TEXT:  Acts 26:28-29

INTRODUCTION:

A.      IT IS THROUGH PERSUASION THAT PEOPLE BECOME CHRISTIANS.

          1.       Persuasion, "bringing about a change of mind by the influence of reason or

                   moral considerations." ( Vine ).

          2.       Paul's confidence rested in persuasion( 2 Tim. 1:12 ).

          3.       So must ours( 1 Pet. 3:15 ).

B.      THE EVIDENCE IS AMPLE( John 20:30-31 ).

C.      THERE IS A LOT AT STAKE( Matt. 16:26 ).

D.      WHY WOULD ONE WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN?

I.      BECAUSE OF ONE'S PAST.

A.      OUR RELATION TO SIN( Rom. 3:23;  6:23;  Eph. 2:1 ).

B.      OUR RELATION TO GOD( Rom. 5:10;  6:3-4, 8-11 ).

II.     ONE'S PRESENT.

          1.       We only have the promise of this present time( James 4:13-15 ).

          2.       It the present we can be better people( Gal. 5:22-26 ).

          3.       Acts 8:39;  16:34.  A happy life( Philippians 4:4 ).

          4.       Phil. 4:6-7.  Access to the Father and peace of mind.

          5.       Fellowship with God through the promise( 2 Pet. 1:3-4 ).

III.    ONE'S FUTURE.

A.      WHERE WILL I SPEND ETERNITY?  ONLY TWO CHOICES.

          1.       Heaven( Matt. 25:31-34 ).

          2.       Hell( vs. 41,  46 ).

                   a.       Outer darkness and tooth gnashing( vs. 30 ).

                   b.       Fire and worms( Mark 9:47-49 ). Gehenna the dump and maggots.

B.      HEAVEN IS WHERE WE WANT TO GO( Rev. 21:1-7 ).

C.      WHO WILL DETERMINE?

          1.       Where does God want me to go?( 1 Tim. 2:4 ).

          2.       Can I refuse?( Heb. 12:25 ).

          3.       I determine my fate( Rev. 22:17 ).

          4.       Acts 2:40.

D.      Matt. 16:26.  WHAT IS AT STAKE?

CONCLUSION:

A.      HOW CAN I PERSUADE YOU?

B.      WHAT MUST YOU DO?