Almost

      The word “almost” can have an interesting application in the English language. We can “almost” win a game, “almost” order chicken nuggets instead of a hamburger, or “almost” fall as we slip on the icy sidewalk. Your shoes can “almost” be worn out, and you can “almost” be late for work.

      Yet, on the other hand, an oak tree is not “almost” a pine, a Ford truck is not “almost” a Chevrolet, and a person is not “almost” a fish. You are either hungry or thirsty, or you are not hungry or thirsty. Either a person is married, or he/she is not.

      John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Movement, takes this “almost” discussion to an entirely different level. On July 25, 1741, Wesley preached a sermon entitled “Almost Christian” to a congregation of students and faculty at St. Mary’s College, Oxford University. His sermon explored the question, “Is it possible for a person to be an “Almost Christian?” And if so, where is the dividing line between the “Almost Christian,” and who Wesley calls the “Altogether Christian?”

      Wesley takes his text from Acts 26 where we find Paul standing trial before King Agrippa. Paul gives his testimony of how he was converted and transformed into a follower of Jesus. Then suddenly, King Agrippa interrupts with perhaps the saddest of all Biblical confessions, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

      Wesley begins his sermon by saying, “Ever since the Christian religion came into the world, there have been many people of every age and nation who have been almost persuaded to become Christians.” So, as we discuss this sermon, can we say that there are people today who fit this Wesleyan label of “Almost or Altogether Christian?”

      Well, Wesley says that the “Almost Christian” is filled with a desire to do good works for God and for other people. There is a sincerity to love and please God. This “Almost Christian” goes to church, tithes, gives to the poor, instructs his children, treats his neighbor with respect, and is sensitive to the causes of justice. This “Almost Christian” does not take the name of God in vain, does not get drunk, fight, or harm anyone with words. This person will even encourage unbelievers to come to church and to follow the right path. The “Almost Christian” treats worship very seriously and reverently.

      Wesley then asks a question in his sermon. “Is it possible that a person could live this way and yet remain an “Almost Christian?”  He answers his own question, “Yes.” What the Almost Christian lacks in his/her life are three essential components found in Jesus’ words and New Testament scripture.

      “Love God with all your heart, and all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” That kind of love leaves no room for love of self and the desire to please one’s self. This means total surrender to God’s will. “Love your neighbor as your self.” “This includes our enemies, the enemies of God, or those who are their own enemies,” Wesley preached. And the last component of an Altogether Christian is “the ground of all the rest—faith.” This not just a belief that there is a God, that Jesus was a historical figure, or even that heaven exists, but a belief that Christ is all a person needs. This faith “cleanses our hearts from pride and anger, and all unrighteousness, fills lives with love, wants to be spent for Jesus, and endures persecution.” This is a call for daily, holy living.

      This kind of person goes beyond “Almost Christian,” this person is an “Altogether Christian.” Can we use John Wesley’s sermon to examine our hearts and lives so that we can honestly answer, “Which kind of Christian are we?”

Rev Tim McConnell Long’s Chapel UMC November 11, 2012