Calvary Church

1. Peter’s dream was upsetting (generated unpleasant feelings)

2. Peter’s dream was challenging (Peter wasn’t asked he was commanded)

3. Peter’s initial rejection of the vision would be followed by a call to action

Peter’s mind rejected the vision but his heart was still open to the leading of the Holy Spirit

Faith doesn’t insist on understanding before obeying

Peter’s understanding comes after his obedience

God was uniting the Gentile and Jewish world under the gospel of Christ. Acts chapter 9 begins with Saul threatening the church and asking for the equivalent of what we would call a warrant to arrest Jewish Christians

Next we get to see Saul confronted by Jesus and his miraculous confrontation and conversion. During this confrontation Saul is blinded and is lead back to Damascus And God speaks to a man named Ananias to go pray for Paul that His eyes would be healed Saul’s name is changed to Paul and He spends the rest of his life preaching the gospel.

1. To obey God Peter had to first let go of what felt “right” and “familiar”
2. Peter had to abandon his “traditions” to obey Christ

Following your heart isn’t scriptural.

Following His written word is literally what scriptural means.

It is the definition of scriptural.

Peter was the one who walked on water but then sank.
Peter was the one who chopped off the high priest's servant’s ear.

The temptation is to reduce God to something we can comprehend and to filter His commands through our own understanding...

This was not just Peter’s struggle but the struggle of all the disciples. They all assumed that they would be successful when Christ had predicted failure.

1. Peter was struggling but also was the vessel that God used to answer Cornelius’ prayer...
2. Peter did not let his emotions keep him from obeying the voice of the Spirit
3. This sermon provides relief for those who are struggling but does not create a license or excuse for disobedience