‘’Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” – Acts 26:28 (NKJV)
‘’Almost doesn’t count’ is the literal interpretation of Apostle Paul's response to Agrippa’s comment in Acts 26:28. After Paul preached the Gospel in Caesarea, Agrippa was almost becoming a Christian but he never did. His name was almost written in the book of life but it wasn't (Rev 20:15). He almost escaped the second death but never did. King Agrippa was very close to heaven but he eventually ended up in hell. What a narrow miss! And what a huge loss!
Unfortunately, there are still many cousins of King Agrippa all over the world today. They keep hearing the gospel over and over again, but they never surrender to Christ. They almost confess their sins and repent genuinely but they never do. They almost abstain from all wrong doings to live a holy and consecrated life but they never do. They almost submit their homes, marriages, careers, resources, skills and talents to God but they never do. They are simply living in ‘’The World of Almost’’!
In Luke 16:19-31, God described how one rich man lived in the World of Almost till he died. He almost yielded to the call of salvation like Lazarus but he never did. And while Lazarus was rejoicing in the bosom of Abraham, the rich man was weeping profusely in the fiery furnace for procrastinating his salvation. Governor Felix almost got converted but he kept on postponing making that crucial decision until he died (Acts 24:22-27). Also, the five foolish virgins almost bought enough oil for their lamp but they never did before the door of mercy was shut against them (Matthew 25:1-13). They eventually paid dearly for their lackadaisical attitude and wept bitterly when they were denied access into the wedding venue. They wished they could turn back the hands of the clock. Unfortunately, it was not possible again. The door of repentance had been closed against them (Hebrews 9:27). What a painful and sad ending!
"And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." - Acts 24:25
Friends, are you one of King Agrippa’s cousins in town? Are you almost persuaded to become a Christian like your Uncle? Are you still hanging in the valley of indecision and procrastination like that rich man? Are you still postponing your day of salvation like Governor Felix? Please remember that almost doesn’t count in eternity! Yes, almost never killed a bird! Nobody knows when the bridegroom (Jesus Christ) will show up in the sky to take the saints home with Him for the final wedding feast. When He finally comes, you may be left behind if you keep postponing your day of salvation. Today is the acceptable time and now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).
The lyrics of this powerful hymn below reiterates the subject matter:
ALMOST PERSUADED By Philip P. Bliss, pub.1871
“Almost persuaded” now to believe;
“Almost persuaded” Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say,
“Go, Spirit, go Thy way,
Some more convenient day
On Thee I’ll call.”
“Almost persuaded,” come, come today;
“Almost persuaded,” turn not away;
Jesus invites you here,
Angels are ling’ring near,
Prayers rise from hearts so dear;
O wand’rer, come!
“Almost persuaded,” harvest is past!
“Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last!
“Almost” cannot avail;
“Almost” is but to fail!
Sad, sad, that bitter wail
“Almost,” but lost!
May the Lord knock on the doors of every cousin of King Agrippa in this generation today and rescue them before it is too late.
On behalf of my esteemed father in the Lord, Pastor. E. A. Adeboye, I would like to invite you to the 72nd Annual Convention of RCCG. Theme: HEAVEN. Date: Monday, 5th to Sunday 11th August, 2024. Venue: The Redemption City, Mowe, Nigeria.
Good day and God bless you.
Maranatha!
Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo
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