“…Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction…”

1 Thessalonians 1:5

We had dinner with our oldest son this weekend and I listened with interest as he described his feelings toward overly aggressive salespeople. In particular, he was less than pleased with his experience while shopping for furniture.

On the other hand, have you ever know someone so persuasive that he “could sell ice to an Eskimo?” How easily can you convince others? I am not that kind of smooth talker and in order to be persuasive at all, I have to be confident that the product or service I represent is worthy.

How does this apply to the Gospel? When we speak to others about our faith, we should have what Paul describes in the verse above as a “deep conviction.” I heard remember a Christian speaker who ministers who don’t believe in the message of the resurrected Christ, do more harm than good because of their lack of conviction. 

Content is one thing.  I can recite and point people to key passages in the Bible and deliver the message of the Gospel. Content with conviction is essential, wouldn’t you agree?