The Divine Inclusion

Baptist Daily Devotional
Jun 17
3 min read

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 17 2025 | Acts 11:1-4

KEY VERSE: “The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God." Acts 11:1(NIV)

MESSAGE:

News that Gentiles had heard the message of Jesus Christ and responded to it appropriately spread quickly. For some, Gentiles coming to faith in Jesus Christ was a welcome dawning of a new day. For others, it was puzzling, threatening, or even abhorrent. It took years for the church to appreciate the implications of Gentiles and Jews being brothers and sisters through Jesus, the Messiah, and for that fellowship to become reality. Acts 11:1 reminds us that salvation is not a cultural privilege, but a divine gift extended to the entire world. This is the divine inclusion - God’s gracious act of welcoming everyone who believes in Jesus Christ into His family. The three main lessons that we can draw from this devotional are: God’s grace knows no barriers; Inclusion is God’s initiative, not human design; and the church must reflect God’s heart.

This devotional on divine inclusion reveals that God’s grace knows no boundaries. Divine inclusion means that God does not operate with human-made categories—race, tribe, status, or background. The gospel of salvation crosses every line we draw and reaches those we least expect. Secondly, the divine inclusion is God’s own initiative, not human design. The Gentiles didn’t demand access; God opened the door through a vision (Acts 10:11-15), an angelic encounter (Acts 10:3-6), and the leading of the Spirit (Acts 10:19-20). Salvation is entirely God’s work, and His heart is for all people. Thirdly and finally, the Church must reflect God’s heart so that if God includes, we must not exclude. Our churches, ministries, and relationships should be marked by openness, love, and the radical welcome of the Lord Jesus Christ. The message for you and me today is clear: God wants all people in His family. We must be committed to making this fellowship a reality in our day and work to break down every barrier to fellowship with everyone who calls on Christ Jesus as Lord.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Are there people you unconsciously exclude from the message or fellowship of the gospel? Pray for more grace to embody the heart of divine inclusion in your daily walk with Jesus Christ.

PRAYER:

Father, thank You for the wonder of Your inclusive love. You broke down every wall through Jesus Christ and invited all of us—Jew and Gentile alike—into Your kingdom. Help me to reflect Your heart, to see people as You see them, and to welcome others as I have been accepted. Let my life and my witness proclaim that Your grace is for all. In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 168: 2 Samuel 2 — David Made King in Judah

DAILY word study: GENTILES

The word Gentiles comes from the Greek word ethnē (ἔθνη), meaning “nations” or “people groups.” It was commonly used by Jewish writers to refer to non-Jews—those outside the covenant community of Israel.

In Acts 11:1, the mention of Gentiles receiving the word of God signalled a major shift in redemptive history. The gospel was no longer confined to the Jewish people. God had now extended His saving message to those who were once considered outsiders. This moment marked the breaking of long-standing religious, cultural, and spiritual boundaries.

Reflection:

The gospel crosses every boundary. Like Peter, you’re called to share it with those beyond your familiar world.