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"Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences."
(2 Corinthians 5:11)
There is a lot of persuasion going on in this world. We are constantly being persuaded by the world to attend this, purchase that, invest in this great stock, etc. But when it comes to sharing Jesus, many Christians never seek to persuade another person to follow Christ. Persuasion is powerful, and moreover, it is biblical. Paul pled with people to receive Christ. He said a few verses later in this same chapter in verse 20: "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God." You and I as witnesses for Christ cannot convert anyone; that is the work of the Holy Spirit. But we can persuade and implore people to receive Christ. This is our privilege and responsibility.
Here is how Pastor Levi persuasively presents the Gospel:
- You are not an accident. Colossians 1:16 says, "For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him." God created all things, including you, whom He made in His image.
- We are separated from God because of sin. Romans 3:23 states, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
- God approached us in Jesus. Romans 5:8 is so powerful: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
- You must accept in faith. We must turn from sin and trust in Jesus to save us. Ephesians 2:8 states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God."
After sharing the Gospel with someone, ask him or her, "What would keep you from giving your life to Jesus right now?" If they say "nothing," then invite them to do the ABCs:
- Admit you're a sinner.
- Believe Jesus died and arose.
- Confess Him as Lord over your life.
Lead them in the sinner's prayer where they repeat after you calling out to the Lord to save them. Begin your follow-up with them immediately by getting their contact information so you can continue to encourage them to grow in their faith and help them find a local church.
I have enjoyed sharing with you this week how one great pastor, Levi Skipper, goes about sharing Jesus. It is simple and powerful, but it is not easy. It takes spiritual and intellectual preparation to be a strong witness for Christ. I pray for you now that God would bless and empower you to be bold and go out today and share the Good News!
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