Almost Christian!

Acts 26:24-32

July 12, 1998

 

Defense - apologia

 

I. Contrasting Response to Gospel Messenger

 

1. Reaction and criticism

 

     a. Lost your mind - lack reason (viewing all from worldly perspective)

    b. All brains but no sense - common view that gospel is antithetical to sounds reasoning, good education.

 

I Corinthians 1:18

 

2. Consideration and closeness

 

     a. Wheels were turning, putting together the words of Paul based on Scripture

    b. Though contrary to human reasoning gospel "almost" seemed believable to Agrippa

    c. Agrippa consoles himself with getting close but stopping.

 

II. "Almost" is Still Far From Faith

 

1. Measure of enlightenment (v. 27)

 

2. Acknowledgment of evangel's passion and clarity (v. 28)

 

3. Almost doesn't count for anything but greater judgment

e.g. almost married, almost joined the army...

 

III. "Almost" Will Not Be Sufficient Before God

John 3:18-21

 

1. Evidences an unbelieving heart

John 3:18, 36

 

2. Evidence of his love of darkness

John 3:19

 

3. Fear of seeing his true spiritual condition

John 3:20-21

 

4. Fear of the opinion of others

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