Almost?

There was a chemist who concocted a soft-drink, calling it "One-Up." However, it seemed to be missing something and nobody bought it. He attempted to improve his formula and changed the name to "Two-Up". It also did not sell. Once again he revised the formula, calling it "Three-Up". Even then he met with failure. He continued to try until he developed a drink he called "Six-Up." It too was not a marketing success, so he quit! It was someone else who made it rich with "7 Up"!

"ALMOST!" What a word! A word that conveys the idea of being close, but that's all. "ALMOST", but not far enough. "ALMOST", but not fully realized or fulfilled. "ALMOST", but missed. "ALMOST" is not a word of success. "ALMOST" is not close enough.

When Paul was on trial and making his defense before Governor Festus and King Agrippa, the King asked. . .
". . . 'In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?'" ( Acts 26:28 ESV)

The King James Translation reads as follows:
"Then Agrippa said unto Paul, 'ALMOST THOU PERSUADEST ME TO BE A CHRISTIAN.'"

This is the language of being so close and yet so far. Though one may be so close, the refusal to make that decision to move on into Christ makes a world of difference in regard to eternity.

Note Paul's response.
"And Paul said, 'Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am -- except for these chains.'" ( Acts 26:29 ESV)

Don't let "ALMOST" keep you from moving into a proper relationship with Christ. And keep encouraging your friends and others around you that they don't stop at the "ALMOST" either.

Have a great day EXPERIENCING THE SUCCESS OF LIFE IN CHRIST!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 12/02/1998 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

See other teEn-MAIL on Receptiveness