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  CONVICTION AND PAIN
  by A.W. Tozer
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Summary: A genuine conversion to Christ requires a real and genuine cry
of pain, a deep sense of conviction and repentance.

Topics: "Conviction", "True Repentance"
Scripture References: Psalm 51:17, Isaiah 6:5, Matthew 5:4, Luke 15:7, John 3:3, Acts 2:37-38, Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 7:10, James 4:10, 1 John 1:9

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DESCRIPTION
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A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of experiencing genuine conviction
and pain during the process of conversion to Christ. He argues that true
repentance involves a profound awareness of our sinfulness in contrast
to God's holiness, which leads to a heartfelt cry for transformation.
Tozer critiques superficial evangelism that lacks this depth of
experience, asserting that a true new birth must occur within. He
highlights that those whom God uses must be humble and pliable, akin to
Isaiah who beheld the beauty of the Lord. This sermon calls for a deeper
understanding of repentance and the transformative power of encountering
God.

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CONTENT
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I consider it a good sign that some people are still asking questions
like these in our churches: "What should happen in a genuine conversion
to Christ?" and "What should a man or woman feel in the transaction of
the new birth?" If I am asked, my answer is this: "There ought to be a
real and genuine cry of pain!" That is why I am not impressed with the
kind of evangelism that tries to invite people into the fellowship of
God by signing a card. There should be a birth within, a birth from
above. There should be the terror of seeing ourselves in violent
contrast to the holy, holy God! Unless we come into this place of
conviction and pain concerning our sin, I am not sure how deep and real
our repentance will ever be.

The man whom God will use must be undone, humble and pliable.

He must be, like the astonished Isaiah, a man who has seen the King in
His beauty!

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/conviction-and-pain/
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