Acts 10:34-36 – 34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
Despite its cold weather, the month of February is one that I enjoy because of Black History Month. Here at Holiness Tabernacle we celebrate the many accomplishments and contributions people of African descent have made to our society. Throughout the month we’ll have different programs and events to celebrate different individuals both past and present. I always marvel at the things God can do through people – despite the seemingly insurmountable odds and circumstances that are against them.
Stop and think about the stop light, gas mask, open heart surgery, iron, vacuum cleaner, helicopter and so many more inventions that would not be here today if those of that ethnicity had not been allowed to contribute to mankind.
The doctrine or practice of exclusion did not begin here in the United States. At one time the Bible tells us the early church (which consisted of Jews) was under the assumption that to be adopted into the family of God via Jesus Christ also required a conversion into Judaism. Yes – that’s right; not only adult males had to be circumcised, but they only had limited access to the temple. In our text today the Lord revealed to Peter that He was not a respecter of persons. If you take the time to read the Scriptures, you’ll find that the Lord gave Peter the vision of the various types of meat three times!! In other words, God wanted to make sure Peter got the message before he was sent to Cornelius.
Even after witnessing the entire house of Cornelius being filled with the Holy Ghost and speaking in unknown tongues, Peter still struggled with the acceptance of gentiles. Even though Peter made the great observation that God was not a respecter of persons, the apostle Paul tells us later that he withstood Peter face to face about his behavior towards gentile Christians (Galatians 2:11). Have you ever wondered how our lives would be if salvation would have been limited to Jews? There would be no Catholic Church. Great men of God such as Martin Luther, John and Charles Wesley, John Calvin and yes, the founding father of the Church Of God In Christ – Bishop Charles Harrison Mason – would not have had an opportunity to come to Christ and spread the gospel.
In the early days of the Church Of God In Christ, there was a debate over our form of worship. There were those who advocated a more reserved style of worship. The music should not be too loud. Only a piano was allowed. Hand clapping and spontaneous praise was taboo and rejoicing in the spirit (some folks call it “shouting”) was out of the question. Bishop Mason protested and held firm that God was receptive to other types of praise and worship – as long as the vessels were holy and sincere. History records in the early days of our Church, there were as many Caucasian members as there was Negro. However, because of southern segregation laws, many of the Caucasian brothers left in 1914 and started the Assemblies of God.
I am so glad Bishop Mason held firm; if not artist such as The Clark Sisters, Fred Hammond, Edwin, Walter and Tramaine Hawkins, Andrea Crouch, The Winans, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Dr. Judith McAllister may not have been able to exercise their gifts. We would not be blessed with what God had birthed in them.
Later this year we will have other multi-cultural events to celebrate the many ethnicities God has sent to our church – Caucasians, Jamaicans, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Trinidadians, Mauritians and even people from Illinois! Aren’t you thankful you did not have to change your look, dress, language or neighborhood to be received by Jesus? The only change God requires is the one that occurs in our hearts!
I pray as you meet new people from different backgrounds and ethnic groups, you don’t make the mistake Peter made. God has room and makes room for everyone. He is not bound by race, gender or social economic status. He does not care who your parents are or where you came from. He’s not concerned about your political party affiliation or if you are liberal or conservative. All He wants is an opportunity to clean and change your heart, and then He’ll make room for you. He will adopt you into His family. I perceive He’s adding to His family even now – I cannot wait to meet some more of my family members!
I bless you in the name of the Lord!
Elder Eddie B Pruitte, Jr.
Pastor & Founder, Holiness Tabernacle COGIC