A Christian View of Black History Month

Posted on February 25, 2012 by J. L. Moore

February is the month that has been designated to honor the lives and contributions of African Americans who have impacted American society in significant ways. Before there was Black History Month, there was ‘Negro History Week,’ initiated by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. The national celebration was declared to be official by President Gerald Ford in 1976.

Not everyone within the African American community embraces the month-long tribute. For instance, actor Morgan Freeman has publicly stated that black history is simply American history and there is no need to separate the two. For Freeman, when American history is properly presented, it will automatically entail education about the historical value of those within the African American community.

What does this have to do with the Christian life? Black History Month reminds us of those upon whose shoulders we stand today. Black History Month is not merely for African Americans, for blacks of previous generations did much to enhance not only the African American community, but the American community. In the same way, Christians in the past have made tremendous sacrifices in order to preserve the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.

Take William Tyndale for example, a man who risked his life to translate the Bible into English during the sixteenth-century. Facing threats from the Catholic Church’s leadership, Tyndale proceeded to work on his English translation so that the common people (i.e. you and me) could have access to God’s Word. His efforts got him into trouble with the religious authorities of that day, and he was eventually burned at the stake for undermining and ‘threatening’ the power of the Roman Catholic Church.

Think about that: hundreds of years ago, a man from a different part of the world gave his life so that we could read and understand the Bible in our own language. Yet, many of us take the Word of God for granted, for we do not read or cherish it as we should.

Let us view Black History Month as an opportunity to remember and learn from those who have given their lives for something greater than themselves. For the Christian, the ultimate example of this is the death of Christ on the cross for our sins. Following His resurrection from the dead, many of His followers obediently carried His message to the ends of the earth. Because of their sacrifice, thank God we are saved today!

Praise God for those who preceded us, whatever their race or nationality; let us continue the Christian legacy of evangelism and service until the end of the age.

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” -Hebrews 13:7, NIV

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That which is to Come…

Posted on January 11, 2012 by J. L. Moore

Every time January 1 rolls around, I take a few moments to revisit where I have been in the previous year. Questions I ask myself include:

• What did I accomplish for the cause of Christ?
• In what areas do I really need to grow?
• What significant endeavors should I pursue this year?

Questions like these cause us to reflect on the true meaning of our existence. When we contemplate the seriousness of the times in which we live, we must conclude that our focus should be on that which is most important in the eyes of God. As you ponder your answers to thought-provoking questions such as those listed above, what actions are you willing to take to ensure that your future does not resemble your regrettable past?

These are momentary considerations pertaining to our everyday lives, but the real preparation should be directed at what is in store for those who love the Lord (see 1 Corinthians 2:9). We must become so heavenly minded that we passionately set our minds on things above, not on things on the earth (see Colossians 3:1-3). The brevity of life should engulf our thinking on a regular basis so that we can avoid the apathetic slumber of monotonous living and embrace the reality that what we do now counts for eternity.
How does this pan out in the real world? One of my favorite passages from the book of Hebrews provides an answer to that question:

They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. (Hebrews 11:37-38)

Those spoken of in this passage refer to persecuted saints who have yet to experience the final resurrection. They were servants of God, bent on fulfilling the will or their Maker despite the hostility they faced from agitators. Believe it or not, this is a picture of the normal Christian life.

The world was not worthy of them, meaning their purpose in life was to benefit the very people who persecuted them. This concept is related to the example of both Jesus and Stephen, who uttered prayers of compassion towards those who were in the process of executing them (see Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60).

The point is this: when our eyes are fixed on things of eternal significance, nothing this world throws at us can remove us from the path of righteousness. Because of that which is to come for those who know Him, we cannot afford to wallow in the valley of immaturity. We must give our lives for the cause of Christ, for it is only when our hearts are dedicated to eternity that we lay up for ourselves treasures in our eternal home (see Matthew 6:19-21).

With the New Year ahead, for the sake of the gospel I urge you to press onward Christian soldier, serving the Lord with your gaze on eternity, for in the end, it will all be worth it:

“…God had planned something better for us…” (Hebrews 11:40)

Happy New Year!

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The Tragic End of Christopher Hitchens

Posted on December 16, 2011 by J. L. Moore

On Thursday, December 15, esophageal cancer claimed the life of world-renowned author and atheist Christopher Hitchens, as he lived out his final hours at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. At the young age of 62, Mr. Hitchens is survived by his wife and three children, and prayers of comfort are with them all.

Why is the death of Christopher Hitchens a tragedy? First, as was already mentioned, he leaves behind three fatherless children and a young widow. I’m sure that they (along with his many friends) will miss him dearly. However, for Hitchens, the greatest tragedy is that he entered eternity as an atheist. That is, he died with an abiding rejection of the God of all life, the God to Whom everyone must give an account (see Revelation 20:12). Unfortunately, Mr. Hitchens has now discovered that he was on the wrong side of faith, for his present condition is irreversible.

Several years ago, Christopher Hitchens wrote a book entitled God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. In it, he described his utter disgust over the realities of evil and suffering that have been committed in the name of religion. Whether it’s the Catholic priests involved in the pedophile scandals due to their necessary celibacy, Jews who continue the seemingly harmful practice of circumcision, or Muslim hijackers who killed thousands of innocent people on September 11, 2001, religious people have been allegedly known for perpetuating unnecessary evils in the world. For Hitchens, religion is more a force for evil than good in the world, and at its basis is a fundamental belief in a supreme Being Who commands such seemingly egregious acts against humanity.

Despite his assessment of the role of religion throughout history, Mr. Hitchens is sadly mistaken by equating belief in God with acts done in the name of God. For instance, there have been many killings (i.e. Inquisitions and Crusades) done in the name of Christianity, but acts of violence are totally antithetical to the teachings of the New Testament (see Matthew 5:38-43; Romans 12:17-21). Hitchens was correct in his assertion that evil has been done in the name of religion, but that does not mean that God does not exist. His atheism was maintained by a resistance to the blatant evidence of God’s existence through the observable, created order of the universe, rendering his unbelief “without excuse.” (see Romans 1:20) While it is true that atheists reject God in their hearts (see Psalms 14:1), which is suggestive of moral rebellion, they cannot reject Him in their minds, for their conscience is held captive to His undeniable reality (see Romans 2:14-16).

While Christopher Hitchens was still alive, many Christians prayed for him, hoping that his eyes would be opened to the truth. In spite of Mr. Hitchens’ numerous, formal debates with Christian apologists, he apparently did not retract his atheism. I don’t believe that God chose not to answer the prayers of His people concerning the salvation of Mr. Hitchens. Rather, his decision was ultimately based on a refusal to submit to the knowledge of God revealed to him in nature, and most notably, in the Person of Jesus Christ (see Romans 1:21-25). Sadly, many others are treading down the same path as Mr. Hitchens. Consequently, they are headed for the same fate (i.e. separation from the grace of God) unless they turn from their unbelief to repentance towards God and faith in Christ. God works in the human heart through grace, love, and conviction of sin, not coercion. In other words, He does not force unbelievers to acknowledge Him; in the end, they lose, not Him. As such, we should all heed the admonition of Christ Jesus the Lord, Who told His disciples long ago: “…believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1)

May God have mercy on the soul of Christopher Hitchens.

…‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways… (Ezekiel 33:11)

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Is it a Wonderful Life For You?

Posted on December 2, 2011 by J. L. Moore

As the Christmas season approaches, I am anticipating the quiet, winter evening that I will relax at home and watch one of my favorite movies: It’s a Wonderful Life. Released in 1946, it has been listed as the most inspirational American movie in the history of film-making. If you have not yet seen it, I encourage you to watch it at some point in the near future. If you are already aware of the film, consider viewing it again, for its timeless message of love, hope, and family significance is a perennial reality.

It’s a Wonderful Life explores the life of George Bailey, a man who didn’t lack ambition, but did lack the means to realize his ambitions. Facing one disappointment after another, he eventually finds himself on the brink of suicide. During this time, an angel pays a very special visit to him. As they engage in their first conversation, George mentioned his desire to have never been born. After a brief (heavenly) consideration, the angel (named Clarence) is given the power to show George what life would have been like for others if he had never been born. In fact, following this discussion, Clarence takes George around his town, and George is shocked at what he experienced. Nobody knows him! In fact, when he encounters his wife and friends, they did not recognize him either. As this episode developed, Mr. Bailey was amazed at what he discovered, and even more surprised as he learned about how much his life truly meant to those around him. Towards the end of the movie, George begs for his problematic life to be ‘restored’ and to have the opportunity to “live again.” His wish is granted, and he emerged from a state of non-existence to having an appreciation of life that he had never known.

Do you regard your life as ‘wonderful?’ Do you approach your daily existence with gratitude and anticipation, or do you find yourself on the verge of disillusionment and lethargy? Like George Bailey, our lives count for something, and it is imperative that we live with that reality on a daily basis. George had no idea that his life, even from his childhood, had such a positive impact on those closest to him. Perhaps you are (or have been) in a place in your life where you feel as though your life amounts to very little. You do not have the confidence that your life is characterized by God-given purpose. Thankfully, you do not have to be deceived into believing that lie, for God’s Word reminds us that we are special to Him, created in His very image (see Genesis 1:26-27). If your present life did not have meaning, you would not have been created. Everything and everyone that has been created has purpose. Consider the following verse:

“The LORD has made everything for its own purpose…” (Proverbs 16:4)

That ‘everything’ includes you, especially if you know Christ as the Lord and Savior of your life. While it is true that in moments of discouragement and depression, we can find ourselves in a valley of seeming despair. George Bailey experienced that, and we are not immune from such afflictions. Yet, the Spirit of God has a way of confirming His grace and concern for those who are beloved children of God. Not only that, but He also reminds us of how valuable life is as we keep our eyes focused on eternity. As long as we are serving the Lord, we will never know just how many lives we touch.

During this holiday season, remember that God has blessed you in order to be a blessing to others. To put it another way, experiencing a ‘wonderful life’ is only realized when we have given our lives to make someone else’s ‘wonderful.’

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

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Is Steve Jobs in Heaven?

Posted on October 7, 2011 by J. L. Moore

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? -Mark 8:36

The world was deeply saddened on Wednesday, October 5, to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs, one of the greatest technological giants of the last three decades. My prayers for comfort and encouragement are with his family and friends, for I know that they need it. I also recently lost a dear friend of mine, so I can relate to the anguish one feels in moments of bereavement. Yet, when I think of someone like Steve Jobs, a man who influenced people the world over, I am reminded of the words of Jesus in the scripture cited above.

Jobs was clearly one of the wealthiest men in America. He had a loving family, a seemingly great career, and so much to live for. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us, for he has entered the realm of eternity at the young age of 56.

Rather than ponder the current location/experience of Steve Jobs, ask yourself: what will happen to me at the moment of death? The passing of Steve Jobs reminds us that no matter how well-off one may be in this life, we have to face the reality of our own mortality. In light of this truth, the Bible informs us that we will have to give an account of our lives to God on that final day (see Romans 14:12).

God is not interested in how well-balanced our portfolio is; nor is He impressed with our secular accomplishments. Yes, the world is much more technologically advanced because of Steve Jobs, for he was one of the most creative, innovative men that has graced the American soil. However, the greater question is this: was the name Steve Jobs in the Book of Life? (see Revelation 20:15)

My heart goes out to those who loved Jobs the most, but I am also saddened by the multitudes of people who are not prepared to enter God’s realm of eternity. God is the ultimate source of life; as such, our lives should be centered on knowing Him. If they are not, we can easily find ourselves creating a superficial purpose for our existence. According to Jesus, only a foolish person would simply settle for less (i.e. mere worldly pursuits) when they could have the best (i.e. knowing God; see Luke 12:16-21).

My purpose here is not to answer the question of Steve Job’s present state. Rather, my desire is to challenge you to think about that for which you are living. If you are one of the people who merely live for this life, I pity you. Why? If you gain everything this world has to offer, and yet lose your soul in eternity due to rejection of and indifference towards Jesus Christ, you have missed out on the essence of living. Not only that, but there will be no second chances after death (see Hebrews 9:27). You only have this life to get it right, and the way to get it right is through total surrender to Jesus Christ (see John 14:6).

Is Steve Jobs in heaven? I don’t know; but more importantly for you is whether you will be there when you close your eyes for the last time. Don’t let the glitz and glamour of the world lead you away from God into vain pursuits. Follow Christ, and come to know the life you were created for.

“Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.”
-C. S. Lewis

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Living for the Wrong Reason

Posted on October 3, 2011 by J. L. Moore

…what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. –James 4:14, NKJV

Recently I participated in one of the saddest, yet hopeful, experiences of my life: the funeral of a very dear friend of mine. Everyone present who spoke of his influence testified to how he impacted their life. In fact, when the officiator asked everyone who had been touched by his life to stand on their feet, virtually everyone present (a few hundred people) stood up instantly and eagerly. As I pondered the response of the audience, as well as the many thoughtful words spoken on my friend’s behalf, it was evident that he truly lived his life for the right reason.

What are you living for? Education? Family? Career? If those closest to you had to describe your passion in life, what would they say, and why? Your answer to these questions essentially defines who you are and what you are living for. If your life is not centered on knowing and serving Christ, like it or not, you are indeed living for the wrong reason.

While it is true that every person’s life has value, it is also true that each of us is here to know God (see John 17:3). Outside of a relationship with God based on faith in Christ and repentance from sin, life is reduced to an endless pursuit of happiness, significance and meaning. Only when we are properly connected to the Creator and Sustainer of life are we on the path to living our lives for the right reason.

Many celebrities and wealthy Americans donate money to causes of philanthropy, but that is not why they are here. Doctors seek to cure or alleviate debilitating illnesses, but that is not ultimately why they were created. Law-enforcement officers live by the motto: to protect and to serve, but that is not the purpose for their existence. The pursuits listed above all have merit, and they are all important and beneficial to humanity. Yet, they merely describe the activities people involve themselves in to give their life meaning if they do not know the God Who initially set their lives in motion.

The God of heaven and earth created mankind to know Him, not simply to find secular substitutes for a relationship with Him. Because God is the source of our existence, we cannot know the essence of life apart from Him. Thankfully, He has revealed to us what life is all about, and that revelation is the Bible.

Live your life to know and serve Christ; this is what the apostle Paul encouraged us to do (see 2 Corinthians 5:15). Like my friend mentioned above, we will one day find ourselves crossing over into eternity. At that moment, that which we have given our lives to will be thoroughly examined (see 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:12). Whatever is revealed on that day will be a mere manifestation of the purpose to which we have given our lives. Unless you have repented of sin, placed your trust in Jesus Christ, and committed your whole life to Him, you are condemned to living for the wrong reason.

One day soon this life will pass; only what’s done for Christ will last.

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A Great Man Leaves a Great Legacy

Posted on September 23, 2011 by J. L. Moore

It has been over a decade since a friend and I began participating in a local prison ministry. Over the years, we have seen several men come and go as far as commitment to the ministry is concerned. There was one man, however, whose faithful involvement with the ministry extended to over three decades.

For the first 20+ years, he was often times there when no one else was. Yet, he remained faithful, even to the point of shedding tears over the lack of partnership he had. On several occasions, he expressed to me his grief over not having more men involved with the prison ministry. Despite the inconsistency of others, he was determined to remain faithful for the sake of the gospel.

This man is Sam Freeman, who recently went home to be with the Lord at the tender age of 70. He is survived by a wife of over 40 years, a son and daughter, and several grandchildren. Not only that, he also leaves behind a legacy of men and women influenced by his passion for God’s Word and his love for the truth.

Whether it was through his teaching at The City Mission, his local church, his home Bible study, or the prison, multitudes have been greatly blessed by the biblical insights he shared with anyone who would listen. He was one of the most passionate followers of Christ I knew, and I consider it a privilege and honor to have known him as a friend, a brother, and even like a father. He was a blessing to me beyond just spiritual matters.

For example, when I decided to purchase a car from a personal owner many years ago, he was the person I took with me to examine it. Before I purchased my first home, he was the person I asked to come over to question and observe the home inspector. On one occasion, I needed help with a daunting project, and he made himself available to help me. When I was required to meet with a small group for a class assignment, he gladly offered to participate. In many ways, he was like the father I never had.

I want to be like Bro. Freeman: a man who was there when I needed him, who loved to help others in whatever way he could, who loved God and loved his family. I would give anything to spend another day with him, just to let him know how much he meant to me. Unfortunately, I will have to wait until I cross over to express my gratitude to him again. In the meantime, I will strive to be a faithful, passionate follower of Christ just like him, and continue the prison ministry he initiated many years ago.

Sam Freeman was one of the most loved, respected, and admired men that God has used in this world. He was a light to those around him, and I know he will be greatly missed. I look forward to seeing him again one day, and there, we will be able to rejoice together, not just for a few years, but for eternity.

Sam Freeman exemplified what it means to be a great man who leaves a great legacy. Thank you Lord for blessing us with him.

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
-Psalm 116:15

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How Can You Sleep During the Day?

Posted on September 21, 2011 by J. L. Moore

We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. -John 9:4

One winter evening, a young man was driving home to his family, when suddenly, the brakes on his car went out. Consequently, he smashed into the back of the car in front of him. The seriousness of his injuries resulted in him being rushed to the hospital, but he did not survive.

Thankfully, the man was a Christian, and so upon his untimely death, he entered the realm of heaven. Upon arrival, he was greeted by friends, family members, and then by Jesus Christ Himself. Being in awe in the presence of Christ, he bowed to the ground in reverence. Then the Lord lifted him up and showed him around. After experiencing the wonders of heaven firsthand, the man became anguished in his soul. Knowing the reason for his momentary grief, Jesus told him, “Yes, I also desired that you had done more to tell others about the gift of eternal life, but you are here now.”

Child of God, would this be said to you if you were to find yourself standing before God in the near future? When is the last time you shared the gospel with someone? Because many believers are not actively involved in evangelism, I believe many will find themselves in a situation similar to the man described above.

In 2 Corinthians 5:10, Paul informs the Church that we are going to stand before Christ someday and be judged concerning the things we have done (and neglected to do). That is, this judgment will be both pleasant and dreadful: pleasant regarding the things done to honor Christ and further the cause of the gospel; dreadful regarding our neglect to take the Great Commission seriously (among other things).

Consider the following: God cares more about the salvation of the lost than the well-being of those who are saved (see Luke 15:7). Also, believers have been commanded to take the gospel to as many people as possible (see Matthew 28:18-20). In light of these truths, God’s passion (i.e. the salvation of the lost) must be our own. If you are following Christ today, it is most likely because someone told you of His death on the cross on your behalf. We owe it to both God and others to follow in the footsteps of those who brought the message of Christ to us.

As a follower of Christ, you will one day have the joy of entering the presence of God. On that day, will there possibly be a deep sense of regret over neglected, evangelistic opportunities? More importantly, will Christ remind you of those opportunities as you stand before Him in judgment?

We cannot change the past, but we can move forward with a renewed sensitivity to the reality that people need to hear the gospel (see 2 Corinthians 4:3-4). Will they hear it from us? Let us commit ourselves to the work of evangelism while there is still time.

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The God Who Hates Hypocrisy

Posted on September 20, 2011 by J. L. Moore

The twenty-third chapter of the book of Matthew contains some of the strongest language in the entire New Testament. In this chapter, the Lord Jesus describes the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of His day, namely, the Pharisees. The Pharisees were known for being stringent adherents to the letter of the law, while unfortunately, sacrificing the spirit of the law. For that reason, Jesus had justification for confronting the hypocritical lifestyle of those who were supposed to be showing others the way to God.

While it may be highly offensive to refer to someone as a hypocrite today, we must remember that Jesus Himself, Who was the epitome of virtue, used the term appropriately. And though there are no Pharisees today, hypocrisy yet abounds in the life of the church.

How can we recognize hypocrisy when we see it? There are at least three indications of hypocrisy from this chapter that we must avoid at all costs:

• Simply doing what is easy (v. 23)
• Focusing on the external (vs. 27-28)
• Playing games with God (vs. 29-30)

Doing What is Easy

In Matthew 23:23, Jesus described the Pharisees as those who were willing to give ten percent of their goods to spiritual causes, but neglected to show mercy and justice to others. In other words, they were willing to do what was easy, but it was done at the expense of purposely neglecting the “weightier” (i.e. more important) matters of the law. What does this look like in our lives? Many of us are willing to go to church every Sunday for the sake of fulfilling a Christian obligation (easy), but neglect to visit a neighbor’s home to share the gospel with them (weightier). Some of us will give ten percent to our local church, but give little if any time volunteering, serving, and praying at the church. It is much easier to write a check to your church (particularly if you are well-off) than it is to love others the way you love yourself. If we are committed to merely doing what is easy, while letting that which may be more challenging fall by the wayside, we may be guilty of hypocrisy.

Focusing on the External

In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus criticized the Pharisees for presenting themselves to others as righteous men but in reality were filled with nothing but hypocritical wickedness. Again, this is some of the strongest language in the Bible, which sheds light on how much God truly hates hypocrisy. Believers should never be concerned with being applauded, recognized, or even thanked for any service rendered in the name of the Lord. Not only that, but we must avoid the tendency to participate in Christian events simply because it helps to reinforce our positive image. For instance, going to church has become so commonplace that many of us fail to think through why we even go in the first place. In some cases, it has been reduced to what Christians are supposed to do. We should not go to church, or anywhere else for that matter, if it is purely to show our faces. If we do, we are guilty of hypocrisy.

Playing Games with God

In Matthew 23:29-31, the Lord revealed the startling reality that the Pharisees were doing nothing more than playing games with God. They claimed to disassociate themselves from those who persecuted the prophets of old, while at the same time building the very tombs in which the righteous martyrs would later inhabit. They pretended to live lives that were honoring to God, but in their hearts, they repudiated His message. Playing games with God is perhaps the worst type of hypocrisy imaginable. Anyone who operates under the pretense that they value God’s Word but never give it much personal consideration is an actor in the worst sense of the term. Remember, those involved in blatant hypocrisy are not reflecting any kind of rationality, only depravity. Can this be said of you? We must give heed to the Word of God, and strive to implement its teachings in our lives honestly and consistently. After all, God knows the depths of our hearts, which is why it is utterly futile to play any kind of game with Him (see Psalm 139); he demands to be taken seriously (see Leviticus 10:3; Hebrews 10:31).

This topic was not designed to convict you, but to encourage you to always maintain a heart of openness and honesty with God and others. Hypocrites will be condemned to hell (see Matthew 23:33), and knowing that you are not on that list is evident from a life that reflects brokenness over sin, a desire for greater holiness, and a passion to know and please God above all else. It is true that God remains a God of love, but He is also a God Who hates hypocrisy.

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Are You Among the ‘Many?’

Posted on August 20, 2011 by J. L. Moore

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus shares one of the most frightening episodes that will occur at the final judgment: people who thought they were ‘saved’ will discover that they were not. In fact, the Lord states that this will be true of ‘many’ people on that day. In light of this terrible situation, it is incumbent on every professing Christian to do what Paul encouraged the Corinthians to do, namely, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves…” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

I recently had the opportunity to share this important message with a youth group. This was especially relevant to me considering how many youth I have encountered over the years that are compliant with church attendance but are apathetic to knowing God. Perhaps the same could be said of you. Are you one of those people who are willing to attend public church services but never participate in private spiritual disciplines (i.e. prayer, Bible reading, sharing the gospel with others, etc.)? If so, it is likely that your commitment to Christ is either severely underdeveloped at best or non-existent at worst.

The Bible gives us several ‘tests’ we can apply to our lives to see if we have truly been converted to Christ; or whether we are among the ‘many’ as recorded in Matthew 7:21-23. Below are several indicators that you have not been born again. As you read these, ‘examine yourself.’

-There is no significant change in your life whereby old sinful ways are being replaced by new spiritual pursuits and interests (2 Corinthians 5:17).
-There is no grief or repentance over willful, blatant sinfulness in your life (1 John 3:9-10).
-You have turned away from Christ and His church and have returned to the ways of the world (1 John 2:19; John 5:27).

My friend, do not find yourself numbered among the ‘many’ who are comforting themselves with false assurance of salvation. Compare your life to Scripture, and consider whether there is evidence that an irrevocable change has taken place in your life as the result of turning to Christ in faith. If there is, praise God; if not, you know what you need to do (Romans 10:9-13).

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