Disclaimer:
Due to the large amount of sermons and topics that appear on this site I feel it is necessary to post this disclaimer on all sermons posted. These sermons are original to the author and the leading of the Holy Spirit. While ideas and illustrations are often gleaned from many sources including those at Sermoncentral.com, any similarities and wording including sermon title, that may appear to be the same as any other sermon are purely coincidental. In instances where other minister’s wording is used, due recognition will be given. These sermons are not copyrighted and may be used or preached freely. May God richly bless you as you read these words. It is my sincere desire that all who read them may be enriched. All scriptures quoted in these sermons are copied and quoted from the Authorized King James Version of the Holy Bible.
Pastor James May
ALMOST
June 30, 2002 – Sunday AM
Acts 25:22-23, "Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him. And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus’ commandment Paul was brought forth."
Acts 26:1-3, "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently."
Acts 26:22-29, "Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him: for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds."
This, to me, is one of the saddest incidents in the entire Bible. Looking upon this story we can see that this is an example of God reaching out to the sin-blighted heart of a man to give that man a chance to be saved. And yet that man would not hear because of the love of the world and the circumstances of his life.
Paul, the great Apostle to the Gentiles, was on trial once again. This old warhorse for the Kingdom of God had faced many trials and tests before but this one was going to be his final exam to prove once and for all, his faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ.
God was going to use Paul to bring forth a message as he stood before King Agrippa and Festus, the governor, to proclaim the gospel and to give testimony of his conversion on the road to Damascus. Paul was fighting for his very life. He had been arrested and put under protective custody of the Roman army because the Jews had determined to kill him. Paul had appealed to Caesar, since he was a Roman citizen by birth.
Paul was God’s instrument to bring about the preaching of the gospel to King Agrippa. God knew that Agrippa’s heart was ripe for the gospel and God determined to give him a chance to hear and to repent.
As Paul stood between his Roman guards that day, waiting for his audience with Agrippa, I cannot help but believe that he stood there in silent prayer. He was seeking God for wisdom, asking the Lord to give him the right words to say in presenting his case for innocence. He had been charged with many false charges because of his preaching of the gospel.
(What a hard thing to bear – to know that you are only preaching and teaching the truth, in love, to reach out to a hurting world – and then to be condemned for doing so.)
There is no way of knowing how long Paul stood in waiting for King Agrippa but the silence was suddenly shattered by the blast of trumpets and cries of the Heralds who announced the entrance of the king amidst great pomp and ceremony.
Satan knows how to divert your attention from the truth that God brings to you. The “voices” of the world around you will do everything they can to drown out and overpower the message of the gospel that is brought to you through God’s messenger.
There may some here right now who won’t hear what this message has to say to you simply because your mind and your heart are occupied with the things of this world. Perhaps its your children, your job, your duties around the home, what you must do after church, or any one of a thousand things that occupy your mind. Whatever your mind is dwelling on, that is the work of the enemy of you soul to keep you from hearing what God has to say to your heart. If we aren’t careful to give God our attention, Satan will surely steal the truths that we hear from God’s Word.
We will be so close to hearing God’s Words and almost gain the victory that those words will bring to us. Almost, we will hear from God, but yet we will miss God’s best.
King Agrippa was seated upon his throne. Oh how he loved the praise and adoration of his people. He loved the long, flowing robes of royalty. He loved the pomp and wealth of being the king. He loved the way that everyone would see to his every desire and that he wanted for nothing.
The heart of man is always swayed so easily by praise and by prosperity in the things of this world. A man or woman who has everything that life can offer and who are living in prosperity and self-sufficiency are very hard to reach with the message of the gospel. They don’t see a need for God. Their god is their lifestyle.
1 Timothy 6:10, "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
That phrase, “love of money” is a lot more than just money itself. Money, in and of itself; is not evil. What makes money bad is that we covet the things it will buy for us.
We don’t love the money just because it’s money. We love it for what it can get for us.
We don’t love the money – we love the house it will buy!
We don’t love the money – we love the car it will get and all the extras we can get in it.
We don’t love the job – we love the money that we get for doing the job so we can get what we really want.
We don’t love money – we love the vacations, trips and pleasures it can buy.
We don’t love the money – we love the power and prestige it brings to us.
It isn’t the money that we love; it’s the things that the money will bring that we love. Those things become our idol before God. Those “idols” are what will destroy our soul.
It has been said that no matter what evil deed is done, there is always a “love of money trail” somewhere that leads to that evil deed.
A young boy is slain on the sidewalk near his home and the only reason given by the murderer is that he wanted the boy’s new Nike tennis shoes.
A bank is robbed and a security guard killed and all because someone coveted the money in that bank and what it could buy.
A family is destroyed by alcoholism. Regardless of why the alcoholic drank, there is always the fact that he could not have gotten the alcohol without money unless he was to break in and steal it. In either case, it is still the “love of money” that is the root cause. The bar owner sells all the liquor he can because he wants the money of his customers regardless of what it will do to that customer’s life and family. The alcoholic wants the liquor because of the short-term pleasure it brings and will spend whatever he has and do whatever he has to do to get that drink.
Nations rise against nations in armed conflict even as we are right now and it can all be traced back to the “love of money”! Why would one nation rise against another? True there may be “religious” or “social” reasons but it really all boils down to the “love of money”. One people covets the land, the possessions and the prosperity of another and that covetousness leads to thoughts of taking what they want and so the battle begins.
All of the troubles in the Middle East right now stem from one simple fact. The Arabs want the Land of Israel for their own, and Israel was given their land by God. There will never be a lasting peace in the Middle East because the “love of money” attitude has given birth to hatred for one another that is so strong that nothing short of the coming of the Lord will stop the Arabs from totally annihilating Israel.
What does the “love of money” have to do with this incident between Paul and King Agrippa? It has everything to do with what decisions will be made by those who hear the gospel message that Paul will bring!
…I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently."
As Paul stood there that day, he began with praise for the knowledge and judgment of Agrippa. Paul understood the need of Agrippa for recognition and he knew that, if he were to be given a fair audience, he would have to appeal to Agrippa’s ego.
First I think it is important that we realize that our circumstances, as Christians, should never determine our joy in the Lord. Paul was a prisoner, standing before the King, accused of crimes worthy of death, and headed for the prison at Rome where he would eventually be beheaded for the cause of Christ. Yet Paul was not saddened. He was not crying and grumbling of his lot in life. He was not murmuring against God who allowed these terrible things to come into his life. Paul was not crying out in despair!
Instead he made a great statement of his faith that showed the condition of his heart in the midst of a great trial when he said, “… I think myself happy, King Agrippa…”
Happiness isn’t something that is purchased with money. Money can buy short-lived fun. Money can buy a little bit of happiness but when the money is gone the happiness that it buys goes with it. To really be happy we must learn that happiness is a state of mind, that is enabled through the condition of the heart. If your heart is right with God, happiness comes naturally. We think happy. We act happy. We are happy, because the Spirit of God dwells within us and not because of our circumstances.
I’ve always liked what Abraham Lincoln once said, “A man is about as happy as he makes up his mind to be.”
Paul stood before Agrippa that day with a “happy heart” for he knew that it wasn’t King Agrippa or Governor Festus who determined his future. Paul’s future and his very life were in the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul’s confidence and the conviction of his heart to believe in Jesus were unshakeable! He was happy because he knew that God had brought about every circumstance of his life and that God was still orchestrating everything that happened and “…that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Paul began to testify before Agrippa and Festus. He told them of his training in the school of Gamaliel, of his becoming chief among the Pharisees, of his persecution of those who were called Christians, of his conversion on the road to Damascus, of his blindness, healing and subsequent call to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul’s words were inspired by the Holy Ghost and presented in such a manner that they could not be easily brushed aside.
You see, God was not only giving Paul the words to say so that Paul could present a case for his innocence, more importantly, God was giving Paul the message that would reach into the very heart of King Agrippa with the truth of the Gospel.
“…For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him: for this thing was not done in a corner.”
King Agrippa knew and understood the customs of the Jews and their religious beliefs. He also had knowledge of the events surrounding the ministry, life, crucifixion and resurrection story of Jesus Christ. It was his duty, as King, to know about those who he ruled over. It was his duty to know their history and to keep up with all the current events so that he could rule effectively.
Paul knew that his story was not a surprise to Agrippa. After all the crucifixion, resurrection and the preaching of the gospel throughout all of Israel and the Gentile nations around the region was not a secret. This message was being shouted from the housetops, taught in the synagogues, preached on the street corners, going from house to house, and given forth in so many ways by so many people that it could not be ignored or forgotten.
Our Father in Heaven has never tried to hide the truth of the gospel. It has always been His will that every man, woman and child should come to repentance. Jesus came down and publicly proclaimed that He was the Son of God. Jesus died on a cross for the whole world to see. Jesus resurrection from the grave was not a secret. It was broadcast and is still being broadcast around the world so that all men might believe on Him and be saved.
As Agrippa listened to the testimony of Paul, his heart was touched and his spirit was stirred within. There is no record of Festus being touched by anything that was said.
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?
What was it that finally destroyed Agrippa’s very soul?
It all stems from the “love of money”!
Agrippa heard the shouts of the people. The praises of those who stood around him became louder than the call of the Holy Spirit upon his heart. The love of his wealth, power and riches was screaming so loudly in his heart that it drowned the pleading of the Holy Ghost to come to the Lord in repentance. His heart was so in love with the world and the things of the world that it doomed his soul to hell for all eternity.
As I come to the close of this message I want each of us to examine our own hearts. Does the love of this world and things of this world scream too loudly in our hearts so that we cannot hear the voice of God as He calls us to come to Him in repentance?
Do we desire the things of this world more than we desire to make Heaven our home?
Are we almost persuaded, but still hang in the balance?
Will we almost get close enough to Heaven to feel the brush of Angel’s wings and yet lose out with God?
If you are almost persuaded this morning – don’t make the same mistake that Agrippa did. He never had another opportunity to accept Christ as far as we can determine in the Word of God. Agrippa stands out as an example, for all time, of a man who came close but didn’t make it. I believe that he is in Hell today, as he has been for nearly 2000 years, and shall be forever. That one decision, on the day that Paul stood before him, when Agrippa was almost persuaded, has been the decision that doomed his soul for eternity.
What decision will we make? Will we be almost persuaded to follow Jesus and still lose out with God? Will we scream in the pits beside Agrippa or will we accept Jesus and follow after Him to make Heaven our eternal home?
The choice is ours this day! Let’s not be listed, like Agrippa, as “almost persuaded”.
Get past the almost and decide to live for Jesus. That’s the only real choice we have.
