The Transformative Power of Jesus' Blood
Summary
In a recent gathering at Spirit and Word Fellowship, Pastor Christopher Sakai shared a message centered on the transformative power of the blood of Jesus. He began by recounting personal stories, including a conversation with a fellow church member who had doubts about his ability to preach, and the success of a recent spiritual emphasis and communion service despite cold weather. Pastor Sakai also highlighted the community's involvement in events like the Country Breakfast, which supports local and global missions.
Pastor Sakai then transitioned to the core of his message, focusing on the biblical perspective of the cross and the blood of Jesus as outlined in 1 Corinthians 1:18. He explained that the message of the cross might seem foolish to those who do not believe, but to those who are being saved, it is the power of God. He emphasized the paradoxical nature of the Christian faith, where life comes through death, and the last will be first.
Drawing from his own life transformation, Pastor Sakai passionately described the joy and excitement that comes from being redeemed by Jesus. He likened the experience to receiving an extravagant gift, such as a luxury car, and the natural response of wanting to share the good news with others.
The message further delved into the concept of new creation in Christ, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17, which is the foundational verse for Pastor Sakai's ministry, 517 Ministries. He stressed that being in Christ means becoming a new creation, with old things passing away and all things becoming new. This transformation, he argued, is complete and encompasses every aspect of a believer's life.
Pastor Sakai also recounted the biblical story of Rahab and the scarlet cord, drawing a parallel between the cord that saved Rahab's household and the blood of Jesus that saves and protects believers. He encouraged the congregation to apply the blood of Jesus to their lives, assuring them that their faith would not only impact them but also those around them.
Addressing the challenges of living a holy life amidst temptation and darkness, Pastor Sakai used the analogy of a fish surviving on dry land in a bowl of water to illustrate how believers are insulated by the holiness of God. He cited Isaiah 61:10, which speaks of being clothed with garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness, to emphasize that believers are protected and can bring transformation to their surroundings.
In conclusion, Pastor Sakai called for personal responsibility in applying the blood of Jesus to one's life, likening it to using soap to cleanse the body. He urged the congregation to actively reach out and apply the blood of Jesus to every area of their lives for complete cleansing and protection.
Key Takeaways:
- The message of the cross is a divine paradox that challenges worldly wisdom, teaching that life comes through death and the last shall be first. This principle is a cornerstone of Christian faith, demonstrating that God's ways are often contrary to human expectations and that true power is found in surrender and sacrifice. [57:03]
- Personal transformation through Christ is not partial but all-encompassing. Believers are encouraged to embrace their new identity in Christ, shedding the remnants of their past selves. This transformation is a testament to the complete and radical change that faith in Jesus brings, impacting every facet of a person's life. [01:02:22]
- The story of Rahab and the scarlet cord serves as a powerful illustration of faith's protective power. Just as Rahab's household was spared through her act of faith, believers today are protected and can extend that protection to others by applying the blood of Jesus in faith. This demonstrates the communal aspect of faith, where one person's belief can have a profound impact on others. [01:31:41]
- Living a holy life in a sinful world is possible through the insulation provided by the blood of Jesus. This divine protection allows believers to maintain their spiritual integrity even in the most challenging environments, much like a fish can survive on dry land if it remains in water. The holiness of God envelops believers, enabling them to be agents of change rather than being influenced by the darkness around them. [01:35:00]
- The act of applying the blood of Jesus is a personal responsibility that requires active participation. Just as one must use soap to become clean, believers must consciously apply the blood of Jesus to their lives for cleansing and protection. This emphasizes the importance of individual choice and action in the process of spiritual growth and freedom. [01:16:01]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 1:18 - "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
3. Isaiah 61:10 - "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Corinthians 1:18 say about the message of the cross and how it is perceived by different groups of people?
2. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, what happens to a person who is in Christ?
3. In Isaiah 61:10, what imagery is used to describe the transformation and protection provided by God?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Pastor Sakai describe the paradoxical nature of the Christian faith, particularly in relation to the message of the cross? [55:52]
2. What does Pastor Sakai mean when he says that believers are a new creation in Christ, and how does this transformation affect their lives? [01:00:23]
3. How does the story of Rahab and the scarlet cord illustrate the protective power of faith, according to Pastor Sakai? [01:31:41]
#### Application Questions
1. Pastor Sakai mentioned that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but the power of God to those who believe. How can you share the message of the cross with someone who might find it foolish? [55:52]
2. Reflect on your own life. In what ways have you experienced the transformation described in 2 Corinthians 5:17? How can you embrace your new identity in Christ more fully? [01:00:23]
3. Pastor Sakai used the analogy of a fish surviving on dry land in a bowl of water to illustrate how believers are insulated by the holiness of God. How can you ensure that you remain "insulated" by God's holiness in your daily life? [01:35:00]
4. The act of applying the blood of Jesus is likened to using soap to cleanse the body. What specific areas of your life do you need to apply the blood of Jesus to for cleansing and protection? [01:16:01]
5. Pastor Sakai emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in applying the blood of Jesus. What steps can you take this week to actively apply the blood of Jesus to your life? [01:16:01]
6. How can you, like Rahab, use your faith to protect and impact those around you? Are there specific people in your life who need to be brought into the "household" of faith? [01:31:41]
7. Pastor Sakai spoke about the joy and excitement that comes from being redeemed by Jesus. How can you cultivate and share this joy with others in your community? [58:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Paradox of the Cross
The message of the cross presents a divine paradox that defies human logic. It proclaims that true life is found through death, and those who are last in this world will be first in the kingdom of God. This principle is not just a theological concept but a transformative truth that challenges believers to reevaluate their understanding of power and success. The cross, an emblem of suffering and shame, becomes the source of salvation and glory. It invites a reflection on the ways in which God's wisdom overturns worldly expectations, where surrender leads to victory, and sacrifice opens the door to eternal life.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:18
Reflection: How does embracing the paradox of the cross challenge the way you view success and power in your own life? [07:40]
Day 2: Embracing a New Creation
When one enters into a relationship with Christ, a profound transformation occurs. This is not a mere cosmetic change but a deep, fundamental re-creation of the individual. Old habits, thoughts, and behaviors pass away, and a new way of living emerges. This change is as radical as it is complete, touching every aspect of life. It is a testament to the power of Christ's redemptive work, which is capable of renewing the heart and mind, setting a person on a path of righteousness and peace. The transformation is ongoing, inviting believers to continually shed the remnants of their past and embrace their new identity in Christ.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Reflection: What old things in your life do you need to let go of to fully embrace your identity as a new creation in Christ? [01:02:22]
Day 3: Faith's Protective Power
The story of Rahab and the scarlet cord is a vivid illustration of the protective power of faith. Just as the cord served as a sign of salvation for Rahab's household, the blood of Jesus offers protection and salvation to those who believe. This protection is not just for the individual but extends to those around them, showcasing the communal impact of personal faith. It is a reminder that acts of faith can have far-reaching consequences, offering hope and security to others within the believer's sphere of influence.
"By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient." - Hebrews 11:31
Reflection: How can your faith serve as a protective cord for others in your community? [01:31:41]
Day 4: Insulated by Holiness
Living a holy life in a sinful world is akin to a fish surviving on dry land in a bowl of water. The blood of Jesus insulates believers, allowing them to maintain their spiritual integrity amidst temptation and darkness. This divine protection is not a passive state but an active engagement with the world, where believers are called to be agents of change. Clothed with garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness, they are empowered to transform their surroundings, bringing light to the darkest places.
"I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness..." - Isaiah 61:10
Reflection: In what ways can you be an agent of change in your environment while maintaining your spiritual integrity? [01:35:00]
Day 5: Active Application of Redemption
The act of applying the blood of Jesus to one's life is a personal responsibility that requires active participation. It is not enough to acknowledge the cleansing power of Jesus' sacrifice; one must consciously apply it to every area of life. This process is similar to using soap to cleanse the body; it is a deliberate act that leads to purity and protection. Believers are called to take up this responsibility daily, ensuring that the redemptive work of Christ is not just a historical event but a present reality in their lives.
"Come now, let us settle the matter," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." - Isaiah 1:18
Reflection: What specific areas of your life do you need to actively apply the redemptive blood of Jesus to today? [01:16:01]
Quotes
1) "Old things pass away. Behold, all things become new. So in Christ, I am a brand new person. I have been redeemed. God has brought me into his family." [01:01:18]
2) "When you apply the blood of Jesus to your life, every devil in hell, when they see you, they're like, man, I'm walking to the other side of the street." [01:26:26]
3) "I know how I used to be. I knew what I was like when I was lost and dead in sin. But, man, I have been redeemed. God has transformed my life. I am so excited." [59:19]
4) "I choose to believe the word of God. I have grabbed and applied the blood of Jesus. I've allowed it to be a cleansing agent from the inside of me out." [01:16:01]
5) "The blood of Jesus not only cleanses, it not only protects, but it wraps us with the holiness of God. Isaiah 61, verse 10." [01:33:28]
6) "The blood of Jesus insulates you from the influence of darkness. It protects you. It wraps you. It covers you. I'm not walking exposed." [01:35:00]
7) "The blood of Jesus is able to wash away every single stain from your life. No more guilt, no more shame. It doesn't matter what you've done." [01:09:19]
8) "The blood of Jesus must be applied in order for it to be a cleansing agent. You follow me? Amen. That's why we sing all the old songs about the blood being applied." [01:15:34]
9) "The blood of Jesus has the power to protect. You and I and our families... when the death angel came and he saw the blood over the doorpost of the house of the children of Israel, he passed by them." [01:23:01]
10) "The blood of Jesus will evaporate every sin in your life, every transgression in your life, it evaporates it. But it's not the sun that comes out and does it. It's the Son that comes and evaporates every transgression in Jesus name." [01:20:54]
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