HELEN SANDERS
7-28-2022
ALMOST PERSUADED
After meeting Jesus on the Road to Damascus, the man once named Saul and now Paul became fearless in sharing his faith. Whether it be before the council or in a prison, the Apostle Paul was relentless in spreading the gospel. He lived it, and what an example he is for each of us.
He had no fear of death because he had learned that he had “died with Christ.” He wrote in Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” He no longer lived for himself.
He made many missionary journeys and brought many to Christ. He started churches and wrote letters of discipline and more.
He stood before King Agrippa and testified of his life from his youth to the present day. He was on trial, but that did not matter to Paul. He gave the gospel to King Agrippa with the hope that he could lead him to Christ. Sadly, in Acts 26:27-28 said, “26 (Paul speaking) ‘King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets?’ I know that thou believest. 27 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, ‘Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.’”
How sad that Agrippa was given the opportunity to receive Christ, and was nearly persuaded, but made the choice to not receive Christ. I think this is one of the saddest things in the bible.
How often do you witness to someone? “Some would say, well, I am not called to be an evangelist.” Yet the bible explicitly tells us that we are to each “go into the world” and preach the gospel. To preach means to tell. It does not mean you have to be a Pastor or Evangelist my friends. It means you are responsible to share the gospel.
Lives are counting on our witness. If we don’t witness, we will be held accountable. I am thankful Paul gave King Agrippa the word. He made his choice and Paul will not be held accountable for King Agrippa’s decision. Even if a person says no when you witness, you also will not be held accountable for their decision.
The Lord shared that the “field is white unto harvest” (John 4:35) but asked where the reapers were. How sad to know that many will never hear the gospel because no one shared it with them. We should ask the Lord to give us the fervor for souls that the Apostle Paul had. Lives are depending upon it.
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