Landmark Baptist

Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

Romans 8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I love that word persuaded it is a simple word with tremendous impact, especially upon the one that is persuaded.

Simply put it is being convinced, reasoned with, or certified about something. When we were kids we were persuaded that our dad was the strongest and smartest man alive. Or that our mom’s food was the best food ever created on the planet earth. Perhaps even for some it was that the Easter Bunny really does lay eggs. No matter what it was that you were/are persuaded about it is something that rarely changes until we are persuaded otherwise.

Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying; “Change a mans mind against his will He is of the same mind still”, why is that? Because he is persuaded in his mind and heart of something.

This is what Paul is telling us, Paul is saying I am convinced beyond all doubts beyond all personal biases, beyond all mankinds wisdom that nothing can come between us and the love of God. It is not the only time Paul shows us how he is persuaded either, and what is fantastic about being persuaded about something is that it allows you to be persuasive.

Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Acts 19:7 And all the men were about twelve.

Acts 19:8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

The Apostle Paul is able to persuade others because of his own conviction of the truth and he uses all of his experience to convey that truth to others. He is a Pharisee of Pharisees, a Roman born citizen, taught the Law by Gamaliel, and most importantly humbled by Christ. That is why he can speak in such a manner as he does here in Acts.

Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

Acts 28:24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

Not all are going to be persuaded of that which we speak concerning Christ that is why our actions must be equally compelling!

To show this I want to go back to the OT and see an example of one who spoke boldly concerning what he believed and then backed it up by his actions.

1Samuel 17:26 And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

1Samuel 17:27 And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.

1Samuel 17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

1Samuel 17:29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

1Samuel 17:30 And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.

1Samuel 17:31 And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him.

1Samuel 17:32 And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

1Samuel 17:33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

1Samuel 17:34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:

1Samuel 17:35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.

1Samuel 17:36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

Bold words from this young man how is it that he is able to stand at his young age even and declare such a thing? It is because he is persuaded of the Might and Majesty of God!

1Samuel 17:37 David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

As we know the story ends with God doing exactly what David said He would and David was able to slay the giant by the strength of God.

So this brings me to ask you young folks are you persuaded of the Majesty and Might of God? Are you persuaded that He sent His son to die on the cross for you?

Can you be persuaded by the testimony of an enemy eye witness?

Matthew 27:54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Or perhaps by the testimony of a faithful servant?

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Have you spotted your Lion that needs to be killed and trusted that Christ will give you the strength to slay it? (Crime, Drugs, lying, Cheating / your own sin)

Is there a bear heading your way and you need to be freed from its grasp? (your own sin)

Have you faced your Giant? (your own sin)

In all of this do you know that Christ is the one who can strengthen you to face your enemies? Christ who created all can see your need, do you see your need? Do you see that Christ can save you if you call upon Him? Are you persuaded?

Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

Romans 8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.