With so many challenges before us, it is good to know the mission of Jesus Christ keeps us focused, dedicated and energized in the work of the Lord. As God’s people, we have the church of the Bible to show us what conviction looks like. We can take notes on what conviction looks like as individuals and as a collective group. We will look at some accounts in Acts to demonstrate what a convicted congregation is supposed to be doing to please God and build up one another.

The church was receiving persecution from Saul of Tarsus as he was killing and dragging off Christians left and right by the permission of the high priest of his day (Acts 8.3; 1 Tim. 1.13). Yet, the church of Christ did not allow the persecution to halt the will of God for one second. Even on the run, the people of God went everywhere preaching the word (Acts 8.4). These people were convicted and it showed through their obedience to the great commission given by Jesus to His disciples (Matt. 28.18-20). Because of this conviction (even in the face of opposition) the church grew by leaps and bounds. Men and women were being baptized and one individual even confessed his fault for attempting to buy the Holy Spirit (Acts 8.12; 14-23).

The apostle Paul was experiencing turmoil for the cause of Christ in Acts 14.19-28, and it was through the strength of the brethren he was able to gather the energy to get up from a beating and continue to preach. It must be noted in verse twenty (20) how the brethren gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. What conviction was seen from the church during Paul’s time of need. They could have left him for dead and he suffered alone from the beating he received. However, they stood by his side and this encouraged him to get up and preach the gospel, appoint elders and empower the church to be what God called her to be (Acts 14.22-23). We can learn many lessons from these two accounts, brethren.

A congregation that is convicted does not mind asking for help from time to time. The church at Macedonia (before they became the church) needed some help obeying the gospel and called for the apostle Paul to come help them (Acts 16.6-15). It was through that cry the Lord called Lydia and her household and the jailor and his household to be saved (Acts 16.11-40). Lydia and her house were people who loved the word of God (she even allowing God to open her heart to receive the word) and seem to have met frequently for the purpose of hearing it (Acts 16.13). The jailor and his house positioned themselves to hear the word and obey it to the saving of their souls. We should never think we are beyond help as the church of Christ at 9th & Main. If we humble ourselves, God will exalt us in due time (1 Pet. 5.6).

A convicted congregation must have leadership who watch out for their own souls as well and the souls of the congregation. Paul warned the elders at Miletus to, “take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers” (Acts 20.28). The congregation must help the elders remain faithful to the Chief Shepherd at all times (1 Pet. 5.1-3). When the elders are watching out for themselves and the congregation, then the church can and will have a conviction that is strong, vibrant and according to the word and will of God. It is difficult to have a good membership without having a strong eldership. For this reason the congregation must see the need for qualified men to occupy the position and never compromise the will of God (1 Tim. 3.1-7).

Finally, as the church at 9th & Main moves closer and closer to eternity, we have the responsibility of holding fast to our integrity and righteous character. We need to hold one another accountable in all arenas of life and seek to help each other keep first things first. Let us do our part in keeping the church pure from immorality and always strive to ensure the gospel is preached from the pulpit. Remember the words of Paul to Timothy: “Preach the word…” (2 Tim. 4.2). This must be our battle cry until the Lord comes back to deliver the kingdom to the Father (1 Cor. 15.24). Let us strive to be a convicted congregation as we took notice in the book of Acts. Remember to read the word of God and apply it everyday to the best of your ability. God is true!