Almost Isn't Good Enough

Acts 26:22-29

Acts 26:22–29 NAB

22 But I have enjoyed God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here testifying to small and great alike, saying nothing different from what the prophets and Moses foretold, 23 that the Messiah must suffer and that, as the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” 24 While Paul was so speaking in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “You are mad, Paul; much learning is driving you mad.” 25 But Paul replied, “I am not mad, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and reason. 26 The king knows about these matters and to him I speak boldly, for I cannot believe that (any) of this has escaped his notice; this was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe.” 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You will soon persuade me to play the Christian.” 29 Paul replied, “I would pray to God that sooner or later not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am except for these chains.”

Jesus fed thousands of people with a few loaves of bread and fish, but it doesn’t say any of those people were converted. The adulterous woman was forgiven of her sin and told, to sin no more, but the Bible doesn’t say that she obeyed that commandment.

A person won’t change until they’re ready to. Every day, messages are preached, bible studies are conducted, and testimonies are shared around the world, yet people still refuse to respond to God. Instead of building their relationship with God, a lot of people money to false apostles who claim that God will bless those who give to them. Even though Jesus Christ allowed Himself to be nailed to the cross for our sake, things haven’t changed since the beginning; we’re still focused on the fresh.

Every person that walks into these church doors has the same opportunity that the people had in the days of Jesus; to follow Him or to forsake Him.

If we’re going to talk the talk, we must walk the walk; we can’t continue through the motions of Christianity.

Acts 26:22-29 “22 But I have enjoyed God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here testifying to small and great alike, saying nothing different from what the prophets and Moses foretold, 23 that the Messiah must suffer and that, as the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” 24 While Paul was so speaking in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “You are mad, Paul; much learning is driving you mad.” 25 But Paul replied, “I am not mad, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and reason. 26 The king knows about these matters and to him I speak boldly, for I cannot believe that (any) of this has escaped his notice; this was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe.” 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You will soon persuade me to play the Christian.” 29 Paul replied, “I would pray to God that sooner or later not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am except for these ch…”

Paul had a choice to follow God or forsake Him, but Paul was a wise man and He knew what was best for him. The choice was an easy one for him to make, because he knew that God had his best interest.

How many times have people came to church and left the same they walked in? That’s why people always have to justify their faith. They say things like, “I believe in God, I pray, I’m a good person...”

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV 1900

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

When we take the on the surname of Christ, we become a new people; our old lifestyles are left behind. Unfortunately, the world has made a mockery of salvation. It has been turned into a multi-billion-dollar industry where false apostles market Jesus to world for personal gain.

2 Corinthians 11:13–15 KJV 1900

13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Being almost persuaded wasn’t good enough for Paul. He was bound with chains in his flesh, but he was free in his spirit; completely dedicated to God.

It’s embarrassing to think about the suffering people are willing to go through to preach the Gospel to the lost, when we make up the poorest excuses just to skip a Sunday service.

Paul preached to the world Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He proved to the people that Jesus was the Messiah whose come into the world to redeem mankind from sin.

Luke 14:23 KJV 1900

23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Compel- to drive together; unite by force; herd.

Almost is never good enough. “He almost got the Holy Ghost...”

To receive the Holy Ghost, you must be willing to separate from the world and follow Jesus.

God is holy and when you say you’ve received the Holy Ghost you are saying, “I am holy!

John 16:13 NAB

13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming.

Matthew 5:15–16 NAB

15 Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. 16 Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

If people have to question if you are a Christian, there’s a good chance you are trying to hide what you believe.

What purpose would it serve to have a light and not let it shine? Can we persuade a world to serve a God that we are ashamed to serve ourselves?

If you thought being a Christian was going to come without persecution, you were wrong.

Hebrews 11:32–40 NAB

32 What more shall I say? I have not time to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, did what was righteous, obtained the promises; they closed the mouths of lions, 34 put out raging fires, escaped the devouring sword; out of weakness they were made powerful, became strong in battle, and turned back foreign invaders. 35 Women received back their dead through resurrection. Some were tortured and would not accept deliverance, in order to obtain a better resurrection. 36 Others endured mockery, scourging, even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, sawed in two, put to death at sword’s point; they went about in skins of sheep or goats, needy, afflicted, tormented. 38 The world was not worthy of them. They wandered about in deserts and on mountains, in caves and in crevices in the earth. 39 Yet all these, though approved because of their faith, did not receive what had been promised. 40 God had foreseen something better for us, so that without us they should not be made perfect.