{"id":3369,"date":"2023-04-18T17:15:36","date_gmt":"2023-04-18T17:15:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/allthecounselofgod.com\/?p=3369"},"modified":"2023-04-18T17:15:36","modified_gmt":"2023-04-18T17:15:36","slug":"persuasion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allthecounselofgod.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/18\/persuasion\/","title":{"rendered":"PERSUASION"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It takes little persuasion to get us on the move when we are faced with a bee or two, a snake, or a mouse. The dictionary defines the word persuasion <\/em>as a strong belief or conviction. With this in mind, let us consider a few of the involvements in a persuasion or call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps no single thing \u201cbugs\u201d more young people regarding the Lord\u2019s service, particularly abroad, than this persuasion or call. To some it is comparatively easy and crystal clear. To others it is like floundering in heavy seas for many days and nights. For Paul, it was a once-for-all \u201cknock-out-blow\u201d on the Damascus Road from which he never recovered- to doubt. This assurance characterized his life\u2019s testimony to Timothy in salvation, saying, \u00a0\u201cFor I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord\u201d<\/strong> (Romans 8:38-39). In his dedication there was not a cloud in the sky, not a moment\u2019s hesitation. Thus he could testify unflinchingly later in life, \u201c\u2026I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision\u201d<\/strong> (Acts 26: 19). The spiritual need of men loomed before him larger than any local horizon, and he was off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strange isn\u2019t it? It takes no persuasion, no special call to plunge into work at the mine head when fellow-workers and loved ones are trapped hundreds of feet below. \u201cMy buddy is down there.\u201d \u201cMy daddy is down there.\u201d \u201cMy sweetheart is down there.\u201d How true! Can\u2019t you just feel the tug and throb of compassion. Can\u2019t you sense the urgency of life and death. Years ago, when Henry Throne and Dave Fellin, Hazelton, PA, were trapped 365 feet below the surface in a mine disaster, workmen drilled the clock around for days to make the breakthrough. I can fairly hear the shouts of joy and almost see the tears of relief as those rescued men rose to view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What then is involved in this missionary persuasion? Let us consider four things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, Paul was persuaded of his own salvation. From that moment he was no longer his own. He could say on his initial encounter with Jesus, \u201cLord.\u201d The first step in missions is the Lordship of Christ. It is simple but essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, Paul was persuaded of infinite protection as he declares in Romans 8:38-39,\u00a0\u00a0\u201cFor I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.\u201d<\/strong> He could unreservedly say, \u201c\u2026 none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself \u2026 \u201c<\/strong> (Acts 20:24). This assurance, like Daniel\u2019s, took him through all things, and in all places, under all circumstances triumphantly. He didn\u2019t quit after the first year or term of service! \u201d \u2026 Arise \u2026 \u201d said Jesus, \u201d \u2026 and it shall be told thee what thou must do\u201d<\/strong> (Acts 9:6). \u201d \u2026 I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name\u2019s sake\u201d<\/strong> (Acts 9: 16). Paul arose; he went; he learned; he suffered; he endured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third, Paul never flinched from his first flush of love and devotion for his Lord. Thus, he could say in testimony before the great king, \u201cWhereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision\u201d<\/strong> (Acts 26:19). One thing that hinders many from accepting and following through with the Lord\u2019s call is the fear of the cost in separation, sacrifice, the ever foreboding uncertainties, and insecurities. \u201cI just \u00a0\u00a0the price. I just can\u2019t do it. I can\u2019t! I can\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul\u2019s similar problem was solved in Acts 26:17, when the Lord said, \u201cDelivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee.\u201d<\/strong> His persuasive call rested with the Lord on the word delivering. <\/em>Is not this all anyone requires? \u201d \u2026 but God is \u2026 my portion for ever\u201d<\/strong> (Psalm 73 :26), said David.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fourth, Paul\u2019s vision became vocal. Profession became practice. Passion became possessive. Persecuting feet became preaching feet. Loud anathemas gave way to vibrant maranathas. \u201cAnd straightway he preached Christ \u2026 that he is the Son of God\u201d<\/strong> (Acts 9:20).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Millions of people live without sufficient food, shelter, clothing, and health facilities. Many, many live in extreme poverty and go to bed hungry every night. Our problem is dieting; their problem is living. Their problem is not only living, but dying too. Theirs is not only a problem of wandering through this world lean, but the tragedy of drifting into eternity lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, someone is down there, way down there, in that mineshaft of sin \u2013 really millions of them. Will you be persuaded to rescue some of them? David Livingstone was. He said, \u201cI place no value on anything I have or possess except in relation to the kingdom of God.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I challenge each of you to ask this question, \u201cLord, what wilt thou have me to do?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/body>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"