ACTS HIGHLIGHTS

King Agrippa – Almost a Christian

Acts 26:26-29

26           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.

27           King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

28           Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

29           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.

(KJV)

I.                   Paul appeared before three Roman rulers after his arrest in Jerusalem.

A.    Felix

B.     Festus

C.     Agrippa

II.                How do I become a Christian?

A.  The most common answer is to receive Jesus Christ.

Col 2:6  As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

B.  Do the will of God.

Matt 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

III.             What are the conditions of God’s forgiveness?

A.  Faith

John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

                B.  Confession

John 12:42-43

42           Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

43           For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Rom 10:9-10

9              That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10           For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Matt 10:32-33

32           Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

33           But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

            C.  Baptism

Mark 16:16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Acts 2:38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 22:16  And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

1 Pet 3:21  The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

            D.  Receive the Holy Ghost

Matt 3:11  I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Acts 1:5  For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Acts 2:2-4

2              And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3              And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

4              And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 10:44-46

44           While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45           And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46           For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

John 3:5-7

5              Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6              That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7              Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.