Sunday April 2, 2017 “Am I Persuaded?”

1. I Was Almost Persuaded, Acts 26:28

  • The word is Almost
  • Almost is an adverb which means a little less than or nearly; it means to fall short of the mark
  • We use the word often to make failure look like victory
  • Our team 'almost' won the game
  • A 'B+' on our report card is 'almost' an 'A'
  • Jason and I 'almost' won the trophy for men's horseshoes…because I 'almost' threw lots of ringers!
  • However, the context we find in this word isn't about games or grade
  • It is about a man's soul who was lost for eternity, because he fell short of the mark
  • The word is Persuaded
  • It is a verb that means 'to convince' or 'to move to a position of confidence or trust'
  • This word illustrates the responsibility of every believer here
  • We are to do our best to convince others to come to a place of confidence and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ
  • That is what witnessing is all about
  • It is the Holy Spirit who must bring conviction and regeneration, but God has chosen to use us to present the Gospel message to others that they might believe (Mark 16:15; Romans 10:13-14, 17)
  • The word is Christian
  • As an adjective, it means to be 'Christ-like'
  • As a noun, it refers to one who has, by faith, placed their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation
  • There are many things that we might be, and not be a Christian
  • We might be born in a 'Christian' country like America…but that doesn't make us a Christian!
  • We might be brought up by godly parents who love the Lord… but that doesn't make us a Christian!
  • We might be educated in a Christian fashion…through Sunday school, Christian school, or even Bible college…but that doesn't make us a Christian!
  • We might have been baptized or be on the membership roll of this or another church…but that doesn't make us a Christian!
  • So to be a Christian is to receive Christ by grace through faith in the shed blood of Jesus on Calvary as the complete atonement for our sin.

2. I am Persuaded, 2Timothy 1:12

  • The Apostle Paul knew whom he believed in
  • Paul encountered Jesus Christ on the road (Acts 26:14-18)
  • Paul had his eyes opened to Jesus
  • He was turned from the power of Satan to God
  • Paul received forgiveness from sins
  • Paul now has an inheritance in heaven
  • The Apostle Paul was Persuaded
  • Paul was convinced that Jesus whom he persecuted was the Christ
  • He was convinced that Jesus was who He claimed to be (King of Kings)
  • He was convinced that there is Hope in Jesus for the Resurrection
  • He was convinced in his heart, mind and soul that he received complete salvation
  • The Apostle Paul trusted Jesus
  • To keep what he committed to Him
  • Committed to follow when and where Jesus may lead
  • Committed to surrender all to Jesus
  • Committed his heart, soul and mind to Christ
  • Paul knew Jesus was able follow through until the end

4. Conclusion

  • There are many people today that are Almost Persuaded
  • Examples of being Almost Persuaded
  • Felix, a type of the procrastinator who says, not now, but one of these days (Acts 24:24-25)
  • He knew the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, but resisted Him.
  • He chose to put off the most important decision that we can make in our lives.
  • We have no record that he ever found the time to come to Christ.
  • 2Corinthians 6:2b "…Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
  • King Agrippa, a type of one who believes in God, but rejects Jesus Christ. (Ac 26:27)
  • Paul was convinced that Agrippa believed the message of God's prophets, but he would not accept Jesus Christ!
  • Many today will freely admit, "I believe in God," but they will put their faith in Jesus Christ…they are lost! (John 14:1)
  • Belief in God will not save anyone! (James 2:19)
  • We must place our faith in His Son, Jesus Christ! (John 14:6)
  • Have you placed your trust in Jesus Christ for your salvation? If not, why not?