Almost Persuaded Acts 26:27-29 I. God expects man to obey.           “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) II. Some who almost did as God said          A. Cain’s sacrifice was almost acceptable. (Genesis 4:3-7)          B. Moses almost obeyed in the matter of the “water.” (Numbers 20:1-2)          C. The rich young ruler almost obtained eternal life. (Mark 10:17-22)          D. The five foolish virgins had almost made enough preparation. (Matthew 25:1-13) III. The words “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian”          A. Almost                   i. Defeats the doctrine of faith only.                   ii. A person can believe and still be lost. (John 12:42-43)          B. Thou                   i. Man is to preach to man. (Matthew 28:18-20)                   ii. “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuaded men…” (II Corinthians 5:11)          C. Persuadest me.                   i. Defeats the doctrine of the “mourner’s bench” salvation because God is not the one persuaded.                   ii. God is no respector of persons.                            • “Then Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respector of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.” (Acts 10:34-35)          D. To be                   • We must live what we believe.          E. A Christian                   • Defeats the idea of “there is nothing in a name.” Copyright, 1998 - 2005. All Rights Reserved. http://www.angelfire.com/al3/thecabin The groovy border, button, and bar are courtesy Windy's Web Designs. The great cabin graphic is courtesy Microsoft's Design Gallery Live.