Transformed Hearts

 Peter stood up at the council of Jerusalem.  They were debating whether or not the new converts of Gentile descent should be circumcised in accordance with the covenant of Abraham. He was telling them how the Gentiles were brought in to the kingdom and he makes a qualifying statement which is what I believe is the basis for our born again experience;

Acts 15:9, ” And He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.”

    So, what is the qualification of being a new creature in Christ?  What tells someone, or, if you will, shows the world that you’re a Christian?  There is, my brothers and sisters, only one thing that qualifies.  It’s not coming to church or reading a bible.  It’s not giving a lot of time or money to the church.  It’s not watching your favorite TV evangelist.  It’s not even having all kinds of material around your home to identify you as a Christian.  It is one thing only; a heart that is cleansed by faith.  Simply put, if you go to church and all the approved things that say you’re a member of said organization, but there’s no change in your life, there’s a problem.  A Christian’s life will reflect His glory.  If someone from your past looks at you and can’t see the difference in your life, there’s a problem.  No one, and I mean no one, who truly has the Lord in their heart can remain the same.  That would say that we have greater power than He has and that His presence just doesn’t make a difference.  That is the wrong answer.  If the Gentiles wouldn’t have been changing there would not have even been a discussion.  So, is your heart changing?  Does He truly live inside of you?  I can’t answer those questions for you, but if you we don’t each ask the question of ourselves, when we kneel before Him He’ll ask.  By that time it will be to late, unless you want to take a chance.  Do you?