A Life-Affecting Choice

 

                 

                           A Life-Affecting Choice

                    Summarize message of billy graham

In a moving and impassioned address, the speaker uses his own experiences and scriptural principles to drive home the need to make conscious decisions in life, most importantly the decision to serve God rather than riches and idolatry. On the foundation of his belief that every person must face their own choices, he uses the scriptural story of Joshua confronting the Israelites in Joshua 24:15 with the decision of whom they would serve.

 

The speaker emphasizes the urgent necessity to examine oneself and to decide in favor of either God or of one's personal idols, whichever these may look like in society today. Employing wise stories and allusions to popular cultural phenomena, he assures his readers that a choice of a Christian life is not only a righteous one but it is a necessary one since a decision has lasting consequences. He emphasizes that the weight of choice rests solely upon each person's shoulders and urges them to take an active approach to living a life that glorifies God.

The Call to Choose

The need for an individual choice to serve God is at the heart of the message of the speaker. Quoting Joshua 24:15, he emphasizes that every individual has to make a personal choice as to whom they serve. This is not a decision to be made by parents, society, or other external factors—it is a personal and spiritual one.

 

Idols of Modern Society

Whereas idols in ancient times were constructed from wood and stone, contemporary idols are varied. The speaker emphasizes that materialism, celebrity, entertainment, and social media have become distractions that divert individuals from their faith. He encourages the audience to examine the things in their lives that could be replacing God and to consider their real priorities.

 

Christ: The Only True Savior

The speaker is fervently advocating that salvation lies only in Christ. In a world of transient pleasures and illusory promises, he emphasizes the need to live one's life according to Jesus, who provides eternal peace and redemption.

 

Personal Experience and Reflection

Sharing his own journey from a career in music to answering God’s call to preach, the speaker demonstrates the transformative power of divine calling. He acknowledges that the path to faith is not always easy, but through personal testimony, he reassures his audience that God’s purpose for each individual is greater than any worldly success.

 

Immediate Action Required

Tarrying to decide for Christ is, in itself, a decision against Him. The speaker cautions one against procrastination by reminding us that life is uncertain, and the moment to decide on faith should not be kept waiting. He invites an instant response to God's offer.

 

The Cost of Discipleship

Following Christ has its sacrifices. The speaker emphasizes that discipleship entails surrender, commitment, and even opposition from society at times. But he assures that such sacrifices are dwarfed by the eternal benefits of following God.

 

Eternal Implications of Choices

Our decisions today determine our forever destiny. The speaker invites people to take seriously where they are in their Christian walk and to understand that all decisions have spiritual ramifications. The message is straightforward: choose Christ and have an eternity with Him.

 

Key Insights

Choice Is a Personal Responsibility: Belief is an individual journey that needs personal commitment. This decision cannot be made for someone else.

Identification of Contemporary Idols: The world tends to put celebrities, wealth, and status on pedestals and make them idols. Identification and rejection of these idols are important steps toward genuine faith.

The Authority of the Individual Decision: As Joshua stood before the people and made his commitment to God, so too must believers today stand up in a world that frequently is against faith.

Decision's Urgency: Life is short. Procrastination in making the decision to become a Christian can lead to severe spiritual penalties.

Redemption and Grace: Regardless of past circumstances, God extends forgiveness and a fresh start in Christ.

Choices and Their Consequences: The reader is reminded that earthly indulgences are only temporary, while spiritual choices determine eternity.

Influence on Future Generations: Choosing Christ does not just impact the individual—it sets a foundation for future generations to follow.

 

Conclusion

The message of the speaker is a strong reminder that faith is a choice, and one that has both temporal and eternal consequences. In a distracted world with false promises, the invitation to walk with Christ is the most critical choice an individual can make. As Joshua proclaimed, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). The question is—whom will you serve?