Almost Persuaded
Music Meditations
Biblical Reading: Acts 26
Memorize: Acts 26:18
In the year 62 AD, a certain Roman citizen was cast into prison because of a multitude of accusations against him. At his hearing before Festus, he appealed to Caesar for justice and was held for trial at Rome. Shortly afterward he was asked to state before King Agrippa and Bernice, who were then visiting Festus. That defense, uttered by Paul – for he was the accused prisoner – is found in Acts 26 and is one of the greatest addresses to be found in God’s Word. At the conclusion, King Agrippa said to Paul: “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian,” to which Paul replied, “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.”
It is that story from scripture that motivated a clergyman by the name of Brundage to preach on that subject. He concluded his sermon with these solemn words: “He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, but to be almost saved is to be entirely lost.”
Sitting in that service was the great hymn-writer, Phillip Bliss. Being deeply impressed and inspired by these closing words, Mr. Bliss wrote one of his most helpful hymns, based on the phrase “almost persuaded.” During the Moody revivals, Ira Sankey would use this invitational hymn to help “almost persuaded” souls to walk the aisle for Christ.
Christian, we have an even greater task to reach our fellow man with the gospel. Let us stand like Paul and communicate to this lost world their need for a Savior.
Philip Bliss 1838-1876
Questions to answer:
1. King Agrippa was an expert in all __________ and ___________.
2. Paul persecuted the saints in ___________________.
3. What time of day was it when Paul met with Jesus on the road to Damascus? _________
4. The Lord appeared to Paul to make him a ___________ and a __________.
5. Paul’s message to the Gentles was for them to ____________ and _____________ to God
Deeper Waters: Almost Persuaded
1. Most sinners feel they will call upon the Lord on a more ____________________ day.
2. Bliss encourages sinners to come to the Lord when? ____________________
3. Who is personally inviting the sinner to be saved? _____________
4. When the harvest is past when must the sinner face? __________
5. “Almost” is but to “_________.”
You can find more interesting hymn stories along with our Music Meditations by visiting our category called hymn stories.