Wednesday, May 15 - John 20

PERSUASIVE
  In college I remember that my speech teacher spent significant time describing the difference between an informative speech and a persuasive speech.  The former is the combination of facts and details and intends to enlighten the hearer about things he or she didn't know about before.  It's like a Wikipedia page that offers information in an "encyclopedia" style.

   The persuasive speech, however, has the goal of changing the hearers mind.  It takes the information and builds a case for a particular belief.

   The Apostle John makes clear what his book intends.  He says, "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (v. 31)

   John, and the other Gospel writers build their case on these facts:

   1)  Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecy and is the One forshadowed and fortold in God's Word.

   2) Jesus shows Himself as Lord over nature in miracles such as turning water to wine, feeding five thousand, causing the disciples to catch unbelievable amounts of fish, and calming the stormy sea.

   3)  Jesus performs many miraculous, impossible healings.

   4)  Jesus can chase away demonic and satanic forces.

   5)  Jesus had a plan for His ministry which included His voluntary submission to His enemies and His willingness to bear our sins and die our death.

   6)  Jesus showed Himself as Lord even over His own horrific death by rising three days later.

   John's goal was not just to inform about who Jesus was, but also to convince his readers that they, too, should place their trust in Jesus and cling to Him for salvation.

   We should not be ashamed to be persuasive in our conversations also.  While it is the Holy Spirit's work to bring people to faith, this should not discourage us from building a case for our unbelieving friends, relatives, and coworkers about Him who has rescued us.

   Someday -- maybe today -- take the time to make a few notes for yourself about some of the great things God has done in your life.  Include things like answers to prayer, healing from disease, protection from danger, blessings to family, needs met, and the like.  It can serve as part of your own conversations in the future as you share the incredible love of  God.

PS.  BABY AVA is home!!!