What's In a Heart
by Mark Adams
Growing up as a teenager in the 60’s and 70’s, we
thought the world was our oyster. It was
the era of flower power, rebellion against authority, and freedom from the ways
of our parent’s. It was the era of the
Beatles, Rolling Stones and Credence Clearwater Revival. We were going to
change the world and right the wrongs of previous generations. We were revolutionaries! We protested against nuclear weapons, the
Vietnam War, injustice and the governments of the day.
But what happened?
I look back now and realize that I am just like my
parents.
How did this happen?
The answer is that we grew up! We got married, had a
family and a mortgage, and settled into suburbia. Others of our generation are now our leaders
and politicians.
Nuclear weapons have not been abolished; leaders are
constantly sabre rattling, crime is rampant and hunger and disease still kills
millions of people.
Technology has increased, but wisdom appears to be
lagging behind. Modern man has no place
for God or the Bible!
So, what is the underlying problem?
The Bible says that at the heart of the problem is
sin. Man has turned his back on the
creator of the universe, and the only one who can save him from himself.
The Bible says much about the heart of man and the
consequences of his rebellion.
And
even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over
to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with
all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness,
maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are
whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of
evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving,
unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those
who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also
approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:28-32 NKJV.
See also: 1Corinthians 6:9-10.
Wow! This certainly sounds like many today! The scary thing is that God has given then
over to a debased mind!
What is the
answer?
We are told in John chapter 3, that a man must be born
again. This is a spiritual birth. God’s Holy Spirit changes our evil, sinful
nature and changes us from the inside out.
What must I do to be saved?
1.
You must realize that everyone has
sinned against God!
As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;” Romans 3:10.
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans
3:23.
2.
Sin has a price!
“For the wages of sin is death, but
the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23.
3.
Jesus Christ died to save us!
“But God demonstrates His own love
toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
4.
Salvation is a gift!
“For the wages of sin is death, but
the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23.
5.
Salvation comes through faith!
“that 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. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and
with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10.
6.
God saves all who call upon Him!
For “whoever calls on the name of the
Lord shall be saved.”
Romans 10:13.
7.
We are eternally saved!
“There is therefore now no
condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the
flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1.
“For I am persuaded that neither
death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present
nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be
able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39.
So What Now?
“Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6
Don’t
Delay!!!
*All
Bible Verses are taken from New King James Version.
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