ALMOST A CHRISTIAN
1. Acts 26:18 I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.
2. Acts 26:24 Now as Paul thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” 25 But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. 26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.” 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
INTRODUCTION: ALMOST A CHRISTIAN
Greetings To All. I want to extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved family and all of those friends who in any way was connected to the deceased. I knew him since 2000 but we lost touch in the last few years. I called him some time this year & we spoke briefly. Let me be blunt that, for those who do not know me, I may preach at a funeral because of the deceased but not for the deceased. I preach for the living. Whatever I have to say here will never benefit him but those of us who are still alive. So we must pay heed and allow the spirit of God to speak to me and you.
Illustration: D.L. Moody, the greatest evangelist of the 19th Century, by his own admission, made a mistake on October 8, 1871. It was a mistake he determined never to repeat. He had been preaching in the city of Chicago. That particular night drew his largest audience yet. His message was 'What will you do then with Jesus who is called the Christ?' By the end of the service, he was tired. He concluded his message, and once again presented the true Gospel with a concluding statement; 'Now I give you a week to think that over. When we come together again, you will have an opportunity to respond.' A soloist began to sing. But before the final note, the music was drowned out by clanging bells and wailing sirens screaming through the streets. The Great Chicago fire was blazing. In the ashen aftermath, more than 300 were dead and over 100.000 homeless. Without a doubt, some who heard Moody's message had died in the fire. He reflected remorsefully that he would never again in his life give an audience another week to think over the message of the Gospel.
The Passage We Read Is One Of Encouragement & One Of Concern. We are encouraged to know that God gives us an opportunity to make a choice about our eternity. We are encouraged to notice, that, even though none of us deserve an opportunity to accept Christ as our Savior, God still gives us an invitation to. We are also encouraged to note that the Gospel is for everyone, and everyone needs to hear the truth about Jesus. This bible passage tells us that the Gospel was presented to a king. He had a high earthly position, but no Heavenly position because if a man or woman is ever going to see the Kingdom of God, "He must be born again". This includes the rich as well as the poor, the noble or the peasant.
Acts 26:28 Where King Agrippa Says To Paul, “You Almost Persuade Me To Become A Christian”, Is One Of The Saddest Incidents In The Bible. This story is an example of God reaching out to the sinful heart of a man to redeem him. And yet that man delays because of the love of the world. Paul, the great Apostle to the Gentiles, was on trial once again. He had faced many trials and tests before but this would finally prove his commitment to Christ. Paul had been arrested by the Roman army because the Jews had determined to kill him. He had appealed to Caesar, since he was a Roman citizen by birth. God knew that Agrippa’s heart was ripe for the gospel and God determined to give him a chance to hear & repent. In Rome, Paul will stand before Emperor Nero and finally be killed for his faith. Paul was standing here to defend himself. But God was going to use Paul to bring forth a message as he stood before Agrippa, the King, and Festus, the governor, to proclaim the gospel and give them an opportunity to get saved. Thus he addresses King Agrippa more intently: Acts 26:27-28 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.” 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You Almost Persuade Me to become a Christian.”
4 KEY WORDS IN THE PASSAGE WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND
1. The First Word Is 'ALMOST'. Almost is an adverb which means “nearly; to fall short of the mark; implies one who is standing between two options; trying to reach for something, but short of it”. Examples: Our team 'almost' won the game. I almost got an “A” on my report card but got a “B+” instead. Our team almost won the match. All contexts I am referring to are games or grades. But when we are talking about the human soul, it is not a game. King Agrippa mentally accepted the fact of Jesus Christ. He is now confronted with decision. His Reply? Almost! Have you thought about becoming a Christian? To remain in the "almost state," is to BE LOST!
Stop Struggling Between Two Opinions: Wavering between Christ and the World; trying to reconcile God & Mammom, trying to serve Light & Darkness, Christ & demons. An Almost person has a desire for the things of God, but he is cautious not to go too far. He prays that God’s will may be done on Earth as it is in Heaven: but then, he is very partial in his Obedience, He may even go to church, do the rituals, and on the surface looks like a Christian, but spiritually he is a stranger to divine things. In short, he has the form of godliness but denies the power thereof.
Biblical Examples Of “Almost” Christians
? Judas: The Unsaved Church Member. John 6:70 Jesus answered, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? Judas, baptized disciple, healer, saw miracles, yet lost.
? Felix: A Type Of The Procrastinator Who Says, Not Now, But One Of These Days. Acts 24:25 As Paul reasoned of righteousness & judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
? Rich Young Ruler: A Type Of The Self-Righteous Person Who Thinks Living A Moral Life Means You Don’t Need Salvation. Matt. 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? By his own evaluation, he was a good person - never killed, committed adultery, stole anything, lied, always honored his parents, loved his neighbors. But Jesus told him he loved his wealth more than God.
? Unbelieving Thief: A Type Of Those Who Come Close To Christ, But Reject Him. Luke 23:39 And one of the criminals which were hanged mocked on Jesus, saying, If thou be Christ, save yourself & us - close enough to hear Christ’s dying words as He interceded for His crucifiers; saw the blood drip; heard the other thief cry for mercy. Many are like this man - they sit in churches, hear the Gospel message, see others saved, but they reject Him!
? King Agrippa: A Type Of One Who Believes In God, But Rejects Jesus Christ. Acts 26:27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Paul was convinced that Agrippa believed the message of God's prophets, but he would not accept Christ! Many today will freely say: "I believe in God," but they will not put their faith in Christ!
Why Do We Have “Almost” People & “Almost” Christians?
? Because Have A False Notion Of Christianity: They think just because they live in America that they are Christians. They confuse Western Civilization with Christianity. They confuse the Republican or a Conservative wing of the Republican Party with Christianity.
? Because They Men: They fear being laughed at or ridiculed. Like Nicodemus, they only come out to be Christians at night. They love praises of men more than pain of serving God.
? A Love of Money /Possessions. They reflect attitudes of the Rich Young Ruler who came running to Jesus to go to Heaven. But when the choice was presented, he went away sorrowfully. They know what to do to please God, but won’t pay the price.
Illustration: Get Thee Behind Me Satan
? The Love Of Pleasure: They love pleasure so much & will indulge in anything to enjoy life with all kinds of sensual pleasures. They sacrifice tomorrow to enjoy today. 2 Tim. 3:4 Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.
? They Are Not Willing To Exercise Self-Control & Endure The Suffering Of The Cross. They imagine that the Christian walk is nothing but enjoyment & are not willing to go through any pain. Parable Of The Sower: We turn away when hard times hit.
? Ambitious Schemes. This is the case especially with the young… They put God on hold for the sake of ambitions and achievements. E.g. I will follow God when I get my degree.
? Many Are Kept Back From A Full Persuasion By Some Subtle Form Of Self-Righteousness. They cannot quite affirm to himself or to others that they are sinners. They feel their morality and sense of goodness will save them.
? Some Have Too Much Self-Will. Some have the spirit of stubbornness & resistance which has overruled every conviction of God’s Spirit in them. They have contempt for God.
? Some Men Have A Pride Of Personal Character Which Prevents Their Becoming Christians. Some say: “My wife has become converted, and I shall be deemed weak as a woman if I change now.” For them, Christianity is for weak people.
The Dangers / Foolishness Of Being An Almost Christian
1. A Half-Way Attitude Does Not Lead One To Our Salvation: They have a divided heart. They are hypocritical in their actions. God has no patience with lukewarm believers – Annanias & Sapphira, Laodicean Church (Revelation 3).
2. A Half-Way Attitude Does Not Lead To The Salvation Of Others But Turns Them Away From God: An Almost Christian is one of the most hurtful Creatures in the World: He is a Wolf in Sheep's Clothing; He is one of those false Prophets God bids us beware.
3. A Half-Way Attitude Is Being Ungrateful For What Jesus Did For Us On The Cross: He did not come from heaven to share his blood for us so we could give him half commitment.
2. The Next Word Is 'PERSUADE'. It is a verb that means 'to convince' or 'to move to a position of confidence or trust'. To convince by use of argumentation. First, God has given us His words. How does one become a Christian? Is it through some "feeling" or "experience?" No. Through teaching & conviction. Every believer must do his best trust in Christ. Second, it is the Holy Spirit who brings conviction and regeneration, but God has chosen us to present the Gospel message to others that they might believe. And when you hear, do not postpone. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. John 6:44-45 “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.”
3. “ME”. Salvation Concerns The Individual. “Me” is a personal pronoun that says the Gospel of salvation is a personal choice. Your father, mother, grandparents, siblings, friends cannot do it for you. Jesus paid the price and you make the personal choice to say yes & follow. Are you saved? Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
4. The Next & Last Word Is 'CHRISTIAN'. As an adjective “Christian” means to be 'Christ-like'. As a noun it refers to one who has, by faith, placed their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. There are many things that you might be, and not be a Christian.
? You might be born in a 'Christian' country like America!
? You might be brought up by godly parents!
? You might be educated in a Christian school, Sunday school, Bible college!
? You might have been baptized or be on the membership roll, or sing in the Praise Team!
Five-Fold Description / Definition Of A Christian From Acts 26:18.
Acts 26:18 I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ Paul Says This In His Defense:
? One Whose Eyes Are Opened.
? One Who Has Been Turned From Darkness To Light - Knows The Truth Of God.
? One Who Has Turned From The Power Of Satan To God.
? One Whose Sins Have Been Forgiven.
? One Who Has Been Sanctified By Faith In God.
CONCLUSION
Are You A Christian? Or Are You “Almost” A Christian? Receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. For believers, how is your walk with Him? Are you serving? What Is It Like To Be An “Almost Christian?” 1) It Is To See Your Need And Yet Not Confess It. 2) It Is To Wish To Be Saved & Yet Remain Undecided. 3) It Is To Be At The Door, But Yet Still Outside.
King Agrippa Teaches Us A Great Lesson: The only thing a lost person has to do in order to go to hell is absolutely nothing. Three Points: (1) Knowing that you need to become a Christian does not make you a Christian. (2) Having a desire to become a Christian does not make you a Christian. (3) You must realize you're a sinner, repent, and receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior.
When We Die We Will Stand Before Christ All Alone To Answer For This Life. Jesus didn't “almost” shed His blood on the cross for us. He shed His blood. Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Listen: God wants you to be an “Altogether Christian” and not an “Almost Christian”.
PRAYER OF SALVATION
"Heavenly Father, You say in Your Word that if I acknowledge that You raised Jesus from the dead, and that I accept Him as my Lord & Savior, I would be saved. So God, I now say that I believe You raised Jesus from the dead and that He is alive and well. I accept Him now as my personal Lord and Savior. I accept my salvation from sin right now. I confess and am now saved. Jesus is my Lord. Jesus is my Savior. Thank you, Father, for forgiving me, saving me, and giving me eternal life through Jesus Christ. Amen!"
