The Almost Persuaded” — T. DeWitt Talmage (1800s) Full Public-Domain Sermon Text Text: Acts 26:28 — “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Introduction There are few words in the Bible more solemn than these of King Agrippa: “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
” He was close to the kingdom. He saw the light. He felt the truth. He was moved by Paul’s appeal. Yet he stopped short. Thousands in every age have stood where Agrippa stood— near , yet not in ; almost , yet not altogether ; persuaded , yet not converted .
Let us consider: Why Agrippa was almost persuaded. Why he was not altogether persuaded. The danger of being only almost a Christian. I. Why Agrippa Was Almost Persuaded 1. He was convinced of the truth.
He knew the Scriptures. He believed the prophets. He confessed, “This thing was not done in a corner.” The evidence of Christianity was clear to him. 2. He was convicted in conscience. Paul’s words pierced his heart.
The Spirit strove with him. His mind was stirred. His feelings were awakened. 3. He felt the power of Paul’s testimony. Paul spoke with: boldness, tenderness, burning love, persuasive zeal. Agrippa could not resist the impression.
4. He felt the nearness of the decision. He was almost persuaded— just on the edge of the kingdom. Many come this far. They see the truth. They approve it. They feel it. They intend to follow it. But they stop short.
II. Why Agrippa Was Not Altogether Persuaded 1. The fear of man. He stood before Festus, Bernice, Roman officers. He feared ridicule. He feared loss of rank. He feared the scorn of the court. Many are ruined by the fear of man.
2. The love of sin. Agrippa lived in open sin. His heart clung to evil pleasures. He would not let them go. One sin often keeps a man from Christ. 3. Pride of intellect. To become a Christian seemed beneath his dignity.
He would have to bow, to confess, to believe like the common people. Pride ruins more souls than open vice. 4. Procrastination. He wanted a more convenient season. He thought he could wait. He thought he could decide later.
Later never came. Agrippa is never again mentioned in the Bible. He passed from the stage of history— an almost Christian… and lost. III. The Danger of Being Almost Persuaded 1. “Almost” is still outside of Christ.
Near the ark is not in the ark. Near the cross is not under the blood. Near the kingdom is not in it. 2. “Almost” often ends in eternal ruin. Convictions fade. Good intentions die. The heart grows hard.
The Spirit departs. A man who is almost persuaded today may be unmoved tomorrow. 3. “Almost” will be a dreadful thought in eternity. What will it be: to remember sermons felt but not obeyed, prayers heard but not believed, invitations acknowledged but not accepted, convictions awakened but resisted?
To think forever: “I was almost saved… almost in heaven… almost with Christ… but now lost forever.” What misery! 4. “Almost” mocks Christ. To come near the cross and refuse Him— to see His wounds and turn away— to hear His call and reject it— is the worst ingratitude.
IV. Exhortation 1. Do not stop at ‘almost.’ Be altogether a Christian. Give Christ your whole heart. Delay no longer. 2. Yield to the persuasion of the Spirit. If God is calling you— answer now. 3. Put away the sin that holds you back.
Cut it off. Pluck it out. Forsake it forever. 4. Do not fear the face of man. Their laughter will soon be over. God’s judgment will last forever. 5. Decide now. This hour may be your last call. This sermon may be your last warning.
Agrippa trembled— but refused. He was almost persuaded— but lost. Let it not be so with you. Conclusion Let your heart say today: “I cannot rest in being almost a Christian. I must be altogether Christ’s.
I come. I yield. I believe. Lord, save me!” Amen.