Choices | Billy Graham Sermon

Summary

In this powerful message, Billy Graham emphasizes the importance of making a personal commitment to Christ. He draws on biblical teachings from figures like Joshua and Moses, urging viewers to make a choice between serving God or idols. Graham stresses the urgency of this decision, highlighting that spiritual commitment is a personal and irreversible choice. He invites viewers to respond to God's call, offering counsel and prayer for those seeking spiritual guidance. The message calls for a clear, decisive commitment to Christ, promising eternal life and forgiveness through faith.

Takeaways

• 😀 The importance of making a personal commitment to Christ and the necessity of making a decision for Him now.
• 😀 Joshua 24:15 emphasizes the need to choose whom you will serve—God or idols, with a call to commit to serving the Lord.
• 😀 Jesus' message calls for individuals to make a choice between eternal life through Him or temporary, sinful pursuits.
• 😀 The choice for Christ requires repentance, faith, and a commitment to live a new life, following His teachings.
• 😀 Life’s challenges, such as materialism and idolatry, demand that individuals make a conscious decision about where their loyalties lie.
• 😀 The decision to follow Christ is personal, and no one can make this decision for you—it must be made individually.
• 😀 Jesus calls for a public declaration of commitment, similar to the biblical calls for public acknowledgment of faith.
• 😀 Salvation is not about works or good deeds; it’s about grace and faith in Jesus Christ, the only way to forgiveness and eternal life.
• 😀 The importance of repenting from sin and choosing to put Christ at the center of one’s life is paramount.
• 😀 Viewers are urged to respond immediately by calling a hotline or seeking help from counselors, emphasizing the urgency of the decision.
• 😀 Jesus offers forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life, but individuals must make a conscious choice to accept Him into their lives.

Q & A

What central choice does Billy Graham emphasize in the sermon?

Billy Graham emphasizes the choice of whom you will serve—either the true God or other idols such as materialism, pleasure, or selfish ambitions. This choice is critical for one's spiritual life and future.

How does Billy Graham use the story of Joshua to illustrate his message?

Billy Graham refers to Joshua's farewell address in which he declares, 'As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.' This statement serves as a powerful example of making a deliberate and unwavering choice to follow God, despite the pressures of the surrounding world.

What does the sermon suggest about the urgency of choosing Christ?

The sermon stresses that the decision to follow Christ cannot be delayed. Billy Graham quotes Joshua's declaration, 'Choose you this day whom you will serve,' urging listeners to make the decision immediately without procrastination.

What role does repentance play in the process of becoming a Christian?

Repentance is essential, as it involves a change in how one thinks about sin. It's about recognizing sin’s seriousness before God, turning away from it, and making a commitment to love and serve God with all one's heart.

How does Billy Graham describe the importance of a public commitment to Christ?

Billy Graham encourages people to publicly declare their commitment to Christ, just as biblical figures like Joshua and Moses called on the people to make their faith public. This helps affirm the decision and allows others to witness one's commitment to Christ.

What does the sermon say about the consequences of following idols?

Following idols leads to spiritual death and judgment. Graham warns that those who choose idols over God will experience negative consequences, both in this life and eternally.

What is the significance of choosing between 'two fathers' as mentioned in the sermon?

The sermon highlights the idea that every person has a spiritual father, either God or the devil. Graham quotes Jesus' statement in John 8:44, 'You are of your father the devil,' showing that our spiritual allegiance either leads us toward God or towards the enemy.

How does Billy Graham explain the concept of salvation through grace?

Salvation is not earned by good works but comes through grace, as a gift from God. It is through faith in Jesus Christ that one is saved, and this grace wipes away all past sins and brings a new spiritual life.

What does the sermon say about the power of the Holy Spirit in living a Christian life?

Billy Graham stresses that believers cannot live the Christian life on their own strength. The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to live according to God’s will, providing the strength to follow Christ and resist temptation.

How does Billy Graham relate the decision to follow Christ to the concept of eternity?

Billy Graham connects the choice to follow Christ with eternal life, explaining that this decision impacts one's future eternally. Choosing Christ begins the experience of eternal life here and now, not just after death.