Am I Open Minded?

A mind that refuses to even consider that he might be wrong The Closed Minded A mind that refuses to even consider that he might be wrong Or, when presented with contrary facts, refuses to change

Don’t want to face consequences of change Fearful of instability The Closed Minded Why closed minds? Don’t want to face consequences of change Fearful of instability They don’t care to investigate Satisfied where one is at

The Jews that rejected Jesus The Closed Minded The Jews that rejected Jesus Matthew 13:11-15 John 12:37-43, even among believers they some did not change John 11:47-50, 53, leaders plot to kill Jesus rather than consider The trial of Jesus

The Jews that rejected Stephen The Closed Minded The Jews that rejected Stephen Acts 6:8-15, Stephen’s powerful preaching Acts 7:51-53, his indictment of their ways Acts 7:54-60, their reaction

The Jews that rejected Paul The Closed Minded The Jews that rejected Paul Acts 17:1-5, as soon as Gentiles were taught, they envied A recurring theme throughout Paul’s preaching and teaching

Acts 19, records Paul in Ephesus. Stayed 2-3 years. Much success The Closed Minded Demetrius at Ephesus Acts 19, records Paul in Ephesus. Stayed 2-3 years. Much success Acts 19:23-33, Demetrius, a seller of idols, stirred up his tradesmen and the city against Paul

A closed mind to the need for sacrifice and surrender The Closed Minded The rich, young ruler Matthew 19:16-26, when told what he needed to do, he went away sorrowful A closed mind to the need for sacrifice and surrender

Open Minded A mind that is willing to listen and consider what is said, even if it means changing when convinced he is right. NOT one who takes change lightly, but willing to obey – Matthew 7:21, 26-27, Hebrews 5:9, 1 John 2:4

Open Minded On Pentecost Acts 2:41, some 3000 responded to the invitation (Jews who would be called upon to make great changes)

Open Minded The Eunuch Acts 8:26ff, when taught about Jesus, he was willing to change. Desired to be baptized (vs. 36-39)

Cornelius and his household Open Minded Cornelius and his household Acts 10:1-4, a devout man. Told to send for Peter When Peter arrived, he was ready to listen and respond (vs. 33)

NOTE: Not a blind acceptance, but educated. Open Minded The Bereans Acts 17:11, more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica. They searched the scriptures to verify the truth. NOTE: Not a blind acceptance, but educated.

Am I Open Minded What is my attitude when I study the Bible? Do I intend to obey? Am I willing to study with others that disagree with me? Am I more concerned about being right with God, or accepted by men?

Are there subjects I avoid because of the consequences? Am I Open Minded If someone showed me I was practicing error, would I be willing to change? Are there subjects I avoid because of the consequences?

Do I have the heart of David Psalm 139:23-24 Am I Open Minded Do I have the heart of David Psalm 139:23-24 Do I trust God more than men? Proverbs 3:5-6

Are You Open Minded?