Bible Reading: Acts 26
Acts 26:28-29 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
Agrippa was the last king of the Herods who descended from Herod the Great. He and his sister, Bernice had come to Caesarea and were invited by Festus to hear Paul’s defense. Once again, Paul took the opportunity and shared his testimony. Once again, he used the same outline:
His life of being a Pharisee before meeting Christ in verses 4-12.
His born again experience when he met Jesus in verses 13-15.
His new life and mission in verses 16-23.
When he had finished, Festus said he was mad, but Agrippa said he was ‘almost persuaded’. Almost… How many people have heard the message of the new life in Christ and been ‘almost persuaded’? Are Christians supposed to try and ‘persuade’ people to become Christ followers? Absolutely! This is what soul winning is all about. The Bible says:
2 Corinthians 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
Do you seek to persuade others to embrace Christ by faith and be saved? Do you live as an ambassador?
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Paul’s desire was that everyone who heard his testimony would be as he was – a Christ follower. The desire of a true witness is for others to become Christians. The true witness for Christ prays, works and lives to this end. There are some who will not be persuaded, but there are some who will.
In Christ,
Rody
