Pastor Jason delivers the penultimate sermon in a series on Deuteronomy, emphasizing the importance of choices. He recounts personal life-changing decisions and relates them to Moses’ final speeches urging Israel to choose life by obeying God. Jason explains that obedience is crucial because God has cared for Israel, will curse disobedience, and will circumcise their hearts to enable obedience. He highlights the providence of God, the consequences of disobedience, and the promises of restoration. Jason concludes by stressing that true obedience comes through faith in Jesus, who circumcises hearts and enables believers to fulfill God’s commands.

Choosing Life: Introduction and Personal Testimonies

• Pastor Jason begins the sermon, noting it is the penultimate sermon in a series covering Deuteronomy chapters 29 and 30.
• Pastor Jason shares personal stories about significant choices he made at 16, 17-18, and 18, emphasizing the importance of choices in shaping one’s life.
• He reflects on how his life would be different if he had not made those choices, highlighting the importance of choices in both personal and spiritual contexts.
Moses’ Final Appeal: Choose Life
• Pastor Jason explains that Deuteronomy is about Moses’ funeral and his final appeal to Israel to obey God.
• Moses’ three speeches in Deuteronomy are summarized, focusing on why Israel needs to obey God.
• The title of the sermon, “Choose Life,” is introduced, emphasizing the importance of making the right choices.
• Pastor Jason stresses that knowledge alone is not enough; it is the application of that knowledge through obedience that matters.
Providence of God: God’s Care and Protection
• Pastor Jason discusses the first reason for choosing life: God’s providence, care, and protection.
• He recounts God’s actions in Egypt, the 40 years in the wilderness, and the miraculous provisions made for Israel.
• The importance of obeying God because He has been good to Israel is emphasized.
• Pastor Jason contrasts this with other religions that require obedience before receiving blessings, highlighting the unique nature of God’s love and care.

Precaution from God: Warnings and Consequences

• Pastor Jason shifts to the second reason for choosing life: the precaution from God and the consequences of disobedience.
• He warns against sinning, being rebellious, and worshiping idols, quoting Deuteronomy 29:16-18.
• The story of a woman who ignored warnings about a Snow Leopard is used to illustrate the dangers of disobedience.
• Pastor Jason emphasizes the urgency of repentance and the inevitability of God’s judgment.
Promises of God: Restoration and Circumcision of the Heart
• Pastor Jason introduces the third reason for choosing life: the promises of God and the circumcision of the heart.
• He explains that Israel will go through cycles of disobedience and punishment but will eventually be restored.
• The concept of heart circumcision is introduced, emphasizing that only God can change a person’s heart.
• Pastor Jason highlights the importance of obedience today as a guarantee for guidance tomorrow, using the principle of “obedience today, guidance tomorrow.”

The Accessibility of God’s Word

• Pastor Jason reassures the congregation that God’s commandments are not too hard or far off.
• He explains that the word of God is near and accessible, requiring no special efforts to obtain.
• The importance of looking to God for the ability to obey His commandments is emphasized.
• Pastor Jason connects this teaching to the apostle Paul’s explanation in Romans 10:6-8, highlighting the role of faith in obeying God.
The Role of Faith in Obeying God
• Pastor Jason discusses how faith in Jesus Christ is essential for obeying God’s commandments.
• He explains that faith involves looking to God to circumcise the heart and provide the ability to obey.
• The necessity of Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins is emphasized.
• Pastor Jason concludes by encouraging the congregation to choose life, repent of their sins, and believe in Jesus for salvation.

Conclusion and Call to Action

• Pastor Jason wraps up the sermon by summarizing the three reasons for choosing life: God’s care, the consequences of disobedience, and the promises of God.
• He emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for true obedience and salvation.
• The congregation is encouraged to humble their hearts, repent of their sins, and ask God to save them.
• Pastor Jason prays for the congregation to make the right choices and follow Jesus, concluding with an “Amen.”