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Listening Up to A Point. Acts 22:22. Prejudicial Hearing Is Strong. An unbeliever will listen until you mention “God” (Gen. 1:1), or the “Bible” (1 Tim. 3:16) A follower of a world religion will listen until you mention “Jesus” (Acts 4:12)
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Listening Up to A Point Acts 22:22
Prejudicial Hearing Is Strong • An unbeliever will listen until you mention “God” (Gen. 1:1), or the “Bible” (1 Tim. 3:16) • A follower of a world religion will listen until you mention “Jesus” (Acts 4:12) • A devout denominationalist will listen until you mention “baptism“ (Acts 2:38), or “works” (Jas. 2:26)
Prejudicial Hearing Is Strong • A liberal theologian will listen until you mention “miracle” (Acts 2:22) • An uncommitted religious person will listen until you mention “obedience” (Heb. 5:9) • Some members of churches of Christ will listen until you mention “pattern” (2 Tim. 1:13)
Prejudicial Hearing Is StrongMany Listen Until… • Sin is pointed out (1 Jn. 3:4) • The church of Christ is mentioned (Rom. 16:16) • Instrumental music is condemned (Eph. 5:19) • Godly living is stressed (Tit. 2:11)
Others Who Closed Their Ears • Micaiah’s audience (1 K. 22:8) • Jeremiah’s audience (Jer. 36:23-24) • Jesus’ audience (Mt. 13:14-15) • Stephen’s audience (Acts 7:57)
Prejudicial Hearing: What is the Cause? • Tradition, custom • False teaching, error • Limited knowledge, ignorance • Pride, hardness of heart
Do We Keep Our Ears Open To All of God’s Word? • Open ears and eyes (Psa. 119:18) • Attentive (Neh. 8:3) • Readiness of mind (Acts :10:33; 17:11) • Glad to hear (Mk. 12:37), desire (Acts 13:7) • Swift to hear (Jas. 1:19)