Convicted

Acts 2:37 (HCSB)

They came under deep conviction.

A man will not feel the conviction of sin unless the Holy Spirit leads him to repentance. There is a worldly sorrow that leads to suicide and eternal damnation like that of Judas (2 Corinthians 7:10). Then there is a godly sorrow produced by conviction of sin that leads to holiness as in the case of Peter (John 21:17). One of the reasons for the lack of conviction of sin in the Church is due to powerless preaching. Many churches in America no longer condemn sin. That is considered flaming and goading. Preaching, teaching and rebuking with all authority (Titus 2:15) is considered rude, divisive and unsavory. Condemnation of sin should be quickly followed by the offer of salvation and the grace of God.

It is important for ministers to rightly divide the word of God (2 Timothy 2:15), understand the root words in the text, and apply them correctly. Just because a preacher does not like something, doesn't make it sinful. There are many permissible activities in scripture such as eating meat, drinking alcohol and others which may offend some but are not sinful. At the same time, preachers who hesitate to point out the sins of the flesh such as adultery, prostitution, bestiality, incest, orgies, lasciviousness (public lewdness), homosexuality, pedophilia, debauchery and others are dishonoring God and are themselves at the risk of hell fire. Our preaching should be empowered by the Holy Spirit, with a deep understanding of God's word, the context and etymology, and always seasoned with grace and the love of God. Only such preaching will convict a lost soul and lead him to Christ. Everything else will either falsely assure or drive away souls from the holiness and love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.