“And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with
them.  But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.  And he said unto them, What manner of
communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?  And the one of them, whose name
was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are
come to pass there in these days?  And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of
Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and
our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.  But we trusted that it had been he which
should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.  Yea, and certain
women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his
body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.  And certain of them
which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.  Then he
said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have
suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?  And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto
them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:15-27).

      “And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.  But
they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry
with them.  And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to
them.  And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.  And they said one to
another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the
scriptures” (Luke 24:28-32)?


      The word of God penetrates the heart of those who will hear it (Hebrews 4:12; cf. Luke 8:15).  Thus, we really should
focus our attention in this part of the article as to whether or not we are listening.  You see, if our heart is not burning the first
problem would be in whether or not the word of God is getting through to us.  Too many people will open their copies of the
Scriptures, hear a sermon, or sit through a study and not actually focus on the things being taught.  Some act like a boy in the
6th grade who is listening to his math teacher while thinking about the little girl he has a crush on.  He will not understand
fractions, but he can tell you what that girl has worn each day of the week.  For the Gospel to bring forth fruit one needs to
hear it (Colossians 1:5-6).

      Second of all, for the Gospel to cause our hearts to burn we must believe it (Romans 1:16).  The Hebrew writer wrote the
following that applies to this section of our brief study: “For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that
came out of Egypt by Moses.  But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose
carcases fell in the wilderness?  And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that
believed not?  So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.  Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being
left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.  For unto us was the gospel preached, as
well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it”
(Hebrews 3:16-4:2).

      Thirdly, the Gospel will not cause our hearts to burn if we choose not to obey it.  Our hearts and obedience to God are
directly related (Romans 6:17, Psalms 39:1-3, Jeremiah 4:4, Matthew 13:15, and Acts 7:39-41).  If we do not allow the word
of God to penetrate our hearts, we will not obey.  However, when we do allow ourselves to submit to the Gospel, the
wonderful message of our Lord will create in us a burning effect.  Such a fire will ignite so that we could not remain silent about
the word of God.  Even before God’s scheme of redemption was fully made known, the word of God had this effect.  Notice
Jeremiah’s heartburn: “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” (Jeremiah 20:
9).

      Finally, the Gospel will not cause our hearts to burn if we do not continue in it (James 1:21-25).  The effectiveness of the
things written to help us be saved and remain saved are dependent upon our continuing in them (Colossians 1:21-23).  Some
hear and believe, but they do not want the full consequences or responsibilities that come through obedience to the Gospel.  
Some want the take it or leave it way of study.  They take want they like and leave what they don’t.  Thus, the burn in the heart
begins to weaken and disappear.  The Gospel is not like a bucket of chicken from KFC.  You cannot pick out the breast and
wings, but leave the legs.  You have to consume every part of the word of God for it to be effective in the spiritual nourishment
of your body (Matthew 4:4).


      Do you have heartburn?  Have you allowed the Gospel to penetrate your heart and bear fruit in your life?  The word of
God is very powerful.  Notice this from our Lord: “Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that
breaketh the rock in pieces” (Jeremiah 23:29)?  Folks, it is not the effectiveness of the Gospel that is failing if your heart is
not burning.  It is that you have not allowed it take affect within your heart.  When and if you do, you will know that the burn
has began and will soon turn into an unquenchable flame that will ignite your spiritual life and will propel you forward in your
growth as a child of God.  You will begin to desire to know more (I Peter 2:1-2).  You will desire to share what you have
come to know (John 1:40-45).  I must caution you of this one thing, if you have not already allowed the burn to take affect in
your heart.  This caution is simple.  Once you truly allow the Gospel to take effect it will become addictive.  You will want
more and it will consume your thoughts day and night (Psalms 1:1-2).  I love this heartburn, do you?
Volume VIII    ~    Issue VII   ~   November 11th, 2007
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)?  Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17), repent of their
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6).  Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16).  One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10).  There is
more to cover than is here.  Contact me today for a study: brianyeager@wordsoftruth.net
Edited by: Brian A. Yeager
Do You Have Heartburn?
By: Brian A. Yeager
Conclusion
Does Your Heart Burn When the Scriptures Are Opened Unto You?