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. Merry Christmas from Norma-Jean and me (photo from December, 2016).
Beautiful photo of David and Norma Jean and great message, today. We witness for You, Lord Jesus. Thank you Crossroads. I have sent in a year end donation and call upon fellow saints to do the same. We are grateful to share this daily bread and keep encouraging one another with the love of Christ Jesus through God’s amazing Word and prayer. His blessings upon you, today.
Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Corinthians 13:11 BSB
Almost Persuaded – Josh Turner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frKneDcUVtU
Father God, please forgive me for my selfishness; for focusing on I, me, mine, rather than on what You love. Help us to heed the words of Paul and of David to be like Paul, one who laid down his own life to serve the God who gives life. Please help all Your people to be soul-winners. In Jesus’s name, amen
Amen,Rob.How easily we can drift back in to the “I,me and mine” mentality which shows a worldly outlook.May we all strive to be much more like Jesus and more like Paul.
Amen
Amen, Rob.wen
On the road to Damascus Saul was shown beyond any doubt and in very certain terms by an unworldly King that he was going 180 degrees in the wrong direction.Those who knew him should have examined his testimony and their scriptures to see if they are in agreement (and a few did).The majority were against him and Jesus.They chose to turn their back on truth and against Jesus.Is the world much different today?The world today wants to believe what ‘makes them feel good’ about themselves and there are plenty of rich preachers who will take their money and make them ‘feel good’.
John’s daughter sometimes speaks at ‘The Airport Church’/Catch The Fire and she spoke at his going-home.She has that gift.John’s 2 sons sent recorded messages and they too are good speakers.(If they came home everyone would have to quarantine.Shelley has been here for 2 months.).Mother and daughter have done quite well…so far.Please pray for them.
God bless all of you and thank you all for your condolences and BD wishes.
Privately,I often called him “Sir John’ out of respect and admiration,hence the title:
‘Sir’ John
Sir John has gone home,
No more to walk in the sun,
For on Heaven’s shores he roams
With God’s most holy Son.
His work here is done
And I observed him close by,
But now his battle is won
While we are left to cry.
But our tears must end
When we see the promise kept
And broken hearts will soon mend
When He holds those who wept.
So lift your chin high
And thank the Lord for His grace,
For he now will never die
And has won his last race.
GW Marshall/5 Dec,2020
Beautiful, Bill!
Lovely poem, William. God bless you, as you miss your friend. Christmas, still, will be bright.
Amen saints!
Amen, Ger!
Condolences to William and all those that have lost ones I lost my husband in the spring, this will be my first Christmas without him, and I just rec’d this from a friend. You may have seen it before, but it touched my heart. May God bless each and everyont of you and keep you safe.
My First Christmas
in Heaven
I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,
With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But the sound of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart,
But I am not so far away. We really aren’t apart.
So be happy for me dear ones. You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory of my undying love.
After all “Love” is the gift, more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do,
For I can’t count the blessings or love He has for you.
So, have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember, I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
Sorry to hear about your husband, HJR. How truly lovely of a poem. The thought of spending Christmas in person/spirit with Jesus is so peaceful! Wishing all a good night. God bless each and everyone of you precious saints in the Lord. I am so grateful for you! Amen!
Thank you HJR for that poem. It speaks to me as my sister went to be with her Lord: On October of this yesr.
I miss her but I know she is in a better place where there is no pain, tears or sorrow,
Have a peaceful evening saints of the Lord!l
Yes and it speaks to me as I lost a brother on May 4th. Sorry for the loss of your husband HJR. Thanks for sharing the poem.