The Peter Process

ENGLISH

Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” But Peter began and explained it to them in order... — Acts 11:1-4

If you have been following me through the book of Acts, yesterday we discovered that for the first time, the Gospel has come to a people group known as Gentiles. This is basically everyone outside of the Jewish people. Cornelius, a Gentile unbeliever, receives a vision from God, as does Peter, a Jewish believer. And then Peter obeys, goes to Cornelius, shares the Gospel, and the Holy Spirit falls on him and everyone in his house. And thus, Peter baptizes him and everyone in his house. What is happening is God is ushering in a new season of faith for Jews and Gentiles alike.

But as Peter returns to Jerusalem, his leadership is challenged by Jewish believers. Keep in mind these are people who are born Jewish but now have made a profession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah. And many Jews were still in a phase of adaption, trying to understand the shift that has happened. They are learning to read the Law differently because of the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah and the coming of the Holy Spirit. This has really turned their world upside down. I am sure, at times, it was troubling to figure out how to understand all these things. And one "prerequisite" of the Law for a convert to Judaism (the old way) was for all males to be circumcised. This was required by all Jewish-born males and for non-circumcised Jewish male converts. So what is happening is a small group of new believers is challenging Peter's process about the peter process.

And imagine this — that there are a group of critics in the church vying for their position on how something should be done? That never happens, right?! This is one of the big reasons that those who are new to faith have beef with Christians. That we sometimes have this judgemental, self-righteous, critical spirit about how things should be done.

But here's the deal. Everyone is a critic. Everyone! You are, and so am I.

And I love this line in verse four. "But Peter began and explained it to them in order." And then he recounts the whole story. Peter takes some time to testify to what God did. And that it was God who ordered the Spirit to come, not him. Peter was even interrupted in the middle of his message by the falling of the Holy Spirit. And thus, they learn that God was altering the old process. The rite of passage was not physical but spiritual. It was a seal, not on our unmentionables, but a seal on the heart—a sign placed there by God.

I never thought I would see a day of division in the church like we see today. We have become critics of everything, which has developed into a spirit of criticism infesting the church. People are leaving churches in droves over things that don't matter. Yet, at the same time, I believe that some churches have lost touch with the truth and the things that really do matter. And you know what we need? We need men like Peter. Willing men eager to be obedient to God despite the discomfort. Patient men who will explain the truth to all — even to the critics. Men who are concerned about the things of God that God is concerned about. And one of these things is the Gospel. The good news about a resurrected Savior who died for all nations, and all people, for all time.

ASK THIS: What has instigated a spirit of criticism in your life?

DO THIS: Lay down your criticism today and invite God to make your heart more willing, patient, and concerned about the Gospel of Truth, and passionate for Christ.

PRAY THIS: God, I give you all the criticism stirring in my heart and soul. Make me concerned for the things of which you are concerned.

PLAY THIS: Sparrows — Cory Asbury.

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33 thoughts on “The Peter Process

  1. John Comstock says:

    When I make mistakes, some people look at me in a negative light. I need to realize that I am not an idiot. I know that no one is perfect, and yet some people on the past wanted me to be that. I need to know that I am loved no matter what the circumstances.

  2. Eddie Ackerman says:

    my mother in law acts like she is still in high school, everything is about her, or becomes about her. God, please allow me to be patient with her and not judge her as I have in the past.

  3. Bruce Jardine says:

    Thank you Vince for your faithfulness to the ministry God has called you to. Everyday I look forward to watch this video Bible Study. Many times you have challenged me to be a better more Christ like version of me. Other times I have learned something I did not know before. Either way all the glory goes to God.

  4. Jeff says:

    Vince I love the fact you address the hidden elephant in the church, that is division, right now. I hope we can all get back to focusing on Jesus vs our own agenda. I wonder how many of us will step up as Peter and show patience and leadership that is needed. Thanks for your devo.

  5. Cory B says:

    I know that is a big pet peeve of mine when Christians become very self righteous. My mom is one of the bigger culprits. I need to stop judging the judgers as well as those who post their own political agenda or beliefs along with their Christian values as if they are superior.

    A lot of peter innuendos today. I love that we can joke with each other I feel like He’s laughing along with us.

  6. Dennis says:

    Thank you Vince, good Devo. And the choice of song today, that is what I needed to hear.

  7. Cliff Sorensen says:

    Thank you Vince your message has became part of my morning devotionals, keep up the good work.

  8. Brady Ellis says:

    Thank you so much for your daily commitment to all of us! I’m so glad Cory in our men’s group introduced us to you! Your messages seem to have perfect timing with what’s going on in my life. Bless you and your family!

  9. Ian Bonthron says:

    Thank you Vince for your encouraging words please keep up the faith my friend. I enjoy listening to you

  10. Eric Mello says:

    Thank you once again for your straight forward teaching and consistent gospel message. It is just what I need to start my day. God is using you my brother. Have a great day.

  11. Eric says:

    Thank you once again for your straight forward teaching and consistent gospel message. It is just what I need to start my day. God is using you my brother. Have a great day.

  12. Bill Kirkhoff says:

    Thanks, Vince great message we must stay united in Christ, and His simple gospel message, let’s not make things difficult, let’s get out of the way and let the Holy Spirit do its work . Love ya brother

  13. Joe says:

    Thank you for your daily devotionals and being a “Peter” in today’s world. After meeting and listening to you at Trout Lake a couple of years ago, you have been an inspiration in my journey as a follower of Jesus Christ. God Bless you!

  14. WIlliam Hallila says:

    Thank you so much for starting each of my days with your spiritual guidance.

  15. Norm says:

    Hi Vince, enjoying and being edified by your daily devos. They are now part of my morning devotions with the Lord. Thank you.

  16. Jeffrey says:

    Thank you Vince for you devotion today and those in the past. You know what a man needs to hear and your message how we are to act as a Godly leader in the house. My family looks to me for leadership and the spiritual leader. Thank you!

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