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     We have all heard speeches by men who have the air of confidence that people are convinced that what they say is true, thus they have the power to influence people.  Conversely we have heard those who do not radiate that same confidence and thus conclude what they are saying is suspect.
     The New Testament has this inherent power to convince people of its own divine origin, that man is in a pathetic state, thus causing people to radically change their lives.  The gospel in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John has this confidence, that what is written is infallible. John clearly states his purpose in writing – to show that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God and that by coming to an obedient faith in Him, a person can have eternal life (John 20:30-31).
     The apostle Paul boldly spoke of his conversion to Jesus (Acts 22:6-1; 26:12-18; Galatians 1:11-16).  Saul’s (later called Paul) radical attitude toward Christians can be compared to those Muslims who persecute so-called infidels – the belief that God ordained them to kill people who do not have the same religion.  As Paul was on the way to Damascus to persecute Christians, Jesus revealed Himself to Paul.  It is worthy of note that Paul was the most zealous Jew and thought he was right in killing Christians (Acts 9:1- 2; 22:3-5).  After his conversion, he was equally zealous as a Christian, but rather than persecuting others, he was willing to undergo persecution for his belief in Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:23-24).  Why was Paul so confident, yea even uncompromisingly bold, in his declaration that Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God?  Was Paul an imposter, who relished being persecuted?  Was he self-deceived?  The confidence reflected in his life and testimony (that he had seen Jesus), tells us he was neither deceived nor an insane imposter.  How many thousands were convinced to become Christians and risk persecution, by his simple but bold message that Jesus rose from the dead?
     About 1870, when Gen. A. Doniphan, prominent officer in the Mexican war and eminent lawyer, was, until age 60, indifferent to religion.  While away from home, attending a circuit court, he attended a Sunday church service.  The subject matter of the sermon did not impress him, but the confidence and sincerity of the preacher caused him to study the New Testament as a lawyer would consider evidence in a judicial case.  After his study of Matthew, he remarked, “The case is a good one.”  A few weeks later he was baptized and devoted the rest of his life to serving God.  Why?
     For 2000 years multitudes in every century and almost every country have become believers in Jesus as King of the universe and Savior of mankind, because of this small book – The New Testament.  How do we explain such power?  How is it that mere ink and paper have such persuasive force, that men voluntarily change their character, their attitudes and way of life.  It is not the nature of philosophy, superstition, world religions, or of error or lies to cause such radical reformation of character through the millennia.  What is it about the New Testament that gives it such power?  It’s truthfulness!  Given by inspiration of God!

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