<p>Even if something is done with good intentions, if God views it negatively, it is a negative action. The people chose to kill Jesus and release Barabbas. This decision was made because the crowd was incited by the chief priests, scribes, and elders. Therefore, do not be swayed by the words of intellectuals, those in power, or influential people around you. When you do, you end up making political choices. Political choices and choices of faith are different. Political choices always focus on people, while choices of faith focus on God.</p><p> </p><p>Pilate repeatedly said he would punish Jesus and release Him. He tried to release Jesus, even if it meant beating Him first.</p><p>“So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted.” Pilate accepted the cries to kill Jesus and release Barabbas. This continues to happen even now. Intellectuals, the media, and politicians will disparage the church and incite others to view it as antisocial, creating difficulties for believers.</p><p> </p><p>Even if there are problems in the church, the gospel is within the church. For this reason, we must never disparage any church. We should not become people of the world who merely attend church.</p><p>But remember—even though Pilate handed Jesus over to the crowd, it did not ultimately go according to their will. When Jesus died, it seemed like their will was accomplished; when He was buried in the tomb, it appeared as though they had succeeded. But He rose again and ascended into heaven.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><i>Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Dec 20, 2024.</i></p><p><i>Luke 23:13-25</i></p>
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