2-17-21 THOUGHTS

Acts 26:22-29    "So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place; 23  that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He would be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles." 24   While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, "Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad." 25  But Paul said, "I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth. 26  "For the king knows about these matters, and I speak to him also with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a corner. 27  "King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do." 28  Agrippa replied to Paul, "In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian."   29  And Paul said, "I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains."

“In a short time” is probably a better translation of the Greek than the “almost” of the Authorized Version.  The old song Almost Persuaded is based on the AV.  There’s a powerful lesson in that song and the PROBLEM OF ALMOST!  Paul says “I don’t care whether is a short time or a long time, I want you to make the RIGHT DECISION!”  
Acts 9:22   But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this [Jesus] is the Christ.
The logic of Acts 26:22-23   “stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place; 23  that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He would be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles." ...    is hard to refute.
Peter preached in a similar way with the culmination in Acts 2:36     "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ — this Jesus whom you crucified."    

My Prayer:
We praise you Oh God for making Jesus both Lord and Christ.  We thank you that you have permitted us to believe.  For the blessings that come from believing, we are eternally grateful.  Help us to defeat self and live for you Oh Lord.  May we be the source of information about Jesus in this lost and dying world. Please accept our love.   In the name of Jesus         Amen