Sermon Outline Title: Almost Persuaded to be a Christian, but not Convinced
Bible Text, Theme, Big Idea
Text: Acts 26:1-29
Theme: The Danger of Being Almost Persuaded
Big Idea: Hearing the truth of Christ but stopping short of believing it is the greatest tragedy of all—being almost saved is still completely lost.
1. Paul’s Testimony Before Agrippa (Acts 26:1-15)
a. Paul stood before King Agrippa, defending himself for preaching the gospel that had caused riots in Jerusalem.
b. Once the church’s persecutor, Paul had met Christ on the road to Damascus and became His servant.
c. When Paul preached, revival or riot usually followed—he was a preacher who would not compromise truth.
d. We need that same fearless preaching today—bold voices declaring the unfiltered Word of God.
a. America’s famine is not for food but for the Word of God.
b. Too many pulpits are filled with men pleasing people instead of pleasing the Lord.
c. Paul cared more about God’s approval than man’s applause; so should every preacher and believer.
2. Agrippa’s Response—Almost Persuaded (Acts 26:26-28)
a. Paul’s testimony pierced Agrippa’s heart; the king said, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”
b. Agrippa stood on the threshold of salvation but never crossed it.
c. He was almost convinced but not completely committed.
d. Almost saved is still completely lost.
a. The Bible does not record Agrippa’s conversion—only his hesitation.
b. He had the opportunity, the conviction, and the truth—but missed the moment.
c. To reject or delay salvation is to refuse the love of God.
3. The Tragedy of Almost Persuasion
a. Millions today are like Agrippa—moved by the message but unmoved toward Christ.
b. They believe the gospel is true but never bow to the Lord who gave it.
c. The longer they delay, the weaker conviction becomes and the stronger sin’s grip grows.
d. The devil’s greatest lie is “not now, maybe later.”
a. The enemy whispers: “There’s time… live how you want… God understands.”
b. But every “not now” hardens the heart and strengthens the chains of sin.
c. God’s love is offered freely, but He will not force anyone to receive it, John 3:16 shows God’s love for the world, don’t reject, accept his love.
4. Almost Persuaded—But Bound by Idols
a. Idolatry isn’t just statues; it’s anything that takes the place of Jesus in our lives.
b. When something becomes more important than obedience to Christ, it becomes an idol.
c. Many start strong in faith but drift when idols of comfort, success, or pleasure take over.
d. True repentance removes idols and restores devotion to Christ.
a. Call sin what it is—no perfume can change its nature.
b. Anything that replaces Jesus in our hearts must be torn down so He alone is Lord.
5. Almost Persuaded—But Looking for a Perfect Church
a. Some delay surrender because they expect a perfect church or perfect people.
b. But there are no perfect churches—only imperfect people serving a perfect Savior.
c. The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
d. Christ’s blood makes us acceptable before God, not our own perfection.
a. If you ever find a perfect church, don’t join it—you’ll ruin it!
b. Every believer is still a work in progress under the grace of God.
Illustration / Example
A fire broke out late one night. The family escaped except a young boy trapped upstairs. His father called, “Jump! I’ll catch you!” Through smoke and flames the boy cried, “I can’t see you!” The father shouted, “You don’t have to see me—just trust me!” The boy almost jumped—but hesitated—and was lost in the flames. So it is with many who are almost persuaded to trust Christ but never do.
Alliterated Main Points
1. Revelation – Paul met the risen Christ.
2. Reasoning – Agrippa heard the truth.
3. Resistance – He was almost persuaded.
4. Rebellion – Idols and excuses prevailed.
5. Ruin – Almost saved is still lost.
Conclusion / Invitation
King Agrippa was almost persuaded—but not converted. To be almost a Christian is to remain lost forever.
Don’t hesitate when Jesus calls; don’t stand at the window of decision and refuse to jump.
Trust Him today. Step from almost to altogether—because eternity is too long to be wrong.