Choosing Christ: Unity, Faith, and Personal Responsibility

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound question: "What shall we do with this Jesus called Christ?" This question, posed by Pilate during Jesus' trial, remains relevant today as we navigate our own spiritual journeys. We began by reflecting on the unity found under the blood of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that despite our differences, we are united in Him. This unity is a testament to the rivers of living water that flow from within us, as mentioned by Oral Roberts, symbolizing the Spirit's work in our lives.

We recounted a powerful testimony from Mexico City, where a mother's faith in Jesus' healing power was rewarded with the miraculous revival of her deceased child. This story serves as a reminder of the unwavering faith we must have in God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire. The same God who performed miracles then is active today, and our faith should reflect that belief.

We delved into the historical context of Jesus' trial, highlighting the tragic decision of the religious leaders and the government to reject Him. Despite being thoroughly identified as the Messiah, they chose tradition over truth, leading to their downfall. This serves as a cautionary tale for us, urging us to recognize the signs of the times and not repeat the mistakes of the past.

The sermon also addressed the current state of the church, warning against the dangers of aligning with worldly systems and traditions that deny the power of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded that true faith is not about adhering to man-made doctrines but about embracing the living Word of God, which is Jesus Christ Himself.

Finally, we were challenged to examine our own lives and decisions. The blood of Jesus is on our hands, and we must decide whether to accept Him fully or reject Him. This decision cannot be postponed, as the time for choosing is now. Let us not be like Pilate, who tried to wash his hands of responsibility, but rather let us embrace Jesus in our hearts and live according to His Word.

Key Takeaways:

- Unity in Christ: Despite our differences, we find common ground under the blood of Jesus Christ. This unity is essential for the body of Christ, as it reflects the rivers of living water flowing from within us, symbolizing the Spirit's work in our lives. [01:53]

- Faith in Action: The story of the Mexican mother who witnessed her child's revival is a powerful testament to the faith we must have in God's promises. Our faith should be unwavering, trusting that the same God who performed miracles in the past is active today. [06:49]

- Recognizing the Messiah: The historical rejection of Jesus by religious leaders serves as a cautionary tale. We must be vigilant in recognizing the signs of the times and not repeat the mistakes of the past by choosing tradition over truth. [12:23]

- The Church's Responsibility: The church today faces the danger of aligning with worldly systems that deny the power of the Holy Spirit. True faith is about embracing the living Word of God, not adhering to man-made doctrines. [24:18]

- Personal Decision: The blood of Jesus is on our hands, and we must decide whether to accept Him fully or reject Him. This decision is urgent and cannot be postponed, as the time for choosing is now. [50:35]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:53] - Unity Under the Blood
- [06:49] - A Miracle in Mexico
- [08:30] - Pilate's Dilemma
- [11:28] - The Rejection of the Messiah
- [12:23] - Spiritual Blindness
- [15:59] - Choosing Barabbas
- [18:18] - The Showdown of Faith
- [21:21] - Modern Day Trials
- [24:18] - The Church's Stand
- [27:49] - God's Word as the North Star
- [31:44] - God's Interpretation
- [35:44] - Weighing Our Faith
- [41:26] - The Blood on Our Hands
- [50:35] - The Crucial Hour
- [54:23] - The Call to Accept Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 27:11-26
2. John 7:38
3. Hebrews 13:8

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Observation Questions:

1. In Matthew 27:11-26, what was Pilate's dilemma regarding Jesus, and how did he attempt to resolve it? [08:30]

2. How does John 7:38 relate to the concept of "rivers of living water" mentioned in the sermon? [01:53]

3. What was the reaction of the religious leaders and the crowd when Pilate asked them what to do with Jesus? [09:27]

4. According to Hebrews 13:8, how is Jesus described, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about the consistency of God's power? [23:05]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does Pilate's attempt to wash his hands of responsibility teach us about personal accountability in spiritual matters? [10:04]

2. How does the story of the Mexican mother and her faith challenge our understanding of faith in action today? [06:49]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church today might be repeating the mistakes of the past by choosing tradition over truth? [12:23]

4. How does the sermon interpret the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers away from worldly systems and towards the living Word of God? [24:18]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt divided from others in your faith community. How can the concept of unity under the blood of Jesus help you bridge those differences? [01:53]

2. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of making a decision about Jesus. What steps can you take this week to deepen your commitment to Him? [50:35]

3. How can you actively demonstrate unwavering faith in God's promises, similar to the faith shown by the Mexican mother in the sermon? [06:49]

4. Consider the ways in which you might be aligning with worldly systems rather than embracing the living Word of God. What changes can you make to align more closely with the teachings of Jesus? [24:18]

5. The sermon warns against spiritual blindness. How can you ensure that you are recognizing the signs of the times and not repeating the mistakes of the past? [12:23]

6. How can you personally contribute to the church's responsibility to embrace the power of the Holy Spirit rather than adhering to man-made doctrines? [24:18]

7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your decisions reflect a full acceptance of Jesus, rather than trying to wash your hands of responsibility like Pilate? [10:04]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Diversity
In the body of Christ, unity transcends our differences, binding us together under the blood of Jesus. This unity is not merely a superficial agreement but a profound connection that reflects the rivers of living water flowing from within us, symbolizing the Spirit's work in our lives. As believers, we are called to embrace this unity, recognizing that it is a testament to the transformative power of Christ in us. Despite our varied backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, we find common ground in our shared faith, which is essential for the health and growth of the church. [01:53]

Ephesians 4:3-6: "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the unity of your church community this week, especially with those who are different from you?


Day 2: Faith Beyond Circumstances
The story of the Mexican mother who witnessed her child's revival is a powerful testament to the faith we must have in God's promises. Her unwavering belief in Jesus' healing power, even in the face of death, challenges us to trust that the same God who performed miracles in the past is active today. This kind of faith requires us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and hold fast to the promises of God, believing that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think. [06:49]

Mark 5:36: "But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, 'Do not fear, only believe.'"

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to exercise unwavering faith in God's promises, despite the circumstances?


Day 3: Choosing Truth Over Tradition
The historical rejection of Jesus by religious leaders serves as a cautionary tale for us today. Despite being thoroughly identified as the Messiah, they chose tradition over truth, leading to their downfall. This story urges us to be vigilant in recognizing the signs of the times and not repeat the mistakes of the past. We are called to prioritize the truth of God's Word over man-made traditions, ensuring that our faith is rooted in the living Word of God, which is Jesus Christ Himself. [12:23]

Matthew 15:3-6: "He answered them, 'And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God commanded, "Honor your father and your mother," and, "Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die." But you say, "If anyone tells his father or his mother, 'What you would have gained from me is given to God,' he need not honor his father.' So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God."

Reflection: Are there any traditions or practices in your life that might be hindering your relationship with Jesus? How can you align more closely with His truth?


Day 4: The Church's Call to Authentic Faith
The church today faces the danger of aligning with worldly systems that deny the power of the Holy Spirit. True faith is not about adhering to man-made doctrines but about embracing the living Word of God. As believers, we are called to stand firm in our faith, resisting the temptation to conform to the patterns of this world. Our responsibility is to be a light in the darkness, reflecting the love and truth of Christ in all that we do. [24:18]

Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your faith remains authentic and not influenced by worldly systems or traditions?


Day 5: The Urgency of Decision
The blood of Jesus is on our hands, and we must decide whether to accept Him fully or reject Him. This decision is urgent and cannot be postponed, as the time for choosing is now. We are challenged to examine our own lives and decisions, ensuring that we are not like Pilate, who tried to wash his hands of responsibility. Instead, we are called to embrace Jesus in our hearts and live according to His Word, making a conscious decision to follow Him wholeheartedly. [50:35]

Joshua 24:15: "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Reflection: What is one specific step you can take today to fully embrace Jesus in your life and live according to His Word?

Quotes

"Good afternoon. I want to hurry up because I know that you're all tired from being in the church. Thank you, sir. Being in the church today, I want to take just this moment of time, oh, to express my gratefulness to Brother Demas Shekarian. Again, there's never been this Pentecost under the groups of too many differences, but there's one place where we have things in common under the blood of Jesus Christ." [00:00:03]

"I was thinking last night of our brother, Oral Roberts, when he made that wonderful statement here about out of his innermost being shall flow rivers of water. They're great. How? He brought that in about out of his belly. I believe he said, throw the flow of these rivers of water. Did you ever notice? It's rivers of one water. Rivers, plural, water, one, not rivers of waters, but rivers of water. One spirit by the same spirit. We're all baptized into the same body out of him. Close the goodness and grace of God." [00:00:44]

"I remember that night there's a screen come from the outside. My son came to me, said, I've got at least 150 ushers or more standing there and they can't keep a little Spanish woman. She's got a dead baby died this morning. said they can't keep that woman out said she'll climb over their backs and everything and i said well just reinforce it he said i haven't got nothing else to reinforce with i said give her a prayer card said i haven't got one they're all give out i said brother moore you go pray for her i said because she don't know me and i said uh you go pray for her now i'm gonna try to pray for this big rick of clothes just in a few moments while i was standing there i looked out over the audience like this and before me was a little little mexican baby no teeth just smiling right out in front of me i said wait a minute brother moore and i brought the little fella the little lady come in falling down with the crucifix in her hand i told through a brother interpreter to have her stand up and i said brother moore i don't know where this is it or not but i seen a little baby standing out in front of me in a vision just now smiling she had under a little blue and white striped blanket just soaking wet it's just raining it's about to rain and i said brother moore i don't know where this is it or not but i seen a little baby standing out in front of me and i said brother moore i don't know where this is it or not ten o 'clock at night the baby died that morning around eight or nine in the doctor's office with pneumonia and so she had been standing the rain her hair was all down in her face and she was a very lovely child she looked to be probably her first baby in her early 20s and the little fella died i just laid my hands over on it and i said lord jesus i don't understand this but according to that vision i seen and no more had said that he kicked and screamed and the little fella was alive i had brother moore and i said brother moore i don't know where this is it or not but i seen a little baby standing out in front of me and i said brother moore i don't know where this is it or not but i seen espinosis how many knows espinosis brother espinosis he was the one who chased it down to the doctor's office found that it's true see that's right the baby died that morning to sign the statement and so now he's the same god today if we could just have the same kind of faith in him that's right our heavenly father send us that faith of that little mexican woman today she'd seen that little blind man yield the night before stand out there with her baby in that cold blowing wind took pneumonia and the next morning early it died in the doctor's office her first thought come if god can heal a blinded eyes can reveal the secret of the heart it's still the word of god for the word of god discerns the thoughts that's in the heart and she knew that he could discern the thoughts that was in her heart she believed him and that he could raise up lazarus from the grave and he was the same yesterday today and forever she come you're rewarded her lord by giving her back her baby it lives today so far as we know we thank thee for this bless us today father bless these people with these handkerchiefs and coats laying here also and may your holy spirit come now and impart the word of god to us we ask in jesus name amen i know you have a meeting just in a few moments or five o 'clock i believe usually that wouldn't give me time to get started but i've i've been converted from that i think now i've tried hard this week i had a sore throat maybe that was working together for good i told the people today i had a hair piece but i was ashamed to wear it because i hollered at the women so much about their hair" [00:03:02]

"And when he was the chief, accused of the Jews, he said unto him, And the chief priests and elders, and of the, and answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Here's now not how many things they witness against thee. And he answered him to never a word, insomuch that the governor marred. Now at the feast, the governor want to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a noble prisoner. They were called Barabbas. Therefore, when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you, Barabbas, or Jesus, which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was sat down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have nothing to do with this just man. For I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whither of the tween will ye that I release unto you? And they said, Barabbas. Pilate said unto them, What shall I do then? What shall I do? And they said, Jesus, which is called Christ. They all said unto him, Let him be crucified. The governor said, What evil has he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but rather the tumult was made. He took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person. See you to it. Then answered all the people and said, His blood be on us and on our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them. And when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified." [00:07:54]

"And now it's been thrown into the laps of the governor, the state, both church and state, because they were a people chosen of God. He called to be his servants and the nation was supposed to be controlled by God's laws. And the church had turned down their Messiah. Although he had been so. Well identified to them. They had chosen rather to stay with the tradition of the elders of that day than to believe the anointed, the vindicated word that God had promised them for hundreds of years to come. Did you notice it also prophesied that they'd be blinded? They couldn't understand this and how they'd be blinded, but they were. And they had made their great mistake, and this day they had made their final show of it. And now it's in the hands of the government, and now the government has to make its choice. The churches had already rejected him, though God had thoroughly proved that he was their messiah." [00:11:06]

"Now, I won't take just a few moments before we get down into this. But I want you to listen to the text and so forth that I have notes I got written here about him. How could those people have failed to see that? One thing the scripture clearly says. They were blind. But it's hard to make them understand they're blind. Just as hard as it is today. When the Bible tells us that this generation is naked, miserable, poor, and blind and don't know it. Now that's the scripture. Now, you tell we American people that we're blind. We'll tell you right quick you don't know what you're talking about. But I'm going to bring you to trial this afternoon. Find out whether we are blind or not. And we got Jesus on trial this afternoon and he's blood on our hands. And now we want to see what we're going to do about it. Will we make the same rational mistake that they made then? Notice what happened. He had been clearly identified and fulfilled the office that God said he would fulfill. As Messiah. There was no question about it." [00:12:41]

"One of those educators and people of that day couldn't see that. It'd be hard to see if you wouldn't know the scriptures, but the scriptures said they were blinded. They were actually blinded. But they chose rather, instead of that lovely Jesus, after we hear the cry come out, crucify. Pilate said, what will I do with this Jesus which is called the Christ? They said, away with him, crucify him. Who shall I release to you? Barabbas our Jesus. And they made the rational mistake by choosing a murderer instead of life giver. One that was identified as life giver, they chose a murderer who was identified as life taker. What a contrast. And I wonder if I say this with all godly respects for my brethren and my sisters and for the men and women of this day who I preach to. With love in my heart for all people, I wonder if we are not about ready to see the same thing as is seen then." [00:16:58]

"Something's got to be done. You've got to. Say yes or no. But remember, it won't be when you're forced to do it. You have to do it on your free moral will now. Now, not when that time takes place. When it does, it's over. Now, this may be the last day you'll have time to make choice. You can't do it then. You've already took it. It's too far at that time. You must do it now. Don't wait till the last minute because the boat will pull out and leave you. The doors will be closed. Many people would have come into the ark if they could have gotten in there when the rain started. But the issue was made. The gospel was preached. The signs were showed. And the time was over. The rain was then falling. Judgment was on. Now, the whole nation." [00:18:25]

"God had to reject him because that it was called, as we would say today, a Christian nation. Like this is called a Christian nation. Therefore, if it was called Jehovah's nation, his selected people, then the whole nation had to turn him down. The church had already turned him down. The church had kicked him out. They wanted nothing to do with him. But now the government's involved in him. So is it back again. It's right back in the lap again. With the scriptures laying here identified just exactly what Jesus said would happen. Why do we stagger on in this hours of darkness? Why do we let this come upon us when we've been thoroughly warned?" [00:19:10]

"Just as it was in the days of Lot, we see the very same thing Jehovah has set the scene and told us as it was in the days of Lot. You see the messengers out down there in the Babylon trying to get Lot out and you see the message to the elect Abraham, it was already out and everything exactly to name place and time has been thoroughly identified, but now it's in the hands of the government, the government's got to condemn it now and they're going to do it. Don't you worry about that as a Christian nation has got to take its Christian stand. If it is, the showdown is on. The whole nation had to be brought into judgment because it happened about AD 70 when the great Roman general Titus besieged Jerusalem about AD 70 with his army from Rome and there they paid the price for rejecting him. Today, as we look upon that trial there and we go out here and impersonate it in different ways of trials. On. Good Friday and talk about it and things and the very same thing that we are talking about it happened on that Good Friday is right under our noses today." [00:20:00]

"manifestation of god's revealed power promise is the vindication read the scriptures and see what the church is supposed to be today yes sir god don't need any interpreter that's what they've done to jesus they found out back there that they thought he didn't have the interpretation he was the interpretation god didn't have to interpret it jesus life interpreted he said search the scriptures for in them you think you have eternal life they are they that testify on me and if i do not the works of my father then believe me not if the works that was spoke of this day don't manifest itself in me he said then don't believe it did they do it god said a virgin shall conceive and she did you believe it certainly but they didn't a virgin shall conceive and she did it said the lame shall walk the blind shall see and what would take place it proved they would would do it and jesus was a manifestation moses said the lord your god shall raise up a prophet likened to me the word comes to the prophet and the prophet the word is a discerner of the thoughts of the heart when they see him doing that discernment they said this is beelzebub a fortune teller that's no more than a name they pin on him the same day today called a holy roller or something like that that's right though he needs no interpretation he was the interpretation god proved it by himself who is that sinful man today or who was that sinful man then that would deny that the word wasn't interpreted jesus asked him said search the scriptures they testify who i am they are the interpretation if my life doesn't interpretate what i'm talking about then don't believe me what sinful man could there be today that could look in the face of the bible and see if the holy spirit isn't the interpreter of the word today making himself know of a manifestation manifestations of promises of the gifts and the things that he promised during this day malachi 4 being fulfilled all the rest of scriptures being fulfilled and see it right here at the end of the time you don't need any man to interpret it no sir it interprets itself it proves it's the message of the hour repent and turn to god all the world the church is repent and turn to god don't try to wash him from your hands because you can't do it the issue is right on now that's what it's saying he said search the scriptures they testify me jesus said my works or my interpreter he told moses when he met him up there at the burning bush he said i am i'll remember my promise i'll remember that i'll take them people out by a mighty hand i made the promise and i'm going with you i'm sending you you just be my mouthpiece and the signs will interpret whether i sent you or not hey man that's what many women ought to look for a day of time of another exodus and an interpretation of God's word being made manifest. Trouble with that today, they say, well, my church don't believe this. What's the matter? You're living in a shadow of another age." [00:31:55]

"Some churches are fine in their ages, but what about this age? This is another age. You never make Wesley believe on Luther. There wasn't sanctification. Nor sir. You never make the Pentecostal believe on the Baptists. Or like that. Go back to that. They found something better. They lived in the light of their day. And today Pentecost is organized and set right down like they did. Exactly the same thing. And the word's moving on. And it's moving right away from them. It's exactly right. Because we get so stiff and so starched. We let our churches get in any kind of condition. Go right on. Go as long as we got members. That's all that's necessary. Because we got more than we ever had. We blow about that. Let me tell you some old proverb. That the devil counts his crowd but God weighs his. That's what he was yesterday. God weighs you by one. See if you're a found one or you're not. I don't care about crowds. How many times. How improper it is. It's God's work. He's made man a test for this hour. Exactly right. I don't care about crowds and who comes and who doesn't. It's God's. Words at stake like it was there in Pilate's judgment hall." [00:35:03]

"Now, it's about to reach my final goal again. The crucial hour is here again. What is it? Crucify. We can't all make them all Methodists. We can't make them all Baptists. We can't make them all Oneness. We can't make them all Trinity. We can't make them all this, that, or the other. But we can have a council where you disagree as far as the East is from the West. And the whole thing is wrong. It's a satellite to Rome. That's exactly right. Now, as an individual, I'm going to ask you, what will you do with this anointed word, which is the Christ, the word that was promised for this day, you as an individual? Pilate never got it off his hands. You know that. He screamed, cried, and every scheme he could do, he failed to do it. There's a legend up in Switzerland there where blue water washes up where he committed suicide. You know the history of it. He finally ran him crazy, and he committed suicide. Why didn't he repent? He couldn't repent. No more. More than Esau could repent. He had done it." [00:51:01]

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Transcript
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