Text: Gal 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Introduction: Meaning of 'marks' - stigma - a brand. When a person accepts Christ he is immediately marked as God's property. I. The mark of a changed heart. A. The heart as the seat of man's affection is the place of the beginning and completion of man's regeneration. 1.The Word searches it. Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Acts 7:54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 2. Man's heart is changed at salvation. Ezek 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: Ezek 11:20 That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. Ezek 11:21 But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD. 3. Walking and fellowshipping with Christ affects one's heart. Luke 24:32 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? II. The Watermark of Baptism. The authenticity of a watermark can be determined by holding it up to the light. Let the light of the Word test YOUR baptism. Mat 21:25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? III. The shoulder marks of service. [The callus on the shoulders of a plow horse.] A. Take my yoke. Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. IV. The knee marks of the prayer life. 1 Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing. 1 Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. V. The mark of God's love in us. John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. VI. The mark of a dedicated servant, the pierced ears. Psa 40:6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Exo 21:5 And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: Exo 21:6 Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl; and he shall serve him for ever. VII. The footprints of a Christian. Where will yours lead? YOU"RE TREADING HOLY GROUND The way was steep and rocky. There were pitfalls all around. The Lord said, "Take your shoes off, You're treading Holy ground." "But, Lord, You can't be serious! I need them for protection, Satan’s snares are all around; I could stumble into subjection. Stones and thorns and clever traps Surround me everywhere. I'm sure I'd be defeated soon If my feet were bare." "Just trust me, child, take off your shoes, The path is clearly marked, Your savior blazed this trail for you Long ere you embarked. Then I laid aside my heavy shoes And the path beneath my feet Instead of feeling rocky Felt soft and warm, and somehow sweet! Looking down, I saw the answer, For, right there, where I stood, I saw the savior's footprints, Each, outlined with his blood! If your path is hard to travel, Filled with pitfalls, thorns and snares And your burdens seem too heavy With toilsome pains and cares' Then loose your shoes and place your feet Where His footprints are found. You'll find that walking where He walked, You're treading Holy Ground! fcc