Faith comes from hearing the message, and this happen through the word of Christ. A man or woman is born again by the work of the Holy Spirit. When we speak, preach or teach the word of Christ the Holy Spirit is also at work. In John 15:26, 27 Jesus said the Holy Spirit would testify about Him, and that we also must testify. God has chosen to work in partnership with us.
So why did Israel not respond favourably? It wasn't that they did not hear. Throughout the ages the prophets (which includes people like Moses and David, as well as the Elijah's and Isaiah's) had been pointing the way forward to Christ. Jesus Himself went to the nation of Israel. Then the church started in Jerusalem. Israel had the first opportunity to respond to the word of Christ.
Well then, did they not understand? And here we start to get to the root of the problem, the stubbornness and hard-heartedness of Israel. God gave them many chances, but they repeatedly refused. So God would make them envious by sending His message to the nations. Those who did not seek Christ would find Him.
People make all sorts of excuses for not believing, but we need to look first at ourselves, and you need to look first at yourself.
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