1. Scripture Reading 1 Kings 12:25-30

2. Conviction or Convenience? Principle is set forth in our reading. Principle is set forth in our reading. It takes courage (conviction) to stand; yet the cowardly are ashamed. It takes courage (conviction) to stand; yet the cowardly are ashamed. We can stand if we want to, with conviction; it takes effort. We can stand if we want to, with conviction; it takes effort. Water runs downhill effortlessly; resistance stops it. Water runs downhill effortlessly; resistance stops it.

3. Bible Examples Abels offering took conviction (Heb. 11:4). Cains was a more convenient sacrifice (Ge. 4:2-5). Nadab and Abihu offered a strange fire before the Lord (Lev. 10:1) The voice of conviction says, We will serve (Josh. 24:15).

4. Denominational Examples of Convenience Join the church of your choice Join the church of your choice Scriptures teach there is only one church and the Lord adds you to the church (Eph. 4:4-6; Ac. 2:47). Scriptures teach there is only one church and the Lord adds you to the church (Eph. 4:4-6; Ac. 2:47). Justified by faith only Justified by faith only Scriptures teach it takes a combination of faith with works (Jas. 2:17-18). Scriptures teach it takes a combination of faith with works (Jas. 2:17-18). Sprinkling or pouring, whatever method you choose Sprinkling or pouring, whatever method you choose

5. Conviction or Convenience Scriptures teach that one must be baptized, immersed, buried, in order to have ones sins washed away (Col. 2:12). Scriptures teach that one must be baptized, immersed, buried, in order to have ones sins washed away (Col. 2:12). We play and sing We play and sing Scriptures teach we are to sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Scriptures teach we are to sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). We take the Lords Supper once a month We take the Lords Supper once a month Scriptures say weekly (Ac. 20:7) Scriptures say weekly (Ac. 20:7)

6. Conviction or Convenience for those of us who call ourselves Christians Convenient to be conformed-Rom. 12:1-2 Convenient to be conformed-Rom. 12:1-2 Convenient to stay at home-He. 10:25 Convenient to stay at home-He. 10:25 Convenient to not study-2 Tim. 2:15 Convenient to not study-2 Tim. 2:15 Convenient to leave others alone-Mt. 28:19 Convenient to leave others alone-Mt. 28:19 Convenient to not sing-Eph. 5:19 Convenient to not sing-Eph. 5:19

7. Conviction or Convenience (cont.) Convenient to neglect prayer-1 Thess. 5:17 Convenient to neglect prayer-1 Thess. 5:17 Convenient to spend-1 Cor. 16:1-2 Convenient to spend-1 Cor. 16:1-2 Convenient not to visit-Jas 1:27 Convenient not to visit-Jas 1:27 Convenient to be lazy-Phil. 2:12 Convenient to be lazy-Phil. 2:12 Convenient to quit-Mt. 10:22 Convenient to quit-Mt. 10:22

8. Conclusion I believe we can see that it takes very little conviction to go along with the crowd. I believe we can see that it takes very little conviction to go along with the crowd. Our service to God should not be one of convenience, but one of conviction. Our service to God should not be one of convenience, but one of conviction. Following God is not always the easiest, but it is the best and only way, especially if we want the hope of Heaven when we die. Following God is not always the easiest, but it is the best and only way, especially if we want the hope of Heaven when we die.