Convictions Are Still In Vogue!
(E.L. Holley)

      C0nvictions are still in vogue!
     The permissive atmosphere of our day is conducive to the notion that “anything goes.”  Even in some Pentecostal circles, there seems to be a pervading laxity!  And that is to be expected.  Our Lord described these last days quite graphically in Matthew 24.  Deception and preoccupation with carnal gratification abounds!
     But, there is yet a people whose heart is “stayed upon God.”  That sanctified segment of society hold tenaciously to the tenets of the faith which were once delivered to the saints.  I’m often reminded of how privileged we are to be a part of that body!
     It isn’t that we sit in an isolated cloister and decry conditions about us.  Nor do we feel we are exempt from the encroachments of evil.  We recognize the evidence of moral erosion, but we are also aware of the sustaining strength of our God!  By His power, we are able to invade the strongholds of Satan.  Through Jesus Christ, we are victorious.
     This is Apostolic outreach!
     It is ridiculous to assume we can ignore the landmarks of morality, modesty and godliness and achieve anything positive for God.  To really reach the lost we ourselves must stay saved!  We may try to divorce our lifestyle from our doctrine, but it will never work!
     In fact, dedicated disciples of Jesus Christ who hold high and holy convictions are the only real soul-winners.  Those who run with unbelievers and idol worshippers, thinking they are winning them to the Lord, are sadly deluded.  When we lower our standards of conversation, dress and doctrine to accommodate our “worldly friends,” we are equally deceived.  Who is winning whom in such a situation?
     Not only does God honor those who honor Him, the sinner recognizes and respects those who walk uprightly in this warped and wobbly world!  The rarity of sincere saints who love righteousness makes them all the more valuable to God and man!
     Convictions constitute the anchor to our steadfastness.  Moreover, true revival follows the congregation where there is a godly adherence to the “old paths.”  Cosmetics, immodest clothing, coarse or crude language, dishonesty, untruthfulness and such like still have no part in the lives of God’s people!
     Yes, convictions are still in vogue!  [August 1982]