Almost

This goes to point out the fact that we never know who God is speaking to when we testify about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Every week, as I stand in the pulpit of this church, I wonder whom God is speaking to as I bring forth the message. I am concerned that it is being said in the right manner and that somehow God will use the words that I speak to bring the message that He want you to hear, to your heart. Sometimes I feel that the message is for everyone and there are times when I feel that God is speaking to someone individually or to only certain people. God knows the heart of each of us and He knows what we need – and He will do whatever is necessary to let you hear what you need to hear!

God was speaking to the very heart of Agrippa that day, just as I know that He is speaking to someone’s heart this very morning.

King Agrippa heard the gospel clearly. His heart was touched by the power of the Holy Ghost in the message that Paul brought forth. Agrippa was as close to Heaven at that moment in his life, than he would ever be again for all eternity. For a few brief minutes God was reaching out to Agrippa in one great attempt to save Agrippa’s soul. God the Holy Ghost was tugging at the heart of Agrippa to repent and accept Christ as his Savior.

God was using Paul, the great Apostle, and bringing forth a powerful, Spirit filled, anointed message that was specifically designed to bring Agrippa into right relationship with God. This was a “last ditch”, “once in a lifetime” effort to reach King Agrippa for the Kingdom of God. Would Agrippa hear God? Would he obey the call of the Holy Spirit on his life? Would he decide for Heaven or for Hell? His eternal soul was hanging in the balance during Paul’s sermon that day!

Paul was hoping that his testimony would have a powerful effect upon Agrippa. Paul knew that Agrippa believed all that he was saying. Paul knew that Agrippa believed in the teachings of the Prophets and the Law. Agrippa believed, he understood, he knew the truth, but would he surrender his life to Christ? Sadly, the answer came at the end of Paul’s testimony! The words of Agrippa have rang throughout the centuries as words that represent the answer to God’s call upon the heart of every soul that has hung in the balance and then failed to turn to God.

…Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

Almost – what a terrible word that is in it’s fullest meaning when applied to the salvation of a lost soul that is bound for hell.

Almost – so close to Heaven, and yet to never see or experience it’s wonderful glory.

Almost – so near to the love and mercy of God, but to only see the wrath and judgment of the God.

Almost – so close that they could reach out and touch the Lord’s nail-scarred hand, and yet to never feel His warm embrace.

Almost – one decision away from Heaven or Hell

What was it that kept Agrippa from “almost” making Heaven his eternal home?

What was it that kept Agrippa from “almost” being persuaded to accept the Lord as his Savior?