Another term they used often was "experience of grace." It seems that maybe the Bible schools have put an emphasis on learning, studying, or knowing, and we deal with facts more than feelings or experiences. Facts are certainly important. In fact, feelings are not as important as facts, for the facts are to come from God's Word and the feelings rise up inside us. For this reason the feelings are not to be trusted, but the facts are. But how about feelings based on the facts? Does this not have an appeal.?

We are living in a day when science has risen high in our lives. Science supposedly deals with facts. It is supposed to be pure science only when it can be demonstrated as fact. A fact is something actual or real. The world is seeking something real, yet something which affords a thrill. The thrill is mislabeled or misunderstood as something physical, maybe visible to the eye, or audible to the ear, or something which can be touched. They talk about "the real world" nowadays. What do they mean? Is this not an insistence that experience must encompass the sordid, the immoral, the ugly? Knowing so little about spiritual things they want to drag the heart into the mire of sin so as to make things real.
Perhaps an unwillingness to accept old definitions, even for common words, has brought about all this experimenting in areas once forbidden.

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isa. 5:20).

Is there any clearer language describing the tendency when only natural or carnal feelings are involved?
<> "I will praise [thee], O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works" (Ps 9:1).

"Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with [my] whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and [in] the congregation" (Ps 111:1).

Nine times in the Psalms, once in Isaiah, and three times in Jeremiah is the expression "whole heart" used. David had many reasons to praise the Lord, or worship Him with the whole heart. By this is evidently meant that there were no other things with as much demand on his attention, his devotion, or his concern.

The word Muthlaben in the title of the Ninth Psalm suggests it may have been written on the occasion of the death of David's son by Bathsheba (2 Sam. 12:20). David did not blame God with that pain. It tore his heart, but he knew the reason. The wording of the psalm gives no clue that we can see for his using this title, and it is possible that something else was in mind. It has been suggested that one of the Levite singers named Ben (1 Chron. 15:18) might have been meant.

The tone of the psalm suggests it may refer to "the death of the Son" by Whom all victory comes. I have not considered that the titles to many of the Psalms are a part of the inspired text. If this one is, then Muthlaben, meaning "death of the Son" is most significant.

Tragic circumstances in our lives may be the means of God's bringing us to acknowledge Him with the whole heart. Great victory and blessing surely ought to bring us to such acknowledgment.

Heart Involvement Is Essential
The heart is that organ designated as central to our emotions, all of the feelings. We have seen that the Bible deals with facts. Reality seems to be the focus of most people today, yet they have excluded that area of life which is most important, that is, the spiritual man.

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life" (Pr 4:23).

Leaders and would-be leaders keep telling us that education is the answer to the wrong choices which people make nowadays. The only education which schools know how to deliver, and this goes for most parents for their children, is that which is of the head. But true education involves the heart, the center of our emotions (feelings). These are very fickle and are "taught" by example, reinforced by love and compassion. Children learn, yes, learn, these feelings when surrounded by the right environment in the home and in the church.

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart [is] not with thee" (Prov. 23:7).

His thinking is a part of his educational process, but God's Word says it is in the heart where determination is made which shapes the life or character. One may appear to think a certain way, but this may not be his true feelings (Mt. 6:18).

"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man" (Mt 15:18).

Hypocrisy is a natural tendency of the human heart, so we must not be deceived by what a man says.

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh" (Lk 6:45).

So the fruit of a man's life, reflecting his words, comes from his heart. It is not what one knows is right which determines his course. It is what is in his heart. This applies both to what is right and to what is wrong.

"For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Rom. 10:10).

Faith is from the heart. That is not faith which is sometimes called faith; it is wishful thinking, a sort of wishing something were so. If the heart is the center of one's life, all due care must be exercised to be sure what we plan or map out for our lives comes from something more than a lesson we have learned in our heads.

But the Heart is Evil
Because the heart is naturally evil we dare not trust its natural tendencies. Men say, that is what I am; that is the way I was born. In a sense they are right. One is born with a sin nature and the heart reflects that nature.

"Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil" (Eccl. 8:11; cf. Rom. 2:4).

"This [is] an evil among all [things] that are done under the sun, that [there is] one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness [is] in their heart while they live, and after that [they go] to the dead" (Eccl. 9:3).

"The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jer 17:9).

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess" (Mt 23:25).

"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man." (Mk. 7:21-23).
"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God" (Heb 3:12).
"Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children" (1 Pet. 2:14).

We could go on for pages with references describing our depraved hearts. But that does not have to remain like it is by nature. The heart can be renewed. If it is not renewed it will perish under God's judgment.

The Renewed Heart
"Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God" (2 Chron 19:3)
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do [it], and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments" (Ezra 7:10).
"LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear" (Ps. 10:17).
"My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise" (Ps 57:7)
"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD" (Ps 112:7).
The world seeks a thrill, evidently because they are naturally unhappy. Boredom is painful. Unhappiness is the state of many. God has provision for changes which can make life worthwhile.

The Christian Is Not Deceiving Himself When He Speaks of Being Happy.
"And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation." (1 Sam. 2:1)
"And [they of] Ephraim shall be like a mighty [man], and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see [it], and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD" (Zech. 10:7).

We Can All Do Better
"Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day" (1 Kings 8:61).
"I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart." (Ps 101:2)

God Can Make the Heart Clean
"Truly God [is] good to Israel, [even] to such as are of a clean heart." (Ps 73:1)
"He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully" (Ps 24:4)
"Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God" (Mt. 5:8).
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" (Ps 51:10).
May we learn to pray in Bible words!

A Tender Heart Needed
"And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt" (1 Sam. 24:5).
"Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard [thee], saith the LORD" (2 Kings. 22:19).
"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart" (Acts 2:46)
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water" (Heb 10:22).

How About An Honest Heart?
"But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience" (Lk. 8:15).

We Probably Should Start With a Broken Heart
"The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit" (Ps 34:18).
"The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" (Ps 51:17).

And Continue With An Obedient Heart
"I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, [even unto] the end" (Ps 119:112).
"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you" (Rom. 6:17).

This Will Require A Heart Filled With the Word
"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart" (Ps 40:8).
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Ps 119:11).
"Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word" (Ps 119:161).
"And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me" ( Jer 32:40).

Have You Tried This?
"Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah" (Ps 4:4).
"I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search" (Ps. 77:6).

God Must Make This Change
"And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live" (Deut. 30:6).

"But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God" (Ro 2:29).

Literal circumcision was a mark of the covenant with Abraham and Israel, signifying to the nation the promise of God to give a seed which would bruise the serpent's head. But many Israelites did not openly manifest the evidence of their claiming God's promise by living by faith, so God explained that if they would turn back to Him with their whole heart (Deut. 30:2), then He would circumcise their heart to love the Lord. This is the real need, for if we love Him we will keep His commandments (Jn. 14:21) and by His indwelling will obey Him (Jn. 14:23). So this principle is to apply to those of us who live under the New Covenant in this dispensation.

Faith Genders Faith in Such a Person
"Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident" (Ps 27:3).
"My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God" (Ps 84:2).

Such A Heart Desires God And His Ways
"I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart" (Ps 119:32).
"O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged" (2 Cor. 6:11).

Ezra's Sermon Turned Hearts Back to Abraham
God's Word, when heeded, will cause our hearts to remember the Lord of old and bring us back to God. But it may take tribulation, as great or greater than, that brought upon Israel in Ezra's day.

"And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give [it, I say], to his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou [art] righteous" (Neh. 9:8).

What is This State Like?
"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed trusting in the LORD." (Ps 112:7).
The whole of the hundred twelfth Psalm describes the man with the fixed (established) heart. The Prophet Jeremiah is a good illustration of a man whose heart has been fixed: "My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war" (Jer. 4:19).
"Mine eye affecteth mine heart because of all the daughters of my city" (Lam. 3:51).

The Fixed Heart Prays
"Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken" (1 Sam. 1:13)
"When thou saidst], Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek" (Ps 27:8).

Are We Determined?
"I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, [even unto] the end" (Ps 119:112).
Those passages which commit one's whole heart, quoted earlier, are appropriate here. Jehoshaphat, the young king, would not be dissuaded from destroying the altars of the pagan gods which his father had built: "And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah" (2 Chron. 17:6).

Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet because of His love and zeal for the cause of His God. "Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But [his word] was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not [stay]" (Jer 20:9).

Are We As Wise As We Ought to Be?
"The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall" (Prov. 10:8).
"Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but [that which is] in the midst of fools is made known" (Pr 14:33).
"My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine" (Pr 23:15).
Proverbs was written by a father who was a king and who expected his son to be king after him, so he points out the wisdom which a ruler will need to honor God in his ruling.

A Summary of the Matter
"A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things" (Mt. 12:35).

Our View of Men's Hearts
Judging is very serious business. Since God is the "Judge of all" (Gen. 18:25; Heb. 12:23)) it hardly behooves any of us to pass judgment on others. There is one exception to this rule: "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them" (Mt. 7:20). This passage and its context has much positive language about good trees and their good fruits and bad trees and their bad fruits.

Careful reading will show that men in general are incapable of judging one another. Why is this? It is because they do not know what is the will of the Father in heaven (Mt. 7:21). If he does not know he will be inclined to judge by the feelings of his own heart and in many, or most things, this will be a compromised judgment.

That believers are to judge one another is indicated throughout the Scriptures. This is particularly true of the membership of the church where one holds membership. Part of the mission of a church is to maintain a testimony for herself and for the world. This calls for godly living and righteousness according to the will of the Father.

For this reason church members are to "watch over one another with brotherly love." When a brother is observed bearing wrong fruit (that is, sin), the one who sees it must go to the offender and show him his fault privately (Mt. 18:15). If the offender gets the message properly he acknowledges his fault and the matter does not have to become widely known. If he rebels, then the one correcting must take one or two others in the membership and go see if they can help the brother see his fault. They do this, not as personal accusers, but as representing the will of the Father according to His Word.

If the offender will hear them the matter stops there. But if he rebels further and contends that it is nobody's business, or that he is not guilty, then the two or three tell it to the whole church, thus bringing two or more witnesses to the situation. At this point the church rebukes the individual, confirming the position held by those attempting to show the offender his fault. If he will accept the word of the church, repenting and acknowledging his error, then the matter is cleared up. If he will not repent then the church deals with him as an outsider, no longer considering him a part of the church.

It can be seen that this is not personal with any of those who were attempting to restore a brother to godliness or righteousness. Is not such a concern for one another a good matter. It admits we are all human; it insists on the standard of walk being the will of the Father; and it attempts to honor God by requiring all members to walk worthy of the calling wherein he was called (1 Cor. 7:20). It is the love of God in the hearts which make brethren care. Without such care there evidently is no love, or not much.

It may be argued that one cannot see the heart of another and does not know what is there. True, but if the fruit is not good the tree is bad. If the fruit is good, the tree is good. So as important as are Bible facts, facts which represent the will of the Father to us in understandable terms, it is necessary for us to realize that walking in love is essential and this is determined only as one reacts properly to what the brethren see and feel to be the will of the Father.

On the Other Hand
The good or seemingly right view of brethren today is to be sure we do not offend someone else.
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death" (Pr 14:12; 16:25).
We may be mistaken as to how people will take the Truth.

A heart able to go astray is able to go farther astray and likely will when it is pointed out. It may not be possible to point it out without offense. Still, we are charged with the responsibility of doing it. I can think of a thousand reasons why I should not go to a young person and tell him that he is dangerously sinning by what he is doing.

Someone nearer his own age; someone related to him; someone who lives miles closer, and other things, may be used to explain my failing. But in the last analysis I must account to the Lord for what I do and what I fail to do. After a few strong rebuffs we are hesitant, but we must remember that it is the Lord we serve. He knows all of the reasons (?) we give ourselves for failing to obey. He also knows the excuses an offender uses for going on with his offense.

The degree of the wrong may not be the same for all of us, but when we sin against a brother we sin against God. Samuel realized this in a special way. "Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way" (1 Sam. 12:23). The fact that we do not have a burden to have such a concern and to do such things may be explained by many things.

The individual may say, "I am not a preacher, so I do not have to do that," but it was not just preachers instructed to do it. Or "I do not know what to say," so study and pray so you can learn. Or "I am afraid I will drive him away," but he is already away, or fast on his way to rebellion, and you should not hide your failing so. What is the state of your heart?

Evaluating This Paper
One brother said "The sword of the Spirit has two edges; while it is cutting out that way, it is also cutting back this way." While writing I find that the Word speaks to my heart, possibly as much as it does to those who read. In fact, I expect it speaks more strongly, for I study the language and attempt to explain portions in simpler terms, thus allowing the Word to have a stronger voice.

As I have been writing upon the matters which pertain to the heart, not just to our minds or, as we say, our heads, I find it is difficult to be understood. We think a lot about our feelings, but we do not think as much about the feelings of others. And when we do, it is likely that we are forgetting that the Lord has feelings too.

Over and over again, when a point would come to mind to be put on the paper, I would observe that the heart is the focal point involved in all our decisions for the Lord. He is the one with whom we have to do. "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do" (Heb 4:13).

Concerning Saul: "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7).
Concerning his own future: "And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever" (1 Chron. 28:9).

"Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men) (2 Chron. 6:30).

"Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins" (Ps 7:9).
"Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart" (Ps 44:21).

"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God" (1 Cor. 4:5).

It occurs to me that the Bible has one theme which stands out strongest of all that is said in the Bible. Is it that a man needs to be saved? Is it that Jesus loves sinner s and will save those who trust Him? These things are true, but this guess reflects a man centered line of thinking. I think the first principle set forth in the Word of God is summed up in three words: "God Is God."

"Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he [is] God; [there is] none else beside him" (Deut. 4:35).
"Know therefore this day, and consider [it] in thine heart, that the LORD he [is] God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: [there is] none else" (Deut. 4:39).

Nine times in the Word this thought is expressed in almost the same words — "there is none else." But those words are meaningless without the corollary.

"The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, [there is] none that doeth good" (Ps 14:1; 53:1).

Plain language, yet if one does not consent to the idea that God is God, but goes on to ignore what God says to him, and to violate His will in disobedience, he is foolish, and is saying, in effect, "No, God!" He may consent that there is a God, but if we ignore His every word and every desire which comes through to our hearts, we are saying "No God."

It is the desire of this editor that all of us begin to say, "Yes, Lord." Each time we say "No," or just do not heed what we are told or know He says, our hearts become harder. We soon become impervious to His presence or His will. We are useless to God, to ourselves, and specially to His church (though we be members).

It is in the church that we can best hear, and heed, the voice of the Lord. There is where He dwells as Head of the church. a habitation of God through the Spirit (Eph. 2:22). Brethren closer to the Lord see this happening, may even know it is happening, but often say nothing. In this you cause them to sin and they are guilty of neglect (Mt. 18:15). This does not say it has to be against you before you do something. It is against Christ as sure as it is sin, and we have an obligation.

You are not obligated to hear me when you read what I say, but God's Word speaks to your heart, if you will allow it. Would you go over the passages in this paper and consult with your own heart. Will you realize that God searches our hearts (our inmost feelings, whether of love or hate) and our reins. Reins is another metaphor, like heart, but carries a little different sense. In my understanding it is put for the will. God searches the heart to see whether you have responded to his Word so that you love what He loves and despise what He hates. He searches the reins to see if you are willing for Him to have His way in your own life. Are you willing to believe it?
We would resent being called an idolater, but just look at Romans 1:19-23. And see what happens to one who is guilty as there described.

I recall hearing when a teenager about the opium trade in China and its influence in every family. News items only mentioned old men who were "dope addicts," but I wondered about the mothers and the children. Now the dreaded disease has come to America.

Satan certainly takes care of his business. Missionaries were going to China in record numbers back then, and reports were of many people turning to the Lord. But the devil is one jump ahead with his deceptions. So something caused a turnaround in that country. Next the Socialistic influence of the government began to assert itself, and Christians were being imprisoned and persecuted in China. Reports from China are not detailed today, but missionaries seem not to be going there much any more. Perhaps the Lord has given up on that heathen land, though there doubtless are many Christians still there.

Maybe all the world is as far enslaved by drugs today as China ever was. It certainly has a death grip on America. The only power which can release that grip is God. Perhaps not many Christian young people will be reading this paper, but if you are and have not been caught in this death trap, give God thanks and determine in your heart to trust, love, and serve Him all your lifetime.

It is my prayer that you will never be enslaved by a bad habit. Drugs means any of those mind warping things, such as Marijuana, crack, alcohol, tobacco, and lies. Much being taught on TV and in newspapers and classrooms is lies. How can you tell? If it goes against the Bible it is lies and ignorance, no matter how logical it sounds to young ears. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31).

Satan has devised so many distractions these days until people of all ages cannot find time to think about God, to pray, to give their hearts room to enlarge. Those of us who pray must surely pray more earnestly if improvement is to occur.