LOUDER
Have you ever seen or experienced someone whose preferred method of persuasion was to increase volume and intensity when making a point? A parent, a boss, a salesman, a preacher? It’s like someone is whispering in their ear “your point won’t stand on its own, yell louder!”
In our efforts to persuade people to be reconciled to God (2Cor. 5:11-21), it is important to consider our methodology. Frankly, yelling louder is rarely effective, unless you’re communicating with someone who has a hearing impairment. So, what should our default method of persuasion be?
Consider the apostle Paul’s example as recorded in the book of Acts. In Thessalonica Paul “reasoned” with the Jews, “explaining” and “proving” the gospel from the Old Testament so that some were “persuaded” (Acts 17:1-4). In Corinth he “reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks” (Acts 18:4). In Ephesus he “spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God” (Acts 19:8).
Paul didn’t manipulate people with emotional appeals or coerce them with heavy-handed ultimatums.  No yelling was required, because he was not trying to convince them to exercise “blind faith.”  Rather, he gave them good reasons to accept the gospel.  Because we have a reasonable faith, we can be thoughtful, rational and confident, without the high volume!
A final note.  Persuading people to trust in Christ is not about marketing, but a clear presentation of the gospel.  One of the reasons we go over the ABC’s at every weekend message, is so that you hear a clear, persuasive presentation that is easy make your own.  That being said, could you make a clear presentation of the gospel in 30 seconds? 2 minutes? 5 minutes?  Take some time today during your commute or on some down time, and practice presenting gospel to yourself, so you’re better prepared to persuade others!
Make God give us all clarity and courage as we persuade others to be reconciled to God in Christ!