In this challenging and timely Resounding Shophar message, “Heart Check 101,” we examine what it truly means to follow Jesus in the “perilous times” described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Scripture reveals that the last days will be marked by self-centeredness, deception, pride, and a form of godliness that denies the power of God. These warnings aren’t meant to frighten believers-but to urge us to examine the condition of our hearts before God.

This message walks through a biblical heart examination, using both Old and New Testament passages to show:
• The evidence that we are living in the last days
• How our words, reactions, and behaviors reveal the true condition of the heart
• Why storing up heavenly treasures changes how we respond to trials
• How to develop a Christ-centered response to suffering, persecution, and uncertainty
• The importance of knowing the Lord Himself-not just knowing about Him
• What Scripture says about trusting God in difficult seasons
• The difference between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5)
• How false teachings, cultural Christianity, and unbiblical versions of the gospel lead people astray
• How to guard your heart with peace, purity, discernment, and biblical truth (Philippians 4:4-8)
• Why regular spiritual self-examination is commanded for every believer (2 Corinthians 13:5)
• How to be spiritually prepared for Christ’s soon return

The message emphasizes that what surfaces from our lives-our words, actions, attitudes, priorities, and responses to trials-reveals what’s really happening inside our hearts. If the past few years have exposed fear, anger, compromise, or division, God invites us to return to Him with sincerity and repentance.

“Heart Check 101” is a call for believers to:
✔ Ask God to search their hearts and expose what is not pleasing to Him
✔ Turn away from sin and worldly influences
✔ Reject false teachings and return to pure biblical truth
✔ Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit through daily obedience
✔ Live with expectation, holiness, and readiness for Jesus’ return

Now is the time to prepare our hearts, strengthen our faith, and align our lives fully with the Jesus of the Bible-not the cultural or comfortable versions of Him. The darker the world becomes, the more essential it is to walk closely with Christ.