Almost persuaded?
V25 n4
Acts 26:27-28, 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. KJV
How often
in life, does a person hear the Word of God presented to them, yet, because of
pressures put on them by other people, places or things around them, prevents
or hinders them from receiving or accepting the truth presented by God’s Word?
How many times is a person just like King Agrippa as described above, almost,
but not quite persuaded to hear and obey the gospel message?
In
the last newsletter, we took a brief look at the encounter that Nicodemus had
with Jesus Christ. Nicodemus listened intently to that which the Son of God
manifest in the flesh presented to him, in regards to the question he had
posed, as to what would be required to gain entrance into the
In
the two examples we see above, one should be able to see how the daily
influences around us can affect, effect and infect one’s many choices and
decisions that they have to make for or against the
Acts 26:24-26, 24 And as he thus spake for himself,
Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning
doth make thee mad. 25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak
forth the words of truth and soberness. 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. KJV
How
much do you think, that Festus’s remarks may have affected King Agrippa’s
response to Paul? How many people using wrong words does it take to make a
gathering a mob? The Bible tells us that for those that are attentive to God’s
Word and voice, that right words will be forcible, and
bring life to those that hear and obey the Message of life. Likewise, words of
death will bring destruction to one’s life if they give credence to them.
For
the majority, they have never acknowledged or accepted the new standards for
the new beginning of life in Christ Jesus. Many are like Nicodemus, who had a
religious experience, but never established themselves with a true and personal
relationship with God, but were rather influenced by the people around them
that they looked up to or admired, or influenced by. They will know what the
Word says or depicts; they have memorized great portions of it; and will have
reminders of it all around them, but, it never becomes a real way of life and
living for them.
Matthew 23: 2. "The
scribes and Pharisees have taken Moses' seat as teachers. 3. So everything they
tell you, do and practice, but stop doing what they do, for they preach but do
not practice. 4. They tie up heavy
burdens and fasten them on men's shoulders, but they refuse to lift a finger to
help bear them. 5. They do what they do
to attract people's attention. They wear
on their coats Scripture texts in big letters, and they wear large tassels,
6. and they
like the places of honor at feasts and the front seats in synagogues, 7. to be greeted with
honor in public places, and to have men call them `Teacher.' (Williams NT)
Others
are like King Agrippa, they set the laws and standards that they want, and then
enforce them on the people that they have control over. Whatever the majority
of those who are in power will say is right, this is
what they will go along with.
Luke 6:46-49, 46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which
I say?
47 Whosoever cometh to me, and
heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: 48 He is like a man which
built an house, and digged deep, and laid the
foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon
that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. 49 But he that heareth, and doeth
not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth;
against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the
ruin of that house was great. KJV
In
both instances, we see these two men presented with the truth of God’s Word.
Yet, one was affected by religious ideals, while the other was affected by
political ambitions. How often do religious or political ideals prevent you
from obeying that which you have heard from God’s Word?
1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 10
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.11 For other foundation can no man lay
than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. KJV
What
is the basis of the foundation which you have chosen to be persuaded by and
build upon this day?
That you may know Him,
In the service
of Jesus Christ.
Larry Gazelka
J
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