God of the Impossible

• Impossible to stop…
  • The Jews in Damascus [who were his friends] tried to KILL Saul to silence him…
  • But the people Saul used to try and KILL – SAVED his life – let him down in the wall in a basket…
  • When he got to Jerusalem – NO one from the church dared to meet with him [fear]
  • Except Barnabas – who did NOT see who he used to be – he ONLY saw what Jesus had done…
  • But when Saul preached to the HELLENISTS they tried to KILL him [same as Stephen]
  • And the Lord told him he was going to be sent to the Gentiles – Acts 22:18
• Nothing is Impossible…
  • Peter went out to encourage the churches around Judea…
  • When he got to Lydda – the Lord healed a lame man – sparking a revival…
  • At the same time a DISCIPLE in Joppa named TABITHA died…
  • They sent for Peter – who came and PRAYED for her – and she came back to LIFE…
  • Peter had seen Jesus do it before – so he KNEW it was POSSIBLE – Mark 5:41
  • But then he stayed the house of Simon the TANNER [forbidden] – Leviticus 11:35
  • Because God was preparing him for an even GREATER work!

• 1^st – The Gentiles… vs. 1-8
  • 1^st – Cornelius… vs. 1-2
    • Pagan City… vs. 1
      • There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius!
      • There was [imperfect] a MAN who lived in the city of CAESAREA named CORNELIUS!
      • CAESAREA was the port city built by Herod the Great [10 B.C.]
      • It was named after Caesar Augustus – and was the seat of ROMAN authority in Judea…
      • Almost entirely populated by GENTILES – few Jews lived there…
      • Famous for having one of the LARGEST harbors in the Ancient world [ruins there today]
      • It has a beautiful THEATRE that looked out onto the Mediterranean sea – Acts 12:20
      • And an AQUEDUCT [bridge] that carried water 10km from Mount Carmel into the city…
      • The largest building that dominated the skyline [Josephus] – was a TEMPLE to ROMA!
      • The point being this was NOT a place where people had heard of Jesus [pagan]
      • And it was NOT a place where JEWS were going to go…
      • Yet God is NOT limited to the people we KNOW or the places that are FAMILIAR…
      • He is moving in the MUSLIM world – in COMMUNIST counties…
      • In places where we think there are NO churches – and NO believers!
    • Centurion… cs. 1
      • A centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment!
      • CORNELIUS was a CENTURION [ἑκατοντάρχης] – the leader [ἄρχω] of a 100 men [ἑκατόν]
      • From the Italian [from Rome] regiment [600 soldier]
      • The ROMAN military had conquered Israel – so the Jews also hated CENTURIONS…
      • Yet the Bible seems to always puts CENTURIONS in a positive light…
      • Jesus marveled at the FAITH of a CENTURION – Matthew 8:10
      • CENTURION at the foot of the cross said Jesus was the Son of God – Matthew 27:54 
      • It was a CENTURION who saved Paul when he was shipwrecked on Malta – Acts 207:43
      • Why does the Bible portray CENTURIONS in a good light…
      • To show us that even people we HATE – can be saved by Jesus…
      • Which is why we do NOT just tell those we LIKE – we tell EVERYONE – Romans 2:11
    • Feared God… vs. 2
      • A devout man and one who feared God with all his household!
      • CORNELIUS was a man who was RIGHTEOUS [εὐσεβής]
      • The same word is used in the LXX for [צַדִּיק] – Isaiah 24:16
      • Because he FEARED [present] God [singular] – along with his whole [πᾶς] family!
      • Note – NOT the gods [plural] – Rome had TWELVE primary deities [Dii Consentes]
      • Meaning CORNELIUS understood that RELIGION could NOT help him…
      • Instead he FEARED – because he knew he would one day be JUDGED by the ONE God!
      • Psalm 111:10 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
    • Good fruit… vs. 2
      • Who gave alms generously to the people – and prayed to God always!
      • His FEAR of the ONE God – showed in his ACTIONS…
      • CORNELIUS was very GENEROUS with the people – showing them MERCY [ἔλεος]
      • And he PRAYED [δέομαι] to the ONE God [singular] continually!
      • One might wonder HOW did CORNELIUS know about God – WHO to pray to…
      • The answer is the TRUTH was written on his heart – Ecclesiastes 3:11
      • Though he did NOT know the name of God [Jesus]
      • Through creation – and the conviction of the Holy Spirit – he knew there was a God!
      • Romans 2:14-15 – “When Gentiles who do not have the [Word] – by nature do the things in the [Word]… [they] show the work of the law written in their hearts.”
      • EVERYONE knows there is a God who will one day JUDGE us…
      • Some try to find the solution in RELIGION – hoping to become GOOD through their works…
      • But their efforts are USELESS – because the standard is PERFECTION – Matthew 5:48
      • Others try and IGNORE their fate – pretend God does NOT exists…
      • But like DEATH [that will one day come for us all] ignoring Him does NOT save them…
      • The only answer is to SEEK the God who created us…
      • Anyone who does – will find that God is also SEEKING them!
  • 2^nd – The Angel… vs. 3-4
    • Afternoon… vs. 3
      • About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision!
      • CORNELIUS saw [indicative] a VISION in the NINTH hour [3pm]
      • The time was important – it was NOT late at NIGHT [might have been drunk]
      • It was NOT early in the MORNING – [might have thought it was just a dream]
      • The angel came in the AFTERNOON – so Cornelius could be SURE of what he was seeing!
    • Answered prayer… vs. 4
      • An angel of God Coming in and saying to him: Cornelius.
      • And when he observed him he was afraid and said: What is it lord? 
      • So he said to him: Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God!
      • In the VISION – and ANGEL [ἄγγελος] called him by NAME [God knew him]
      • As he STARED at the ANGEL in FEAR [ἔμφοβος] – he asked WHAT the Lord [κύριος] wanted…
      • The ANGEL told him – because of his MERCY [ἔλεος] and PRAYER [δέομαι]
      • God had been THINKING [root – μνάομαι] about him!
      • There are around THREE billion people who have NEVER heard the Gospel..
      • But that does NOT mean there is NO way for them to be SAVED…
      • The ONLY reason people do NOT know God – is because they are NOT looking…
      • Anyone who seeks the LORD – will find that God is looking for them!
      • Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek Me and find Me – when you search for Me with all your heart.”
  • 3^rd – The message… vs. 5-6
    • Specific revelation… vs. 5-6
      • Now send men to Joppa – and send for Simon whose surname is Peter.
      • He is lodging with Simon a tanner – whose house is by the sea!
      • The ANGEL commanded [imperative] CORNELIUS to send men to Joppa…
      • They were to look for SIMON – his name means to HEAR [שָׁמַע]
      • But he is also called [ἐπικαλέω] PETER [Πέτρος] – meaning ROCK [hard head]
      • His names giving us some insight into what was coming next…
      • He was a GUEST [ξενίζω] at the house of SIMON the tanner [unclean] – by the sea!
      • There are TWO ways that we learn about WHO God is…
      • GENERAL revelation – which comes from CREATION…
      • We know that there is a GOD because of the world around us – Psalm 19:1-3
      • That message goes out to EVERYONE – and is understood in EVERY language…
      • SPECIFIC revelation – comes from the WORD of God…
      • It is through His WORD we get to know the God who created us – Psalm 19:7-8
      • That is where we learn about Jesus – and the GOOD news of the Gospel!
    • Why Peter… vs. 6
      • [Peter] will tell you what you must do [only in TR]
      • God chose to use PETER to give the WORD to CORNELIUS…
      • The question is why NOT just have the ANGEL share the Gospel…
      • We know that they can – ONE angel will evangelize the world – Revelation 14:6
      • The answer seems to be because God was doing TWO things at once…
      • He was giving CORNELIUS the message of the Gospel [specific revelation]
      • And He was also showing Peter the Gospel was NOT just for Jews!
      • This powerfully answers the question so many skeptics ask…
      • Since there is only ONE way to get to heaven – through Jesus – John 14:6
      • What happens to the person who NEVER hears the Gospel…
      • The answer is God can send a MISSIONARY – or an ANGEL – or even a DREAM…
      • He is NOT limited to ONE way – if someone is seeking – He will find them!
      • God send us to reach the lost – but NOT because He needs us – Esther 4:14
      • He uses us because He LOVES us – and wants us to be a part of His work…
      • But if we do NOT share the Gospel with someone – God will just use someone else…
      • The question is do we decide to a part in the work God is doing…
      • When God comes knocking on our door – are we too BUSY to answer…
      • Or are we ready to step out in faith and go!
    • Not the first…
      • CORNELIUS was NOT the first gentile to get to be saved…
      • We need to remember the Bible is NOT the history of the world…
      • It is the HISTORY of Jesus Christ – it is HIS story!
      • The Old Testament focused on the nation of Israel – because Jesus came through Judah…
      • But God has always had a heart to see the WHOLE world saved – John 3:16
      • And people have been responding to the EVIDENCE of His creation…
      • The CONVICTION in their hearts [like Cornelius] from the BEGINNING!
  • 4^th – Obedience… vs. 7-8
    • When the angel who spoke to him had departed. Cornelius called two of his household servants.
    • And a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually.
    • So when he had explained all these things to them – he sent them to Joppa!
    • When the ANGEL left – CORNELIUS called for TWO servants and a faithful SOLDIER…
    • When he EXPLAINED [recounted] everything [πας] that had happened…
    • He SENT [ἀποστέλλω] them to Joppa to go and find PETER!
    • Notice that even though God sent an ANGEL – there was still a CHOICE…
    • CORNELIUS did NOT have to obey – he could have IGNORED the command…
    • But instead he did EXACTLY as he was told – he sent MEN to get PETER – Acts 10:5
    • The GOSPEL always comes with a CHOICE – Romans 10:13
    • Jesus died for EVERYONE – and God want us ALL to be saved – II Peter 3:9
    • But He will NOT force ANYONE to go to heaven – we have to CHOSE to OBEY!
    • John 1:12 – “As many as received Him – to them He gave the right to become children of God.”

• 2^nd – Not unclean… vs. 9-20
  • 1^st – Hungry… vs. 9-10
    • The rock… vs. 9
      • The next day as they went on their journey and drew near the city.
      • Peter went up on the housetop to pray – about the sixth hour!
      • The NEXT day – as the men sent by CORNELIUS were almost to Joppa [50km]
      • God had prepared CORNELIUS to receive the message – now to prepare the MESSENGER…
      • PETER [Πέτρος] – the ROCK – note his name is not SIMON [שָׁמַע]
      • Because wat was about to happen was going to be VERY hard from him to accept…
      • As he went up to the top of house to PRAY at the SIXTH hour [noon]!
    • Lunch… vs. 10
      • Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat.
      • But while they made ready he fell into a trance!
      • PETER was REALLY hungry [only here NT]
      • And [καί] he wanted [θέλω] to STOP praying so he could go eat…
      • But [δέ] was stopped because he saw something AMAZING [a vision about FOOD]
      • Jen was gardening – and got frustrated with plants that would not bear fruit…
      • Yet there were a couple of plants that did grow – encouraging her to keep trying…
      • As she was working – God spoke to her about the church…
      • People are like the garden – some just REFUSE to bear any fruit [discouraging]
      • But there are some who do grow – and they encourage us to keep going!
      • We often think God only uses EXTRAORDINARY means to direct us…
      • But God can use ANYTHING – He often uses very ORDINARY means…
      • Something as common as working in the garden – or being HUNGRY…
      • Our part is to be ready – we never know when a lesson is coming!
  • 2^nd – The Vision… vs. 11-14
    • From heaven… vs. 11-12
      • [He] saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners.
      • Descending to him and let down to the earth. 
      • In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth.
      • Wild beasts – creeping things – and birds of the air!
      • PETER saw a HUGE [μέγας] sheet coming down from HEAVEN [τὸν οὐρανὸν]
      • It was tied at the FOUR corners – and filled with ANIMALS…
      • There were FOUR footed animals [pigs – horses – camels]
      • There were BEASTS [θηρίον] – undomestic animals [bears – lions]
      • There were CREEPING animals [ἑρπετόν] – think reptiles and snakes [gecko]
      • There were also BIRDS of the air [πετεινόν]
    • Unclean… vs. 13
      • And a voice came to him: Rise Peter. Kill and eat!
      • A voice came to Peter commanding him to get up – kill – and eat [imperative]
      • The problem was in the LAW – God divided animals into TWO groups – Leviticus 11
      • Clean animals – were allowed to be used for food [cows – chickens – certain fish]
      • Unclean animals – were forbidden to be eaten [pigs – shell fish]
      • This sheet was filled with ALL kinds of animals – CLEAN and UNCLEAN!
      • When I was in Israel – I was able to find black market pork…
      • It was only sold at ONE store – and it was hidden in the back…
      • Because the Jews are taught from children – they can ONLY eat clean animals!
    • Not so Lord… vs. 14
      • Peter said: Not so Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean!
      • Peter had NEVER eaten anything that was COMMON [κοινός] or UNCLEAN [ἀκάθαρτος]
      • Therefore he DISOBEYED the Lord [κύριος] – and REFUSED to eat!
      • A lot of people claim they believe in Jesus – call Him Lord…
      • But then do NOT do what He commands…
      • If we call Jesus Lord [master] – then what He says is NOT up for discussion!
      • I John 2:3 – “We can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandment.” [NLT]
  • 3^rd – Cleansed… vs. 15-16
    • Not common… vs. 15
      • A voice spoke to him again the second time:
      • What God has cleansed you must not call common!
      • The VOICE spoke to PETER a SECOND time…
      • What God has CLEANSED [καθαρίζω] is NOT common [κοινός]!
      • This is NOT the first time PETER had been given this lesson…
      • Jesus had taught the DISCIPLES that NOTHING they ate made them UNCLEAN…
      • Because ANY food we eat – just passes through us [toilet]
      • What makes a person unclean is what comes from their HEART – Matthew 15:18
      • Which means are NOT under the LAW be eaten – we can eat it ANYTHING…
      • We are NOT less HOLY if we eat blood [dinuguan] – pork [lechon] – or shrimp…
      • There is NOTHING that is forbidden to eat – it is all good – it is all FOOD!
      • I Corinthians 8:8 – “We cannot win Gods approval by what we eat!” [NLT]
    • Three times… vs. 16
      • This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again!
      • The VISION was repeated THREE times – then the sheet was taken up into HEAVEN…
      • If there was a number Peter did NOT like – it was THREE!
      • THREE times Peter had betrayed Jesus before His crucifixion – Matthew 26:74
      • After the resurrection – Jesus asked Peter THREE times if he loved Him – John 21:17
      • Now a THIRD time – Peter was confronted by the number THREE…
      • He was PETER [hard head] – and God was trying to get his attention!
      • We must never forget – God is PATIENT with us…
      • Sometime we have to learn a lesson more than ONCE – before we understand…
      • Therefore – we should also be PATIENT with others!
  • 4^th – Confused… vs. 17-20
    • Wondering… vs. 17
      • Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant!
      • But [δέ] PETER [imperfect] DOUBTED [διαπορέω] the VISION …
      • He knew it was from the Lord – assumed God was talking about food…
      • Peter was even HOPEFUL [optative] that it meant he could eat anything…
      • Maybe he had a secret desire to try PORK…
      • But that was NOT the meaning – it had a much deeper purpose!
    • The answer… vs. 18
      • Behold the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simons house.
      • And stood before the gate. They called and asked whether Simon.
      • Whose surname was Peter – was lodging there!
      • As Peter pondered the vision – the THREE men from Cornelius arrived at his gate…
      • They called out [imperfect] asking if Peter [rock] – who is also called SIMON [hear]
      • Was a GUEST [ξενίζω] there at the house of the tanner…
      • They had to ask more than once [imperfect] – Peter was not anxious to answer!
      • This is somewhat understandable – a soldier was knocking at his door…
      • What would we do if the police were looking for us by name!
    • The anger… vs. 19
      • While Peter thought about the vision!
      • Peter THOUGHT [ἐνθυμέομαι] about the VISION – in light of the THREE men at the gate…
      • The things that God wanted to make CLEAN were NOT animals – it was PEOPLE…
      • Peter had always believed that GENTILES could NOT be saved…
      • And Peter was NOT open to accepting the idea that God LOVED them too…
      • The more he thought about it – the angrier [θυμός] he became!
      • The WORD of God is often the exact opposite of what the WORLD preaches…
      • WORLD says be rich – the BIBLE says blessed are the poor – Matthew 5:3
      • WORLD says to focus on ourselves – the BIBLE says to die to ourselves – Luke 9:23
      • WORLD says to be strong – the BIBLE says to be weak – II Corinthians 12:9
      • It is hard to accept when everything we were taught by the WORLD – turns out to be WRONG!
    • Do not doubt… vs. 19-20
      • The Spirit said to him: Behold three men are seeking you.
      • Arise therefore – go down and go with them doubting nothing – for I have sent them!
      • The SPIRIT spoke to him [Simon] – he was now listening…
      • There were THREE men seeking him – and the Lord knew his ANGER…
      • BUT [ἀλλά] in spite of his reservations – he must [imperative] go to them…
      • He was NOT to JUDGE [διακρίνω] them for being GENTILES…
      • For this reason [διότι] – God had SENT [ἀποστέλλω] them!
      • We will often have doubts in life about what God says – question His Word…
      • But in the end we have to make a CHOICE – who do we want to believe…
      • Are we going to listen to the WORLD – hold onto what we have always been taught…
      • Or are we going to listen to the WORD – and be used by God to reach the world!