Invisible Chains

Friday  2-19-16 (Martinez, Buenos Aires, Argentina)     

Scripture reading for today:    Num 5-6   Psalm 22   Acts 26

S=Scripture  O=Observation  A=Application  P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Acts 26:27-29  “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe." Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." And Paul said, "I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains." NKJV

O.  The Apostle Paul is ushered from a stinking prison cell where he has spent the past two years.  He steps into a luxurious hall where Governor Festus, King Agrippa and Bernice, his wife, plus many attendants and royalty are waiting.  The contrast is accented by the heavy chains on Paul’s arms and feet.  His defense is a sermon, complete with an invitation.  Agrippa almost is persuaded to become a Christian, almost... almost.  What is holding him back?  He is fettered with the invisible chains of pride, royalty, status, the opinion of his peers and maybe his wife.  He believed and almost stepped over the line into salvation, but is political position and his life-style had shackled him. 

A.  Is this not the story of multitudes?  They want to believe and be saved... almost, but they are held in these same invisible chains.  Given permission, Jesus Christ breaks those chains and sets a man or woman free.  Oh, but there is a problem.  They love their life style in those chains.  Almost... almost... is not enough.

P.  God, I was just a little child when I opened my heart to You.  I had nothing to lose.  I gave it all to You.  But for me it was no sacrifice.  I gave You my “all”, but “all” was nothing.  If years had passed and I had gained a position of wealth and authority and if Your Spirit had then tugged at my heart to surrender all to You, the decision might have been more traumatic. Oh Lord God.  I am surrounded by hundreds of worldly people shackled in invisible chains.  Send Your sweet Holy Spirit to melt those chains with Your love and conviction.  Set them free to surrender all and follow You.  This is my cry.  Make it happen this weekend.  Amen.

Ralph

PS. Lord, and if the heavily shackled adults won’t hear Your voice, then send to me to precious little children that have little to lose... and may they give their “all” to You!

“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.”

2	“Almost persuaded,” come, come today; “Almost persuaded,” turn not away;   Jesus invites you here,   Angels are ling’ring near,   Prayers rise from hearts so dear;     O wand’rer, come!
3	Oh, be persuaded! Christ never fails— Oh, be persuaded! His blood avails—   Can save from every sin,   Cleanse you without, within—   Will you not let Him in?     Open the door!
4	“Almost persuaded,” harvest is past! “Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last;   “Almost” cannot avail;   “Almost” is but to fail!   Sad, sad that bitter wail—     “Almost—but lost!”
5	Be now persuaded, oh, sinner, hear! Be now persuaded, Jesus is near;   His voice is pleading still,   Turn now with heart and will,   Peace will your spirit fill—     Oh, turn today!