There is a great lack of strong convictions in the church today. Many Christians don’t know what they believe on core issues of doctrine. They have been convinced that they should believe a certain way, but they are not convicted. Convictions are something that are stood for in the face of opposition. They are held despite sacrifices. Convictions are matters of faith. We hold them as a matter of duty and loyalty to our God.
We need convictions!
It seems that many have moved away from strong convictions, because our culture esteems tolerance and abhors judgmental attitudes. Having convictions has become uncommon, because it is connected with a judgmental and condemning attitude.
This is a shame! Holding convictions doesn’t make one judgmental and intolerant. Jesus held strong convictions, just read his teachings in the Sermon on the Mount or look at the dialogue between him and the Jews. But he wasn’t judgmental. Paul lived out strong convictions and taught convictions to his congregations, but he wasn’t judgmental.
We need Christians today who will know and stand for their convictions, rather than melt under the world’s pressure. The world doesn’t need Christians who don’t know what they believe and think it really doesn’t matter what you believe. The Lord needs Christians who are convicted they are saved by the blood of Jesus and others are lost to hell without God’s truth. Convictions are held before God and are shared with others in love.
Let’s be more than convinced, let’s be convicted!
I am reminded of the story of the famed atheist going to hear the preacher. He was asked why he was gong, because he didn’t believe his message. He remarked, I don’t, but he sure does! This is what we need to present to the world today.
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You can listen to my sermon on this topic in the Audio Resources.
