UNASHAMED

Having personally received the gift of salvation, you must decide what to do with God's life-giving message. Some choose to boldly share the 'good news', while others shy away and keep it to themselves. 

But, the Lord ... desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:4)

Calvary's cross is an unattractive, intimidating, repulsive religious symbol in the mind of today's self-indulgent generation. It exposes man's wickedness, depravity, and undone condition. 

Therefore, a common reaction to the Gospel of Jesus Christ is one of disdain toward the one who dares share it ... For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. (1 Corinthians 1:18) 

When an obvious opportunity to present the plan of salvation comes, many prefer to stay quiet for fear of the consequences. Criticism, ridicule, argument, and rejection can prevent believers from witnessing to the unsaved. 

Spurgeon encourages us to do it anyway  - When we preach Christ crucified, we have no reason to stammer, or stutter, or hesitate, or apologize; there is nothing in the Gospel of which we have any cause to be ashamed.

Paul expressed it this way ... I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. (Romans 1:16)

Religion is man’s search for God ... the Gospel is God’s search for man. It must be shared with those who are lost. 

CONSIDER THIS

Christians are to see themselves as perfectly positioned pieces of stained glass through which God pours light into a sin-darkened world. It is how the glory of His goodness and love is revealed.

You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)

Who we are in Christ:

A chosen generation - He predestined and lovingly planned for us to be adopted to Himself as [His own] children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the kind intention and good pleasure of His will. (Ephesians 1:5)

A royal priesthood - All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. (Revelation 1:5-6)

A holy nation - He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. (2 Timothy 1:9)

His own special people - Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? You were bought with a price. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Mercy has been lavished upon us, and we’re in a privileged place. We are the ultimate rags-to-riches story. 

Spurgeon - These are wonderful epithets that are here heaped upon believers. May we have the grace to be able to appropriate them, and to expound them in our lives! Oh, the dignity which Christ has put upon the meanest believer! What a high office, and, consequently, what a solemn responsibility is ours!

The world takes its notions of God from the people who say that they belong to Him. They read us a great deal more than they read the Bible ...

THE WORD ... 'PERVERSION'

Webster’s Dictionary defines 'perversion' as ... a diverting from the true intent or purpose; a change to something worse; a turning or applying to a wrong end or use. 

Scripture warns against using for evil that which the Lord intended for good. 

For instance:

The Bible says the marriage bed is to be undefiled. Those who practice sexual perversion such as homosexuality, adultery, fornication, or other deviant, aberrant behaviors ... will not inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) 

We were created to praise God, encourage each other, and speak truth. When the gift of speech is used to curse, gossip, and lie it has become perverted ... Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. This ought not to be so. (Matthew 15:11)

God is just. When we choose to seek our own interests at the expense of the rights of others, we've perverted His ethical code ... What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

Satan cannot create ... so he perverts what God has created. 

We are seeing it played out in today's culture. He has convinced mankind that 'perversion equals freedom'. Satan has successfully enticed many to follow him in his twisted paradigm of evil. 

Little do they know that it only leads to bondage and their eventual demise ... There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 14:12)

Billy Graham - Sin is often, if not always, the perversion of something good. In the midst of all our sinning, though, God is willing to forgive us, change us, and give us a new power to overcome that sin.

By using God’s gifts in the way He intended, we find true liberty ... It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1).

Don't fall prey to the end-time 'delusions of grandeur' that have been loosed on this lost and dying world. 

Study God's Word. Pray often. Walk by faith. 

 

NO TRESPASSING

'Trespass' ... to go beyond one’s right by violating a boundary. 

The term is used throughout Scripture to describe man's disobedience to God's moral law. No one is exempt ... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

God posted His 'No Trespassing' signs. They are listed in Exodus 20 ... 

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honour thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness.
10. Thou shalt not covet. 

We are all guilty of violating these set boundaries ... There is none righteous, no, not one. (Romans 3:10)

But God's love made a way where there was no way ... For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Jesus Christ bore our trespasses so that ... If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

He also taught us how to deal with the sin we witness in others ... Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)

And the Lord's Prayer reveals how we're to respond to personal slights ... Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:12,14-15)

Forgiveness towards others is evidence of your salvation. The Gospel of Jesus Christ dictates that 'trespasses' are no longer to have power over 'mercy' and 'grace'. 

OUR 'UPSIDE-DOWN' THEOLOGY

The values and social order of God's kingdom are radically different from the world's. When the disciples debated who among them was greatest, Jesus explained ... If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all. (Mark 9:35)

Christianity's 'upside-down' theology emphasizes humility, grace, and love ... Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. (Philippians 2:3)

Instead of power, wealth, and status being prized ... the poor, the meek, and the selfless are highly regarded:

Blessed are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance]: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)

Blessed are the meek [kind-hearted, sweet-spirited, self-controlled]: for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)

Blessed are the merciful [compassionate, serving] for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)

Jesus perfectly exemplified these attributes ... For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)

After washing the disciples' feet, He told them ... I have given you an example. You should do the same for others as I have done for you. (John 13:15)

Vine - There are true grounds for Christian glorying, but these are not found in the man himself, nor in his religious attainments, nor in the observance of laws and ordinances, but in what he is by God’s grace and what God’s grace does through him. Empty glory, or conceit, is carnal and stupid.

Therefore ... Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)

Sacrifice selfish desires, lower yourself, and serve others. 

HARD TRUTHS FROM A SOFT HEART

Believers are to be the channel through which the Gospel message flows ... God has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18)

To represent the Lord rightly, we must eschew anything that contradicts His compassionate character ... But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ. (Ephesians 4:15) 

'Truth' is to be spoken at the right time, with the right words, in the right spirit. 

Jesus set the example ... We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

We are to bring encouragement to a lost and dying world ... You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it would give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)

Some Christians are adamant in defending and upholding God’s revealed truth. But it is without love (relishing a good fight). Others go to the opposite extreme. They are determined to express tolerance in the name of love ... sacrificing truth in the process. Both are unbalanced and unbiblical. 

Truth without love is brutality. Love without truth is hypocrisy.

'Hard truths from a soft heart' are only possible through His indwelling ... the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Peter put it this way ... Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance that is within you, yet with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)

Clearly and unapologetically deliver the truth ... but in love.

ANCHORED

Keeping our eyes on Christ as we navigate this harried, attention-grabbing world is difficult. Believers often get caught up in a frustrating cycle. 

• The 'riptide' of everyday life drags us away from His tranquil harbor. 

• We awaken to our plight, remember from where our peace comes, and find our way back. 

• Then suddenly, a new set of distractions pulls us out to sea again. 

God has provided an anchor for your soul. To feel the security of its tether ... 

Consider yourself a sojourner here ... For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Phillipians 3:20)  

Keep the Lord in the forefront of your mind ... looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2) 

Study God's Word ... for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. (John 5:39)

Develop your prayer life ... pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

'The Anchor Holds' was written by Lawrence Chewning during a time of personal difficulty. The words remind us of God's abiding care for His own ... 

I have journeyed

Through the long, dark night

Out on the open sea

By faith alone

Sight unknown

And yet His eyes were watching me

The anchor holds

Though the ship is battered

The anchor holds

Though the sails are torn

I have fallen on my knees

As I faced the raging sea

The anchor holds

In spite of the storm

The Lord's grip on your earthly vessel is steadfast and sure, even when the cares of this life smash against the hull. 

PLANS

The freedom to plot our own course versus God's sovereign will; this is what we as believers wrestle with daily ... The flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other. (Galatians 5:17)

Spurgeon - You are dragged downward by the flesh, and you are drawn upward by the Spirit. They will never agree. 

No matter how honorable they appear, your erroneous human ambitions are tainted by the old 'self-reliant' nature. 

The Holy Spirit's ongoing work of sanctification causes you to place everything in God's hands ... Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21)

You learn to surrender that which is so 'uncertain' ... Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. (James 4:14)

Zodhiates - Oh, vain man, who with one hand holds the present and with the other the future, you do not stop to realize that it is only by the sustaining grace of God that you own this very instant in which you live! 

Lay aside your flawed plans, pilgrim ... Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

When you, in your own wisdom, select the route that seems best ... you'll inevitably come to the conclusion that you should have relied on the One who knows the end from the beginning. 

JUSTIFIED FREELY

Sin has delivered mankind into the hands of a righteous judge. Based on irrefutable evidence, every person ever born (regardless of race, nationality, or social status) has been pronounced 'guilty' in God’s courtroom.

The Lord mercifully made a way for that proclamation to be reversed ... For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) 

The moment a sinner receives the gift of salvation, he is declared righteous in the eyes of God ... being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24)

The penalty for your sin was paid for on Calvary's cross, therefore the sufficiency of that sacrifice allows you to stand before God 'vindicated' ... having now been justified by the blood of Christ, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (Romans 5:8-9)  

'Justification' is a positional change in your relationship with God. This precious theological doctrine is unique to Christianity. It promises eternal security even though 'sanctification' is still at work, transforming you into the likeness of Christ. 

To be 'justified freely', God must witness something in you before His gavel falls ... faith in Jesus Christ as the propitiation for your sin. 

Make sure that is what He sees, pilgrim. 

A DAUNTING COMMAND

A Christian's redeemed soul is temporarily housed in a corrupted earthly body. It is the battleground where sanctification wars against the latent sinful nature. That inner conflict can frustrate those who sincerely seek to live uprightly before God ... 

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. (Galatians 5:17)

Though the Lord understands our plight, He refuses to compromise. The following passage commands us to go beyond a 'hit and miss' faith ... 

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'. (1 Peter 1:14-16)

It is His requirement ... Without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)

In Hebrew, the word translated as 'holy' has to do with being set apart, different, and dedicated. We are admonished to ... 

Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 6:18-7:1)

Don't think of 'holiness' as merely a set of acceptable behaviors. It is God's very essence. 

So ... how can we possibly be 'holy' in God's eyes? Answer: The righteousness of Christ cloaks you while you're being transformed into His likeness.  

Paul testified to how the process works ... 

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)

If the Lord was gracious enough to redeem us, the least we can do is offer ourselves back to Him ... 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)

A daunting command ... fulfilled.

EMPATHY

'Empathy' is identifying with or vicariously experiencing what someone else is going through.

It generally has three forms:

Cognitive - the ability to understand another person's perspective and thoughts.
Emotional - the capacity to not only understand but to share their feelings.
Compassionate - the propensity to come along side and participate in their suffering.   

Christians are admonished to ... Be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8-9)

Paul set forth this command ... Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. (Romans 12:15-16)

John asked an appropriate question ... If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? (1 John 3:17)

Jesus Christ's incarnation is the ultimate example. He ... empathizes with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

Our heavenly Father sees us through empathetic eyes ... For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. (Psalm 103:14)

He personally feels the pain of His beloved ... You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. (Psalm 56:8)

Spurgeon - When I thought God was hard, I found it easy to sin; but when I found God so kind, so good, so overflowing with compassion, I smote upon my breast to think that I could ever have rebelled against One who loved me so, and sought my good. 

We are to emulate the empathy the Lord has toward us so that we might live out His command ... 'Love your neighbor as yourself'. 

YOUR SUSTAINER

Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers have been adopted into the family of God. We live under our heavenly Father's divine oversight, and it is by His power that our lives are held together. Strength, protection, encouragement, and comfort all flow from Him ... 

Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul. (Psalm 54:4)

Unbelievers run from one worldly thing to another, trying desperately to be self-sufficient. They fail to realize that nothing created can sustain itself, and their empty existence continues to go unsated. 

The physical laws that hold matter together, keep the stars in place, and bind people to the earth are all sustained in and through Jesus Christ ...

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:15-17)

When you feel like things are falling apart ... Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you. (Psalm 55:22)

Spurgeon -  Anxious care often leads to acts of sin. He who cannot calmly leave his affairs in God’s hand, but will carry his own burden, is very likely to be tempted to use wrong means to help himself.

God desires that you rely on Him ... Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

The same Lord who holds the universe in His hand knows you personally, loves you deeply, and cares enough to supply everything for the journey.  

A WOEFUL PROGRESSION

The human heart is constantly seeking to please itself, and when it discovers something (or someone) it believes will satisfy that longing ... sin's siren call cannot be resisted. 

Man's fallen nature unleashes an unquenchable thirst for that which God has forbidden ... For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. (1 John 2:16)

Scripture reveals the progression of unrestrained 'lust' ... But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. (James 1:14-15)

• It begins with 'avarice', beckoning us to satisfy a carnal craving. But remember, temptation is not a sin in itself ... we have the choice to entertain it or resist it at this point.  

• But if we allow the seed of lust to germinate, sin finds its way in. That malignant intrusion defiles our soul. Every immoral thought, word, or deed breaks fellowship with the Lord. 

• Finally, if the accompanying guilt and shame don't lead to repentance ... sin eventually grows until the heart is hardened. The end thereof is the righteous judgment of a holy God.   

The Bible encourages us through the Holy Spirit's indwelling to ... abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul. (1 Peter 2:11) 

Our desire to please God must replace the desire to please 'self'. In doing so, every earthly need will be supplied by His hand. Peace that passes understanding and joy unspeakable will grace your life as you wait for Christ's appearing. 

TESTING GOD'S PATIENCE

When sin continues unabated, it has a cumulative and desensitizing effect on man's soul. The heart becomes so hardened that the mind refuses to accept the idea of 'right and wrong'. Scripture gives us this warning ... Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20)

We are witnessing in these, 'the end of days', a reprobate culture that has fallen headlong into that abyss. Any mention of morality is considered 'intolerant hate speech'. 

In the meantime, sin is celebrated ... Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron. (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

If men willfully continue to engage in sin, there comes a time when God allows them to have their own way. Having suppressed the truth, they are eventually given over to ... the sinful desires of his heart. (Romans 1:24)

Guy King - Their conscience, once so sensitive, is now 'seared', as flesh would be by the application of a 'hot iron', rendering it almost dead. Time was when they would shrink in horror from the uttering of a 'lie', but now that conscience is silenced, they can do it without blushing, with the tongue of 'hypocrisy' in their cheek. How, if unchecked, evil grows in a man, on a man! 

The opportunity for repentance is still there, but the invitation goes unheeded. It is sobering to think about ... Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. (Philippians 3:19)

We are watching a lost and dying world plummet into new depths of iniquity. Unbeknownst to them, their behavior gives believers a clear sign that Christ is coming soon. 

Look up, pilgrim. Your redemption draweth nigh. 

ACKNOWLEDGING GOD

We are to recognize the sovereignty of God and willingly surrender everything to His power, His wisdom, His goodness, and His justice ... Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

'Acknowledging' the Lord not only means to be acquainted with who He is ... but to live your life in intimate fellowship with Him. 

To cultivate that kind of relationship:

• Faithfully study the Word of God and apply it to your life ... 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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

• Submit to God's transformative work (i.e., your sanctification) ... He has given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, so that through these things you might become partakers of the divine nature and escape the corruption that is in the world. (2 Peter 1:4) 

• Pray without ceasing. Enter His courts with thanksgiving. Share your joys, fears, desires, and failures. You can’t hide your heart from God anyway, so don't try ... Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

• Contemplate just how completely God has forgiven you ... For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:11-12)

Acknowledging God is more than just a fleeting thought or a public declaration; it's a lifestyle of humility, submission, and worship that reflects a conscious effort to align your thoughts, words, and deeds with His perfect will. 

Pursue that. 

CHRISTIANITY

There are basic doctrinal truths that a believer should not only grasp intellectually ... but trust implicitly: 

• Inerrancy of Scripture ... For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (Romans 1:16)

• The Divinity of Christ ... The Son is the radiance and only expression of the glory of God, and the exact representation and perfect imprint of His Father’s essence, upholding and maintaining, and propelling all things by His powerful word. (Hebrews 1:3) 

• The 'Gift' of Salvation ... For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

• Response to a Promise ... If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

• Death to Self ... I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

• The Holy Spirit's indwelling ... the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:17)

Christianity is a vibrant, dynamic faith centered on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, fueled by grace, and lived out in practical ways through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

AN UNDENIABLE LINK

According to Scripture, what lies in your heart and what comes from your lips are connected. 

David understood how important this was to God ... Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

Spurgeon - Words of the mouth are mockery if the heart does not meditate; the shell is nothing without the kernel; but both together are useless unless accepted; and even if accepted by man ... it is all vanity if not acceptable in the sight of God. 

Jesus challenged His listeners to examine their life through that prism ... A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45) 

Trent Butler - Want to know what kind of person you are? Listen to yourself. God has a spiritual rule. You are what your heart is. How do you know what the heart is producing? Listen to the mouth. Your daily conversation issues from your heart. 

And most importantly, both heart and mouth play a role in receiving the gift of salvation. Neither is effective without the other ... That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)

Once saved, your personal testimony must be free of hypocrisy. A lost and dying world is listening, so ... Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)

Think on these things, pilgrim. 
Walk accordingly. 

NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS

Peter didn't believe that Gentiles could receive the gift of salvation. His vision and subsequent encounter with Cornelius shattered the Jewish notion of 'exclusivity'. The apostle came to realize that ... God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation, he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him. (Acts 10:34-35)

Paul and Barnabas were called to that end ... For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth'. (Acts 13:47)

The Gospel of Jesus Christ broke down that 'wall of partition' ... You who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)

The Lord spoke of it ... I have other sheep which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice. They will become one flock with one Shepherd. (John 10:16)

What can we learn from this Biblical account? How does it apply to our walk of faith? 

Are you a 'respecter of persons'?

Favoritism is the practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to one person or group at the expense of another. As followers of Christ, we are to lay aside some ill-conceived 'worthiness quotient' ... 

Paul Apple - Our society is all about making distinctions: Black vs white; Men vs women; Skilled vs unskilled; Rich vs poor; Young vs old; Professional vs blue collar; Healthy vs handicapped; Educated vs uneducated. We are not to try to anticipate who is a good prospect for receiving the Gospel and who is not - don’t fall into the trap of spiritual profiling; understand that with God there is no partiality - proclaim the message of saving grace to everyone.

Can you identify any personal prejudices you have? Do you know people who you think are 'unsavable' ... destined to be excluded from God’s kingdom?

Don't do that.

SELF-HATRED

It is as if those who live with this implacable state of mind are trapped alone in a room full of mirrors. Everywhere they turn, all they see is a tremendously flawed human being. 

Strong feelings of unworthiness create a secret 'self-loathing' that belies the finished work of Jesus Christ. What might seem to be admirable broken-hearted remorse is actually sinful egocentric religiousity. 

A believer should indeed hate sin, but to dwell on past failure shows a lack of understanding. The truth of God's grace has not taken root. It proclaims that a miry bog of despair is not an acceptable place for a Christian to dwell. 

Paul considered himself the 'chief of sinners', yet found relief ... Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 7:24-25, 8:1) 

Satan wants you to wallow in 'self-hatred' so you are reticent to serve the Lord. The Gospel of Jesus Christ deals a death blow to that crippling mindset. 

He bore the iniquity that haunts you ... If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Regardless of how heinous and unpardonable ... But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. (Romans 5:20)

If you are plagued with this soul-wrenching condition, the key is to focus less on self and more on Christ ... You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You. (Isaiah 26:3)

Leave that 'shame-filled' room of mirrors. Turn your eyes away from the sinful state of your flesh and look to Him who conquered sin and death on your behalf. 

CHRISTIAN LIBERTY

The phrase 'Christian liberty' refers to the manifold blessing that comes through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior ...

• Freedom from the penalty of sin: For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

• Freedom from the power of sin: For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:14)

• Freedom from the pall of sin: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)

This is not a license 'to sin', but rather the ability to live a life pleasing to God, free from the constraints of legalism ... For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)

And just because we are free to participate in worldly activities that are not expressly forbidden in the Bible, we're not to offend others by doing so. The ultimate goal for every Christian should be to glorify God, edify fellow believers, and have a good reputation before unbelievers ... Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not just please ourselves. (Romans 15:1)

Be careful that 'Christian liberty' is not taken to extremes. Vigorously promoting it leads to an undisciplined lifestyle. Concentrating on the 'dos and don'ts' leads to a legalistic lifestyle. Therefore, we are admonished to ... Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)

It is wise to seek God's counsel to determine whether a particular activity is spiritually beneficial. Will it help or hinder your personal walk of faith? 

Through faithful prayer and Bible study, He will show you.

A HIGHER CALLING

Things were going sideways in Ephesus. 

False teachers were sowing discord among the brethren, which led to endless discussions and meaningless debates. They refused to accept that Christ had fulfilled the law and instead tried to place that responsibility back on the believer. 

Paul told Timothy to put an end to their assault against the Gospel. He was to remind the people of Jesus' higher calling to ... love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. And love thy neighbour as thyself. (Matthew 22:37-39)

He went on to explain the conditions required to obey this command. They were to ... love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5)  

1. A pure heart: 

This is the inner quality of those who have been cleansed by the blood of the Christ. The heart of stone has been replaced by one through which God's love can flow ... You have purified your souls by obeying the truth in order to show sincere mutual love. So love one another earnestly from a pure heart. (1 Peter 1:22)

2. A good conscience:

This is the imparted ability to judge between right and wrong. A God-given moral code is stamped on the true believer's intellect ... I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. (Jeremiah 31:33)

3. A sincere faith:

This is more than believing that Jesus existed, more than acknowledging His profound teachings, more than confessing that He was the Son of God. It is a total surrender to His Lordship, evidenced by a changed life ... I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. (Galatians 2:20)

As vital as it is to be doctrinally correct, it is equally important to have one's heart, attitude, and resulting behavior in line with God's loving nature. The mission is not to be right and prove others wrong. Love should define our lives and motivate our actions ... it is what draws people to the foot of the cross. 

GOD'S POWER TO HEAL

One of many titles ascribed to God is Jehovah-Rapha, which translates to 'the Lord our Healer'. According to Scripture, He can make something whole, repair what is broken, and mend what is torn.

Christians usually apply this divine attribute to physical healing only, but it's more than that: 

1. Physical healing: God not only created our 'earthly tabernacle', He has the power to keep it in good repair. Ultimate physical healing will occur when we're given new bodies at the resurrection. Until then, we trust that the Lord has the ability to restore health to our body (and trust His goodness and providence when healing doesn’t come) ... For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18)

2. Spiritual healing: Adam's fall severed what was once an undefiled, intimate relationship between mankind and his Creator. We inherited that 'sin-nature', making it impossible to reconcile with God through human effort. Faith in Jesus Christ grants us the spiritual healing we need ... He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; 'by His wounds you have been healed'. (1 Peter 2:24)

3. Psychological healing: Through our ongoing sanctification, the Lord brings mental health. As we surrender our thought patterns to the truth of God’s Word and the Holy Spirit's inner working ... distorted perspectives, harmful beliefs, and crippling anxieties are replaced with peace ... Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Spurgeon commented on the healing aspect of Christ's atonement - By His sufferings, you were cured of sin. His death not only removed from you the penalty of sin; but what is far better, it also removed from you the dread disease itself. 

Place the 'well-being' of your body, your spirit, and your mind in the hand of the One who loves you beyond measure.