Don't Stop At Almost Series

Life Lessons From The Chief of Sinners

Don’t Stop At Almost

Acts 26:1-29

Introduction

“The saddest word in the whole wide world is the word, almost.” - Nikita Gill

Today’s text has a wealthy ruler saying, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (KJV)

“Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (NIV)

However you read it, in such a short time Agrippa was given opportunity to be a Christian - but he did not.

Marcus Julius Agrippa was the great-grandson of Herod the Great and son of Herod Agrippa (Acts 12). His father was the Herod of Acts 12 who killed James and tried to kill Peter. His great-grandfather as Herod who instigated a search and destroy mission against the baby Jesus. Agrippa was the last of the Herod dynasty. (Roper)

Born in A.D. 28. Agrippa II was raised in Rome and was friends with both Emperor Claudius and the future emperor Titus. Agrippa’s father died when he was 17 and Claudius thought he was too young to take control of the kingdom. He eventually was given the title king in A.D. 53.

Agrippa’s sister Bernice had been married previously to their uncle and after his death set up house with Agrippa. Rumors were that they were having an incestuous affair - a scandal among Jews and Gentiles alike. Eventually Bernice moved to Rome to be mistress of Titus. Agrippa himself never married nor had any children. He died about the year 100 after a 47 year reign. This is the man that Paul appeared before and gave a defense of his faith. He’s the man that the word ‘Almost’ is associated ?with in the Bible. Paul’s message to Agrippa and us is to fully give our lives to Jesus - to be all-in, not Almost! We are All-In with Jesus because…

1. We Are All-In With Jesus Because…

Jesus Is Life (Acts 26:2-8)

Paul was talking about the hope of the resurrection. Philippians 3:10-11 That I may know him and the power of

his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Jesus is Redemption (Acts 26:9-15).

Paul was not proud of his past, but he was proud of the rescue he had experienced at the gospel of Jesus. Jesus: “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” (14). Goad is a sharp stick to prod and direct an animal. Paul had resisted the direction of God, but no more! Your past may define you, but it does not lock you in. Ephesians 3:8 "To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ…” Because of His Grace, Jesus redeems everyone who comes to Him and gives them new life.

Jesus is Hope (Acts 26:16-23).

Following Jesus isn’t just about us; it’s about bringing hope. Paul’s mission was bringing light into the darkness of the world - helping people experience forgiveness and faith. And not just Jews, but Gentiles as well. What hope is in the Gospel? (18) It sets people free…

-From spiritual confusion (darkness to light)

-From spiritual darkness (Satan to God)

-From guilt and condemnation (forgiveness of sins)

-From being strangers to God to a place in the Family

All of this is only from Christ, our only Hope.

Jesus is Choice: Reject or Receive (Acts 26:24-29)

Many will reject Christ! Festus thinks Paul is crazy! Agrippa is not really entertaining a life of faith, but seems more interested than Festus.

Receiving Christ is an initial step, and a Life Pursuit.

Colossians 2:6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him…

We receive Christ initially just as Paul did - by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, turning away from sin, and being

baptized into Jesus. We follow up Receiving Him by walking in Him . (Col. 1:9-12)

-Pray for One Another (Col 1:9 - And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you)

-Study His Word! Fill Yourself With Knowledge of His Will (Col. 1:9b that you may be filled with the knowledge of

his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, )

-Live out the Jesus life Every day (Col 1:10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God)

-Relying on God’s power for spiritual growth (Col 1:11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy)

-Giving thanks to God all the way (Col. 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.)