13 June 2010
Pastor Andrew Lim
Acts 26: 24-28: As Paul defended himself in this way, Festus shouted at him, "You are mad, Paul! Your great learning is driving you mad!"
Paul answered, "I am not mad, Your Excellency! I am speaking the sober truth. King Agrippa! I can speak to you with all boldness, because you know about these things. I am sure that you have taken notice of every one of them, for this thing has not happened hidden away in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do!"
Agrippa said to Paul, "In this short time do you think you will make me a Christian?"
*an almost Christian's attributes
1. Heathen Honesty
-being good and doing good
-justice for all, against unequality
What the world holds on- the truth
*not cheating, having an honest pay
*place high regards on social works
*Some of Buddhist and Hindu believers do more social works
eg: Feed the hungry, clothe the poor
2. Godliness
2 Timothy 3:5: they will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people.
-having a form of godliness but denying its power
And from such, people turn away!
Almost a Christian will have some form of Godliness
*Strive their best to avoid sin and temptation
*Be peacemakers and won't gossip
*Prefer not to curse
*Do unto others what you want others to do to you
*Seeking to do good in their acts to do kindness
*Giving money, time and energy, ignoring sweat, blood and tears to help and evangelise
*But still is an "almost Christian" only
*An "almost Christian" comes to church with excitement and reads the bible.
*An "almost Christian" has all the high ethics, hidden honest and godliness.
*He does all the things that a Christian does
3. Sincerity
"That is it possible to go thus far, and yet be but almost a Christian, I learn, no only from the oracles of God, but also from the sure testimony of experience." (John Wesley).
*God man avoid sin from the love of virtue.
* Evil man avoid sin from the fear of punishment
*If they just avoid sin because of the fear of punishment, their not even called "an almost Christian"
John Wesley
*A priest
*Had a father who is a priest
*Started to minister, wanted to do good
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Mark 12:30: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength
- Characteristics to be a "full Christian"
1. He loves God
*All his emotions, what he does and thinks is for the love of God
*He can truly cry to desire nothing but the love of God
*God is all that matters in a holy Christian
2. He loves his neighbour
Mark 12:31: The second most important commandment is this: 'Love your neighbour as you love yourself.' There is no other commandment more important than these two."
*Your neighbour is every living man in this world especially your enemies
*A love that doesn't judge and define
*An all giving love, sacrificing love
*A love that thinks nothing evil
3. Most important of all- He has TRUE FAITH
*Faith that doesn't lead to repentance is a dead/ devilish faith
*Even the devil believes that Jesus is the Son of God, the only way, the truth and life
*Yet, there is no repentance
*If we believe, but it doesn't change our life, it is a devilish faith
*Not only believe doctrines but full salvation and confidence in his heart
*Has a heart and desire to love God unconditionally
*Thats the standard God require us to be
*The purpose of this topic is not discouraging you, although we may not be at that level, we must never stop striving to reach that standard.
God will help us through
John 21:15: After they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?"
"Yes, Lord," he answered, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said to him, "Take care of my lambs."
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
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