Cut To The Heart?

Paul told Timothy in II Timothy 4:3, "The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires;"

Unfortunately this type of attitude can be taken by those who are not followers of Christ, as well as those who proclaim to be Christians.

How do you respond when the truth cuts you to the heart?  Let's consider how some responded to this.

Acts 2:37-38, "Now when they heard this they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?"  And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

The Jews on the day of Pentecost were cut or pierced to the heart when the truth was told concerning their relationship with God.  Peter told them that Jesus was a "man attested to you by God" (vs.22).  He said that this was in accordance with God's divine predetermined plan (vs. 23).  He made the application to them that they were responsible for the death of Jesus.  Even though all this had happened, God raised Him up (vs. 24).  In conclusion, Peter says that "God has made Him both Lord and Christ-- this Jesus whom you crucified." (vs. 36).In response, they asked what they needed to do and Peter told them to "repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins." They obeyed this!

Acts 5:33, "When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them."

These people were cut to the heart for much the same reason except they plotted to kill the apostles.  They were content to ignore that Jesus was the Christ for the time being.

Acts 7:54, "When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him
with their teeth."

These people heard a very similar sermon that cut them to the heart as well.  Stephen's powerful preaching convicted them of their faults and forced them to make a decision on how they were going to handle their problems.  They came to the conclusion that the problem was the preacher.  They rushed upon him and killed him.

When the word of God is procliamed in accordance with God's intentions, it brings about various responses.  What will your response be?  Will you accept it, or reject it?

                                                        --Shane Williams