“Cornelius’ H.O.U.S.E. church”
25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself." 27 Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?" (Acts 10:25-29closeActs 10:25-29 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. 28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.” (ESV) closeActs 10:25-29closeActs 10:25-29 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. 28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.” (ESV) 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. 28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.” (ESV) )
H.- Humility
25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence.
The word for “fell” hardly captures the meaning of the inspired Greek text. Strong’s Concordance shares this definition of the inspired word, “meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand); to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)”
This is something that is hard to picture of any grown man doing; let alone the Centurion; an officer who commands 100 men in the Imperial Roman Army. Especially when you consider who he was groveling before- a subjugated Jew.
Cornelius had earned his position in life. The path to his post was not easy. He had spent many early mornings training his body & mind; many a hot afternoon under the blazing sun in far off postings; more nights then he could even count- keeping watch.
Cornelius was used to being treated with respect; in fact the military code of life demanded nothing less and anyone of lesser rank who did not show him the proper customs and courtesies would be in danger of humiliation or even harm.
But Cornelius is the one on his face; publicly. Why? Because he has been brought by the Holy Spirit and the power of the Word into an encounter with the man of God- Peter.
Cornelius intuitively understood something that is forgotten in many churches today- God is no respecter of persons. Unfortunately, it is easy in the church to think that we are entitled to be treated with customs and courtesies. Jesus when He washed the Disciples feet, said, that He was doing this as an example of what we should do… When was the last time you saw this actually happen?
One year ago, an African American youth worker brought his youth group toNew Jerseyfor a short term mission event; where we focused on Prayer Walking and helping a Peruvian immigrant plant hisHouseChurch. At the end of the week, this youth worker got down on his hands and knees and washed the feet of the Peruvian House Church Planter. In that simple moment, he taught his kids more then they had learned all week.
A healthy House Church has humility. The members of the House Church humble themselves before the Word of God. They prostrate every aspect of their lives in subjection to the Word of God. They do this publicly and they do this privately.
O.- One Focus
26 But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."
Peter knew that he was not worthy to be worshipped in any way, shape or form. Peter knew this because he himself had fallen before a man and worshipped him
The exact same word used here in Acts 10:25closeActs 10:25 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. (ESV) closeActs 10:25closeActs 10:25 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. (ESV) 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. (ESV) is used in Matthew 28:17closeMatthew 28:17 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. (ESV) closeMatthew 28:17closeMatthew 28:17 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. (ESV) 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. (ESV) to describe Peter and the rest of the disciples, when they fell down before Jesus and worshipped Him shortly before He ascended into Heaven
The same word is also used to describe Mary and the women who came to the tomb in Matthew 28:9closeMatthew 28:9 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. (ESV) closeMatthew 28:9closeMatthew 28:9 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. (ESV) 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. (ESV) . You know, Martin Luther noted that when these women went forward with the Good News of the Resurrection; that they were the first to proclaim the Gospel. In fact, they were the ones whom Christ used, to direct the Apostles. Men, who occupy the Pastoral Office, would do well to say with Peter, “I am only a man myself.” We do not believe that ordination leaves some sort of indelible mark on the person; it is not as some say, a sacrament.
Cornelius’ House Church had convened for the purpose of hearing from the man of God- Peter. But Peter was mature enough in his faith and walk with Christ to know that while he was an under Shepherd of Christ; that only the Shepherd was worthy of worship.
Paul would say, “I proclaim Christ and Him crucified.” In a healthy House Church; there can only be one focus- God. As we sharpen our focus on God; we will be able to see more clearly how to serve those around us; with acts of mercy, prayer, witness etc.
Peter knew his shortcomings. He remembered his prideful boasts before Christ and the others. Peter knew he was only a man. A man called and equipped by Christ to be in ministry; a man used by the Holy Spirit to preach and teach; to perform miracles- a fortunate man, graced by the election of Christ. But still, just a man.
U.- Unsaved are the Point
27 Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people.
There is no reason to think anything other than that every one of the people in Cornelius’ home that day were unsaved (except Peter and his entourage). Cornelius & his family are described as “devout and God fearing”; they were devout to the revealed will of God as contained in the Old Covenant and they feared God accordingly. They did not know Jesus; they had not confessed Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9closeRomans 10:9 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (ESV) closeRomans 10:9closeRomans 10:9 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (ESV) 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (ESV) ) or believed in their hearts that God had raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 10:9closeRomans 10:9 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (ESV) closeRomans 10:9closeRomans 10:9 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (ESV) 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (ESV) ).
If someone dies outside of a saving relationship with Christ; they are going to hell.
The Holy Spirit is at work long before Peter shows up. Cornelius like every other man, is created in the image of God and because of this identity, has the same natural desire of every man to worship God. There is not a culture in the world without religion. Less than 1% of the world’s population actually “believes” there is no God; and many of these are converted before they die.
Bringing Christ to the Nations requires us to go into the homes of unbelievers with the life saving Gospel that is found only in Christ. The unsaved are the point of a healthyHouseChurch. In a healthy House Church, there will be found people who are not yet saved; but in whom the Holy Spirit is at work; through the power of the Word to open their eyes & break their hard hearts.
This work of reaching out to the unsaved, in their homes, will be criticized by the conventional minded within the Church (Acts 11:2closeActs 11:2 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, (ESV) closeActs 11:2closeActs 11:2 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, (ESV) 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, (ESV) ).
S.- Second Covenant
28 He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean
In Jeremiah 31:31closeJeremiah 31:31 The New Covenant 31 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, (ESV) closeJeremiah 31:31closeJeremiah 31:31 The New Covenant 31 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, (ESV) The New Covenant 31 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, (ESV) and other places, God gave ample notice that He would be making a new covenant; even as He had made other covenants in the past (ie with Noah). God is interested in more than just a single strip of land that is 100 miles long by 25 miles wide. His desire is for all people, everywhere to worship Him in truth and in Spirit.
To be sure, the Gospel is first for the Jew and then the Gentile (Romans 1:16closeRomans 1:16 The Righteous Shall Live by Faith 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (ESV) closeRomans 1:16closeRomans 1:16 The Righteous Shall Live by Faith 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (ESV) The Righteous Shall Live by Faith 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (ESV) ) and we should never boast over those branches which have been broken off; because it is God’s desire for all to be grafted in (Romans 11:17-24closeRomans 11:17-24 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree. (ESV) closeRomans 11:17-24closeRomans 11:17-24 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree. (ESV) 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree. (ESV) ). It is by God’s sheer grace when Gentiles are adopted into the family of Abraham (Matthew 3:9-10closeMatthew 3:9-10 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. (ESV) closeMatthew 3:9-10closeMatthew 3:9-10 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. (ESV) 9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 10 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. (ESV) ; Luke 19:9closeLuke 19:9 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. (ESV) closeLuke 19:9closeLuke 19:9 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. (ESV) 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. (ESV) ; John 8:58closeJohn 8:58 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” (ESV) closeJohn 8:58closeJohn 8:58 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” (ESV) 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” (ESV) ; Galatians 3:7closeGalatians 3:7 7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. (ESV) closeGalatians 3:7closeGalatians 3:7 7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. (ESV) 7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. (ESV) ; Galatians 4:28closeGalatians 4:28 28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. (ESV) closeGalatians 4:28closeGalatians 4:28 28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. (ESV) 28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. (ESV) ; Galatians 3:29closeGalatians 3:29 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. (ESV) closeGalatians 3:29closeGalatians 3:29 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. (ESV) 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. (ESV) )
The marks of the Old Covenant were primarily these four: the temple in Jerusalem; the Aaronic Priesthood; the geographical location of Israel & the bloody animal sacrifices.
All four of these are gone.
Jesus prophesied that the temple inJerusalem would be destroyed (Luke 19:41-44closeLuke 19:41-44 Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem 41 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” (ESV) closeLuke 19:41-44closeLuke 19:41-44 Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem 41 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” (ESV) Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem 41 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” (ESV) ); today there is an Islamic house of worship planted on top of it.
The Aaronic Priesthood is also gone. There is not a single known descendant of this Priesthood to be found anywhere in the world.
The geographical location ofIsraelis not in existence. In spite of man’s best efforts; the physical extent of this country today; shrinks with every passing Prime Minister inIsrael. The majority of the people living inIsraelare not Jewish, but Palestinian.
The bloody animal sacrifices are also obviously gone. This was a primary function of the Priesthood. An uncomfortable question would be, “If you live under the Old Covenant, how have your sins been paid for?”
These four marks of the Old Covenant would be replaced, through Christ. Every time we celebrate Communion and repeat His words, “… this is Cup is a new Covenant ….” We are reminded (hopefully) that the four marks of the Old Covenant are made new in Christ.
-the temple is our bodies; we are the temple of the Living God
-the priesthood; are all baptized believers
-the geographical location; is unlimited, we are to go to the ends of the earth
-the bloody sacrifice; is Jesus; His body & blood atone for our sins; now & forever.
Peter’s participation in House Church marks a sea change in the practical application of Covenant theology. For the first 300 years of Christianity; the Second Covenant was realized in House Churches, like Cornelius’.
E.- Enter Through Open Doors
29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?"
I believe that a key aspect of House Church ministry has three simple parts:
1. Look for the doors which God is opening
2. Walk through those doors
3. Put all of your time & energy into this area of ministry
When Jesus sent the 12 and the 72 on their short term mission trips; He instructed them to look for people who would receive them (Matthew 10:11-14closeMatthew 10:11-14 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. (ESV) closeMatthew 10:11-14closeMatthew 10:11-14 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. (ESV) 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. (ESV) ).
It is very easy to get “good ideas” regarding what our next focus in Congregational ministry should be. I am the chief of sinners when it comes to this point. In my younger years in ministry; I would get a “good idea” and then “move Heaven and earth” to make it happen. If it required me running into the proverbial brick wall; I would do it; and do it again & again until I had broken through. At this point, I would be lying, flat on my back; bruised, beaten & bloodied; looking up, with no energy left. As I looked around, I would see, usually about 2 feet to the left or right; a door which was wide open and if I had just taken time to look for this open door and adjusted my course; I could have easily walked through it.
Peter would wrestle with the whole issue of how to present the Gospel to Gentiles. In this case, he was very open minded about walking through the open doors which the Holy Spirit had provided. In other cases, he and Paul would come to words re this topic (Galatians 2:14closeGalatians 2:14 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” (ESV) closeGalatians 2:14closeGalatians 2:14 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” (ESV) 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” (ESV) ).
A sainted Synodical President once lamented to my father, “Some people are so close minded that they can see through a key hole, with both eyes.” This is a painful truth.
The “E” in H.O.U.S.E. could also easily stand for “Expedite”. It is imperative that we move with a purpose. We don’t need to worry about tomorrow; God holds the future. This is the day; now is the moment; here are the good works prepared in advance for us to do.
“Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do; while the souls of men are dying….
If you can’t preach like Paul, you can tell the love of Jesus, you can say He died for all…
Take the task He gives you gladly, let His work your pleasure be
Answer quickly, when He calls; say, “Here am I, send me, send me”
What God Ordains is Always Good
For more resources re Congregational Prayer Ministry / House Church Planting:
Jim Buckman
Very inspirational. Thanks!
thought-provoking-this is why I teach VBS-expedite, it reaches many others
Interesting how children receive vs. adults
Apostle Jim,
This is fantastic, a tour de force of Biblical mission. Thank you, and God bless you for this.