Persuade

Reading from Oct. 26 Acts 24-26


TOPIC: Sharing Your Faith


SCRIPTURE: " 'King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do.' Agrippa replied to Paul, 'In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.' And Paul said, 'I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.' " (Acts 26:27-29)



OBSERVATION: Agrippa responded to Paul's presentation with a sarcastic remark. Paul didn't react to the brush-off but made a personal appeal to which he hoped all his listeners would respond. Paul's response is a good example for us as we tell others about God's plan of salvation. A sincere personal appeal or personal testimony can show the depth of our concern and break through hardened hearts. Paul's heart is revealed here in his words. He was more concerned for the salvation of these strangers than for the removal of his own chains. Ask God to give you a burning desire to see others come to Christ - a desire so strong that it overshadows your problems.

[Life Application Study Bible Commentary]



APPLICATION: As I was reading over this account the verse that jumped out at me was verse 29. Here Paul says, that he wished to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only King Agrippa, but also all who heard him on that day, might become a Christian.



I looked up the word Persuade in my Thesaurus

These are the words I found:

Influence /Convince / Plead your case

Sway / Plead with / Win over
Change some body's mind

Make somebody believe you



Do everything you can



BECAUSE



"How will they call on Him in whom they have not believed?

How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?

And

How will they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14)



A preacher ?



That's U



YES



YOU





PRAYER: Father God, help me to use everything that is at my disposal to persuade as many people as possible to except you as their personal Lord and Savior!