Is your conviction of the gospel borne out of a direct revelation of Jesus Christ? Paul did not believe in the gospel because someone preached or taught him. He had a direct revelation from Jesus (Galatians 1:12).

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT AS A BELIEVER?

Conviction means to be strongly convinced of something. What happens when you are confident about anything? There is no doubt, and neither do you need anyone else to approve what you believe is true.

Every born-again child of God knows that Jesus is the true and living God.

It is the nature of the sinful flesh to desire human approval. As believers, our authorisation must first be from Christ and His word. Our relationship with Jesus separates us from nominal Christians and non-believers.

The conviction of our salvation, the gospel, apostolic faith and teachings must first pass through our time with God. Jesus did not depend on man for anything, only God. Paul did not trust flesh and blood to be convinced about Jesus' birth, life, death and resurrection. He did not wait for approval from the chief apostles because he had a close walk with God.

Even Paul's apostleship was not a FLESHLY surrender but godly ordainment (Galatians 1:15,16).

HOW DOES CLEAR CONVICTION HELP?

1. An unshakeable confidence about Jesus as the living God encourages us to TELL OTHERS ABOUT JESUS BOLDLY.

2. No need for further proof. You won't be confused about your life's purpose. YOU ARE CLEAR about your daily walk and WILL OF GOD concerning your life.

3. You grow spiritually as you follow the Shepherd by the power of the anointing.

4. You actively participate in local fellowship without grumbling or murmuring.

5. YOU value the presence of God via prayer and Bible Study.

Let this new year be a year where your conviction of Christ as Lord and Saviour manifests in the flesh for the glory of God.

Maranatha, Praise God, and Amen.