Preach With Conviction

Allister Begg, in a sermon on Nehemiah, talks about the conviction with which the Israel wanted to the Book to be read. The story is found in Chapter 8 and some amazing points stand out.

The people come to Ezra, the teacher of the Law and make the request (verse 1).
He read it from sunrise to noon and everyone listened attentively (verse 3).
They stood and worshiped (v 5 & 6).
The Levites gave instruction and made it clear, providing meaning so that all would understand what was read (v 7 & 8).
Those who listened responded with weeping (verse 9).

Allister stated in his message that every period of reformation began and is characterized by the power of it's preaching. Incredible eras of revival not because the men and woman were great in and of themselves, but because they were great in the understanding of the Scriptures and the preached with conviction.

It's not that today's preachers don't preach with conviction; but society and culture as we've noted before it as such a sensitive, careful not to offend, relativistic attitude towards the sinful nature of humanity and the evils that ensue that it's hard to acknowledge that too many sermons have lacked conviction to boldly declare the truth of the Word of God.

Enter the current debate defining "hate speech" and whether or not there are legal repercussions.

It's unbelievable.

Of course, we shouldn't be surprised. Jesus spoke the truth to the world leaders of the day and it didn't go over so well, either. And He paid the price. Unfairly and willingly to fulfill the sovereign plan of God, but paid unfairly by finite understanding.

All the more, however, that we need today's pastors to be people who understand the Word and unabashedly preach the full counsel of God and do so with conviction. God knows, we need a revival and reformation of nations who will turn, listen, repent and worship.

Pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that God would work afresh, not only in today's seasoned and tenured pastors, but especially in the ministries of younger pastors and those who are ministering to the next generation of pastors. May the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit infiltrated every fiber of their lives and ministries. Pray they would boldly preach the Word; that as they speak the truth in love and the Holy Spirit would bring about conviction to the hearts and minds of the hearer. May the coming days be ones that usher in a modern day revival and reformation; that indeed people would be hungry to hear the Word preached; that we would listen attentively and respond.

Not only hearers of the Word,
But doers as well.
Empowered by the Spirit of God
As His Word comes alive
And we apply it to our daily life.
For the glory of God
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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