Almost....is not enough.

Last Sunday our Pastor preached a message entitled "Almost". It was so profound, I continue to think about it. I supposed you could say I've been meditating on it ever since I've heard it. How simply obvious to say that if you ALMOST have something, you DON'T have it. I think there are so many people who "almost" have salvation, and think they're ok....yet they miss the boat entirely!

Matthew 7:14 "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT! I think one of the most heartbreaking stories in the Bible is that of King Agrippa. He was SO close to turning to Christ, he was one of those that ALMOST had it, yet the Bible never gives account of him actually getting saved. The following phrase is one that breaks my heart, because I know that just like King Agrippa, many people have essentially said this very thing!

Acts 26:28 "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian."

King Agrippa, like many in this world, are almost persuaded, almost saved - but even being so close they are still ENTIRELY lost! If you have 80% of something, you still do NOT have it!! I know of people who have come so close to getting saved, yet they end up rejecting Christ and deciding to live for self and remain lost in their sin. How tragic!! The power of sin and self is very real. It takes the Word of God to pierce the soul of man.

I'm reminded of this sobering Hymn written by Philip Bliss.

Almost Persuaded

(1) "Almost persuaded" now to believe;

"Almost persuaded" Christ to receive:

Seems now some soul will say,

"Go, Spirit, go Thy way;

Some more convenient day

On Thee I'll call."

(2) "Almost persuaded," come, come today;

"Almost persuaded," turn not away:

Jesus invites you here,

Angels are lingering near,

Prayers rise from hearts so dear,

O wanderer, come.

(3) "Almost persuaded," harvest is past!

"Almost persuaded," doom comes at last!

"Almost" cannot avail,

"Almost" is but to fail!

Sad, sad, that bitter wail,

"Almost," but lost!

Almost, but lost. Don't be that person who is "almost persuaded" to take salvation seriously. Don't be that person who is "almost persuaded" to seriously examine your soul's condition. Don't be that person who is "almost persuaded" to turn your back on your sin and turn to Christ in repentance and faith. Don't be that person who is almost....but lost.

Think on these things as you go throughout your week...

~Lauren