Present Truth # 1
God's Letter to You

Heaven's Pledge - Our Assurance
At some stage in life, individuals question their existence and purpose in life. A young mind generally has hopes and aspirations for the future. A discontented or discouraged mind finds it hard to accept a purpose or reason for life. Then there are the lonely, the empty, the unhappy. How can your life become more fulfilling, healthy, interesting? What lies after death? Is it possible to receive eternal life? Human hearts of every walk of life question the uncertain, yet desire an answer to satisfy their needs of security and contentment. No doubt at times such questions enter your mind. Are there answers to life's vital questions? Where can you find them? We all have some beliefs or ideas, but how accurate are they? No book ever written reveals so well the answer to these and many other fundamental questions except the Holy Bible. It reveals how life can be lived and enjoyed to the fullest. This is a promise.

Who Wrote the Bible?
Some critics have claimed that the Bible is only a book written by ordinary men, and therefore is just like any other book. The first part of this assertion is partly true but the latter is false. Yes, the book was written by men, but they had one different characteristic to most authors.

“ . . . holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21.

God selected righteous men to pen His messages. They were not naturally creative writers, but events and messages were recorded as they were revealed and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Visions and thoughts were received and these holy men, knowing these were from God, faithfully wrote in their own language what they were shown.

Thus there is a variety of style and of expression in the Bible, but no contradictions. There is a common theme throughout the collection of writings and a unity of beliefs.

“The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.” 2 Samuel 23:2.

No one was entrusted to write God’s sacred messages without receiving divine assistance.

Actually the Bible is a compendium of books and its real Author is the Almighty. Throughout all these sacred writings is the theme of salvation from sin and its consequences, if we accept God's provisions and counsels.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

The Scriptures also tell us of God and His loving character. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

Divisions
Sixty-six books were written by nearly 40 writers during a period of approximately 1,600 years. Thirty-nine of the books constitute what is known as the Old Testament and twenty-seven comprise the New Testament. Whenever Jesus referred to Scripture, He quoted the Old Testament (the New Testament had not yet been written).

The Old Testament has three major sections. Jesus said, “. . . These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” Luke 24:44.

“The law of Moses” refers to the first five books of the Bible. They were written by Moses and are often referred to as “the law,” because they contain all the laws that were given to ancient Israel. The ceremonial laws were symbolic and terminated at the cross. But there is far more to “Moses” than just the ceremonial system. Primarily it consists of the doctrines and principles of establishing God's church on earth. First there is the moral law as given by God Himself, then nature's laws, health, and doctrines of order and organization.

“The prophets” refer to all the prophetic books. Some books in other classifications also have prophetic sections but, for ease of identification, each book is only placed in one category. For instance, Jesus used this type of terminology when talking with two disciples who were traveling to Emmaus after Jesus' resurrection: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27.

One of the most compelling tests of the authenticity of the Scriptures is the evidence of prophecy, for true prophecy is the recording of history in advance. Many of the prophecies of the Bible were written hundreds of years before their fulfilment, others are occurring now, some refer to our future. So important is prophecy that God challenges anyone to accurately predict the future in detail as He does.

“Produce your cause, saith the Lord; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods; yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.” Isaiah 41:21-23.

“Psalms” or poetry. The poetical books are Job, the Song of Solomon, and the Psalms. Some translations of the Bible record all the poetical sections in poetical format rather than prose. Although the meter is lost in translation from the original language, the beauty, majesty and pathos of the poetry of the Bible is still apparent and may be readily appreciated.

The Power and Purpose of the Bible
The power of God's word is demonstrated in many ways. When we scan the heavens and behold the sun, moon, planets and the myriads of stars, all orbiting their appointed trajectory through the immense expanse of space, we are witnessing the power of the Word of God!

“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalm 33:6, 9.

Yet a still greater power is contained in the living Word. Jesus, the son of God said, “. . . the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. What is this power? What is its purpose?

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.

“The word” has within itself power, deep, abiding, and eternal. It leads us to see ourselves as we really are. It searches our inmost failures and yearnings, and provides the power to raise us from the lowest degradation. It has power which is able to make and keep men right, something we cannot do for ourselves. The Bible is able to transform our character and to make each person radiant, joyous, and full of hope.

The Psalmist testified of this marvelous transforming power: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11.

How long will the word of God endure? Christ declared: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35.

Comparing the short life span of man with the Word of God, the apostle Peter wrote: “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth forever . . . ” 1 Peter 1:24, 25.

On the midst of all the turmoil and strife of this present age, the Bible stands as an immovable, unchangeable beacon, with its light pointing to the true haven. It is a teacher and counselor of the highest order.

Can Everyone Understand the Bible?
For centuries it has been claimed by the clergy that the Bible should not be read by lay members because only learned theologians are able to interpret its doctrines. This withholding of the Scriptures from the people resulted in an intellectual, spiritual, and moral decline known, today, as the “Dark Ages.” “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6.

Contrary to the stated belief of “the clergy,” “the entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130.

Therefore, the Word of God is not only for intellectuals to understand, but if studied and obeyed, it will ennoble and elevate the humble searcher for truth, whatever his station in life. Christ declared that God's Word was more readily understood by those of open minds “babies” in trusting and absorbing just what God says, than by those who claim to be “wise.”

“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” Matthew 11:25.

Often men of considerable learning, whether secular or theological, are too proud to admit wrong and thus disqualify themselves from understanding the truth of God. This is clearly illustrated in the Bible by the attitude of the learned scribes and Pharisees toward the teachings and person of Christ. Although they had theoretical knowledge, they could not accept the truth being presented to them.

The Lord sees those who are humbly seeking for truth: “. . . to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:2.

As we have read before, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” In other words, the “Spirit of God” gave the messages to the various writers. In order to understand the Word of God aright, we need this same Spirit to guide our mind when we read the Bible.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13.

The written Word of God is God's voice speaking to us. It should always be treated with respect and should be studied with genuine desire to understand truth and its messages. Time spent searching the Scriptures should be regarded as time being spent in contact with the Divine. Therefore, before opening your Bible always pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance and believe that you will be directed and taught aright.

Why Are There So Many Different Interpretations of the Bible?
This question is often asked by skeptics as an argument that the Bible is unreliable. But are they right? What is the key to true understanding?

One reason is given by the apostle Peter: “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:16.

In addition the Bible reproves sin and lays open the hidden secrets of the heart. This is not agreeable to our human nature which seeks to obscure the Scripture's plain explanations. The apostle Paul prophesied: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, have itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3, 4.

It is impossible to come to a right understanding of the Bible if our hearts are not changed, because sinful human nature is opposed to the Spirit of God. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14.

Today men are eagerly seeking for personal advantage. For the sake of gaining riches, honor or power, they place the maxims, traditions and requirements of men above the requirements of God. From such the treasures of God's word are hidden.

Obedience is one key to a true understanding of the Scriptures. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” John 7:17.

The Theme of Bible Inspiration
Many books have a central figure around which the story is woven. The Bible too has a central person in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus said: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

When conversing with the two disciples on the way to Emmaus after His resurrection, Jesus explained this vital truth to them: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27.

Will There Always Be Opportunity to Study God's Word?
Many people put off searching the Scriptures until they retire, or to some other time in the future. But they are making a fatal mistake!

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it. In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.” Amos 8:11-13.

This wonderful book—the Bible—will soon be of no use for men. There will be no more opportunities to understand it or to obey its teachings. The Holy Spirit will not then be available to help people know the truth. Nevertheless, today we still have opportunity. There is still time to become acquainted with God's plan for us.

Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference.

The Story Behind the Hymns.
THE STORY BEHIND "MINE EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY OF THE COMING OF THE LORD"

Some hymns belong to a church while others become part of the history of a people.

“Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory of the Coming of the Lord,” widely known as “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” belongs to the second category.

Its story is tied to one of the darkest chapters in American history: the Civil War, a conflict that split the United States and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Slavery stood at the centre of the crisis, and the question of whether a nation could call itself free while millions remained enslaved had become impossible to avoid.

In 1861, Julia Ward Howe, a writer, poet and abolitionist, was in Washington, D.C., when she encountered Union troops singing “John Brown’s Body,” a marching song already popular among soldiers. The tune stayed with her. Someone suggested that she write new words for it.

She did.

According to Howe’s own account, the words came to her in the early hours of the morning. She woke with the opening line in her mind and began writing, afraid that the verses would escape her if she waited for daylight.

“Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord…”

What followed was not a conventional hymn of comfort. Howe wrote with the language of the Old Testament prophets — judgment, wrath, righteousness and redemption. The battlefield became the setting for a larger moral argument.

“He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored.”

The line was stark and so was the time in which it was written.

The hymn was published in the Atlantic Monthly in February 1862. It quickly found an audience among Union supporters and soldiers, giving words to a cause that many believed demanded more than military victory. The fight, in the hymn’s telling, was bound to a moral reckoning.

Then came the line that would outlive the war:

“His truth is marching on.”

Those five words helped turn a Civil War song into an enduring hymn.

For soldiers heading into battle, the words could sound like a declaration of faith. For abolitionists, they carried the promise that slavery would not have the final word. For families waiting at home, the hymn gave voice to the uncertainty, grief and conviction that defined the period.

Its reach did not end when the guns fell silent.

“The Battle Hymn of the Republic” went on to become one of the most recognisable songs in American religious and public life. It has been heard in churches, at memorials, political gatherings, military ceremonies and historic moments across generations.

Its power however, lies in more than its stirring melody.

It was born at a time when America was asking whether freedom could survive its own contradictions. Julia Ward Howe answered with a poem that placed justice at the centre of the national struggle.

More than a century and a half later, the words remain remarkably direct.

They remind us that history is not always changed in grand halls or on battlefields. Sometimes it begins in the early hours of the morning, with a writer reaching for a pen before the words disappear.

Julia Ward Howe picked up that pen and what she wrote became a song that generations would sing long after the war that inspired it had passed into history.

“His truth is marching on.”

That is the line that remains.

Not simply as music but as a declaration.

The Story Behind the Hymns.
THE STORY BEHIND " O LOVE THAT WILL NOT LET ME GO"

Some hymns are written with a pen while others seem to come from a wounded heart.

“O Love That Will Not Let Me Go” was written in 1882 by George Matheson, a Scottish minister whose life had taken him through blindness, disappointment and deep personal sorrow. When he wrote those words, he was not writing about suffering from a distance. He knew what it meant to watch life change in ways he never expected.

Matheson was born in Glasgow in 1842. As a young man, his eyesight began to fail, and he eventually became completely blind. Yet he refused to allow blindness to end his purpose. He studied at the University of Glasgow, entered the ministry and became a respected preacher and writer.

His private life also carried a deep wound. Biographical accounts have connected his early heartbreak with the end of an engagement after his eyesight deteriorated. Whatever the precise circumstances, Matheson knew the pain of seeing a future he had hoped for disappear.

Then came June 6, 1882.

It was his sister's wedding day. While his family attended the celebration, Matheson remained alone at the manse in Ingram, Scotland.

It was during that quiet evening that the hymn came to him.

Matheson later said he wrote it in about five minutes and made almost no changes afterwards. From that moment of solitude came words that would eventually comfort millions:

“O Love that wilt not let me go,
I give Thee back the life I owe.”

Those words are striking because Matheson was not asking God to give him a life without suffering. He was surrendering the life he had, with all its unanswered questions.

He had lost his sight, he had known heartbreak and he could not see what the future held.

Yet he could still trust.

The hymn moves gently from surrender to faith:

“O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to Thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.”

Matheson did not deny the rain but he acknowledged it. He believed that beyond it was a promise worth holding on to and that is what makes the hymn so deeply moving.

It speaks to anyone who has ever sat alone with a broken heart, watched a cherished dream disappear or wondered how they would find the strength to face another day.

Matheson could not see with his eyes, yet he wrote about a rainbow.

He could not see the morning, yet he believed it was coming and perhaps that is simply the miracle at the heart of this hymn: a man living in darkness gave the world words about hope.

“O Love that wilt not let me go.”

More than 140 years later, those words still carry the same promise.

When life becomes too heavy to understand, when the road ahead is hidden and the heart is tired, there remains a love that does not abandon us.

A love that holds on.

A love that sees us through the rain.

A love that will not let us go.

Conflict and Courage.
Esther 3

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17.
Through Esther the queen the Lord accomplished a mighty deliverance for His people. At a time when it seemed that no power could save them, Esther and the women associated with her, by fasting and prayer and prompt action, met the issue, and brought salvation to their people.42The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 3:1140.

The trying experiences that came to God's people in the days of Esther were not peculiar to that age alone.... The same spirit that in ages past led men to persecute the true church, will in the future lead to the pursuance of a similar course toward those who maintain their loyalty to God.... The decree that will finally go forth against the remnant people of God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews. Today the enemies of the true church see in the little company keeping the Sabbath commandment, a Mordecai at the gate. The reverence of God's people for His law is a constant rebuke to those who have cast off the fear of the Lord and are trampling on His Sabbath....

Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people of God. Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them.

With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their faith. By false representations and angry appeals, men will stir up the passions of the people. Not having a “Thus saith the Scriptures” to bring against the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the lack. To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for Sunday laws. But those who fear God, cannot accept an institution that violates a precept of the Decalogue. On this battlefield will be fought the last great conflict in the controversy between truth and error. And we are not left in doubt as to the issue. Today, as in the days of Esther and Mordecai, the Lord will vindicate His truth and His people.43Prophets and Kings, 605, 606.

Proverbs 10:9 (NIV)
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
(Passage: Proverbs 10:1–10)
As we read the words Solomon wrote, we should remember that although the pen was in his hand, God was the true Author. Keeping that truth in mind helps us properly weigh the comparisons found throughout Proverbs.
The word “integrity” comes from the Hebrew tom, meaning completeness and uprightness. “Securely” comes from the Hebrew betach, which means safety and confidence. I was always taught that it is best to tell the truth at all times—because the truth simply is the truth. If you lie, you must constantly remember every detail of the falsehood. When we walk in integrity, there is nothing to hide and nothing of which to be ashamed.
By contrast, “whoever takes crooked paths” reflects the Hebrew aqash, which means to make crooked, to distort, or to twist—in short, anything other than the truth. Such a person may escape notice for a time (how long is unknown), yet we can rest assured that they “will be found out.”
God’s Word is Truth! When we follow it without distorting or twisting it to suit our own desires, but instead hold fast to His will, we walk in integrity. The moment we turn aside from the Truth, God knows and will not be deceived. Therefore, both in the physical realm and the spiritual realm, we do well to walk in integrity.

Stop trying to prove your worth to people who don't hold the pen to your story.

Let’s be honest: we are obsessed with building our own resumes. We spend half our lives carefully curating our wins, updating our bios, and quietly making sure everyone in the room knows exactly what we bring to the table.

But chasing human applause is a rigged game. It’s an exhausting treadmill where the finish line keeps moving. The moment you finally get the validation you were hustling for, the anxiety kicks in: What if I lose it? What if they stop clapping? When you are the one commending yourself, you have to work 24/7 to maintain the illusion.

There is a better way to live, and Paul nailed it in 2 Corinthians 10:17-18: "For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."

You don't achieve true freedom when everyone in the room finally claps for you. Freedom is walking into the room and no longer needing the applause—because you already have the only approval that actually matters. Drop the PR campaign. Stop the self-promotion. Let your only boast be in what He has already done for you.

Save this post for the next time you feel the pressure to prove yourself.

Share this to the story of someone who needs to be freed from the approval trap today.

Hisle Films seeking experienced movie Script Writer
(Film format only - no TV format)

This Writer will sign an NDA, Can live anywhere, Will work remotely, Will have access to their own Windows PC [desktop or laptop] or Mac, Will have their own Cell Phone (Apple iPhone preferred but not required), Will have their own Google Gmail Email Account [or create one], Will have a recording device or App on their cell phone for dictation, Will have notepad & pencil [no pen], Will have an active CashApp or Venmo Account or Zelle [through their bank] for getting paid, Upon hire this Writer I choose needs to have the flexibility to be available via video (WhatsApp, or FaceTime) to brainstorm this new movie script with the Director (me) for at least 3 solid hours every other week on either any Friday or Saturday [9am-12pm Denver Mountain Standard Time] till new movie script is complete by or before Jan 1, 2028. There's so much more which will be discussed during interview. Best way to interview is to read everything with-in this posting, visit & become familiar with Hisle Films entire website to get to know me the Director better, then email Hisle Films at hislefilms@gmail.com & in the Subject Line type "MovieScriptWriter HisleFilms NewMovie" & in the body of the email include the following: tell me about you & your walk with Jesus, provide your website which reflects you as a movie script writer- tell me what you bring to the table & why

Must be a genuine believer / follower of Jesus [The 1 & only true God]

Whomever I book / hire to write the Script for my new movie even though we'll both be brainstorming, this Writer will get full credit as the Writer plus, Hisle Films will pay for the Copyright of this Script which will only reflect the Writers name as the Writer

The content will be used to bring glory to the Father & His Kingdom first & foremost / Win lost souls for Jesus / Entertain because it is a movie

The Writer will have at least a minimum of 5 years experience [or more], real hands on, real world, verifiable proof writing both short & feature movie Scripts, will have experience using MS Word / Adobe Reader & Google Docs, will have experience listening to the Director [that's me] verbalize this new movie idea over video (WhatsApp or FaceTime) & the Writer will dictate & turn dictation into movie Script little by little

We'll discuss compensation during video interview

Project length will be 2 hours / 120 pages / not counting the title page or ending credits

Target Audience will be lost souls for Jesus & everyone who loves to be entertained by movies

Let's talk about it.
Peter’s Vision & God’s Dietary Laws: How Could the Churches Get This So Wrong?

There's a teaching in Christianity that totally contradicts what scripture itself says. It is more than just taking it out of context. They teach that when a sheet full of all kinds of animals came down from heaven and a voice told Peter to kill and eat, the ancient dietary laws were thrown out right then and there. According to the Church, the line between clean and unclean animals was erased, making all meat ok to eat. This is taught so much that people don't even question it. But Peter himself tells exactly what the vision meant, and his answer has nothing to do with food.

Long before Peter ever goes up on that roof to pray, it starts back in Caesarea with a man named Cornelius. Acts 10:1-2 introduces him as a Roman centurion, a devout man who feared God with his whole house, gave generously to the needy, and prayed to God all the time. The entire chapter is deliberately set up around this Gentile from the very first verse. This tells us the vision Peter has a little later wasn't random. Heaven is already moving to reconnect two worlds, and the focus is already on a non-Jewish believer.

While Cornelius's men were on the way, Peter went up on the housetop to pray around the sixth hour, and while they were preparing the meal, he became hungry and wanted to eat. Falling into a trance, he sees a great sheet come down filled with all kinds of four-footed animals, crawling things, and birds. In Acts 10:14, when the voice tells him to rise, kill, and eat, Peter refuses, saying, "Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." Even with hunger pressing on him and a voice from heaven speaking directly to him three times, the man who is supposedly getting permission to eat whatever he wants still refuses to touch what God called unclean. If the dietary laws were being thrown out, this was the perfect moment for him to give in, but he treats the levitical dietary instructions as binding and never gives in.

After the vision Peter was confused about what it meant. He couldn't figure it out. But when the men sent by Cornelius show up at the gate, the Spirit speaks to Peter, telling him to go down and go with them without hesitating, because God sent them. The arrival of these Gentile visitors matches the timing of the vision on purpose. The Spirit intentionally links the unclean animals in the sheet with the "unclean" Gentiles standing at the gate.

When Peter gets to Cornelius's house, he finally explains the true meaning of the vision in his own words. Talking to the crowd gathered there in Acts 10:28, Peter said to them, "You yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Jew to join himself or come to one of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any man unholy or unclean." This ties the whole account together. Peter doesn't say God showed him it's okay to eat pork and shellfish; he says straight out that God showed him not to call any human being unclean. Peter doesn't stop there. He keeps going in 34-35, saying, "Truly I perceive that God doesn't show favoritism; but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him." This is Peter telling us in his own words what the vision was about. It wasn't about animals being acceptable to eat.

It was about people from every nation being acceptable to God. It is worth noting what kind of law Peter is talking about. When he calls it unlawful for a Jew to associate with a foreigner, he is not referring to anything written in the Torah. Nowhere in the Law of God did He ever forbid His people from entering the home of a Gentile or sharing a meal with one. This was a man-made tradition built up over centuries, an extra-biblical command. So the wall the vision tears down was never a wall God put up in the first place.

This explanation is reiterated in the very next chapter. When Peter goes back to Jerusalem in 11:1-3, the circumcision party confronts him, wanting to know why he went to uncircumcised men and ate with them. Peter responds by telling the whole story of the vision from start to finish, landing on the same conclusion. When the believers in Jerusalem hear this in 11:18, they glorify God, realizing that God has also granted the Gentiles repentance.

Two times the vision is explained in the text, and both times the conclusion is strictly about including the Gentiles. On top of that, the Jerusalem believers don't raise a single question or objection about food, proving they understood the matter was about fellowship with people as well.

Looking closely at the story makes it clear what the vision did and didn't change. It changed who Peter could walk into a house with, sit next to, and share a meal with, breaking down centuries of unbiblical man-made tradition. It did not change what YHVH defined as food in Leviticus 11. Years after this happened, the book of Acts still shows the believers keeping the Torah.

The foundation of clean and unclean animals goes back before the covenant at Sinai. We see this in Genesis 7:2 when God tells Noah, "You shall take seven pairs of every clean animal with you, the male and his female. Of the animals that are not clean, take two, the male and his female." Notice that no explanation is given to Noah at all. God speaks of clean and unclean animals as something Noah already understood, generations before Sinai and long before Israel existed as a nation. People often try to claim this difference was only for sacrificial purposes, but the text never states that.

Jesus says in Matthew 5:18, "For faithfully I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the Law, until all things are accomplished." As far as I can tell, heaven and earth are still here.

This is one of those things that honestly blows me away, how and why can Christians continue to defiantly and blindly say that the text means something other than what it plainly says?

Ultimately, the vision given to Peter was not a cancellation of God's instructions, but a powerful confirmation of His inclusive truth for all people

in middle of listening to the audiobook “The Deconstruction of Christianity” by Alisa Childers and Red Pen Logic’s Tim Barnett. So far - definitely worth the listen and very enlightening and informative.