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by Sandy Shaw
In Acts 11, Peter is answering the questions of the apostles and disciples back in Jerusalem who had been wondering whatever Peter had been up to in the home of a Roman Army Centurion, a Gentile, a non-Jew, in Caesarea. Peter takes time to explain exactly and precisely and calmly what actually happened, and he stuck to the facts. Just as we were Baptised in The Holy Spirit, at the very beginning on the day of Pentecost, so were these Gentiles, in Caesarea, with similar signs following - the same as we experienced.
If God was giving them the same gift as He gave us, who was I to think that I could oppose God? Peter does not sit on the fence! We discover that when the Holy Spirit flows and moves, He electrifies the fence and we have to jump off on one side or the other. Make sure you jump off on the correct side!
Peter was not going to limit God, and neither were these disciples in Jerusalem.
When they heard the truth - when they heard the facts about what actually happened and when they realised and discerned this was from God, they had NO FURTHER OBJECTIONS.
Verse 18. They began to praise God. They rose to the occasion and overcame any prejudices they might have had. Gentiles were now coming to faith in Jesus Christ, and being 'born again' in the only way any man or woman can be 'born again'.
Everything we read of here continues to happen today. When Jesus is moving and speaking and baptising people in the Holy Spirit, it is wise to have NO FURTHER OBJECTIONS.
Certain difficulties can arise, and do arise - but our point of view - our way of thinking - our theology which is frequently faulty, limited, inadequate, and restricted according to the experience of the writer or teacher - is not all that important. No - not when the risen and living Lord Jesus begins to move in the lives of men.
Doors that had been locked were now unlocked. Hearts that had been closed were now open to Jesus and His Mercy and His Love. Lives were being changed, and situations were being transformed.
The principles are - be like those who listened to Peter - welcome what Jesus is doing when you are sure it is Jesus. Listen to what Christ is saying, and rejoice when the Holy Spirit is moving and flowing.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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