The Gospel that Breaks Barriers

Encounter: Read or Listen to Ezekiel 16:59-63 and Acts chapters 8-10.

Ezekiel is delivering the word the Lord gave him for His people and it all seems like bad news, except tucked in the middle of judgment we find a promise. Now this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. Then you will remember with shame all the evil you have done. I will make your sisters, Samaria and Sodom, to be your daughters, even though they are not part of our covenant. And I will reaffirm my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the Lord. You will remember your sins and cover your mouth in silent shame when I forgive you of all that you have done. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!” This could be the gospel of Ezekiel. There is the Good News!

A friend recently shared with me that a family member had reached out to her desperate to talk. His life was falling apart and the false religions of his parents were not the answer. This family member had challenged her many times about her Jesus and resisted the message of a saving grace. There were always barriers, and yet out of nowhere desperation to know the truth that sets a person free. What was different this time she said, is she had been praying for all of her family members, intensely, deeply believing God would draw them through His Spirit.

The book of Acts tells the story of the early church learning to follow the Spirit beyond its comfort zones. In Acts 8–10, we see the gospel breaking through three powerful barriers: geography, personal resistance, and religious tradition.

• Geographical barriers (Acts 8): Philip goes to Samaria, a place Jewish people avoided. There, the gospel brings healing and joy. Later, on a desert road, Philip meets an Ethiopian official, and the gospel heads toward Africa. The good news was never meant to stay in one city—it was always meant for the nations.

  
  

• Personal barriers (Acts 9): Saul is the last person you’d expect to become a Christian leader. He’s violent, zealous, and determined to destroy the church. Yet God’s grace interrupts him on the road to Damascus. Ananias, though fearful, calls him “Brother Saul.” The gospel turns enemies into family.

  
  

• Religious barriers (Acts 10): Cornelius is a Gentile soldier, yet God hears his prayers. Peter, still bound by tradition, will soon discover that no one is unclean in God’s eyes. The gospel opens doors where we assumed they were locked.

  
  

These chapters remind us that the gospel of Jesus Christ is always pressing outward. It doesn’t stay safe and neat; it crosses divides. No one is too far away, too broken, or too different.

The mission of the church is to follow the Spirit across every barrier until all people hear the good news of Jesus.The gospel breaks barriers. Are you ready to let God use you to carry it forward?

Crossing barriers with you,

Pastor T

Reflect:

1. What “Samaritans” exist in your life—people you’d rather avoid—who might be open to hearing good news?

2. Who is the “Saul” in your life that seems too far gone for God’s grace?

3. What traditions or assumptions keep you from welcoming others into the family of God?

Spiritual Practice:

Sit and imagine yourself as a disciple in the early Acts church. Reread the stories in Acts and imagine yourself in the scene. What are you feeling, what are others saying and doing and where is Jesus? Journal about your experiences.

Gather:

1. Acts 8 – Philip and the Spread of the Gospel

• Key verses: Acts 8:4–8, 26–40.

• Discussion:

  • Why was it radical for Philip to go to Samaria?

  • How does the Ethiopian eunuch’s story show that the gospel is for all nations?

• Takeaway: The Spirit leads us beyond our comfort zones.

  
  

2. Acts 9 – Saul’s Conversion

• Key verses: Acts 9:1–19.

• Discussion:

  • What do you notice about Saul’s transformation?

  • Why was Ananias’ obedience important?

• Takeaway: No one is too far from God’s grace.

  
  

3. Acts 10:1–8 – Cornelius’ Vision

• Key verses: Acts 10:1–8.

• Discussion:

  • What do we learn about Cornelius’ faith?

  • Why is this moment so important in the story of the church?

• Takeaway: God shows no favoritism—His gospel is for everyone.

Group Reflection Questions

1. Where are you seeing “barriers” in your life, church, or community?

2. How might God be asking you to cross a line of comfort or tradition?

3. How do these stories encourage you to trust the Spirit’s leading?