SERMON NOTES

For the past few weeks, we’ve been journeying through a series called Family First. We’ve explored God’s design for family, restoring broken foundations, and parenting with purpose. Today, we conclude with a reminder that although our earthly families may look very different—with unique traditions, cultures, and last names—in Jesus, we are all invited to one table, one family, one Kingdom heritage.

Think about family gatherings. Each household brings something unique to the table—a favorite dish, a recipe passed down through generations. Every family’s recipe is different, but God serves one meal of grace at His table.

Walls Down, Table Open

In Acts 10:9–16, Peter experienced a vision of a sheet descending from heaven filled with animals considered unclean by Jewish law. A voice said, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” Shocked, Peter refused, but God replied: “What God has made clean, do not call common.”

This vision was more than a challenge to dietary tradition. It was God’s way of breaking cultural barriers and opening His Kingdom to all people. The message is clear: God’s Kingdom table is bigger than our menu options.

Barriers of culture, ethnicity, and social status fall away at the table of God’s grace. What once was excluded is now welcomed.

Imagine a chef who has followed the same recipes for decades, refusing to try anything new. The meals are predictable and uninspired, and people lose interest. Then one day, the chef introduces fresh ingredients and bold flavors, and suddenly, everyone wants a seat at the table.

That is what God did with Peter—He expanded the menu of grace, opening the Kingdom to every tribe, tongue, and nation.

Shared Heritage, Kingdom Legacy

Paul writes in Galatians 3:26–29 that in Christ there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female—we are all one in Him. This truth reframes our identity. Our primary heritage is no longer defined by surname, culture, or upbringing but by our identity as children of God.

Many of us live under labels: divorced, orphaned, refugee, failure, addict, excluded. Yet God’s voice still declares: “Do not call common what I have made clean.”

Baptism, forgiveness, and the blood of Jesus reframe our heritage. While DNA kits may tell us where we came from, baptism tells us where we’re going.

Heritage is to be celebrated, but legacy is to be built. And in Christ, our legacy is Kingdom.

From Table to Mission

Acts 10:19–20 shows Peter still pondering the vision when the Spirit interrupts: “Three men are looking for you. Get up, go with them, for I have sent them.” The table was not the final destination—it was preparation for mission.

God nourishes us at His table so that we can pour out His love and purpose into the world. The Kingdom table is never static; it equips us to move outward.

A potjie pot is a beautiful picture of this. Each ingredient—whether meat, vegetables, or spices—retains its uniqueness while being layered together under one fire. Cooked slowly and carefully, the end result is rich and nourishing. Likewise, God layers our different stories and cultures together, shapes us by His Spirit, and prepares us to feed others.

At the Kingdom table, your story is seasoned. In mission, your story becomes nourishment for others.

Conclusion

God’s table is not just a place to belong—it’s where walls are torn down, stories are cleansed, and heritage is transformed into Kingdom legacy. From this table, we are sent into the world to impact lives and carry forward the love of Christ.

Heritage Sunday reminds us that our differences are not obstacles but tools in God’s hands. Each story, tradition, and triumph contributes to the richness of His Kingdom. Together, we celebrate one table, many stories, and one Kingdom.

Your story matters. Your heritage matters. And when placed in God’s hands, it becomes part of a greater legacy that will bless generations to come.