THE ART OF PERSUASION

''Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; ......'' - 2 Corinthians  5:11

On 25th February 1879, Charles Peace, a notorious criminal was executed in England. Just before his execution, a minister said to him: “Those who die without Christ experience hell, which is the pain of forever dying without the release which death itself can bring.” Immediately, Charles interrupted the minister and said, “Sir, if I believed what you and the church say that you believe, even if England were covered with broken glass from coast to coast, I would walk over it, if need be, on hands and knees and think it worthwhile living, just to save one soul from an eternal hell like that!” - (Why Revival Tarries, Leonard Ravenhill)

The art of persuasion is a very crucial role in God's redemption agenda for mankind ( 2 Corinthians 5:11). This role is the believer's mandate statement on earth (John 15:16, Mark 16:15). To persuade simply means to convince someone to change to or follow a particular superior pathway in life. God expects believers to passionately and prayerfully plead with every lost soul around them to repent and escape from the looming danger ahead. The fact that every soul who dies without accepting Christ shall be doomed forever should make believers restless until they have witnessed to everyone around them. If possible, they need to walk on glass from coast to coast just to discharge this solemn assignment. There is no price that is too much to pay in order to rescue sinners from Hell.    

Believers' understanding of the terrible plight of sinners should always stir them up to reach out and rescue sinners by all means. However, it is not what we know that matters, but what we do with what we know.  Many believers know the terrible implication of watching sinners die and go to hell fire but they have refused to do anything to ''persuade men'' (Ezekiel 33:6). They know many things but do very little to show sinners the path of life. They have become extremely docile, selfish, brutish or insensitive to the plight of sinners around them. The great rescue mandate in Matthew 28:19 does not make any meaning to them. This is quite appalling and disturbing!

Beloved, many Charles Peace living in the danger of Hell around us today needs to be rescued. Can God send you to persuade and rescue them? Have you been persuaded and rescued? Will you gladly share your persuasion stories and experiences with those who also need to be persuaded and rescued? Will you join the Kingdom Persuasion Team? If your answer is "Yes", then may I urge you to spend quality time today praying for those lost souls out there, as you prepare to join us on Saturday 27th May, 2023, for the Global Outreach Day to witness Christ to everyone in our neighbourhood and communities.

One hymn that encourages believers to join the Kingdom Persuasion team is titled ''Go Ye Into The World'': 

GO YE INTO THE WORLD By James McGranahan, 1886

1.  Far, far away, in heathen darkness dwelling, 

     Millions of souls forever may be lost;

     Who, who will go, salvation’s story telling,

     Looking to Jesus, heeding not the cost?

     REFRAIN:

         “All pow’r is given unto Me,

          All pow’r is given unto Me,

          Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel,

          And lo, I am with you always.”

2.  See o’er the world wide open doors inviting,

     Soldiers of Christ, arise and enter in!

     Christians, awake! your forces all uniting,

     Send forth the Gospel, break the chains of sin.

May God create genuine passion/ burden for souls in our hearts. May God use us mightily to persuade men into His kingdom. Finally, when the rescue/persuasion operations on earth is over, may we be among those who will receive the Master's commendation ''Well done, good and faithful servant'' in Heaven.

Good day and God bless you.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

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