The sixth key of effective evangelism that we’ll learn about is “persistence and influence.” Everybody exudes an influence on others in some way. Influence refers to the power to affect others whether it’s good or bad. The book of Act teaches us about influence by individuals and by churches. Christians should be concerned about the kind of influence they have on others. The bible says that Christians should shine as lights of the world and be blameless and without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. Therefore, Christians who believe in Christ should unite and put their trust in Him so we can more effectively spread the Good News to nations which He commanded us to do.
Peter gave us excellent example of persistence in Acts 5:28-29 when he and the other Apostles stood before the Sanhedrin Council who had commanded them to not teach in Jesus’ name, and Peter told the council that it was better for them to obey God than to obey man. In Acts 5:30 Peter took his Godly boldness to another level by accusing the council of slewing and hanging Jesus on a tree to die. Peter was referring to the Old Testament scripture in Deuteronomy 21:23 that says God curses a man who hangs on a tree to die. Peter goes on to testify that God exalted Jesus with his right hand to be a Savior, to give repentance to Israel and to forgive them for their sins. He was basically telling the council that even they thought that Jesus was nothing or something to be trampled upon, God didn’t curse His Son but yet lifted Him up from the grave and exalted Him with His right hand, meaning God gave Him power.
Gamaliel, a Pharisee member of the council, took Peter’s message to heart and convinced several other council members to spare the Apostles from death at that time. Gamaliel, who was a teacher of law is also credited with educating Paul who became one of the greatest teachers in the bible. Though we don’t hear much about Gamaliel, the biblical stories about Peter and Paul are well known and they still have a profound influence on Christians today.
Christians need to know that after issuing a call to sinners to accept Jesus and come to repentance; Jesus will always be exalted. Many people always talk about salvation when witnessing but often forget to stress the importance of repentance. Don’t let that be the missing ingredient in your message of salvation to others. Also, don’t forget to be concerned about your influence on others and maintain persistence and boldness when witnessing to others about the Good News.
