Central Truth

Peter fell into a trance just prior to his visit to Cornelius and his family. The meaning of the vision he saw became clear. No man is "impure or unclean." It was then that Peter began taking the good news to the Gentiles. Many others followed his lead. 

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Reflections

The Jews believed that Gentiles were unclean and it was at this time in history that the good news of salvation was first given to the Gentiles. It started a chain reaction that continues today. Thankfully, I am a part of this chain reaction or tree of believers. It is a living tree and all Christians are a part of it. 

I was living a life of sin and selfishness with no hope. I did not realize it at the time, but I was instrumental in influencing others in sinful ways.  There is no gratification in that. In fact, God gives us a conscience; and mine was guilty. Whether we realize it or not, we are all instruments for something. But God had a plan for my life about which only He knew at the time. It was no coincidence that I eventually found myself in the path of a few believers that had the love of Christ in their hearts, and saw me through His eyes. They were instruments led by the Spirit. Over a matter of months I came to understand (thanks to their testimony). I was led to prayer and ultimately to my knees. On a cold February morning in 1975, with a warm beam of sunlight shining through a window on my face, I gave my heart to Him. Over the weeks that followed, His Spirit led me out of temptation and to a new life. I have been blessed with four wonderful children that have grown into fine Christians themselves. It is nothing short of a miracle! 

What a blessing it is that God spoke to Peter and the gospel was subsequently spread to the four corners of the earth! God loves all men, regardless of their heritage or what they have done with their lives. His Spirit lives in the hearts of all Christians and can make us instruments for His glory. We have only to remember that He does the work. My  prayer is that the "tree" will grow through your testimony. 

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Discussion Questions

1. As you ponder the days, months and years leading up to your salvation, what do you remember about the hopelessness?  

2. Thinking about the moment of your salvation, who was it that was instrumental in bringing you to this moment? Why were they instrumental?
 
3. Who will remember you as His instrument? Pray for this person now, asking God to use you as He so chooses.

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