Acts 26: 28.
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Getting close to victory is not victory; "Nearly Can't Kill A Bird." You either killed the bird, or you didn't. I know some of you may be wondering where we are heading with this reflection. We appreciate your curiosity; it is always a delight to talk to curious individuals who are longing to know the unknown.
Now, give us your ears if you can. After Paul's lengthy message to King Agrippa, the king's response was, "Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Almost! That is to say, he was very close to deciding to become a Christian, but he didn't.
Whenever the word "but" is introduced in a conversation, it changes it completely. It would have been exciting if King Agrippa said, "Paul, your persuasion has converted me to a Christian." Maybe, that would have introduced a new chapter in the book of Acts, but it wasn't the case.
What disappointment! Someone got so close to the kingdom of God, but decided not to enter! As we all know, nothing was said of King Agrippa again in scripture after that day. It seems to me that heaven chose to focus on more committed individuals than someone with "indecision syndrome."
There are millions of people around the world like King Agrippa; they rob themselves with men and women of vision, but that doesn't inspire them to become visionaries. They go to church, but are not committed at all to Christ; neither do they participate in any way for the advancement of the kingdom of God! They want everything the kingdom of God offers, but are not willing to leave the crowd to lead the crowd!
God is into serious business in this crucial hour. He is not looking for those sitting on the fence, but individuals who understand the stakes and are ready to say, "Here I am, Lord, send me!"
The kingdom of God doesn't advance through halfhearted individuals; bless me, bless me Christians, who are merely using God as a means to their goals. Sadly, they are those filling our churches around the world. They add to the number of those we count as Christians but contributing nothing of value to the cause of Christ.
It is time to choose where you stand; halfhearted believers and ministers will become casualties in the days we are living. We must stop playing games with our relationship with God. He is either Lord of all or not at all! There is sufficient grace to walk with him in total commitment for the kingdom; receive it now in Jesus name!
Dr.Etta
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