To be completely certain about something = convinced. 

I’m convinced about all kinds of things. I’m convinced that Blue Bell makes the best ice cream. I’m convinced that classic country is far superior to what is called country music today. Long live Waylon, Willie, and the Boys. 

I’m convinced that Buc-ee’s is worth the stop. Every time. I’m convinced that I-35 between Dallas and Austin will always be the worst. I’m convinced that Seinfeld is better than The Office. And I’m convinced that Whataburger is the GOAT when it comes to fast-food burger joints. 

It’s not just me, though. Check out that social media feed these days. People are convinced about anything and everything. 

We are convinced about politics, about masks, about conspiracies, about science, about electric vehicles, about education, about cats, and about movies. There are even some that are convinced the Cowboys are terrible (ok, ok, we are all pretty much convinced on that one). 

It seems like we enjoy being convinced about things. So let me give you a convincing challenge. Consider these words from Peter in Acts 4. Peter is on trial before the same religious leaders that crucified Jesus. Check out what he says. 

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” -Acts 4:12

He sounds convinced. He seems completely certain. 

That Jesus is the ONLY hope for the whole world. 

What about us? What about you? Are you convinced of this truth? Are you convinced that Jesus is the only hope for your friends? That he is the only hope for your classmates, your co-workers, and your neighbors? 

Are we completely certain that Jesus is the only hope for the entire world? That Jesus is the only hope for the people of Japan, Germany, Morocco, Honduras, Fort Worth, and Houston? And every other person on the planet? 

How do you know if you are convinced? It will show. 

True story – my wife and I lived in Indiana early in our marriage for a few years. Every single time we came back to Texas, we stopped at Whataburger first. For real. Every time. 

We missed it. We longed for it. And we were convinced it was the best. And it showed. 

If you are truly convinced that Jesus is the ONLY hope for the world, it will show. It will show in your conversations with your friends. It will show in your prayer life. It will show in the way you use your money. It will show in how you spend your summers. It will show in how you raise your kids. It will show all the time. 

He really is the only hope for the world. He said so himself. 

I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. -John 14:6



Convinced yet? Let it show.