Paul unashamedly presented the gospel message every chance he had. It was as such he during an audience with Felix did just that. Paul spoke to him and his wife Priscilla “concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, ‘Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.’ (Acts 24:25). Almost! But still the same devastating loss for Felix as if he had said “No Way.” He had felt the Spirit’s power convicting him, for he trembled at the words. But he turned away, with “later”. How many say, “No, maybe later I will believe; but not now.” Felix hoped that someone would offer him money for Paul’s release. His mind so focused on worldly gain that he did not answer the Spirits call. What devastating loss!
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26). Felix had hoped to gain riches here, but alas he lost his soul. Two years, Paul was there near him. However, for Felix a convenient season never came. Felix was then replaced as governor by Festus. The Jews petitioned him for Paul. They wanted him dead. As Festus found no Roman law had been broken, he asked Paul whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem for trial before the priests. Paul, as a Roman citizen then petitioned his right to be taken before Caesar. While Paul remained there, King Agrippa came to visit Festus. Festus then asked him to render his opinion in the matter of Paul. Hence, Paul was brought before King Agrippa.
Almost remains a devastating loss
As Paul stood before King Agrippa, he told him of Jesus Christ. He expounded upon the scriptures and prophesy. Then, he told the king of his on conversion on the road to Damascus. How dramatic it was, how compelling! Here was Paul, educated, eloquent who fought against the early church. Yet, there along that road, he met the risen Christ whom he accepted as Lord and Savior. God’s mission for him? To spread the gospel message throughout the Gentile nations. Now here he stood before King Agrippa, telling him of all that had happened and what Jesus Christ had done in his own heart. Then, King Agrippa said, ‘Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.’ (Acts 26:28). Almost, once more remained as devastating as “no way”; because, he did not heed the call of the Spirit while the Spirit was there.
Paul’s response? 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. (Acts 26:29). Such was Paul’s compassion for the lost. He wished that all would come to know Christ. For Paul nothing else mattered. The only devastating loss is to not know Christ. Nothing else is important; but that. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ (Philippians 3:8). Yet, for Felix and King Agrippa, they had what the world would claim as worthy. They almost had the truth; but instead they experienced the devastating loss of their soul for eternity.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
How many hear the gospel and turn away! Almost they would believe! Yet, with “no” comes the hardening of the heart. There may never come another opportunity. So many even in the church say, maybe one day, just not now. How many proclaim they believe in the gospel message or believe in Jesus Christ; but never come to know Him as Lord and Savior of their life.
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:1-2).
For those of us who do know Him, almost telling someone about Christ results in the same devastating loss as though you said, “no way”. You say, “I don’t know how or where to begin”. Just begin by telling them what Jesus did for you and how he transformed your life.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
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