Closer Day By Day

Bible Passage: Acts Chapter 25 to 26

We continue with Paul’s defense. Paul was held at Caesarea for 2 years and when Felix the procurator was replaced by Festus, the trial was held again. The same Jews that accused him falsely tried to get Paul in trouble and attempted to kill him but failed to do so. This time, King Agrippa, who is a descendent of King Herod the great, spoke to Paul. Paul again, spoke of his testimony to King Agrippa and managed to almost convince him in becoming a Christian.

Acts 26: 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

Despite Paul’s best attempts to persuade King Agrippa, King Agrippa did not become a Christian. Why do you think so?

Acts 25: 23 So the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and had entered the auditorium with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at Festus’ command Paul was brought in.

From Wikipedia, it is stated that King Agrippa’s relationship with the High Priests was not good, and that could have been a stumbling block for him in becoming a Christian. From this story, it can be seen that preaching the gospel is really sowing seed. Paul can be said to be a very talented preacher, being very well versed in the Old Testament law, and according to his own words, ‘blameless’. However, despite his zeal and talent, he could not convince King Agrippa.

Jesus had a plan for him and that is for him to preach to the ends of the world. To bear testimony of Christ  to all people including kings. From this story, Paul boldly preached to King Agrippa. This could only happen because of his willingness to follow the motivation of the Holy Spirit. In retrospect, if he followed the other believers in avoiding the chains in Jerusalem, he probably would not have the chance to speak to King Agrippa, and later in Rome to speak to Caesar.

Another point is that the gospel of salvation is only effective if the listener puts away his pride.

James 4:6 (New King James Version)

6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: 
” God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

In this case, King Agrippa although understood Paul’s teaching, having quite a good understanding of the law, almost became a Christian. What does it mean to be ‘almost’ became a Christian? It would seem that one is either a Christian or not a Christian. Could it be because he was proud, being shown by his pomp arrival? Likewise, nowadays it is difficult to preach to other Christians from other churches and pride could be this veil that hinders them from understanding and obeying the Truth.

Recently in one of the evangelistic services that was over, I talked to a Christian from another denomination. The conversation started well, in a amicable way, but later progressed to a situation when it became heated. When I look back, I have to say I was not that patient with him, but the other thing was that he was probably too proud to believe in our church doctrines albeit not being able to answer the Biblical verses flipped to him.

The Truth is very clear and evident; unfortunately not many people would listen and be obedient to the Truth. Is it because of pride? In the last days, there will be false prophets who will sway people away from the Truth. There will be worldly and philosophical views brought into Christendom and the Truth will be diluted such that everyone who ‘believes’ in Jesus Christ will be ’saved’.

Many Christians now hold the idea that salvation means not having to ‘work out’ or to ‘fear’. God is love only, and Christians can love the world and God at the same time and yet be saved; I think that is the best deal in town. Christians cannot sin and will not be punished as God is love and God understands all weaknesses.

If Christians were to sin, it is because of the devil and not him. Christians can set up a rock band and perform in a concert for worship and such worship is considered holy. Some even describe such worship as professional. It is cool to have a disco in the church and to set up commercial stalls in a church compound to earn money.  It is perfectly all right for the great leaders of their church to earn hundreds of thousands a year. God will bless those who wear Armani shirts. More comical is that even in Buddhism, the Buddhist monk said that in modern times, it is alright for monks to live in condo, to drive fancy cars and to own horses. It seems that the broad path is getting broader. In the last days, Jesus Christ will come and ask all of us this question.

Matthew 7: 21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Matthew 7:13“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

Have we humbled ourselves to listen and obey the will of our Heavenly Father?