John Wesley preached a message about the "Almost Christian," based on Agrippa's response to Paul's entreating him to trust and follow Christ in salvation. Agrippa said, Almost you persuade me to be a Christian. Of course, to be an ALMOST Christian is to be ALTOGETHER LOST SINNER.
I have thought about those who base their confidence on things other than Biblical revelation. Here is a partial list of what I call, The Almost Wannabe Christian (he almost wants to be a Biblical Christian).
1- The Head Christian (he has the doctrines, history and nomenclature, but is not saved).
2- The Lifestyle Christian (he has the culture, habits, worldview and behavior, but is not saved).
3- The Sinning Christian (he has adopted an errant branch of Christian theology that denies salvation from sin in this present evil world. He possibly was saved at one time, but is now backslidden because he presumes on Christ, rather than believes on Christ).
4- The Rules and Regulations, or Holier Than Thou Christian (he is trusting in his legalistic endeavors, which contradicts Biblical salvation. He was possibly saved at one time, but is now backslidden because he is trusting in self righteousness and works of the flesh).
Conclusion: Some people almost want to be a Christian, but they don't want it enough to deny self, take up cross and follow Jesus.
(it was pointed out to me that a similar message from a Calvinist was produced in the 1600s. I replied as follows)
Actually, when I stated that John Wesley preached a sermon, I was not really promoting the "WESLEYAN" version of anything. I was simply pointing out that my little outline was riding on the TITLE of another person's well known message. In fact, my outline has nothing to do with Wesley's message. I did peruse the "CALVINIST'S" version and of course, many good points were made. Unfortunately it is intermingled with the errors of Calvinism.
I have found that there are Calvinists who are Calvinistic in their doctrinal point of view but Biblical in their living, just as I have found Arminians who are Biblical in their thinking, but sinful in their behavior.
(it was pointed out to me that a similar message from a Calvinist was produced in the 1600s. I replied as follows)
Actually, when I stated that John Wesley preached a sermon, I was not really promoting the "WESLEYAN" version of anything. I was simply pointing out that my little outline was riding on the TITLE of another person's well known message. In fact, my outline has nothing to do with Wesley's message. I did peruse the "CALVINIST'S" version and of course, many good points were made. Unfortunately it is intermingled with the errors of Calvinism.
I have found that there are Calvinists who are Calvinistic in their doctrinal point of view but Biblical in their living, just as I have found Arminians who are Biblical in their thinking, but sinful in their behavior.
I did not link to the Wesley article, since that was not the point of my post, and I seldom link to other writings anyway.
However, let me say that the Arminians subscribe to the the earliest version (smile), which dates back to the Apostolic Church, written by Paul, Peter, James, Luke and a few other men of God. I would encourage the reading of the Holy Bible over the reading of Wesley or the Calvinistic writers.
I would say that John Wesley had eggs for breakfast on occasions, but I am sure there are documents which say John Calvin had them before Wesley did. hehehe. Please, no links concerning Calvin's breakfast, unless they are sausage links.
I would say that John Wesley had eggs for breakfast on occasions, but I am sure there are documents which say John Calvin had them before Wesley did. hehehe. Please, no links concerning Calvin's breakfast, unless they are sausage links.
