Rev. Ray and Pat Amos

Acts 26:28

DEVOTION FOR TODAY, August 2, 2019

“Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”

The preaching was over and the seed was sown. “Let’s all get a hymnal and stand as we sing.” Holding tightly to the pew in front of him, the stranger wondered if he could make it. He was glad that the song was almost over, and sad that he was only almost a Christian. The hymn went on:

“Almost persuaded” now to believe;
“Almost persuaded” Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say,
“Go, Spirit, go Thy way,
Some more convenient day
On Thee I’ll call.”

“Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” This verse (KJV) takes me back to another time in the church age when it was used during altar call in a powerful way. There have been many who have known firsthand the strong persuading power of the Gospel; and who have gone from almost persuaded to becoming a Child of the King.

That verse, and the hymn that it has inspired, has put sinners on their knees, Joy back in homes, set the addict free, made the alcoholic sober, and opened the door of eternal life for many lost souls.

The Devil doesn’t mind our being almost anything. He must love it when we are almost ready to get started in church, almost ready to forgive someone, almost ready to ……..(You fill in your blank). As long as we are “almost,” then we “are not.”

The hymn ended:
“Almost” cannot avail;
“Almost” is but to fail!
Sad, sad, that bitter wail—
“Almost,” but lost!

Are you persuaded?

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray

“Link to YouTube Video – Almost Persuaded”