Proverbs 18:1-2

He who (willingly) separates himself (from God and man) seeks his own desire; he quarrels against all sound wisdom. A (closed-minded) fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his personal opinions (unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity).

We have free will to think and do whatever we wish. Whether we choose to follow our own created beliefs or act according to God’s Word will be the deciding factor. Men do not govern themselves well without a God. Selfishness and sin will creep into their thinking and actions towards others. We need God’s connection to be our best selves. 

2 Peter 2:18

For uttering arrogant Word of vanity (pompous words disguised to sound scholarly or profound, but meaning nothing and containing no spiritual truth), they beguile and lure, using lustful desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error.  

Word manipulation is widely used to hide truth and disguise evil intent. The pollution of the world infiltrates our lives from every aspect of media that we have today. We must maintain our guard over our ears to protect our spirits and keep our minds healthy. 

Isaiah 66:5

Here the Word of the Lord, you who tremble (with awe-filled reverence) at His Word: “Your brothers who hate you, who exclude you for My Names sake, Have said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see you joy.’ But they will be put to shame. 

Empty religion will mock and cast out people who have genuine faith. Don’t be discouraged by those who only give lip service to God and have no love in their hearts. People of faith may be excluded, but God will always be with the believer. They will be put to shame.

Romans 1:18-19

For (God does not overlook sin and) the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth, because that which is known about God is evident within them (in their inner consciousness), for God made it evident to them.

Our soul (mind, will, and emotions) will sin if not regulated by a spirit connected to God. Where we focus our mind is where our heart will go. A mind renewed by the Word and trusting and concentrating in a relationship with Jesus will keep our inner consciousness clean from sin. God talks to all of us. The choice is ours to listen to. 

Luke 17:17

Jesus said to His disciples, “Stumbling blocks (temptations and traps set to lure one to sin) are sure to come, but woe (judgement is coming) to him through who they come.  

Jesus instructs us about the stumbling blocks put in our way. False doctrine, teaching, and watering down the Gospel lead believers to sin. Even worse is the judgment that comes to those who do not teach the Bible accurately, which is why a wise believer reads and knows the truth.  

Luke 5:20

When Jesus saw their (active) faith (springing from confidence in Him), He said, “Man, your sins are forgiven.”

Active faith is sold out to Jesus and doesn’t need any more convincing that He can heal. Active faith studies the Word on healing, which becomes real despite the circumstances. When the confidence in the Word and Jesus builds to the point where we know Jesus is the healer without any doubts, healing comes.  

Mark 14:24

And He said to them, “This is My blood of the (new) covenant, (My blood) which is being poured out for many (for the forgiveness of sins).

Redemption! Without Jesus dying on the cross, we would still be locked in sin with no way out. Jesus dying on the cross may have taken place years ago, but to the person wanting to be washed free of sin, it happens the instant they call on the name of Jesus. The truth of Jesus is still just as alive and powerful today!

Mark 8:38

For whoever is ashamed (here and now) of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father and the holy angels. 

If a believer is ashamed of Jesus and the Word, they don’t see the light that leads away from sin. Sin is no respecter of persons and inclusive of all and does not lead a person away from error but deeper. The righteous oppose sin, reject its temptation, and turn away from its influence, which leads out of sin.  

Mark 4:11

He said to them, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you (who have teachable hearts), but those who are outside (the unbelievers, the spiritually blind) get everything in parables. So that they will continually look but not see, and they will continually hear but not understand, otherwise they might turn (from their rejection of the truth) and be forgiven.  

At some point, the truth was presented and rejected by the one that only receives parables. The truth from God didn’t line up with their interpretation of how life should be. This person will keep looking for their truth and never understand or hear the truth of God. Yet their hearts long for the truth they rejected, and repentance is the only way back to God.

Mathew 25:46

Then these (unbelieving people) will go away into eternal (unending) punishment, but those who are righteous and in right standing with God (will go, by His remarkable grace) into eternal life.

It matters what we believe! Our choices must be firm on the Word of God and His teaching, not false doctrine or twisted teachings that lend toward the justification of sin. Faith is not to build up our feelings but to increase the strength of our spirits toward righteousness. Feelings change, but God and the Bible do not.