"Maintaining a Pure Conscience" - A Message from Acts 22 and 23

Hello Friends,

Have you ever had that "guilty feeling" wherein you know you've broken God's moral code?  Some call it a gut feeling while others describe an inner voice that speaks to them.  God has installed a conscience in each of us. Through this conscience he speaks, directs and corrects us so we might live the purest life possible.

In Acts 22 we see a model for how we can Maintain a Pure Conscience.  Of course, Satan would like to convince you that you are forever guilty, but God, in his marvelous grace, not only forgives but also restores us to purity.

So I hope this message will be helpful to you as you strive to live a life that honors our Heavenly Father. Let me know what you think.

God bless, Kirk McCormick

“Maintaining a Pure Conscience”

Acts 22:30-23:11

“Conscience” = “to know with” or “know together”…

            …inner judge to which God speaks

            …does not set standards, but affirms them

Acts 24:16 - Paul said, “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.”

Titus 1:15 - “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not

believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.”

To Nurture and Enjoy the Life of a Pure Conscience

1.  Stick to Godly Principles regardless of the resistance.

v. 1 - Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.”

2. Speak the truth even if it is unpopular.

“God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”  (v. 3)

“Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’” (v. 5)

3.  Show the proper respect to all, especially your enemies.

Matthew 5:43-44 -“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

4.  Be courageous.

v. 11 - The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.’”