The Table of Unity
July 5, 2026
When Peter was invited to share a meal with a Roman officer named Cornelius, he faced a cultural barrier he had never crossed before. Through that experience, God showed him that the gospel was not limited to one group of people — the invitation to the table was for everyone. The early church realized that God’s family was much bigger than they imagined. This week, we wrap up the series by exploring how the table becomes a place of mission, where God welcomes people from every background into His family.
Passage
Acts 10
Principle
The Lord’s Table overcomes our ##divisions## without erasing our ##distinctions##.
Practice
Be Open:
1. Take time to prepare your Table.
2. Open your Table.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple’s or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
Describe a time when you felt like an outsider — or when someone welcomed you unexpectedly.
HEAR
Read Acts 10:9-28
- Why was Peter resistant?
- What barriers was God breaking down?
- What barriers still divide people today?
Read Ephesians 2:11-22
- What walls does Jesus destroy?
- What does “one new humanity” mean?
- How should the church reflect this reality?
Read Hebrews 13:1-3
- Why is hospitality central to Christian life?
- What fears keep people from welcoming others?
- Who might God be asking you to invite in?
HUDDLE
- What have been the best and the most challenging aspects of The Table Challenge?
- What should our group do to keep the “table” at the center of our experience together?
- How will you continue to make your tables altars where you meet with God and others?
- Talk about it, invite accountability, and pray together.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: Acts 10:1-23
- Day 2: Acts 10:24-48
- Day 3: Ephesians 2:11-22
- Day 4: Isaiah 56:6-8
- Day 5: Luke 13:22-30
- Day 6: Revelation 7:9-12
- Day 7: Hebrews 13:1-3
Passage to Memorize: Acts 10:34-35
Think Deeper
- Have you seen social barriers break down through personal relationships?
- Is there a group of people you would have trouble sharing a table with?
- How has the Gospel changed your understanding of people who are different from you?
Suggested Resources
Practicing the Way, by John Mark Comer
The Gospel Comes with a House Key, by Rosaria Butterfield
A Meal with Jesus by Tim Chester
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.