Last week, we saw how Joseph's brothers and father gave the wrong interpretation to his dreams. This week, we'll see how Peter reacts to a vision from God.
Cornelius was a Gentile, but feared God and gave much alms to the people. An angel gives him specific instructions to send for Simon Peter, who would tell Cornelius what to do.
Meanwhile, Peter, who is staying with Simon, the Tanner, goes up on the roof to pray and has a vision. A sheet comes down out of heaven with all manner of beasts. The Lord tells him to kill and eat, but Peter flat out refuses. He replies he's never eaten anything common or unclean. This happens three times. The Lord tells him not to call anything common or unclean that He has cleansed.
People misinterpret this passage in two ways:
1. They take this to mean Peter denied Jesus three times, so the Lord shows the vision three times.
2. Others believe this has to do with the Jewish dietary laws.
If this were true, why would Peter be pondering the vision and seeking the interpretation. It should be obvious if it were the two items above.
Right after the vision, three men arrive at the place he's staying and ask for Peter. The Lord tells him to go with them nothing doubting. In those days, the Jews did not mingle with the Gentiles. Peter takes some believers and goes to Cornelius' house.
The Lord tells him to go, but doesn't give him instructions on what to say when he gets there. Cornelius only knew that Peter would tell him what to do next. How did Peter know what to say?
What we stir up is usually where we will minister from. If we're angry, jealous, envious, bitter, etc., we'll be activating our flesh. If we're all about studying and research, we'll activate our minds. Now, there's nothing wrong with our minds. We're told to renew them with the Word. However, it's only through the activation of our spirit that will bring the power to change lives.
How do we activate our spirit? To hear the entire message, please visit our website and click on the Listen tab. You can listen online, download it to your MP3 player, or podcast.
If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to our Sunday Morning Service at 10:00 AM. Zoe Christian Fellowship is located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), in Warrington, PA. We hope you'll come out for worship, the Word, and great fellowship!
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