How to Persuade Someone to Follow Jesus

Have you ever tried to “persuade” someone to follow Jesus? In Acts 26, as he defends himself against his accusers yet again, this time to King Herod Agrippa II, the Apostle Paul decides to attempt to persuade Agrippa, and anyone else listening, to believe! It would be a tough task because Agrippa’s life was marred with sin and debauchery, but Paul hoped there was a chance he might persuade him to follow Christ. To do that, Paul leans into his own salvation story, his powerful personal testimony. And in the process, reveals for us four key steps for persuading someone to follow Jesus.

Maybe you haven’t given much thought to persuading anyone to follow Jesus; maybe you’ve thought that’s the work of priests and preachers. But, if you’re a Believer, you have a salvation story to share too; and your story could potentially persuade a lost person to believe. How?

4 Key Steps in Persuading Someone to Follow Jesus….

1) Take advantage of an open door to share your salvation story! (Acts 26:1-3)

When Agrippa gave Paul permission to speak, Paul ran with it! He saw his opportunity and he seized it. The door was open for him to share his testimony and Paul was ready for it! What about you? Are you looking for an open door to share your story? 15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15b

What would keep you from sharing your testimony when the door is opened? The Apostle Peter might say, a “lack of preparation.” So how can you “be prepared to give an answer” or to share your salvation story? Answer three vital questions:

What was your life like before you surrendered your life to Christ?
What happened when you surrendered your life to Jesus?
What has your life been like since you decided to follow Christ?

As Paul continues to make his case, and the case for Christ, he answers these three questions…

2) Confess your past failures. (Acts 26:9-11) (What did my life look like before I surrendered to Christ?)

We all have a past, a time before we surrendered to Christ, and even failures since we committed our lives to Him. Paul’s past was really dark. As dark as your past may be, it won’t be darker than Paul’s. But Paul’s past was a huge part of his salvation story! It shows how passionately he had been against Christianity and now how passionate he was for it! Your story may not be as dramatic as Paul’s, but God can still use it to inspire another.

3) Share when you “saw the light.” (Acts 26:12-18) (What happened when you surrendered your life to Christ?)

Paul’s conversion is pretty dramatic, to say the least. The truth is, most of us don’t have that kind of salvation experience; but all Believers have a moment in their life that they can point to when they surrendered their life to Christ. What is that moment for you? It can be a powerful point of persuasion for a lost person.

4) Convey the life change that follows! (Acts 26:19-20) (How has your life changed since you surrendered your life to Jesus?)

Nothing inspires others like a changed life! And a changed life does “good work” for Christ’s sake (Acts 20:20; Matthew 5:16). Make an impression and leave a mark for Jesus Christ with your good deeds!

What to expect when you attempt to “persuade” others to follow Jesus….