Almost A Christian

Paul was allowed by king Agrippa to speak for himself (v. 1). By using God’s word (Jn 17:17), he revealed the gospel message (v. 23), and some very persuasive words to stir the heart of the king. Paul also tells Agrippa how the Lord saved him (v. 14), and gloriously changed his life. His testimony was so powerful that it brought Agrippa to “almost” becoming a Christian! “Almost” is slightly short of or nearly but has not yet arrived. Agrippa heard the truth and was so close, but was still lost because he comes “short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23).

 Sadly, many people today are like Agrippa. They have heard the clear presentation of the gospel (1 Cor 15:4). They felt the tug of the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:8), and recognized that they are sinners in need of a Saviour (Rom 6:23). They are close to trusting Jesus as their Lord and Saviour by faith (Rom 10:9), but they are not there yet. It is a tragedy for people to know their need to get saved and then walk away to continue on a downward path toward hell (Mt 7:13). There was conviction but no conversion! One of the keys to salvation is “repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” (2 Tim 2:25). Lost sinners must come to the place of forsaking their sins (Lk 5:32), and turning to Jesus by faith (Acts 20:21)! Unless they repent, they “shall all likewise perish” (Lk 13:3).

 Like Agrippa, most people stop at “almost.” They know the truth (Jn 14:6), and agree with God’s word (2 Tim 3:16). But they still want to continue their worldly and sinful lifestyle; by drinking alcohol, gambling, using profane language, committing adultery, and fornication. Genuine salvation always results in a changed life (2 Cor 5:17). You cannot have Jesus while still embracing your sinful ways (Eph 4:22). Don’t allow your fleshly desires or some ungodly relationships to keep you away from Jesus. They can ruin your life and will not be worth going to hell over! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera