Almost, but not Quite
June 15, 2014 Morning Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: We must make a commitment to God and stay committed to Him.
Focus Passage: Acts 26:24-29
Supplemental Passage: Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Introduction: You cannot satisfy your hunger by “almost eating.” You cannot satisfy your thirst by almost drinking. You cannot succeed in life by almost giving your best. You cannot succeed in your marriage by being almost faithful. You cannot succeed in addiction recovery by almost stopping. You cannot catch a bus by being almost on time. You cannot pay off your mortgage or car loan by almost having enough money. Almost doesn’t count except in horseshoes and hand grenades.
I. Almost Saved
a. "He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, but to be almost saved is to be entirely lost."
b. Seeing the Truth, but not accepting Jesus
c. Started attending 9 months before being born, but never being Born Again
II. Almost Committed
a. Like a “fair-weather fan”
b. Letting anything and everything come in the way of serving the Lord or going to church
c. Wanting all of the benefits, but none of the responsibilities
III. Almost Righteous
a. Rather be delighted by the world than delighted by God and His Word
b. Understanding the consequences of sin, but are slaves to that sin
c. But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
Invitation: Who are the “almosts?” They are ones that have been brought up in church, but don’t have a relationship. They are the ones who see the truth of Christianity, but never accept Christ. They are the ones whose consciences have been pricked, but who are unwilling to let go of their sin. They are the ones who feel they must earn their way to Heaven without trusting in the One who made the way.
“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.”
2 “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!
3 Oh, be persuaded! Christ never fails—
Oh, be persuaded! His blood avails—
Can save from every sin,
Cleanse you without, within—
Will you not let Him in?
Open the door!
4 “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!”
5 Be now persuaded, oh, sinner, hear!
Be now persuaded, Jesus is near;
His voice is pleading still,
Turn now with heart and will,
Peace will your spirit fill—
Oh, turn today!
Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/1046#ixzz34iMWRXJR
