Have you ever been sharing the good news of the Gospel with someone and they listened attentively and you were so sure that they were ready to accept God's gift of salvation.? But when they seemed almost convinced of their need for the Savior they backed off and didn't make a decision. So often folks come to the point of making that life changing choice and then decide to wait expecting they might do it another time. That is so hard and heart wrenching to see. Especially when we know that they may never have another chance. Life is so unpredictable and can change so quickly. But that is what happened more than 2,000 years ago when King Agrippa told the Apostle Paul "Almost, you persuade me to be a Christian." (Acts 26:28). In 1871 Reverend Brundage expounded upon this sad story in Acts, and then ended his Sunday morning sermon with the words "He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, and to be almost saved is to be entirely lost". Philip Paui Bliss (1838-1876), composer of many hymns, was in the congregation listening to Reverend Brundage's sermon. The pastor's powerful closing words left such an impression upon Bliss that he set about composing a song with the same sentiment. Almost Persuaded was published that same year in The Charm: A Collection of Sunday School Music, and quickly found its way into the majority of English Christian hymnals. The compelling words have since been sung at many an altar call. If you are one of those who have heard the Gospel and never responded, please don't wait another minute to accept God's free gift of eternal life.
(1) "Almost persuaded" now to believe;
"Almost persuaded" Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say,
(2) "Almost persuaded," come, come today;
"Almost persuaded," turn not away;
Angels are lingering near
Prayers rise from hearts so dear;
(3) "Almost persuaded," harvest is past!
"Almost persuaded," doom comes at last!
Sad, sad, that bitter wail—
"Almost," but lost!
You can listen to it here. LISTEN
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