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Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian —Acts 26:28 (KJV)

“Almost” means “slightly short of” or “not quite”; approaching, close. It is often associated with procrastination and

.

I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.” —Acts 26:2-3

The king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe. —Acts 26:26-27

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian —Acts 26:28 (KJV)

The Almost Christian is a…

…good,

person.

• a good citizen
• avoids lying or gossiping
• hard working
• cares for the poor

…good,

person.

• avoids sin
• has strong morals
• follows the golden rule

…good,

-oriented person.

• considerate of his/her spouse
• involved parent
• patient & kind

…good,

person.

• regular church attendee
• gives tithes and offerings
• involved in church leadership

In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading [Martin] Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death. —John Wesley’s Journal; May 24, 1738 at Aldersgate Street

How do we identify an “

Reveal Answer

Christian”?

The almost Christian performs the outward religious rituals to keep up appearances.

But for the altogether Christian, the

of his/her life is about Jesus.

Moralistic Therapeutic Deism: belief in a watered down faith that portrays God as a divine therapist whose chief goal is to boost people’s self-esteem

The altogether Christian makes his life all about

.

“And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him” —John 13:2

You can be close enough to Jesus to kiss him—yet not really belong to Him.

…according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. —Acts 26:5

…circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” —Philippians 3:5-6

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. —1 Timothy 1:15

I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains. —Acts 26:29

The Altogether Christian…

…has a genuine, consuming,

love for God.

… has a genuine, selfless love for

.

…is driven by

not works.

• The almost Christian believes his behavior is what makes him a Christian.
• The altogether Christian knows that it is only by the work Christ did at Calvary that gives us hope of salvation.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. —John 3:3

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? —2 Corinthians 13:5

Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it. —2 Corinthians 13:5-6

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What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you through today’s message?

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