Monday, September 23, 2024

Almost

 


Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." ~Acts 26:28


Pastor Jared has been expounding upon the Book of Acts in his summer sermon series.  As someone who has read the Bible through multiple times, I find his lessons to be so insightful, edifying, and never, ever boring.  He truly has an excellent gift for preaching and teaching without pretense.

In Acts 26, we meet King Agrippa.  His grandfather is none other than Herod the Great, or the not-so-great in the eyes of the Jewish people living under his rule.  Herod, if you recall, is the tyrant who ordered all male children under the age of two, living in and around Bethlehem, to be slaughtered.  He couldn't take a chance that the wise men's announcement of a new king of the Jews was born.  After all, that was his and his family's exclusive role!

It is Herod the Great's son who approves of Jesus' crucifixion sentence.  Agrippa knows all of his family's history.  And Paul's preaching of the Way is no secret to him either.  Being raised in the Jewish traditions, Herod and his progeny are well versed in the Law and the Prophets, but never to the point that their own power and influence could be compromised.

Paul's words on this particular day seem to have moved Agrippa closer toward Christ than in any previous time.  But here's the catch:  Almost.

We use that seemingly innocuous word a lot in our daily conversations, don't we?  Our team almost won the game.  I almost got that promotion.  She almost made straight A's on her report card.

When we hear or say the word in these instances, we leave open the door to the possibilities of doing better the next time around.  You know the old adage:  If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

But as Pastor Jared points out, there is no almost when it comes to committing our lives to Jesus.  We're either all in, or all out.  There is no almost saved, almost grace, almost belief.  When we cling to worldly accolades - power, prestige, fame - how can we be fully surrendered to God and His will for our lives?

We can't.

There are many Agrippas in our society today.  Those whom Jesus calls to be His servants who say, "Not yet."  Or, "Not now."  Or even, saddest of all, "Never!"

May we all pray for these lost souls, knowing that almost will never satisfy the Almighty.

"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I could wish you were cold or hot.  So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth." ~Revelation 3:15-16

54 comments:

  1. Agrippa seemed almost weighed down by his family history - the grandfather who ordered the slaughter of the babies, the father who signed off on the crucifixion. He had a choice -- forgiveness or family history. And he chose.

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    1. He certainly was feeling that weight of his family's questionable legacy, Glynn, I would agree. It was, in the end, more important to him to save face in the presence of people instead of humbling himself to God.
      Love and blessings!

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  2. There are many Agrippas in our society today. And that's the saddest thing of all. Non-commitment to God.

    Thanx Martha for this post. God bless.

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    1. God has opened every door possible, inviting us to come into His presence and be His child. How sad is it to refuse that relationship He offers through Jesus, Victor. You've said it all.
      Love and blessings!

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  3. The saddest word in the Bible: Almost. The other one: No. Both show a refusal to make a choice to follow Jesus. Both have the same eternal ending. :(

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    1. Yes, Bill, those words almost and no ARE the saddest words we could hear or say when it comes to accepting Jesus' saving grace. They absolutely have eternal repercussions.
      Love and blessings!

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  4. Dearest Martha Jane,
    Yes, in present times there are way too many that ONLY are committed to their own fame and power.
    A very sad stage in society as a whole and it is about time to turn back to God for real power that is everlasting.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    1. We certainly need to pray for all those who would rather think that the world revolves around them instead of our eternal, loving, forgiving Father, Mariette. May they see the light of truth!
      Love and blessings!

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  5. Thank you for this.
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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  6. We are studying Acts in Sunday school but have not reached that lesson yet. Thanks for the overview, Martha. Blessings.

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    1. How timely this is for you, Diana, to be studying Acts in your Sunday school class. Now you have a new angle to discuss when you get to Chapter 26.
      Love and blessings!

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  7. Martha...I sure wish EVERYONE could read this post!! You are so right..the word Almost is used so often and honestly, I have never really paid attention to the true meaning. I love how you presented this word in a way that reveals the Truth of Almost. I pray for everyone who uses this word in their relationship with God. May they be Committed to serving HIM and not almost.

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind and complimentary words here, Shug, but all kudos should be given to Pastor Jared. He really opened many eyes and ears to the dangers of "almost" when it comes to relying completely on God and His saving grace.
      Love and blessings!

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  8. I never thought "almost" as in the relatioship with God. For me it was always yes. Once I heard a coworker mentioned that he didn't believe in God, I was actually lost for words, I didn't know what to say. It still shocks me how many people in today's world still say no for a relationship with God. I'm no angel but I have always believed, I'm sure my upbringing was the reason for it.

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    1. None of us are angels nor can we possibly be perfect, Bill, that's for sure. But when we know Jesus through and through, God will work in us and through us to shine His light of salvation to all those around us. I truly don't understand how anyone can say that God doesn't exist and find any hope in their lives.
      Love and blessings!

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  9. "All in or all out" -- that is so true.

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    1. Amen, Barbara, it is truer than true.
      Love and blessings!

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  10. It breaks my heart how many people are "almost" Christians. They strive to be good people and think that's enough, but don't take the word of Almighty God, their Maker, as truth: JESUS is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through him (John 14:6). We have such people among our friends and family; I pray for them every day.

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    1. It breaks my heart, too, Nancy. To me, the word "almost" is akin to blaming others for your loss or lack of delving into the real truth behind the worldly deceit that runs rampant in our society. We can do all the right things to be approved by the world, but miss the mark that God sets for us. When that happens, we miss it all.
      Love and blessings!

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  11. Your Pastor Jared sounds like a treasure! I've found it's sometimes difficult to find clergy who don't preach without pretense. Thank you for reminding us, Good Intentions and Almost have no place in His kingdom.

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    1. Pastor Jared is a treasure, indeed, Myra. He stayed with us through our disaffiliation and we are so grateful that he has. He can certainly be counted among those good shepherds we need in our church leaders. Yes, when it comes to Jesus, there is no compromise.
      Love and blessings!

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  12. I am very burdened for those souls who have just said "almost", but not quite...time is running out very quickly. The sands in the hour glass are almost empty. I am praying for many these days who are "almost", but not quite believers. Now is the time for salvation...Jesus is calling NOW. Please don't wait another minute. This is my prayer.

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    1. Thank you, thank you, Pamela, for this most urgent and needed message we all need to hear! We don't know the day or the hour, but we know it's not God's will that any perish. He so loves us all, and is giving us every opportunity to come to Jesus before it's too late.
      Love and blessings!

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  13. Thanks for the very timely admonition, Martha. I'm sure there are multitudes who are telling themselves that they are going to deal with Jesus' invitation someday, that when the time is right, or when it's a little less hectic, or when they have just a few more "fun" times, they'll make things right with God. On just a brief little jaunt down to Birmingham, AL last week, my wife and I saw a couple of devastating accidents, one in which the car was totally burned out. I don't know if anyone survived that one, but I know this. That's one more reminder of how fast and how unpredictably we can find ourselves face to face with the Judge of the universe. And like your pastor said, we're all in or all out. God bless you for the reminder, and may He make your work more and more fruitful as we traverse the challenging path ahead.

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    1. I'm so glad this post spoke to you so strongly, Ron. Yes, there are too many folks out there who are putting off their acceptance of Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Those horrible accidents you witnessed recently are surely a severe reminder that we can never know when we will be called home. Let's secure our eternal future now.
      Love and blessings!

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  14. Martha Jane: Are you familiar with the hymn, "Almost Persuaded" one of the verses ends with the thought that being "Almost Persuaded" is being lost. (This is one I have not heard in a very long time. Peace and blessings to you and yours.

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    1. I'm not familiar with that particular hymn, Cecelia, but I will search it out on YouTube. Thank you for mentioning it here.
      Love and blessings!

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  15. Bom dia, Martha
    Postagem muito edificante, Jesus está voltando e é tempo de preparação, vamos orar pelos familiares e amigos que ainda não receberam Jesus como Salvador. Obrigada pelas felicitações ao meu filho, bjs querida.

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    1. Yes, Lucinalva, we need to pray for all the lost souls who won't make the decision to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. May God soften their hearts and show them the truth of His saving grace.
      Love and blessings!

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  16. I would love to hear to your Pastor preach. Your post is special and meaningful. Thank you. I also want to look up the hymn Almost Persuaded. Feel sure I have heard it before.

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    1. I did try to look it up briefly today, Henny Penny, but only found an older country song. I'll have to try again later this evening. I'll pass your kind words on to Pastor Jared.
      Love and blessings!

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  17. Thank you for sharing this edifying teaching. Aloha friend

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  18. Such a powerful message, Martha. "Almost" doesn't work when it comes to Jesus' invitation. Because, Now is the day of salvation." How sad we have those almost people all around us and even in the public eye. May we not only pray for their eyes to be opened by the Holy Spirit, but also that we, like Paul, point people to the way, the truth and the life. God bless, Karen Friday

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    1. Oh, yes, Karen, we must never stop praying for the "almost" people around us, and recommit our own lives to the One who gave us His All.
      Love and blessings!

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  19. This post reminded me of a sad song we used to sing in church when I was much younger, Almost Persuaded.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uyodM3iAew

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    1. Thanks so much for sharing the link to this hymn here, Barbara. I will be sure to listen to it. Danny and I are currently in a hotel because of all the trees in our neighborhood and the worry that gusty winds might take them down. Your prayers would be appreciated, my friend. We are certainly praying for all of you in Florida!
      Love and blessings!

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  20. Such a good point and I will certainly be mindful when I use the word almost in my words from now on. great lesson, Martha. Thanks for sharing this insight.

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    1. It sure made me sit up and take notice when Pastor Jared brought up the word in his sermon, Jean. I'm going to be careful, too!
      Love and blessings!

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  21. Such a great post, my friend. Thank you for sharing. Have a beautiful day.

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  22. Almost doesn't count. Yet God is always wooing us toward Himself. He is not willing that any should perish. I have to trust that He will do all things well like He has in the past. So much is beyond my capacity to understand. I'm so grateful He knows our hearts ...

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    1. With God, I'm convinced that we aren't meant to understand it all, Linda, but instead have faith that He alone is in control and we can always put our trust in Him. Almost trusting or believing just doesn't cut it.
      Love and blessings!

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  23. You really captured how easy it is to get stuck in the "almost" zone when it comes to faith.
    It’s a good reminder that we need to be all in with our commitment to God.
    Let’s keep praying for those who are still hesitating and hoping they take that leap!

    Hugs and blessings, Martha

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    1. It is too easy for so many of us, Veronica, to not fully commit to the One who deserves our undivided attention above all. I'm praying for those folks who are straddling the fence, as I know you are, that they might surrender to the Lord sooner than later.
      Love and blessings!

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  24. Your post has presented us a important way of realizing this world.

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    1. Amen! We are either all in with God or we are all out.
      Love and blessings!

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  25. I was JUST thinking about Agrippa when I was praying the other day. Such a sad, sad story! God bless you, Martha.

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    1. Such a sad story, indeed, Cheryl. I hope y'all are okay after the storm rolled through!
      Love and blessings!

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