And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God – 1Corinthians 2:4-5 NLT.
One of my favorite Scriptures in the Bible is the parable of the sower. It basically describes the different types of Christians and how each responds to the Word being challenged. Some seed fell on good ground and produced fruits while others didn’t. The type that always catches my attention is the seed that falls on rocky ground where it did not have much soil. These seeds sprang up quickly but because they did not have roots, they did not last. Though there was growth in the beginning there was no consistency and hence the plants died.
When we hear the Good News preached to us we receive it with open heart and this is where the Holy Spirit touches our hearts and transforms us. The repentance comes from the Holy Spirit making us realize that we need Jesus because only He can make us whole. This is the true and authentic faith. Some false teachers will come with persuasive words and catchy phrases that will appeal to the audience and this might lead to “conversion” as a result.
The problem here is the conversion was not through the Holy Spirit and hence the faith is not authentic and it cannot stand the test of time, it cannot withstand the scorching of the sun. We need to be sure how our conversion came about because this will determine our stamina in this walk with GOD. Conversion or conviction that came by persuasive and cunning words of man, though it may seem like genuine faith, troubles and challenges that come will expose its faults and shortcomings.
GOD is attracted to true, genuine and authentic faith that had its conception through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This is the faith that glorifies the Lord. The Job-type of faith that withstands calamity and trials. The faith that rebukes loved ones and is unshaken, the type that is as constant as the Northern Star. Only Holy Spirit confirms the authenticity of our faith and it’s Him who gives us the confidence to approach God’s throne. “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,” Romans 8:16 ESV.
GOD is attracted to true, genuine and authentic faith that had its conception through the conviction of the Holy Spirit
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