This month's memory verse

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

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Acts 10:1-8
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Acts 10:9-23
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May 20

 

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May 21

 

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May 22

 

The Invitation

Key Verse | Acts 10:5

And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter.

Acts 10:1-8

Acts of the Apostles 10

Cornelius Calls for Peter

1In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer* named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. 2He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. 3One afternoon about three o’clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said.

4Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel.

And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! 5Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. 6He is staying with Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.”

7As soon as the angel was gone, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier, one of his personal attendants. 8He told them what had happened and sent them off to Joppa.

Footnotes

10:1 Greek a centurion; similarly in 10:22.

What’s the invitation?

Have you ever been invited somewhere that was unexpected—like a birthday party you didn’t know you’d be invited to, or a grown-up event your parents invited you to? How did that feel?

Cornelius, from our story today, got an invitation like that. Cornelius was a Roman soldier who believed in God. But because he wasn’t Jewish, he wasn’t close with the Jewish followers of Jesus. But something amazing happens—God speaks to Cornelius! Take a look at what God told Cornelius to do.

  • Where does the story take place?
  • How is Cornelius described?
  • What does the Lord tell Cornelius to do? Who does he tell Cornelius to find?
  • What is Cornelius’ response?
  • Why is it significant that Cornelius is told to find Peter?

Respond

Think about the greatest invitation you’ve ever been given. There is one invitation that is even better than that! That’s the invitation into God’s family. Take some time to pray through the prompts from today’s passage.

If you’ve never accepted Jesus as your Savior:

  • Talk with a parent or adult about what that means.
  • If you’d like Jesus to be the Lord of your life, ask him to forgive you of all your sin.

If you are a follower of Jesus:

  • Thank God for welcoming you into his family and forgiving you of all your sin.
  • Ask God to help you respond quickly when he speaks, like Cornelius did.
  • Pray for someone in your life who might feel like an “outsider.”
  • Ask God to give you courage to share the Gospel, even with those you not close to you.
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