The Real And The Almost Christian

THE REAL AND THE ALMOST CHRISTIAN

Acts 26:28

INTRO: Paul was a prisoner at Caesarea. He had been given an audience with both King Felix, and King Festus. Now he was to go in before King Agrippa.

After telling King Agrippa about his conversion, and his work for Christ, Agrippa stated the text that we have before us.

One thing to note in Paul’s experience before the Kings: When Paul persecuted the Christians he was WISE. When he talked about Jesus he was MAD.

I. WHAT IT IS TO BE A CHRISTIAN.

A. A clear knowledge of the Scriptures.

1. Not a learned, critical knowledge.

2. A knowledge of the great truths.

a. This knowledge casts away fears.

b. The way of salvation is revealed.

3. This knowledge may be attained by reading or hearing.

4. There may be fanaticism, but there cannot be true

religion without a knowledge of the Scriptures.

B. A cordial faith in Christ, and His work.

1. There must be faith in Christ.

2. Faith in the Bible as well.

3. This faith must be of the heart.

C. A conformity to the mind of Christ.

1. A disciple is one who learns of Christ.

2. The true Christian is the one who is like-minded with

Christ Philippians 2:5).

3. A disciple does what the teacher does.

D. A loyal obedience to Christ.

1. "Whosoever hears my voice and follows...." (See: Romans

6:16).

2. This means giving Him complete control.

II. WHAT IT IS TO BE ALMOST PERSUADED.

A. He heard the apostle with attention.

1. Hearing is essential to salvation.

2. Many hear and agree, they like to hear Christ preached.

3. Many go to the Church to pay every possible respect to

the message of salvation, yet they are almost

persuaded.

B. He admired and admitted to the truths of Paul.

1. Agrippa felt no ordinary interest in what Paul said.

He was aware of it.

2. Many feel the same and admire. They do not doubt the

Scriptures, yet they are satisfied with that.

C. He expressed his convictions.

1. "Almost thou persuaded me..."

2. Many do the same today.

a. They speak well of the Gospel.

b. They believe what they hear.

c. Yet they stop there.

III. THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ALTOGETHER SUCH.

A. The real joy and comfort in Christ.

B. There is no salvation for the almost.

CONC: Have you only been almost persuaded like King Agrippa? If your experience is like his, you now have a chance to change that experience to one like Paul experienced.