ALMOST PERSUADED
Today’s Reading: Acts 26
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
This is the Damascus Gate in the northern wall of the Old City of Jerusalem. In its current form, the gate was built in 1537 under the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Underneath, remains of a gate dating to the time of the Roman rule of Hadrian in the 2nd century AD have been discovered and excavated.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Acts 26:19-20, 28
“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance…” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
Paul obeyed “the Heavenly vision.” A few days ago we read about Mark, who failed, but later returned to obey God’s call. All the disciples (except perhaps John) abandoned Jesus the night of His arrest, but they were restored. If we have failed, return now and God will complete the work to which He has called us. An excellent example of the “work” is Paul’s testimony before the King and the Governor. (1) We start by speaking well of the person to whom we are witnessing. (2) We give a brief personal account of how we came to faith in Jesus. (3) Quote from Jesus Himself…e.g. “The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37). Paul heard the voice of Jesus in his physical ears. We may hear as he did, but we definitely hear His voice as we read His Word each day. (4) Make a direct appeal for a decision for Christ. Some people will respond with “yes,” and some are “almost persuaded.” (5) Like Paul, don’t give up. Make another appeal (Acts 26:29).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, give me a stubborn refusal to give up on witnessing of Your salvation, and grant me wisdom and persistence in seeking to win precious people to You. I would be the most selfish person if I kept the message of Your love to myself. As I move throughout the hours ahead of me, and as the opportunity is present, I am determined, with the working of Your Spirit in me, to win someone to You. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
In my personal witness one-to-one, as well as in my public speaking to groups of people in church, on the street, or on daily television for many years, I’ve followed, more or less, Paul’s five points listed above. I can assure you, results follow. Just as Jesus said in the parable of the sower, when I sow seed, (1) some seed is stolen, (2) some falls on stoney ground, (3) some falls amongst thorns, and (4) some seed falls on good ground and yields a beautiful harvest. I’ve just taken the time to read Matthew 13:1-9. If I don’t see results, I take the time to pray fervently so that the devil (the birds) will be driven back and held back from stealing the seeds. Then I may have to spend time clearing the ground of stones and thorns. The ONLY REASON I will not see results is that I have not sown good seed on enough new ground. The law of averages has proven true. At least one in four people to whom I witness give their lives to Jesus. I can’t sow the good seed inside the same four walls each Sunday and expect to see a harvest. I have to get out to where people live and die.
Have you ever heard or sung the great invitation hymn “Almost Persuaded” (click here)? Experience God’s Spirit. If anyone reading this has not welcomed Jesus into his or her life, do it now. Please, please, don’t turn down this invitation. You can call our toll-free prayer number at 1-866-273-4444, and someone who loves God and loves you will answer 24/7. A caring, non-judgmental person is waiting for your call. If you get a busy signal, try again.
Yours for winning precious, never-dying souls to Jesus,
David
P.S. Norma-Jean and I recorded a Christmas greeting yesterday that will be aired on 100 Huntley Street‘s Christmas Day program. My son Ron snapped this photo during the taping.
Hi David
Enjoying your blog and reading through Acts! That Paul was quite a man. His compelling defence to King Agrippa was indeed inspired.
Thanks for sharing the song “Almost Persuaded” it really reminds us that to be almost persuaded is still to be totally lost… we must press on and keep sharing the greatest story every told. Blessings to you and dear Norma Jean on this snowy beautiful morning.
David I to enjoy your blog every day yes we as”must continue every day to” Press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus ‘
Phil 3:14
Lianne Hogg
Paul certainly was a spirit-filled and admirable man. Praise God for the freedom of being a Christian in Canada w/o being thrown in prison. I’m sure many souls think, if not outright declare, that we Christians are insane as Paul was accused in Acts 26. Unfortunately there will always be people like that living side by side with Christians daily. I agree we can never stop trying to persuade these souls to salvation. Thank u Rev. Mainse.
Doreen, i got back from Edmonton late yesterday and put your reply on yesterday’s study. Let me know if u can’t get it?
Blessings fellow bloggers.
Thankyou, David and Norma -Jean for seving the Lord so faithfully all these years. The blog always blesses me, and others Isend it to.
We wish you a very blessed Christmas and strength for 2015 and on.
What a lovely picture!
Will be looking forward to hearing your greetings today.
Christmas blessings to one and all.
Yes, what a lovely picture of you and Norma-Jean…unfortunately I will be in the US for Christmas and will probably not be able to hear this. I do hope, however, to continue to receive the blog as my son is able to set me up on the computer there.
However, I do not leave for the US until the 17th.
Blessing to all this lovely day here in the West…hope you are able to weather the snow storm in the East!
Yes, we just came out of a huge gale of snow, wind and rain as well as power outages. The Lord was gracious and sent me some help!
Amen . God is so good, my daughter-in-law was almost in a very bad accident on her way home She prayed and was able to get the car unde control. She us shaken up but fine.
she was blessed with a Holy Spirit moment. PRAISE THE LORD!
Thanks for the 5 tips. Sharing Jesus with others has to be what we do! Xo.
I know of people who love and serve the Lord and witness to many and never say a word! It’s all in the deeds and postive thoughts, no judging whatsoever, I’ve seen this happen many times. MERRY CHRISTMAS
P.S. one day a guy was walking down the road and someone had dumped BAGS of garbage on the side of the road, so I made a U turn to go and pick it all up, saw the man starting tò pick up some pieces and he found a bag and began to fill it and then the wind came along and blew some down the bank and he went after it. I gathered up the mess and put it in bags and up the man came from the bank and helped me finish cleaning up the mess and I thanked him and he replied “no problem anyone could have done the same thing“ and I replied “Ì don`t think so because only someone who had a relationship with God would take the time to make sure that the enviornment is clean and safe and healthy because they knew what God did for us“ He looked at me and I asked `Well, are you a believer`¨`He answered “Yes I am“ I went over and gave him a hug and asked if I could give him a ride and he said no he was doing his morning walk – for me that was a Holy Spirit moment and it left an imprint on my heart! Walking with the Lord can be quite a journey!
How true, Sah!! a Journey of Love in Jesus.
Thanks for sharing.