24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
Acts 26:24-30
Each of these men represents a different attitude toward Jesus:
- Festus represents those who hate the Lord.
- Paul represents those who honor the Lord.
- Agrippa represents those who are holding out on the Lord.
Let’s consider what it means to be “Almost” saved…
Almost and the Truth
- The Testimony of The Scriptures (Verses 26-27)
It shows man what he is and of his need for salvation.- The Bible is a mirror and it shines its light on man’s sin. (James 1:23)
- The Bible is a sharp two-edged sword. It cuts to the very heart of a man. (Hebrews 4:12)
- The Bible is a hammer. It can crush the hardest heart. (Jeremiah 23:29)
- The Bible is a fire. (Jeremiah 23:29)
- The Testimony of The Saints (Verses 2-24)
- The Testimony of The Saviour (Verses 23, 26b)
Almost and the Traps
- The Power of Sin
- The Power of Self
- He was concerned about his position.
- He was concerned about his pride.
- He was concerned about the price.
Almost and the Tragedies
- Almost always leads to destruction.
- Almost always leads to damnation.
Here are a few people who came close to Jesus, but did NOT get saved:
- Judas Iscariot (Luke 22:47-48)
- The Jewish Religious Leaders (John 5:39)
- The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-30)
- The Lost Thief (Luke 23:39-43)
- The Soldier Who Gambled for Jesus’ Garments and Won (Matthew 27:35)
- Felix (Acts 24:25)
- Bernice (Acts 26:30)