism. This pivotal moment marks the inclusion of Gentiles into the early church. A sense of peace washes over Peter as he accepts his calling to share the gospel with someone outside the Jewish tradition. He recognizes that God’s love extends to all people, regardless of background.

A Paradigm Shift

Peter’s initial resistance to contact a Gentile is understandable. Jewish tradition held strict boundaries regarding interaction with those outside their faith. However, a divinely-induced vision compels Peter to reconsider. The vision serves as a narrative turning point, fostering a sense of peace and acceptance within Peter. He comes to the profound realization that God’s love transcends ethnicity and religious background.

Universal Message, Unifying Power

The story of Cornelius underscores a core tenet of Christianity: salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all. This transcends cultural and religious divisions, uniting believers in a shared faith and love for God. The act of baptism signifies Cornelius and his household’s official entry into the Christian community, marking the beginning of Gentile inclusion.

Taking Action: Embracing Diversity

The narrative serves as a call to action for ourselves. We are encouraged to step outside our comfort zones and engage with individuals from different backgrounds. Kindness and respect are the seeds we sow, potentially leading to unexpected encounters with God’s love.

PRAYER: Father, open my eyes to see the diversity within your church. Help me to embrace people from different backgrounds and cultures, sharing your love with them in tangible ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FURTHER EXPLORATION: Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 2:14-18

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi was born in Nigeria to Patrick Abuda Obeakemhe and Juliana Fatimatu Obeakemhe, both from Ogbona Town. With a master’s degree in law, she was called to the bar at the age of twenty-two, and she is currently the principle partner of the law firm Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi & Associates. She is also the founder of two philanthropic organizations: the Living Waters Mission and the Rose Croix Foundation. In addition to law, Lawrence-Dokpesi was drawn to spiritual pursuits at an early age, having begun studying philosophy, theology, chaplaincy, and spirit therapy by the age of eighteen. Inspired by her spiritual calling, she has produced ten intensively researched manuscripts on spiritual matters. Although Understanding the Spiritual was the last to be written, it is the first to be published. Lawrence-Dokpesi is a mother and a wife living in the city of Abuja, Nigeria.