Davy Crockett: Are You Almost Persuaded?

In his commentary for today, LCG’s Davy Crockett (a descendant of the famous American with that name) wrote:

Commentary: Almost Persuaded

By Davy Crockett | Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Many wonderful quotations are attributed to Sir Winston Churchill, the great British Prime Minister who had such a profound effect on the 20th century. His irrepressible sense of humor, his tenacity in the face of great danger, his oratory and his writing ability set him apart as an influential historical figure. One quote he is noted for is, “Most people stumble over the truth, now and then, but they usually manage to pick themselves up and go on, anyway.”

It does seem that Churchill was correct in his assessment—as we so often see when people come into contact with the eternal truths found in the Bible. Millions of people see, hear and read the message of Scripture that the Tomorrow’s World telecast, magazine and Web site present to the world, proclaiming the Gospel of the soon-coming Kingdom of God. This is the same message Jesus Christ taught and the Apostles and earliest Christians spread, and we spread it by Christ’s instruction: “‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Our television program is now seen in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and we now are beginning to reach the Chinese people with television from Hong Kong. Yet, only a relative few people actually respond to these matters of spiritual importance. This was true in the first century, and remains true today.

Not only do most people ignore or reject Christ’s message, the messengers are often met with resistance and even persecution. The Apostle Paul was harassed and finally arrested and imprisoned for carrying out this commission. In one moving chapter in the action packed book of Acts, Paul was given the opportunity to defend himself before King Agrippa. Paul seized the opportunity and made an eloquent, powerful defense of the Truth and the Plan of God before his accusers. You can read the whole story in the book of Acts (25:13-26:1-28). At the end of his closing statement, King Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

Of course, since Christ’s message would have people make changes in their lives, and would require them to put into practice the words of the Bible, it is no wonder that people resist. And this is not a new phenomenon. Anciently, Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses, faced his people as they faltered in indecision. He asked the Israelites to “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

Later, the prophet Elijah, in a confrontation with the pagan priests of his time, addressed the people with these words. “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:21).

Even the most wonderful knowledge is of no value unless it is both recognized and acted upon. How about you? As a viewer and reader of Christ’s message, are you “almost persuaded”? Or, will you muster the courage and conviction to join with us in fulfilling the commission given to us by the Messiah just before He ascended to be with the Father?

Perhaps you have questions. If so, we are here to answer them. We have ministers all over the world who will be happy to contact you and answer your questions. If you would like to talk with a true minister of Jesus Christ, go to the Contact Us form on this site and request a visit. In the meantime, read our article, “What Should the Church Be Doing?” for an overview of the Church’s mission in this present age.

If you are persuaded, please do what needs to be done.

Are you ‘almost persuaded’?

If so, perhaps you should consider praying and studying so that the proper persuasion can be complete.

Some biblically-referenced articles of possibly related interest may include:

There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally?
What Did Jesus Teach About the Ten Commandments? This article quotes what Jesus actually said about them (His words are in red).
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Will God call everyone? Will everyone have an opportunity for salvation? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?
Hope of Salvation: How the Living Church of God differ from most Protestants How the Living Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.