Acts 10: 34-43 -NRSV

Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

A. The New Birth

1Now there was a certain man among the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler (member of the Sanhedrin) among the Jews, 2who came to Jesus at night and said to Him, “Rabbi (Teacher), we know [without any doubt] that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs [these wonders, these attesting miracles] that You do unless God is with him.” 3Jesus answered him, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a person is born again [reborn from above–spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God.”-AMP

B. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” -NIV-This verse signifies that a person who has accepted Christ into their life is transformed into a new creation, with their old ways and habits replaced by a new life in Christ. -Google Search 

C. Traditional: existing in or as part of a tradition; long-established. Google Search

D. A “brand” is a name, term, sign, symbol, design, or a combination of these elements intended to identify and distinguish a product, service, or concept. It represents the overall perception and iden-tity of a business, conveying its qualities and personality to its audience. Branding, the process of creating and disseminating the brand, aims to establish a recognizable and memorable image that resonates with consumers.-Google Search 

E. “Word of Faith” refers to a charismatic Christian movement that emphasizes the power of positive confession and belief in receiving divine blessings, including physical health and financial prosperity, through prayer and faith in Jesus’ words. –Wikipedia

F. Black theology is a theological perspective that reinterprets Christian teachings through the lens of African American experiences, particularly in the context of oppression and liberation. It emerged in the antebellum period and gained momentum during the civil rights era, emphasizing God’s concern for marginalized people and Christ’s mission of liberation. Key figures include Rev. James Cone, who advocated for a theology that is unreservedly identified with the goals of the oppressed community.-Google Search 

F. Ordained and Commissioned by ELCA Bishop Wayne Miller to Kennedy/King, City College of Chicago Campus Ministry, August 28, 2011, 48th Anniversary of the March on Washington For Jobs and Freedom

Luke 2:49 “Why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house and about my Father’s business.-NKJ