Text for sermon: Acts 24: 24 & 25 (KJV)
Many times we have things to happen to us that shake us up inside, and inside out!
Sometimes we get so shook up by a saddening event that we declare in our heart that we’ll do better from now on.
Felix was one those that fully felt in his heart that he would do better “later”. Not today but tomorrow! Get saved? Almost, but not quite!
We do have a tendency to put things off like that, don’t we?
After all that Felix called Paul unto him often hoping that Paul would give him money so he could turn him loose. Today they call it “Bail”, but the principle is nearly the same.
Anyway, after two years of Felix calling Paul to him yet not once did Felix repent or change his way of life. But rather when he was relieved, by Porcius Festus, he could have turned Paul loose then but he chose to leave him in bonds to please the Jews.
That man was clearly shaken, but never got saved.
Festus brought Paul before King Agrippa. While Paul was speaking to the King of the prophets of old and the promises to God’s people Festus broke in and told Paul that much learning had made him mad! (Today they call it “A RELIGIOUS NUT!”
Then Paul asked the King if he believed and before the King could answer Paul said he KNEW that King believed. The King told Paul, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (In Acts 26:28) Almost, but not quite!
Sometimes we suffer heartbreaks that make us think we’ll do more for God and we are most sincere but just never get on to fulfilling that part of our dedications. We come close, but usually stop short of completion of our dutiful intentions.
We almost get it done, but not quite.
How many times have you tried to get ready to go somewhere and somebody yells “Are you ready yet”? Almost, but not quite.
Is there anyone that really and truly believes that when Jesus comes after his people that are ready to go, that he will accept the answer “Almost, but not quite”?
No hesitations will be allowed, no half baked loaves so to speak will be taken on board.
No excuses, and certainly not the one that you are “almost” ready to go!
Preacher, you’re almost persuading me to get saved! Almost? Almost won’t get the job done!
Mt:24:44: Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Lk:12:40: Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
Neither of those verses say to be ALMOST ready.
What am I saying? I’m saying as softly as I know how, GET SAVED! Now!
If you are saved then by all means “STAY SAVED”!
Remember, to be almost saved means you are lost. No more ALMOST! PTL!
