We Are To Know God Well, and Make Him Well Known. Parents are to Be Wise Pastors so to speak of their families.
Are we To Be Winners Of And Stewards of the Next Generation?
Am I my little brother's keeper? Yes.
Children are a gift from the Lord—His entrusted treasure, His living promise (Psalm 127:3). In a world wrestling with confusion and moral drift, parents, grandparents, and godly mentors stand on holy ground. We are not bystanders but guardians in the sacred task of raising up the next generation for Christ.
“Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6
This isn’t mere spiritual advice from the Bible—it’s divine strategy. The Bible doesn’t suggest that parents might influence their children. It commands us to lovingly influence them with the truth if we can. Fathers and mothers are called not to relinquish their authority or influence but to model it well, to nurture, and to boldly proclaim the gospel in every season of life.
Yet today, many young families are blocked by skepticism—by distractions, secular pressures, and even rebellious choices. But God’s promise still stands:
“The Lord sets the lonely in families…” (Psalm 68:6).
Whether parents are walking faithfully, or grandparents are stepping in where walls have risen, we are called to invest in tender hearts.
Your Example Matters More Than Your Arguments
Children watch more than they listen. They feel more than they hear. A Christian life lived with integrity—gentle patience, consistent prayer, joyful obedience—speaks louder than any Sunday sermon. As theologian J. C. Ryle once said,
“Conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart, but parents may have a large share in preparing the heart.”
We must sow seeds lovingly and persistently:
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in daily prayer at the breakfast table,
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in grace shared after mistakes and sins have been done,
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in songs of worship and praise to Jesus in the car and in the home.
“Jesus Loves the Little Children” these lyrics speak:
“Red and yellow, black and white—
They are precious in His sight.”
Jesus loves them all. He calls us to Himself first, and to show pure love to them as well. If fools with lame worldly word-salid excuses with accusations seek to block you, no worries. There are some people for you to share the gospel with and win to Christ. God is much bigger than those blockades, and he will deal with them in His own time and way. They are His problem, not yours. The children are His property -- they too have been bought at a price.
Have the Right Motives, Timing, Tone and Approach. Never Be Discouraged by Broken, Twisted, and Misinformed Examples
Adult failures—whether in your own life or in others—do not disqualify the next generation from God’s grace. They are God’s. His claim on them is eternal (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). The enemy would love for you to give up, but Scripture calls you to stand firm.
As A. W. Tozer wrote,
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
Help children think rightly about God.
The Vital Role of Church and Community
A healthy, Bible-teaching church does more than fill seats—it shapes souls. Hebrews 10:24–25 urges us not to neglect gathering, because faith thrives in community.
One organization answering that call with wisdom and boldness is Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF)—a ministry rooted in Scripture and devoted to reaching children with the gospel.
My wife Liney got saved at age 4 -- it can happen for some at that age. CEF began with a simple but profound conviction:
A child of five can believe and be born again just as truly as an adult.
This truth struck Jesse Irvin Overholtzer when he read Charles Spurgeon’s words—igniting a movement of compassion and clarity for children’s evangelism.
From humble beginnings in 1937 to over 100,000 weekly Good News Clubs worldwide, CEF equips teachers and volunteers to present Jesus in ways children can understand and embrace. Through Good News Clubs and 5-Day Clubs, millions hear the gospel in schools, parks, community centers, and homes.
And thanks to a 2001 Supreme Court decision, religious clubs like Good News Clubs have the same access to school meeting spaces as any other group—a victory for free speech and for children’s souls.
Numbers Do Tell a Story
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25 million children hear the gospel in person each year through CEF ministries.
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400,000 volunteers are trained worldwide.
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The fellowship spans every U.S. state and most countries on earth.
These aren’t just statistics—they are faces, names, little hearts touched by grace.
A Call to Action: Faith That Works
Parents and grandparents, hear this:
You are commissioned.
Not by culture, not by convenience—but by Christ.
Jesus said,
“Let the little children come to Me…” (Matthew 19:14).
He didn’t say “when they’re ready”—He invited them now.
So let us:
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Live out authentic faith at home and in the world.
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Bring children into the life of the church.
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Partner with ministries like CEF that equip, teach, and shepherd young faith.
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Teach them to pray, to read Scripture, and to love Jesus with their whole heart.
A Final Word
This is not a mission of guilt but of grace—grace that calls us up, not down; forward, not back. The world may grow weary, but the throne of heaven rejoices over every child who turns to Christ (Luke 15:10).
Let us be faithful. Let us be present. Let us be bold.
For we are stewards of the eternal—invested with the noblest task under heaven: to raise up lovers of Jesus, followers of truth, and disciples for eternity.
Tactful persuasion emphasizes speaking the word with gentleness, using reason, and living authentically before watching world, and then relying on God's power, leaving the results with Him.
Need some examples regarding persuasion. See 2 Corinthians 5:11 ("we persuade men") for evangelism and Proverbs 25:15 ("A soft tongue breaks the bone") for gentle, patient influence, all while being prepared to give a defense for hope with respect (1 Peter 3:15).
With Persuasion see 2 Corinthians 5:11.
"Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience." (NIV) – Highlights the motivation of fearing God and the importance of integrity in persuasion. Proverbs 25:15:
"Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a soft tongue can break a bone." (NIV) – Shows that gentle, persistent, and patient communication is powerful. 1 Peter 3:15:
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." (NIV) – Emphasizes a respectful, prepared defense of faith. Acts 19:8:
"Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God." (NIV) – Shows persuasive teaching in action, rooted in scripture. 1 Timothy 4:16:
"Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." (NIV) – Links personal faithfulness to the ability to persuade others through example. Principles of Biblical Persuasion Integrity & Authenticity: Live a life that reflects the message you share, as seen in Paul's appeals in 2 Corinthians. Gentleness & Respect: Approach others with humility, even when discussing deep beliefs, as in 1 Peter 3:15. Reason & Scripture: Use clear, logical arguments and explain the Old Testament to connect with your audience, as Paul did. Patience: Understand that change takes time, and persistent, gentle effort can overcome strong resistance, as advised in Proverbs.
Pray and rely upon the power of Word and the Holy Spirit to change.. regenerate others. He's the one that convicts and saves. Yes, persuasion with people can be very much needed—toward God not you or me, towards Christ, the Kingdom, and faithful participation in the local church—marked by gentleness, reason, integrity, patience, and reliance on God’s power rather than any. Foreign pressure manipulation or coercion.
I. Foundational Texts on Persuasion & Evangelistic Appeal
2 Corinthians 5:11
“We persuade men.” Motivation rooted in the fear of the Lord and transparent integrity.
Acts 17:2–4
Paul reasoned, explained, and proved from the Scriptures—resulting in persuasion.
Acts 18:4
“He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks.”
Acts 19:8
“Arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.”
Romans 10:14–17
Faith comes through hearing—persuasion tied to proclamation.
Matthew 28:19–20
Persuasion flows toward discipleship, not mere decisions.
2 Corinthians 5:11
“We persuade men.” Motivation rooted in the fear of the Lord and transparent integrity.
Acts 17:2–4
Paul reasoned, explained, and proved from the Scriptures—resulting in persuasion.
Acts 18:4
“He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks.”
Acts 19:8
“Arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.”
Romans 10:14–17
Faith comes through hearing—persuasion tied to proclamation.
Matthew 28:19–20
Persuasion flows toward discipleship, not mere decisions.
II. Gentleness, Respect, and Patient Influence
Proverbs 25:15
“A soft tongue breaks the bone.”
Gentle persistence outlasts force.
Proverbs 15:1–2
“A gentle answer turns away wrath.”
1 Peter 3:15–16
Defense of the faith must be done with gentleness and respect.
2 Timothy 2:24–26
“The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind… gently instructing.”
Galatians 6:1
Restore others “in a spirit of gentleness.”
Colossians 4:5–6
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.”
Proverbs 25:15
“A soft tongue breaks the bone.”
Gentle persistence outlasts force.
Proverbs 15:1–2
“A gentle answer turns away wrath.”
1 Peter 3:15–16
Defense of the faith must be done with gentleness and respect.
2 Timothy 2:24–26
“The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind… gently instructing.”
Galatians 6:1
Restore others “in a spirit of gentleness.”
Colossians 4:5–6
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.”
III. Reason, Explanation, and Thoughtful Argument
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together.”
Acts 17:11
The Bereans examined the Scriptures daily—reasoned faith affirmed.
Acts 24:25
Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and judgment.
Luke 24:27, 44–45
Jesus explained the Scriptures to persuade hearts.
Romans 12:1–2
Renewed minds precede transformed lives.
Proverbs 18:13
Wisdom listens before answering.
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together.”
Acts 17:11
The Bereans examined the Scriptures daily—reasoned faith affirmed.
Acts 24:25
Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and judgment.
Luke 24:27, 44–45
Jesus explained the Scriptures to persuade hearts.
Romans 12:1–2
Renewed minds precede transformed lives.
Proverbs 18:13
Wisdom listens before answering.
IV. Authentic Life as Persuasive Witness
1 Timothy 4:12, 16
Life and doctrine together influence hearers.
2 Corinthians 4:2
Truth commended “to everyone’s conscience.”
Philippians 2:14–16
Lives that shine make the word compelling.
Matthew 5:16
Good works lead others to glorify God.
1 Thessalonians 2:8–12
Sharing not only the gospel, but our very lives.
Titus 2:7–8, 10
Integrity “adorns the doctrine of God.”
1 Timothy 4:12, 16
Life and doctrine together influence hearers.
2 Corinthians 4:2
Truth commended “to everyone’s conscience.”
Philippians 2:14–16
Lives that shine make the word compelling.
Matthew 5:16
Good works lead others to glorify God.
1 Thessalonians 2:8–12
Sharing not only the gospel, but our very lives.
Titus 2:7–8, 10
Integrity “adorns the doctrine of God.”
V. Dependence on God’s Power, Not Manipulation
John 6:44
No one comes unless the Father draws them.
1 Corinthians 2:1–5
Persuasion rests on the Spirit’s power, not clever rhetoric.
Zechariah 4:6
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 10:3–5
Spiritual weapons persuade hearts and minds.
John 16:8
The Spirit convicts the world.
John 6:44
No one comes unless the Father draws them.
1 Corinthians 2:1–5
Persuasion rests on the Spirit’s power, not clever rhetoric.
Zechariah 4:6
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 10:3–5
Spiritual weapons persuade hearts and minds.
John 16:8
The Spirit convicts the world.
VI. Appeals to the Heart & Conscience
Romans 2:4
God’s kindness leads to repentance.
2 Corinthians 6:1–2
“Now is the day of salvation.”
Hebrews 3:7–15
Gentle urgency—“Today, if you hear His voice.”
Luke 19:41–44
Jesus weeps—persuasion marked by compassion.
Matthew 11:28–30
Invitation, not coercion.
Romans 2:4
God’s kindness leads to repentance.
2 Corinthians 6:1–2
“Now is the day of salvation.”
Hebrews 3:7–15
Gentle urgency—“Today, if you hear His voice.”
Luke 19:41–44
Jesus weeps—persuasion marked by compassion.
Matthew 11:28–30
Invitation, not coercion.
VII. Persuasion Toward Church Life & Community
Acts 2:41–47
Those persuaded by the gospel were added and devoted themselves.
Hebrews 10:24–25
Encouraging one another toward faithful gathering.
Ephesians 4:11–16
Growth comes through shared life in the body.
1 Corinthians 12:12–27
Belonging precedes flourishing.
Colossians 2:6–7
Rooted and built up together.
1 Peter 5:1–5
Shepherding by example, not domination.
Acts 2:41–47
Those persuaded by the gospel were added and devoted themselves.
Hebrews 10:24–25
Encouraging one another toward faithful gathering.
Ephesians 4:11–16
Growth comes through shared life in the body.
1 Corinthians 12:12–27
Belonging precedes flourishing.
Colossians 2:6–7
Rooted and built up together.
1 Peter 5:1–5
Shepherding by example, not domination.
VIII. Wisdom Literature on Influence & Persuasion
Proverbs 11:30
“He who wins souls is wise.”
Proverbs 16:21, 23
Wise hearts make words persuasive.
Ecclesiastes 12:9–11
Words of the wise are “goads”—firm yet loving.
Proverbs 27:17
Mutual sharpening through relational influence.
Proverbs 11:30
“He who wins souls is wise.”
Proverbs 16:21, 23
Wise hearts make words persuasive.
Ecclesiastes 12:9–11
Words of the wise are “goads”—firm yet loving.
Proverbs 27:17
Mutual sharpening through relational influence.
IX. Christ as the Supreme Model of Persuasion
John 1:14
Grace and truth held together.
Luke 4:22
People marveled at His gracious words.
John 7:46
“No one ever spoke like this man.”
Matthew 12:19–20
He does not crush bruised reeds.
Revelation 3:20
Christ stands and knocks—He invites.
John 1:14
Grace and truth held together.
Luke 4:22
People marveled at His gracious words.
John 7:46
“No one ever spoke like this man.”
Matthew 12:19–20
He does not crush bruised reeds.
Revelation 3:20
Christ stands and knocks—He invites.
Summary Principle (Scripture Interpreting Scripture)
Biblical persuasion:
Appeals, not coerces (Philemon 8–9)
Reasons, not manipulates (Acts 17)
Lives truth before proclaiming it (1 Tim. 4:16)
Trusts the Spirit for results (John 16:8)
Speaks with gentleness and clarity (1 Pet. 3:15)
If you’d like, I can:
Distill this into a teaching outline
Create a pastoral or evangelism training handout
Or shape it into a theological essay or sermon manuscript
Biblical persuasion:
Appeals, not coerces (Philemon 8–9)
Reasons, not manipulates (Acts 17)
Lives truth before proclaiming it (1 Tim. 4:16)
Trusts the Spirit for results (John 16:8)
Speaks with gentleness and clarity (1 Pet. 3:15)
If you’d like, I can:
Distill this into a teaching outline
Create a pastoral or evangelism training handout
Or shape it into a theological essay or sermon manuscript
Be a nice person. If you want to win some, be winsome.
A Difficult Part of Evangelism, Rely On God.
A Difficult Part of Evangelism, Rely On God.
“And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.” —1 Corinthians 2:4
A hard part of evangelism isn’t knowing what to say—it’s knowing how to begin. When preaching, the setting does much of the work for you. It’s a monologue: you stand, you speak, and you invite people to respond. But personal evangelism is different. It’s a conversation. It’s a dialogue between two souls, not a sermon from a platform.
Most people are more than willing to talk—especially about themselves. That’s not a flaw; it’s an opportunity. When we ask thoughtful questions and genuinely listen, we often discover places where the gospel naturally connects with their story. Evangelism then becomes less about forcing an opening and more about recognizing the bridge God has already placed in front of us.
The goal of sharing your faith is to build a bridge, not burn one. Too often, gospel conversations never get off the ground—not because the message is offensive, but because the messenger is. We can be abrupt, awkward, or unnecessarily harsh. Sometimes we don’t repel people with Christ; we repel them with ourselves.
Jesus said,
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake..” Matthew 5:10 NKJV
If opposition comes, let it be because of righteousness—not because we were unkind, careless, or strange. There’s a difference between being bold and being abrasive.
Another crucial reminder: the aim of evangelism is not to win arguments; it’s to win souls. It’s possible to have every answer, every apologetic, every rebuttal perfectly lined up—and still lose the person standing in front of you. Winning a debate while wounding a heart is not gospel success. If someone walks away humiliated or offended, we may have proven a point but failed to reflect Christ.
Jesus gives us the perfect example in His encounter with the woman at the well. He could have confronted her bluntly. He could have exposed her sin immediately and declared His authority without explanation. Everything He might have said would have been true. But truth was not His only concern—love guided the delivery.
Instead, He spoke with her. He asked questions. He listened. He gently drew her in until her heart was ready to hear what her life needed most. He didn’t rush the moment; He redeemed it.
So don’t aim to win the argument. Aim to win the soul. Be kind. Be patient. Be human. If you want to reach people, be approachable. If you want to win some, be winsome.
And trust this: the real power never rests in clever words or sharp reasoning—it rests in the Holy Spirit, faithfully working through a humble, gracious witness.
“And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.” —1 Corinthians 2:4
A hard part of evangelism isn’t knowing what to say—it’s knowing how to begin. When preaching, the setting does much of the work for you. It’s a monologue: you stand, you speak, and you invite people to respond. But personal evangelism is different. It’s a conversation. It’s a dialogue between two souls, not a sermon from a platform.
Most people are more than willing to talk—especially about themselves. That’s not a flaw; it’s an opportunity. When we ask thoughtful questions and genuinely listen, we often discover places where the gospel naturally connects with their story. Evangelism then becomes less about forcing an opening and more about recognizing the bridge God has already placed in front of us.
The goal of sharing your faith is to build a bridge, not burn one. Too often, gospel conversations never get off the ground—not because the message is offensive, but because the messenger is. We can be abrupt, awkward, or unnecessarily harsh. Sometimes we don’t repel people with Christ; we repel them with ourselves.
Jesus said,
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake..” Matthew 5:10 NKJV
If opposition comes, let it be because of righteousness—not because we were unkind, careless, or strange. There’s a difference between being bold and being abrasive.
Another crucial reminder: the aim of evangelism is not to win arguments; it’s to win souls. It’s possible to have every answer, every apologetic, every rebuttal perfectly lined up—and still lose the person standing in front of you. Winning a debate while wounding a heart is not gospel success. If someone walks away humiliated or offended, we may have proven a point but failed to reflect Christ.
Jesus gives us the perfect example in His encounter with the woman at the well. He could have confronted her bluntly. He could have exposed her sin immediately and declared His authority without explanation. Everything He might have said would have been true. But truth was not His only concern—love guided the delivery.
Instead, He spoke with her. He asked questions. He listened. He gently drew her in until her heart was ready to hear what her life needed most. He didn’t rush the moment; He redeemed it.
So don’t aim to win the argument. Aim to win the soul. Be kind. Be patient. Be human. If you want to reach people, be approachable. If you want to win some, be winsome.
And trust this: the real power never rests in clever words or sharp reasoning—it rests in the Holy Spirit, faithfully working through a humble, gracious witness.
I. Foundational Texts on Persuasion & Evangelistic Appeal
2 Corinthians 5:11
“We persuade men.” Motivation rooted in the fear of the Lord and transparent integrity.
Acts 17:2–4
Paul reasoned, explained, and proved from the Scriptures—resulting in persuasion.
Acts 18:4
“He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks.”
Acts 19:8
“Arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.”
Romans 10:14–17
Faith comes through hearing—persuasion tied to proclamation.
Matthew 28:19–20
Persuasion flows toward discipleship, not mere decisions.
II. Gentleness, Respect, and Patient Influence
Proverbs 25:15
“A soft tongue breaks the bone.”
Gentle persistence outlasts force.
Proverbs 15:1–2
“A gentle answer turns away wrath.”
1 Peter 3:15–16
Defense of the faith must be done with gentleness and respect.
2 Timothy 2:24–26
“The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind… gently instructing.”
Galatians 6:1
Restore others “in a spirit of gentleness.”
Colossians 4:5–6
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.”
III. Reason, Explanation, and Thoughtful Argument
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together.”
Acts 17:11
The Bereans examined the Scriptures daily—reasoned faith affirmed.
Acts 24:25
Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and judgment.
Luke 24:27, 44–45
Jesus explained the Scriptures to persuade hearts.
Romans 12:1–2
Renewed minds precede transformed lives.
Proverbs 18:13
Wisdom listens before answering.
IV. Authentic Life as Persuasive Witness
1 Timothy 4:12, 16
Life and doctrine together influence hearers.
2 Corinthians 4:2
Truth commended “to everyone’s conscience.”
Philippians 2:14–16
Lives that shine make the word compelling.
Matthew 5:16
Good works lead others to glorify God.
1 Thessalonians 2:8–12
Sharing not only the gospel, but our very lives.
Titus 2:7–8, 10
Integrity “adorns the doctrine of God.”
V. Dependence on God’s Power, Not Manipulation
John 6:44
No one comes unless the Father draws them.
1 Corinthians 2:1–5
Persuasion rests on the Spirit’s power, not clever rhetoric.
Zechariah 4:6
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 10:3–5
Spiritual weapons persuade hearts and minds.
John 16:8
The Spirit convicts the world.
VI. Appeals to the Heart & Conscience
Romans 2:4
God’s kindness leads to repentance.
2 Corinthians 6:1–2
“Now is the day of salvation.”
Hebrews 3:7–15
Gentle urgency—“Today, if you hear His voice.”
Luke 19:41–44
Jesus weeps—persuasion marked by compassion.
Matthew 11:28–30
Invitation, not coercion.
VII. Persuasion Toward Church Life & Community
Acts 2:41–47
Those persuaded by the gospel were added and devoted themselves.
Hebrews 10:24–25
Encouraging one another toward faithful gathering.
Ephesians 4:11–16
Growth comes through shared life in the body.
1 Corinthians 12:12–27
Belonging precedes flourishing.
Colossians 2:6–7
Rooted and built up together.
1 Peter 5:1–5
Shepherding by example, not domination.
VIII. Wisdom Literature on Influence & Persuasion
Proverbs 11:30
“He who wins souls is wise.”
Proverbs 16:21, 23
Wise hearts make words persuasive.
Ecclesiastes 12:9–11
Words of the wise are “goads”—firm yet loving.
Proverbs 27:17
Mutual sharpening through relational influence.
IX. Christ as the Supreme Model of Persuasion
John 1:14
Grace and truth held together.
Luke 4:22
People marveled at His gracious words.
John 7:46
“No one ever spoke like this man.”
Matthew 12:19–20
He does not crush bruised reeds.
Revelation 3:20
Christ stands and knocks—He invites.
Summary Principle (Scripture Interpreting Scripture)
Jesus' name alone is powerful. Biblical persuasion, add it in -- simply reading the Bible is powerful:
Appeals, not coerces (Philemon 8–9)
Reasons, not manipulates (Acts 17)
Lives truth before proclaiming it (1 Tim. 4:16)
Trusts the Spirit for results (John 16:8)
Speaks with gentleness and clarity (1 Pet. 3:15)
