John E. Sumwalt

The bride-to-be was obviously nervous. It was only the rehearsal, but already the pastor could see that tomorrow’s wedding might be in for problems.

“You’re letting it all get to you,” he told her gently, as he pulled her aside. “Just take it one little step at a time. When you get to the door with your father tomorrow afternoon, look only at the aisle ahead of you. You’ve walked it hundreds of times, every Sunday when you come to church. Think only of that.

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you.” (v. 34a)

Good morning little children,

Jesus calls his disciples “little children.” Why so? All followers of Jesus are little children — kids, moms, dads, you and me. We are all learning and growing in faith.

So to everybody here this morning, (to the congregation) “Good morning little children.” (congregation may respond with an “also to you”)

Contents
"Crossing Barriers" by Frank Ramirez
"As I Have Loved You" by Peter Andrew Smith


Crossing Barriers
by Frank Ramirez
Acts 11:1-8

But I replied, 'By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' (Acts 11:8)

Call to Worship:

Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." In our worship today, let us explore how we can love one another.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, when we show not our love for each other, but our dislike of one another, Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, when we pretend to love one another whilst harbouring hate in our hearts, Christ, have mercy.

This story about Peter's mission to the Gentiles continues the account that began in 10:1, and it repeats in greater detail the content of Peter's vision that was already mentioned in 10:9-16. It is a remarkable story, because it treats rather lightly a dispute that was widespread in the New Testament church, the dispute over conditions to be laid upon Gentile converts to the faith.