May 3

George Goodman writes: An appeal should only be made when the Spirit has evidently been convicting the hearers, and then in such sober and wise terms as will leave no doubt as to the step to be taken. We are not without precedent in Scripture. Perhaps the appeal par excellence is, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20). The instruction given by Peter at Pentecost is another excellent example. “With many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this crooked generation’” (Acts 2:40), an appeal seldom heard in the present day. The instruction given to the jailor at Philippi is in the nature both of instruction and appeal. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved” (Acts 16:31). Let our appeals be intelligent and clear, leaving no question in the hearers as to the step to be taken and to what purpose. — The Gospel We Preach, pp 33-34