Unclean and Common

He Shall Tell You What You Ought To Do - Part Three - Common and Unclean

The directions of the Angel to Cornelius begin the fulfillment of the Promise made by the Lord to Abraham some 2,000 years earlier, "and in Thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed." Thank God that in this wonderful Promise made to the Patriarch, now nearly 4,000 years ago, that my family was included in all of the myriad of families who have had the opportunity to know Jesus Christ. Peter was just as important piece to this puzzle as Cornelius! The Holy Spirit would orchestrate events to send three men to Joppa to find Peter who would be the instrument God would use to first preach the gospel to the Gentiles in Caesarea. Peter and Jonah were both sent from Joppa to do similar things. Both reluctantly went after God had to deal with them supernaturally. The Church of the 21rst Century must find its prayer closet again just as Peter found the roof top of his house to pray at noon. Intercessory travail and intercessory travail alone will birth that which the Holy Ghost can and wants to do in these last days. We must ASK the Lord and the door will truly be opened!

By Chris McDonald

Acts 10:7-19 - And when the angel which spoke unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; [8] And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. [9] On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: [10] And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, [11] And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: [12] Wherein were all manner of four footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. [13] And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. [14] But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. [15] And the voice spoke unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. [16] This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. [17] Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, [18] And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. [19] While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

As we continue this sermon series on the narrative concerning Peter preaching the gospel to the house of Cornelius, I want to make some important comments concerning what the Lord has help us write so far. Whenever we write these journals we do not set out to deliberately offend people, I promise that. We try and bathe whatever is written in love and sometimes even tears but the things we write come from our heart, which we diligently seek to keep open and pure before the Lord. The older this writer gets, the more this writer has come to realize just how little he can do on his own strength and how very little I know outside the wisdom that only comes from above. I don't claim to know it all or be beyond correction when it comes to doctrinal issues. I think the worst thing that happens to most preachers is they reach a point no one can sit down and discuss differences in doctrinal stances without them taking great offense.

I have been guilty of that in the past, especially when I was younger. I have tried to be as open to the Holy Spirit as one knows how to be when we sit down and pen the words of any journal that comes across the pages of Spirit Journals. When the Holy Spirit speaks to us sometimes, He don't pull any punches - He speaks the TRUTH - in LOVE - and never worries of how it affects our flesh. Our flesh to be frank is the problem many times that hinders the work of the Spirit the most. Unbelief and hardness of heart are two maladies that do more harm to the cause of Christ than any drug addict, drunkard or prostitute could ever dream of doing. I firmly believe Peter thought he had the plan of God down to the proverbial "tee," when on a certain day heaven opened and while in a trance Peter saw a "vessel descending unto him." (Acts 10:11). After this event at Cornelius' house was over I'm sure Peter's theology changed quite a bit - even though it did not change as quick as probably the Lord desired.

In our first journal we stated some things about certain aspects in the Messianic community that we took issue with. This writer has re-read part one of this series over and over seeing if there was anything said in the wrong spirit or attitude. Our goal again is not to deliberately offend; whenever one preaches the cross however, no matter who the individual is, there is an offence attached to that message! With that said, this writer wants to be clear however, his motive is love - love for Jesus Christ and love for those bound by the powers of darkness that causes me to point men to the right source no matter the cost. It is not my intentional desire to offend any readers - be them Jew or Gentile - with these journals. There is going to be offence to begin with neighbor. The Holy Spirit offends me everyday and twice on Sunday - because the FATHER LOVES me and wants me to become more like His Son, Jesus Christ.

Paul said in Galatians 5:11 that if the offence of the cross ceases, we lose the power of the gospel! In other words, if we seek to please men, we may not "offend" anyone in doing so, but we will lose the very power that can set the captives free. If the offence ceases, the power ceases neighbor! Jesus said "WOE," be unto you if all men speak well of you, but BLESSED are you when men speak all manner of vile and horrible things of you for the gospel's sake for that is exactly how they did the prophets.

Galatians 5:11
And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

Matthew 5:10-14
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. [12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Luke 6:26
Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

I don't quote those scriptures with some type of arrogant feeling we are "all that" or know everything. I DO quote them to state that if what we wrote on this website always got praise and hand clapping then I can assure we are probably not writing anything worth sharing. It's when the religious get upset and accuse us of everything under the sun from being "divisive," and "too harsh," to being "dogmatic," and preaching against "programs that we encourage our people to participate in; you are always telling people these programs our wrong - we just don't see anything bad in them;" to being accused of being "hateful," when discussing the issues surrounding the relationship between Jew and Gentile to Christ as it regards salvation - THEN maybe and just maybe we're actually doing some serious writing.

We preach CHRIST Crucified and are crucified ourselves daily - to the World and to Christ. We don't live to ourselves any longer and what we write is coming from a heart who by the help of the Holy Ghost "dies," each day unto Christ. When Luke wrote in Acts, "you shall receive POWER after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses unto ME," the term "witness," means "martyr," and gives great insight as to what the Holy Spirit seeks to do in our lives every single day we yield ourselves to His power- MAKE US A MARTYR for Christ; to die daily, taking up our cross and FOLLOWING Him! We can't die to ourselves without the Help of the Holy Ghost! He alone can change us from "glory to glory," as He moves in our hearts and lives.

I do not flinch when I state uncategorically THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO GOD EXCEPT ONE COMES THROUGH CHRIST AND THE CROSS. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO CHRIST EXCEPT ONE COME THROUGH THE CROSS. YOU CANNOT DIVORCE GOD THE FATHER FROM CHRIST THE SON; YOU CANNOT DIVORCE CHRIST THE SON FROM GOD THE HOLY GHOST; AND YOU CANNOT DIVORCE THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM THE MINISTRIES AND WORKS OF HIS GREAT POWER; FAITH IN THE CROSS, AT LEAST TRUE FAITH, MEANS ONE WILL ALSO BELIEVE IN THE MINISTRY AND WORK OF THE HOLY GHOST. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO GOD EXCEPT THROUGH CHRIST. If that is dogmatic, then let it be dogmatic. If the bridge is out ahead and I'm running towards you with a lantern screaming the bridge is out and for you to not keep traveling the path you're traveling or face death, I'm sure to some my instructions would be "dogmatic." However, those "dogmatic," instructions will save one's life if they are heeded! On the other hand, if I feel like I would "offend" you by telling you the bridge is out ahead and you then keep going down the path that will cause you to lose your life I'm not much a human being am I?

Neighbor, that is the state of the modern church. We can preach our easy go lucky, feel good sermonettes, tell people they can find happiness, victory and peace through all these programs the church world loves to offer men and not be "dogmatic," in telling them the truth about Christ being the only source of LIFE, Salvation and peace. If I'm dying, I hope the doctor who is treating me will be DOGMATIC and TO THE POINT when it comes to diagnosising my problem and offering a cure for my healing. If I'm dying of cancer and the doctor has the cure in his hand to cure me of this cancer, please don't give me just a pain killer to get rid of the symptoms - GIVE ME THE CURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the spiritual sense, men are dying of spiritual cancer known as sin!!!!!!!! Yet, preachers, who can proclaim the CURE of sin through the preaching of the CROSS OF CHRIST are more interested in providing pain killers to sooth the hearts and consciences of those dying and going to hell itself. When it comes to those bound by addictions and other bondages they don't need pain killers to treat symptoms - they need the power of the Holy Ghost to set them free from their bondage! We can send men to every rehab center in America hoping they find freedom from their bondage but in the end unless Jesus sets them free- the SECOND they leave the rehab center they will head back into the bondage they went to rehab to be free from.

He that the SON has set free is FREE indeed; the Holy Spirit don't need 12 steps to set you free mister; He just needs ONE!!! And when HE touches you - the very desire for the thing keeping you bound will be taken away. That's NEW COVENANT salvation = no matter whether you are Jew or Gentile! This gospel, which was preached and given "to the Jew first," is universal and can set the captive free in India; it can set the captive free in Africa; it can set the captive free in England; it can set the captive free in Canada; it can set the captive free in China; it can set the captive free in Russia; For God SO loved the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son that WHOSOEVER believes SHOULD NOT PERISH but have everlasting life.

A seeking heart will always find God! This story of Cornelius and Peter underscores that in a powerful powerful way. If a sinner will truly cry out to God, even as did Cornelius, the Lord will do whatever has to be done, in order that salvation be brought to that person. It will be done, even if he has to send an Angel, as here, or even appear himself, if necessary.

Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Isaiah 55:1
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Matthew 11:28-30
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

John 7:37-39
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. [38] He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. [39] (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Rev. 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

I'd rather the preacher of the gospel be dogmatic, preach the TRUTH in love, and allow the Holy Ghost to convict that seeking heart in bringing them to Christ, than to hear a sugar-coated candy cane self-help lecture from the pulpit and the seeking heart be left void. The deeper more serious issue is the number of people who think they are really saved but are in fact lost because they have never been born again. As we stated concerning Cornelius, good things done toward the Lord by the unsaved, cannot EVER be accepted by the Lord favorably if that sinner is trying to atone for sin. If the sinner is truly, honestly and sincerely, attempting to reach the Lord be such means, even though unacceptable to God relating to Salvation, or anything else of that nature, still, God favorably looks upon the seeking heart and will answer accordingly. The answer to Cornelius' seeking heart was the Apostle PETER.

The Question of Truth

As we stated in part two of this sermon series, Peter was just a vital part of this narrative as Cornelius. Peter was called by God to be the vessel to take this great gospel to the Gentiles who have been willingly recipients of it ever since! Before Peter preached the truth of the gospel to Cornelius, God had to first preach the Truth to Peter! Cornelius in many ways showed the same hunger as many Catholics, who, although unsaved, are sincerely reaching out to God. They will find the Lord responding with favor by presenting TRUTH to them. Once that Truth is presented to any man, even as it was to Cornelius, and has been millions of others, that truth MUST embraced and error forsaken. God presented truth to both Peter AND Cornelius through this story.

I heard of a story recently of a dear lady who was born into the religion of Islam, and faithfully served that structure for many years. However, as her heart became hungrier and hungrier for God, despite her consecration to Islam, the hunger remained with no satisfaction coming whatsoever. She had been born with a physical disability that had crippled her, and extensively so. Consequently, she sought "Allah," incessantly for healing, but to no avail.

Out of desperation, and because the Koran had briefly mentioned Jesus and His Power to Heal, she began to pray to the Lord instead of Allah. This went on for several weeks, and then it happened. The Lord appeared to her one night and this is what she said:

"What happened next is something that I find hard to put into words. I know the whole room filled with Light. At first I thought it was from my reading lamp beside the bed. Then I saw that its light looked dim. Perhaps it was dawn? But it was to early for that. The Light was growing, growing in brightness, until it surpassed the day. I covered myself with my shawl. I was so frightened. I came out from my shawl to look. But the doors and windows were fast shut, with curtains and shutters drawn. I then because aware of figures in long robes, standing in the midst of the Light, a short distance from my bed. There were twelve figures in a row (who were the disciples) and the figure in the middle, the 13th was larger and brighter than the others. Oh God, I cried and the perspiration broke out on my forehead. I bowed my head and I prayed, 'Oh God, who are these people, and how have they come here when all the windows and doors are shut?' Suddenly a Force said, "GET UP. This is the path you have been seeking. I am Jesus, Son of Mary, to Whom you have been praying, and now I am standing in front of you. You get up and come to ME." I started to weep, 'Oh Jesus, I am crippled, I cannot get up." He said, Stand up and come to Me. I am Jesus. When I hesitated, He said it a second time. Then as I still doubted, He said for the third time, Stand up." And I, Gulsham Fatima, who had been crippled in bed for 19 years, felt new strength flowing into my wasted limbs. I put my foot on the ground and stood up. Then I ran a few paces and fell at the feet of the Vision. I was bathing in the purest light and it was burning as bright as the sun and the Moon together. The Light shone into my heart and into my mind and many things became clear to me at that moment. Jesus put His Hand on the top of my head and I saw a hole in His Hand from which a ray of Light struck down upon my garments, so that the green dress looked white. He said, I am Jesus. I am Immanuel. I am The Way, the Truth and the Life. I am alive, and am soon coming. See, from today You are MY witness. What you have seen now with your eyes you must take to My people. My people are your people and you must remain faithful to take that to My people."

Her healing was instantaneous, with her being now able to walk which she had not done in many years. As well, she was to soon learn that when He said, "My people," He was not talking about Moslems, but instead followers of Christ. Almost immediately she left the religion of Islam, even with her family threatening to kill her. She had found Jesus, and consequently, ERROR had to be forsaken. When you meet HIM, the LIGHT of His PATH will always lead one to TRUTH. You shall know the TRUTH and the TRUTH shall set you free! What is truth?? It's the message of Christ and the Cross and the power of the Holy Ghost, who is Called, "the SPIRIT OF TRUTH!"

God looked beyond this woman's religion and sent a miracle vision to her to save her soul; He looked beyond Cornelius' "religious activities," and sent an angel to send him to find one named Peter "for he will tell you what you ought to do;" God then looked beyond the arrogance and bigotry of PETER to show Peter that God's great plan of Salvation would include not just the Jewish people but the Gentiles as well.

Heaven Opened And A Certain Vessel Descended Upon Him

Acts 10:11 - 13 - And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: [12] Wherein were all manner of four footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. [13] And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

In part two of this sermon series we dealt with the fact Peter was a man of prayer; it is interesting to note that both Cornelius and Peter were praying when the Lord spoke to them. Actually, in both the Acts and Epistles, we see the Apostolic Church giving effect to Christ's teaching on prayer. It was in a praying atmosphere that the Church was born and throughout its early history Prayer continued to be its vital breath and "native air."

Acts 2:42
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 3:1
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

Acts 6:4-6
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
[5] And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: [6] Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Acts 1:14
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Acts 2:1
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Paul the Apostle made Prayer a foundational command in his Epistles inspired by the HOLY GHOST to the churches of the New Testament:

Romans 1:9
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

Ephes. 1:16
Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

Philip. 1:9
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

1 Thes. 1:2
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

Romans 12:12
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Ephes. 6:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Philip. 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

1 Thes. 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

New Covenant prayer is always connected with the ministry of the Holy Ghost, who raised prayer to its highest power by securing its full New Covenant meaning - prayer addressed to God the Father, in the Name of Jesus as Mediator, and through the enabling Grace of the indwelling Spirit "with groanings and utterances that cannot be understood."

Romans 8:15-26
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. [16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: [17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. [18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. [19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. [20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, [21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. [23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. [24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? [25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. [26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Galatians 4:6
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Peter was about to quit praying and have lunch, when something happened that would change him, as well as the entirety of the Church, and in fact, the entirety of mankind. The phrase, "but while they made ready, he fell into a trance," means that as a result of the prayers of Peter and Cornelius something supernatural was about to take place. When the Holy Ghost is truly in control, supernatural things take place! If we can accomplish what gets done in our own flesh then it's not the Holy Ghost! I cannot help but feel the Lord is grieved by the spirit of New Age humanism that has gripped His Church.

As I sit here and write this journal late at night I pause for a minute to wander how many times the Holy Ghost has wanted to move in my own life only to be hindered by my lack of faith in His supernatural power. How many times He has been hindered by my own cynicism and unbelief in the power of God. How many times have I tried to work out things on my own through my own strength without waiting on the Lord and depending on HIM and HIS strength! I can do ALL things THROUGH Christ who strengthens me; the reverse of that scripture is crystal clear - Without CHRIST, we can do NOTHING! Why that is so hard for the church to understand is beyond me to be frank. It's hard to get a preacher today to admit that his church cannot function without the Holy Ghost. We have done little more than give lip service to Him as we make Him part of our "doctrinal statements," but reject His operations and ministries among our people. It's sad neighbor to see the number of churches who are steeped in humanistic psychology and self-help programs with no thought whatsoever of believing in the supernatural power of God.

I was asked to speak recently at a meeting not too long ago when I felt the Lord lead me to preach out of Mark 3 concerning Jesus and the man with the withered hand. I made the comment that man's problems were not easily solved by 12-step programs or 40 days of purpose, etc. and all the other such foolishness the church holds up as solutions to people's problems. The director of the ministry got quite offended to be frank and through means I won't mention told someone I knew that "we don't want preachers like him who preach against these programs. We encourage those coming to get involved in a church system somewhere and get as involved in these programs as they can. We want to point them to whatever program best fits their need."

When I heard that all I could ask in my heart was, "whatever happened to us pointing men to CHRIST and the Cross (which involves the working of the Holy Spirit) and CHRIST and the Cross alone???" The Holy Spirit declares in Galatians, "God forbid that I should GLORY in ANYTHING save the Cross of Christ."

Galatians 6:14
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

If we are pointing men to programs instead of pointing them to Christ then we afford them the opportunity to "GLORY" in those programs instead of placing their faith where it really belongs. Since when has the gospel message needed all these programs added to them to change society???? When Peter went up on that roof to pray, I can guarantee you that he did not come down with the blueprint for a Purpose Driven encounter session! When he fell into that trance it was not because he had just come from a Celebrate Recovery seminar or a John Maxwell church leadership quandary. NO! Peter had come out of a season and time of intense prayer when the HOLY GHOST moved supernaturally on him and would give him supernatural directions from an opened heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When it says Peter "saw heaven opened," there is a tremendous POWERFUL meaning behind those words!

Before Jesus and the Cross, heaven had been closed. The reasons were obvious, the blood of Bulls and goats could not take away sin, only cover it. Consequently, when the saints died before Jesus, their soul and spirit went down to Paradise, where in a sense they were held captive by Satan, but not in the burning side of Hell.

Ephes. 4:8-10
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. [9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? [10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

Luke 16:19-31
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: [20] And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, [21] And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. [22] And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; [23] And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. [24] And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. [25] But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receives thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. [26] And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. [27] Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: [28] For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. [29] Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. [30] And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. [31] And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

However, upon the Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Christ, which effectively took sin away, the Heavens then opened with the Holy Spirit being sent first of all in a new dimension and capacity.

Acts 2:1-4
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. [2] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. [3] And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Heaven has remained open from then until now, and will continue to be open, all because of what Jesus did! There is a beautiful song I first heard I heard in 1997 called "The Windows of Heaven are Open," that's says, "the blessings are falling tonight, I have JOY JOY JOY in my soul, since Jesus made everything right; I gave Him my old tattered garments, He gave me a robe of pure white; I'm feasting on manna from heaven and that's why I'm singing tonight."

The phrase, "And a certain Vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth," in a sense corresponds to the Ark of Noah (JSM Commentary). It, like the Ark provided Salvation for all NATIONS, not just for one Nation and without any moral distinction. Some animals were more beautiful and more useful than others, and many were ceremonially unclean, but the representatives of all were found in these two great Vessels. So it will be in the earthly Kingdom Age. All the nations, including Israel, will be shepherded in one fold. This was a hard lesson for Peter and the entirety of the 12 for that matter, to learn. But Christ is "Lord of all," and the Gospel is for "whosoever."

Acts 10:36
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

Acts 10:43
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Peter had proclaimed on the Day Of Pentecost the election of the Gentiles to Salvation in Acts 2:21 and 2:39, but he was so dull and prejudiced that this Vision had to be given to him to make him realize the facts. (Williams)

Acts 2:21
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Acts 2:39
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

I wonder at times how many of us, including this writer believe me, have been so dull and prejudiced ourselves that we have missed out on God's bigger picture for the human race? There are times when I wonder if God has ordained certain things for our lives only to have those things delayed because of this very attitude. I know as well as the reader I'm sure knows that if Peter would have not obeyed the heavenly vision, God would have raised someone else up sure, but PETER was the ordained vessel of God to go to Cornelius. I believe, and I guess eternity alone will reveal whether this is right or not, that had God raised up someone else the effects may not have been the same as they would have been had Peter went. We don't know what exactly would have happened but let me be clear - God's ways are never men's ways and when He speaks we'd be wise to hook our cart to CHRIST and not this world's system.

All Manner of Four Footed Beasts

Acts 10:12
Wherein were all manner of Four Footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

Up to this point the gospel had been given "to the Jew first," but now in the house of Cornelius it would not be available "to all manner" of people irrespective as to whom they may be, or where they may be. This was graphically illustrated to Peter through this vision of all manner of animals, which included many animals and fowls labeled "unclean," in the Torah and offensive to the mind of a natural Jew. Not only did the Law forbid these animals to be eaten, they were not to be offered in Sacrifice as well. (The list is found in Leviticus 11)

God has always had a way of offending the mind to reach the heart. I'm sure we wished His methods were a bit more, as my lovely wife puts it, "metropolitan," but God's methods are rarely metropolitan. He chooses the things that are weak to confound the wise; He chooses base and detestable things to cause the religious and self-righteous to shun away from what He is trying to do. His methods of dealing with the human race require not only tremendous faith but humility and a sense of purity that only comes from repentance. That is why the Holy Spirit says in 1 Corinthians that not many "mighty," not many "after the flesh," not many "wise," and not many "noble," are called. As a result, very very precious few embrace the gospel message as it ought to be embraced. Very very precious few in the church embrace the Spirit of Christ and take hold of His heart for lost humanity because of the same prejudice and bigotry Peter exhibited when this vision was given to him by God.

1 Cor. 1:1-18-31 - For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. [19] For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. [20] Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? [21] For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. [22] For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: [23] But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; [24] But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. [25] Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. [26] For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: [27] But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; [28] And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: [29] That no flesh should glory in his presence. [30] But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: [31] That, according as it is written, He that glories, let him glory in the Lord.

The message of the Cross will always be a stumbling block to the so called "wise," of this world. The reason God chose this method is that He does not want any "flesh," to glory in his presence, but He wants to GLORY IN CHRIST. We are IN CHRIST JESUS, who Of God, is MADE unto us, "WISDOM," "RIGHTEOUSNESS," "SANCTIFICATION," and "REDEMPTION." That means that Christ does not just possess those things and "give them to us," it means HE IS those things and that we are to embrace HIM to receive from God. The modern gospel centers around men "working" for things in order to secure righteousness. Neighbor, we cannot secure righteousness through works but by embracing the CROSS of Christ by faith! HE IS, HE IS, HE IS, HE IS, HE IS the way, the Truth and the Life.

Rise, Kill and Eat

Acts 10:13
And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

Peter hears the voice of God while in the trance, which he readily recognizes the voice as coming from the Lord. The phrase, "rise, Peter, kill and eat," literally says in the Greek Text, "sacrifice and eat." The Lord intended for the Gentiles to be represented by these unclean animals. By His telling Peter to "sacrifice and eat," in effect was saying tat the Sacrifice of Christ at Calvary was intended for all, both Jews and Gentiles. Consequently, not only could the Jews, "eat my Flesh, and drink My Blood," but so could the Gentiles.

John 6:54
Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

(The easting of the Flesh and drinking of the Blood was not meant to be taken literally, but was meant to express Jesus being offered at Calvary, which represented the Flesh, and spilling His Life's Blood. Those who have faith in what He did, reap its benefits, which is same as 'eating and drinking.') Those dietary and sacrificial Law given to Moses by God, were meant only for Israel. There was a reason for that.

Israel was raised up from the loins of Abraham for the great purpose of bringing the Messiah, the Savior of all mankind unto the world. He as the Second or Last Adam, would do that the First Adam failed to do. Therefore, for Him to be born into the world as a man, certain things were required of the people who would serve that purpose, namely Israel. Even though the Law of Moses was given for many purposes, part of its regimen was for the express purpose of the coming Messiah. Consequently, Israel in preparation for this, was to conduct herself in a certain way and according to certain principles. It was laid out in the Law of Moses to the minute degree. Some may claim that Israel miserably failed in this and that would be true for most. However, there was always a Remnant in Israel who followed the Lord as close as was humanly possible, and through the Remnant, which included the House of David, Jesus came as the Son of David.

Now that Jesus had come and had performed the task for which He came, the Law of Moses respecting the Temple, Sacrifices, Feast Days, Sabbaths were no longer needed. The ONE to WHOM they pointed, and meant to symbolize had now come. Consequently, they would be laid aside, along with all of these dietary laws, etc. The Law of Moses respecting the MORAL CODE, was not set aside, with the Ten Commandments, minus the Fourth Commandment concerning the Sabbath, carried over into the New Covenant. The reasons are obvious! God's righteous and HOLY nature will NEVER change, and in fact CANNOT change. Man tries his best to convince himself that God's standards are not as righteous and divine and set today as they were in the past but that is nothing but a lie from Satan. God's righteous standards TODAY are just as RIGHTEOUS and HOLY as they were when by those standards He judged the angels who fell in disobedience!

Hebrews 2:1-5
Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. [2] For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; [3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; [4] God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? [5] For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak

Regrettably, Israel, little by little attempted to make Salvation out of the Law, consequently adding many more laws, thus losing the knowledge as to why the Law had been given in the first place and to WHOM it constantly pointed. This was the mindset of Peter, who had been prejudiced into wrong thinking as had most all Israel, but who would be shocked at the Command of the Lord concerning the "unclean" things coming from the vessel in his heavenly trance.

Common and Unclean

Acts 10:14-15
But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. [15] And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

Peter sees these unclean things coming from the vision and cries, "NOT SO LORD," for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean. There were actually no literal animals in front of Peter, only the Vision. However, the symbolism which the Vision was meant to portray, was very, very real as the Lord intended for it to be. As stated, Leviticus 11 plainly says that these animals were not to be eaten, and now the Lord says the very opposite. Does the Lord contradicts Himself? Does He change His mind? The answer is "no," to both questions. So how is this explained what looks to be an obvious contradiction?

The reader must remember that this part of the Law of Moses as given by God contained no moral content. It was meant to serve a particular purpose at that time, and above all to serve as symbolism. Due to the significance of this and even at the risk of being overly repetitive let us state it again. When Jesus ultimately came, the symbolism was of no more use, as should be obvious, and was meant to be laid aside. In other words, it fulfilled its role, and wen that was done, it was no more purpose. Such applied to these dietary laws, Feast Days, Sabbaths, Sacrifices, plus all the Sacred Furniture of the Temple, such as the Brazen Altar, Brazen Laver, etc. Because Jesus has come, that which pointed to Him, as should be obvious, is of no further purpose. Consequently, Believers do not now offer up Lambs for Sacrifices. However in not doing so we are not violating the Word of God even though the Law of Moses plainly commanded that such should be done. Wo do not do such now, because JESUS has come, such is no longer needed. We don't need "lambs," plural we embrace THE LAMB, Glory to God.

John 1:29 - The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

If the believer DID sacrifice lambs as they did in the Old Covenant, it would be a great INSULT to HIM for such to be continued! It pains the Lord to see His Church of THIS day, just as it pained Him to see the church of THAT day, despite the fact that Jesus had come and satisfied all the demands of the Law, was still trying to hold on to the Law and continue its practice. Why? The greatest reason is that Israel had lost sight of what the Law actually was and WHO it actually represented. The Spiritual leadership of Israel had attempted to make Salvation out of the Law which God never intended whatsoever. Consequently, this spirit which pervaded the whole of Israel at that time, had taken its toll even upon the Apostles of our Lord. Hence, Peter's foolish answer to the Lord was just part of his nature and prejudiced that had built up listening to this same leadership.

I can almost hear Peter's cry, "I have never eaten anything unclean or common," which refers to that which is defiled and forbidden by the Law!

Mark 7:2
And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.

There is a note of self-righteousness in Peter's answer whether he intended it so or not. Neighbor, hear this writer. Any righteousness we try to secure outside the righteousness which is by faith in the Cross will always be SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS. Israel never could quite understand a simple Truth, which many in the Modern Church have trouble, believing as well! Walking as perfect before God as one knew or knows how to do, whether under the Old Covenant or the New, does not earn or merit one anything from God. In other words, such brings about no Righteousness whatsoever, even though the doing of such is very important. However failing to obey the Law under the Old Covenant, or failing to live above sin under the New, will make one unrighteous very quickly. So, the Church has attempted to address itself to these things in many and varied ways, most of the times wrong!

While it is true that GRACE is greater than sin, still, Grace does not give one the license to sin, but rather FREEDOM to live a HOLY LIFE! Once again, living a holy life as the Grace of God enables one to do, is exactly what the Holy Spirit is attempting to bring about. However, having done that, one still does not MERIT or earn any righteousness.

Ephes. 2:8-9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Righteousness is awarded freely to the sinner and done so instantly, as the Sinner has faith in Christ. That is the only way it can be obtained, and in fact has always been that way. On the contrary sin and failure automatically makes one UNRIGHTEOUS, irrespective of who they may be, whether Moses, David, Peter or Paul! It is the same for ALL believers:

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Consequently "imputed" righteousness which is the kind given to us by God, and the ONLY kind thereby recognized by God, is FREELY given to any and all who have simple Faith in Christ. It is a lesson that Peter will learn this day.

Romans 4:3
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

It is hard for Peter to understand that a Gentile, who has no knowledge of God, plus committing every kind of sin that one could think, could at the same time be justified instantly, especially considering their record! Considering that he has never eaten anything COMMON or unclean, nor has he committed many sins which Gentiles have committed, and yet, the Gentile can receive from God, just as readily as the Jew is a bitter pill for Peter to swallow - and it is a bitter pill for the self-righteous among us today to accept as well - that God's method of saving the worst sinners is FAITH in CHRIST and the Cross and FAITH alone!

One may say, "well it says faith without works is dead!" Absolutely, it is, but the "WORKS" that faith produces are works produced by the HOLY GHOST as the believing sinner keeps their faith anchored in CHRIST! The natural tendency of ANY child of God will be to WORK for the Kingdom of God, at least if they are taught the right way.

That was EXACTLY what the Lord was telling Peter, and all others as well! Yes, he wanted the Jews to do certain things and for purpose and reason; however, these things did not merit the Jew anything with God, and this is where the problem began then and where it always begins today. Inasmuch as the Jews had the Law, the Sacrifices, the Temple, the Sabbaths, the Circumcision, and the Rites and Ceremonies, the Jews came to believe that these things merited them something from God. But it did not, which was difficult for them to ever accept and in many cases most never did.

What God Has Cleansed - Don't CALL COMMON!

Acts 10:15
And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

As we close this journal in this ongoing series on the outpouring of the Holy Ghost upon the Gentiles, let me end with a proclamation from the Lord of correction towards Peter and to ALL who have a similar prejudiced of self-righteousness - WHAT GOD HAS CLEANSED DO NOT CALL COMMON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel all of heaven shout at that statement! I hear hell tremble at that same statement. I hear the religious whore church built upon man-made ritual and ceremony cringe and curse that statement but neighbor it's the heart of God for the human race- WHAT I HAVE CLEANSED I HAVE CLEANSED - don't call it common or unclean!!!!!!!!!!!! The blood of Jesus either cleanses or it doesn't. The blood of Jesus sets the captive free. The blood of Jesus is not to be trampled under foot and shunned for ANYTHING or any ONE. The blood, the blood, the blood of the Cross, sets both the Gentile and the Jew free from sin and delivers man from the powers of darkness.

The term "Lord," refers to Jesus Christ and is to be explicitly obeyed. That title is used very loosely in today's spiritual climate. However, the far greater majority of those who call themselves Christians, little seek to obey Lord. Some might obey as long as it does not interfere with their personal interest but rarely do most who will obey, irrespective of the personal cost. The phrase, "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common," struck at the heart of present Jewish beliefs! In other words, they believed that only a Jew could truly be "clean."

Of course their judgment of this situation revolved around them supposedly keeping the Law, etc. However, the LORD did not recognize any of this THEN and He does not recognize any of it today! The Law could not and CANNOT cleanse from sin! It was never meant to do so - it was meant to POINT us to CHRIST, as a schoolmaster points a student to the solution of a problem. Man was sinful, wicked and needed salvation as a LAW BREAKER. ALL had sinned and come short of the glory of God. There are NO exceptions to that statement - ALL THE JEWS were just as guilty under the Law as were the Gentiles; to be frank the Jews were more guilty because they had originally been given the covenant and as recipients did very little in light of the fact they were given more responsibility to obey it, which they did not!

Man cannot save himself from this dread malady of sin; only God can do that and He does not do it through the works or merit of man's efforts, but through the SHED BLOOD OF HIS SON, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!

The Gospel is not that really that difficult to understand nor has it ever been difficult. Israel made it difficult by inserting the Mosaic Law into that for which it was never intended, and on top of that, the Pharisees made up about 600 more laws to add to what was already given, which was a travesty of unprecedented proportions.

How God responded to Peter is His response today:

1.ONLY the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is God, can cleanse from sin. When any denomination - irrespective of that denomination attempts to add something to the Finished Work of Christ, we SIN and SIN greatly, in effect calling God a liar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could write an entire journal on that but will leave that be for now.

2. Faith expressed in the Precious Shed Blood of Christ, thereby reaping its wonderful benefits, which cleanse from all sin, is to be recognized by ANY and ALL. To refer to something as "common," and "unclean," which God has cleansed is grievous in the sight of the Lord.

3. The Words of Jesus used here to Peter are very emphatic and in effect say, "Peter YOU (which is a command to us as well - we must never treat anything as unclean which God has cleansed, or even think of such in that capacity."

4. This vision was God's way of telling Peter and all others for that matter that the gospel must go the Gentiles, for whom Christ died, and that they can be Saved without all the rudiments of the Law, simply by trusting in Christ.

5. And just as importantly as statement four in reverse that Israel must come the same identical way as the Gentiles must come, by and through the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ!

As we close, let us declare to you today that the middle wall of partition which separated the Court of the Gentiles from that of the Jews at the Temple must be torn down, Spiritually speaking, that all may come, and in fact, MUST come the same way!!! That way is through the shed blood of Christ Jesus, the Son of God, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham. I pray you know this Christ we speak of today. It's getting late neighbor and it's harvest time. We will pick this theme up in our next journal in this ongoing sermon series on the Holy Spirit and the Gentiles.

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