1. TBN
  2. Programs
  3. Dr. Robert Jeffress
  4. Episodes
  5. Robert Jeffress - The Beginning of the End (Part 1)
Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - The Beginning of the End (Part 1)

April 21, 2026 | 27:29

Robert Jeffress - The Beginning of the End (Part 1)
Pathway to Victory provides practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through clear, Biblical teaching.
#WordofGod #Tribulation #EndTimes #Eschatology #Cross #SecondComing #Revelation #Suffering #Patience #LifeAfterDeath #RobertJeffress

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - The Beginning of the End (Part 1) | April 21, 2026
  • Male announcer: alaska is unlike any other place on earth, and
  • 00:00:00.790 --> 00:00:04.294
  • This is your chance to witness god's masterpiece and america's
  • 00:00:04.394 --> 00:00:08.031
  • Priceless treasure june 13th through 20, 2026.
  • 00:00:08.164 --> 00:00:08.998
  • Dr. robert jeffress: you know, i can hardly wait to show
  • 00:00:12.068 --> 00:00:13.903
  • You alaska.
  • 00:00:13.903 --> 00:00:15.271
  • I've been there before, and every time i witness those
  • 00:00:15.271 --> 00:00:18.608
  • Massive glaciers and towering mountains, i'm reminded of how
  • 00:00:18.608 --> 00:00:22.545
  • Incredibly creative our god is.
  • 00:00:22.545 --> 00:00:25.215
  • Announcer: picture this, waking up to snow-capped peaks outside
  • 00:00:25.215 --> 00:00:28.585
  • Your window, then heading to your refreshing breakfast,
  • 00:00:28.585 --> 00:00:31.721
  • Knowing that all your meals are prepared for you.
  • 00:00:31.721 --> 00:00:34.257
  • The world class service means that you can truly relax.
  • 00:00:34.257 --> 00:00:37.594
  • Jeffress: we'll explore charming villages together,
  • 00:00:37.594 --> 00:00:40.130
  • We'll stroll alongside the still waters of the mountain stream,
  • 00:00:40.130 --> 00:00:44.033
  • And, yes, we'll see god's artistry at every turn.
  • 00:00:44.033 --> 00:00:48.371
  • Announcer: reserve your spot on the 2026 pathway to victory
  • 00:00:48.371 --> 00:00:52.075
  • Cruise to alaska by calling... or visit ptv.org.
  • 00:00:52.075 --> 00:00:59.115
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:01:00.583 --> 00:01:06.823
  • Male announcer: from the pulpit
  • 00:01:06.823 --> 00:01:08.491
  • Of the first baptist church of dallas, texas,
  • 00:01:08.491 --> 00:01:10.994
  • This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
  • 00:01:10.994 --> 00:01:13.863
  • Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress,
  • 00:01:14.998 --> 00:01:16.332
  • And welcome again to "pathway to victory".
  • 00:01:16.332 --> 00:01:18.668
  • Some people hear about ancient biblical prophecy and wonder,
  • 00:01:18.735 --> 00:01:21.871
  • "so what?
  • 00:01:21.871 --> 00:01:23.373
  • What difference should it make to me?"
  • 00:01:23.373 --> 00:01:25.708
  • Well, today, i'm going to illustrate why
  • 00:01:25.708 --> 00:01:27.944
  • Your eternal destiny matters right now, with a sobering look
  • 00:01:27.944 --> 00:01:31.848
  • At the coming tribulation.
  • 00:01:31.848 --> 00:01:34.083
  • Last time, we talked about the final seven years
  • 00:01:34.083 --> 00:01:36.619
  • Of earth's history known as the great tribulation, and today,
  • 00:01:36.619 --> 00:01:40.523
  • We're going to delve into the specific details and the purpose
  • 00:01:40.523 --> 00:01:43.826
  • Of this horrific time.
  • 00:01:43.826 --> 00:01:46.129
  • My message is titled "the beginning of the end,"
  • 00:01:46.129 --> 00:01:49.933
  • On today's edition of 'pathway to victory."
  • 00:01:49.933 --> 00:01:53.303
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:01:53.303 --> 00:01:59.108
  • Male announcer: wars, natural disasters, global instability.
  • 00:01:59.108 --> 00:02:02.879
  • Many people look at the headlines and wonder if we're
  • 00:02:02.879 --> 00:02:05.515
  • Living in the end-times.
  • 00:02:05.515 --> 00:02:07.116
  • In his brand new book, "ask dr. jeffress about the end times,"
  • 00:02:07.116 --> 00:02:11.187
  • Dr. robert jeffress provides clear, biblical answers to the
  • 00:02:11.187 --> 00:02:14.457
  • 20 questions people ask most about the future.
  • 00:02:14.457 --> 00:02:22.065
  • Request "ask dr. jeffress about the end times" when you
  • 00:02:22.065 --> 00:02:25.535
  • Give a generous ministry gift to pathway to victory.
  • 00:02:25.535 --> 00:02:28.638
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:02:30.173 --> 00:02:36.112
  • Jeffress: in his book, "till armageddon",
  • 00:02:36.112 --> 00:02:38.348
  • Billy graham wrote, "the whole world is sighing
  • 00:02:38.348 --> 00:02:41.918
  • And suffering on a scale perhaps not known in human history:
  • 00:02:41.918 --> 00:02:46.756
  • The refugees, the starving, the psychological woes,
  • 00:02:46.756 --> 00:02:50.893
  • The emotional turmoils, the broken marriages,
  • 00:02:50.893 --> 00:02:54.430
  • The terrorism, the hostages, the wars,
  • 00:02:54.430 --> 00:02:57.533
  • And a thousand other troubles
  • 00:02:57.533 --> 00:02:59.602
  • Which beset every country in the world.
  • 00:02:59.602 --> 00:03:02.972
  • There are, there are no people anywhere that are immune.
  • 00:03:03.039 --> 00:03:06.409
  • The rich and the famous suffer as well as the obscure...
  • 00:03:06.409 --> 00:03:10.113
  • It seems that the human race may well be heading toward the
  • 00:03:10.113 --> 00:03:14.150
  • Climax of the tears, hurts and wounds of all of the centuries."
  • 00:03:14.150 --> 00:03:20.590
  • That climax that dr. graham is writing about is
  • 00:03:20.590 --> 00:03:24.494
  • That seven-year period, those seven final years
  • 00:03:24.494 --> 00:03:28.064
  • Of earth's history that are the focus of our study this morning.
  • 00:03:28.064 --> 00:03:32.602
  • It is a time that we often call the great tribulation.
  • 00:03:32.602 --> 00:03:36.773
  • It will be a time of natural catastrophes, political chaos.
  • 00:03:36.839 --> 00:03:42.512
  • But most of all the distinguishing characteristic
  • 00:03:42.512 --> 00:03:45.581
  • Of this period of time will be god's unrelenting judgment
  • 00:03:45.581 --> 00:03:50.219
  • Against unbelievers.
  • 00:03:50.219 --> 00:03:52.689
  • Now, last time, we began looking at this seven-year period
  • 00:03:52.689 --> 00:03:56.326
  • Known as the great tribulation.
  • 00:03:56.326 --> 00:03:58.227
  • And remember we gave this definition, we said
  • 00:03:58.227 --> 00:04:00.563
  • "the tribulation is that seven-year period of time
  • 00:04:00.563 --> 00:04:03.433
  • That begins after the rapture of the church,"
  • 00:04:03.433 --> 00:04:06.269
  • The catching away of believers,
  • 00:04:06.269 --> 00:04:07.837
  • "and ends with the glorious second coming
  • 00:04:07.837 --> 00:04:10.540
  • Of the lord jesus christ."
  • 00:04:10.540 --> 00:04:12.775
  • And there you see it once again on that familiar chart
  • 00:04:12.775 --> 00:04:15.745
  • We're using in our study.
  • 00:04:15.745 --> 00:04:18.114
  • Now, this time, we saw last time, called
  • 00:04:18.114 --> 00:04:20.616
  • The great tribulation, is also known as the day of the lord.
  • 00:04:20.616 --> 00:04:24.787
  • The prophets wrote about it in the old testament, they talked
  • 00:04:24.787 --> 00:04:27.924
  • About the day of the lord that is coming,
  • 00:04:27.924 --> 00:04:30.293
  • Which is always a time of judgment.
  • 00:04:30.293 --> 00:04:32.762
  • It's been known as the time of jacob's or israel's distress,
  • 00:04:32.762 --> 00:04:36.699
  • But it's also known as daniel's 70th week, and you see
  • 00:04:36.699 --> 00:04:41.337
  • On your chart there, we talked about that at length last time
  • 00:04:41.337 --> 00:04:44.340
  • As well.
  • 00:04:44.340 --> 00:04:45.708
  • And one of the most, if not the most amazing prophecy
  • 00:04:45.708 --> 00:04:49.045
  • In all of the bible, god, through gabriel the angel,
  • 00:04:49.045 --> 00:04:52.215
  • Told daniel in about 550 b.c.
  • 00:04:52.215 --> 00:04:56.152
  • Of all of the events that would lead up to the end of the world.
  • 00:04:56.152 --> 00:05:00.123
  • And he said specifically, in daniel 9:24-27,
  • 00:05:00.123 --> 00:05:04.427
  • That god has ordained 490 years in which to finish his dealing,
  • 00:05:04.427 --> 00:05:09.332
  • Not only with israel, but the entire world.
  • 00:05:09.332 --> 00:05:12.335
  • And you see on that clock, as we talked about last time,
  • 00:05:12.335 --> 00:05:16.305
  • 483 years have already elapsed.
  • 00:05:16.305 --> 00:05:19.542
  • And then there is a pause, the bible says,
  • 00:05:19.542 --> 00:05:22.178
  • And there is one final seven-year period of time,
  • 00:05:22.178 --> 00:05:25.782
  • And that time, of course, is the time we're talking about,
  • 00:05:25.782 --> 00:05:28.885
  • The great tribulation.
  • 00:05:28.885 --> 00:05:30.386
  • We are living, right now, in that gap between
  • 00:05:30.386 --> 00:05:33.322
  • The first 483 years and the final seven years when god
  • 00:05:33.322 --> 00:05:38.394
  • Will accomplish his purpose for mankind.
  • 00:05:38.394 --> 00:05:41.664
  • I said last time that this seven-year period of time is
  • 00:05:41.731 --> 00:05:44.967
  • In many ways like a three-act drama.
  • 00:05:44.967 --> 00:05:48.237
  • We looked at the beginning of act one last time, the beginning
  • 00:05:48.237 --> 00:05:52.275
  • Of the tribulation.
  • 00:05:52.275 --> 00:05:53.643
  • And i want you to notice there are three things that are going
  • 00:05:53.643 --> 00:05:56.412
  • To happen at the beginning of the tribulation.
  • 00:05:56.412 --> 00:05:59.248
  • First of all, the rise of this world leader we call
  • 00:05:59.248 --> 00:06:02.985
  • The antichrist.
  • 00:06:02.985 --> 00:06:04.320
  • We learned, last time, four things about antichrist, he will
  • 00:06:04.320 --> 00:06:07.824
  • Come to power after christians are removed from the earth,
  • 00:06:07.824 --> 00:06:11.561
  • According to 2 thessalonians 2.
  • 00:06:11.561 --> 00:06:14.163
  • Secondly, he will most likely be a gentile,
  • 00:06:14.163 --> 00:06:16.699
  • He comes out of the sea, the world of the gentiles.
  • 00:06:16.699 --> 00:06:20.102
  • Number three, we saw that he will rule over a revived
  • 00:06:20.169 --> 00:06:23.473
  • Roman empire that will come in the form
  • 00:06:23.473 --> 00:06:25.508
  • Of a ten-nation confederacy.
  • 00:06:25.508 --> 00:06:27.910
  • And number four, and most importantly, he will oppose
  • 00:06:27.910 --> 00:06:31.214
  • The people of god, and he will attempt to change the laws
  • 00:06:31.214 --> 00:06:34.784
  • Of god, and he will be able to do so with little opposition.
  • 00:06:34.784 --> 00:06:39.722
  • The second thing that happens at the beginning of the seven-year
  • 00:06:39.722 --> 00:06:43.059
  • Period is the rise of someone we call, the scripture calls,
  • 00:06:43.059 --> 00:06:47.463
  • The false prophet, he is best understood as antichrist
  • 00:06:47.463 --> 00:06:52.468
  • Lieutenant, he helps him in his rise to power.
  • 00:06:52.468 --> 00:06:57.273
  • Now, during the first 3 1/2 years of the tribulation,
  • 00:06:57.273 --> 00:07:00.643
  • This false prophet is seen as a religious leader,
  • 00:07:00.643 --> 00:07:04.981
  • And he is a religious leader who oversees a world church
  • 00:07:04.981 --> 00:07:09.819
  • That is described, not a nice term, as "harlot,"
  • 00:07:09.819 --> 00:07:13.122
  • In revelation 17, the king james version is,
  • 00:07:13.122 --> 00:07:16.459
  • "the horror of babylon," is what this apostate church is called.
  • 00:07:16.459 --> 00:07:21.364
  • This apostate church will have all of the trappings of
  • 00:07:21.430 --> 00:07:25.501
  • A christian church, but it will be an apostate, a fallen church.
  • 00:07:25.501 --> 00:07:30.973
  • Some people have tried to identify this church by linking
  • 00:07:30.973 --> 00:07:34.777
  • It to a current denomination or expression of christian faith.
  • 00:07:34.777 --> 00:07:40.182
  • I personally think the best way to understand this
  • 00:07:40.182 --> 00:07:43.553
  • Apostate church is to see it as an amalgamation of different
  • 00:07:43.553 --> 00:07:48.090
  • Religions in the future.
  • 00:07:48.090 --> 00:07:50.326
  • You know, we live in a culture right now in which there is
  • 00:07:50.326 --> 00:07:52.929
  • A great disdain for the absolute truths of historic christianity.
  • 00:07:52.929 --> 00:07:58.801
  • And i believe after the time of world chaos that the world
  • 00:07:58.801 --> 00:08:03.139
  • Will be receptive to a more politically-correct kind
  • 00:08:03.139 --> 00:08:06.876
  • Of religion, a religion that is watered down, a religion
  • 00:08:06.876 --> 00:08:11.314
  • That pays homage to all faith traditions.
  • 00:08:11.314 --> 00:08:15.017
  • I think that this future world church could be one part
  • 00:08:15.017 --> 00:08:19.121
  • Christian, two part islam, sprinkled with a little bit of
  • 00:08:19.121 --> 00:08:23.359
  • Oprah transcendental meditation on it, and it will be something
  • 00:08:23.359 --> 00:08:27.363
  • That will be appealing to everyone, people will want to be
  • 00:08:27.363 --> 00:08:30.933
  • A part of it.
  • 00:08:30.933 --> 00:08:32.301
  • You know, we have churches like that today, churches that
  • 00:08:32.301 --> 00:08:35.538
  • Use the symbols of christianity, churches that use the same
  • 00:08:35.538 --> 00:08:40.042
  • Vocabulary as christians, some of them well known,
  • 00:08:40.042 --> 00:08:44.046
  • Respected churches, well known and respected denominations.
  • 00:08:44.046 --> 00:08:47.817
  • And yet, when you peel away these religious trappings,
  • 00:08:47.817 --> 00:08:51.520
  • You find that these churches at their very heart deny the most
  • 00:08:51.520 --> 00:08:55.625
  • Basic tenet of christianity, and that is, salvation is available
  • 00:08:55.625 --> 00:09:00.463
  • Only through the sacrificial death of the lord jesus christ.
  • 00:09:00.463 --> 00:09:04.634
  • What we're seeing today is just a harbinger
  • 00:09:04.634 --> 00:09:07.903
  • Of this future church.
  • 00:09:07.903 --> 00:09:10.239
  • But something interesting happens, after the first
  • 00:09:10.239 --> 00:09:13.576
  • 3 1/2 years of the tribulation in which the church has assisted
  • 00:09:13.576 --> 00:09:18.147
  • The antichrist in his rise to power, the antichrist
  • 00:09:18.147 --> 00:09:22.184
  • Will turn against the church, he will destroy the church.
  • 00:09:22.184 --> 00:09:26.589
  • Let me just stop here and climb up on my soapbox for just
  • 00:09:26.589 --> 00:09:30.426
  • A moment, and say, as christians, we need to be very,
  • 00:09:30.426 --> 00:09:36.265
  • Very careful that we never allow any political party to use us,
  • 00:09:36.265 --> 00:09:43.305
  • To use the church, to co-opt the church, we need to be on guard
  • 00:09:43.305 --> 00:09:47.843
  • Against that, to ever allow a political party or a movement
  • 00:09:47.843 --> 00:09:53.082
  • To impose their agenda upon us.
  • 00:09:53.082 --> 00:09:55.985
  • I believe the bible says we, who are christians, need to use
  • 00:09:55.985 --> 00:10:00.389
  • Politics, we need use the political system to enact
  • 00:10:00.389 --> 00:10:04.627
  • God's will on earth.
  • 00:10:04.627 --> 00:10:06.362
  • The bible says we ought to pray, "thy will be done on earth
  • 00:10:06.362 --> 00:10:11.067
  • As it is being done in heaven."
  • 00:10:11.067 --> 00:10:13.269
  • What is god's will?
  • 00:10:13.269 --> 00:10:15.004
  • God's will is that marriage be respected,
  • 00:10:15.004 --> 00:10:19.642
  • That life be respected.
  • 00:10:19.642 --> 00:10:21.811
  • And thank god for the duggars, who are a living demonstration
  • 00:10:21.811 --> 00:10:25.214
  • Of the value of life, and they're preaching that message
  • 00:10:25.214 --> 00:10:28.617
  • So effectively today.
  • 00:10:28.617 --> 00:10:31.387
  • We don't need to roll over like a bunch of wimps and say,
  • 00:10:31.387 --> 00:10:34.690
  • "there's nothing we can do in this world, we've just got
  • 00:10:34.690 --> 00:10:37.159
  • To wait for the sweet by and by."
  • 00:10:37.159 --> 00:10:39.295
  • No, the bible says god wants his will being done on earth right
  • 00:10:39.295 --> 00:10:43.866
  • Now, and as christians, we ought to use the political process to,
  • 00:10:43.866 --> 00:10:48.871
  • As best we can, to instill godly values in our country.
  • 00:10:48.871 --> 00:10:54.210
  • It's not that we're gonna save america, america is ultimately
  • 00:10:54.210 --> 00:10:57.146
  • Going to be destroyed, the bible says, because this world
  • 00:10:57.146 --> 00:10:59.982
  • Is going to be destroyed.
  • 00:10:59.982 --> 00:11:01.350
  • But let me remind you of something i have said over and
  • 00:11:01.350 --> 00:11:03.886
  • Over again, god is no respecter of people or nations.
  • 00:11:03.886 --> 00:11:08.858
  • Any nation that reverences god is going to be blessed by god
  • 00:11:08.858 --> 00:11:13.095
  • And any nation that rejects god
  • 00:11:13.095 --> 00:11:15.297
  • Is going to be rejected by god.
  • 00:11:15.297 --> 00:11:17.733
  • And the reason we want to stand for godly values, the reason
  • 00:11:17.800 --> 00:11:21.570
  • We want not roll over, and instead stand up and push back
  • 00:11:21.570 --> 00:11:25.174
  • Against this ungodly tide of immorality sweeping our country
  • 00:11:25.174 --> 00:11:28.944
  • Is so that we can buy a little bit more time for our nation,
  • 00:11:28.944 --> 00:11:32.915
  • So that we have an opportunity to do what we've really
  • 00:11:32.915 --> 00:11:35.251
  • Been called to do, and that is, to share the gospel
  • 00:11:35.251 --> 00:11:37.920
  • Of jesus christ with as many people as possible.
  • 00:11:37.920 --> 00:11:41.190
  • That's what god has called us to do, but we must be careful
  • 00:11:41.257 --> 00:11:44.693
  • Never to allow the government to use us, because
  • 00:11:44.693 --> 00:11:47.897
  • The government will ultimately turn against believers.
  • 00:11:47.897 --> 00:11:51.200
  • That's what's gonna happen in the final seven years
  • 00:11:51.267 --> 00:11:54.170
  • Of the tribulation.
  • 00:11:54.170 --> 00:11:55.504
  • Halfway through this time that the government uses the church,
  • 00:11:55.504 --> 00:12:00.643
  • Notice what happens in revelation 17, verse 16.
  • 00:12:00.643 --> 00:12:04.480
  • "and the ten horns, that is, that ten-nation confederacy,
  • 00:12:04.480 --> 00:12:08.350
  • "and the beast, these will hate the harlot," that is, the
  • 00:12:08.350 --> 00:12:12.087
  • Church, "and will make her desolate and naked, and will eat
  • 00:12:12.087 --> 00:12:16.225
  • Her flesh and will burn her up with fire."
  • 00:12:16.225 --> 00:12:20.396
  • The antichrist will see no need for the church,
  • 00:12:20.396 --> 00:12:23.399
  • Will turn against the church.
  • 00:12:23.399 --> 00:12:25.201
  • And this false prophet, who was in the religious world,
  • 00:12:25.201 --> 00:12:29.171
  • Will then move to the political world, and he will assist
  • 00:12:29.171 --> 00:12:33.442
  • The antichrist these last 3 1/2 years by demanding from people
  • 00:12:33.442 --> 00:12:38.147
  • Complete allegiance to the antichrist, especially if they
  • 00:12:38.147 --> 00:12:42.318
  • Want to buy or sell goods.
  • 00:12:42.318 --> 00:12:44.353
  • If anyone wants to buy or sell goods during these
  • 00:12:44.353 --> 00:12:47.690
  • Last 3 1/2 years, they have to take what is called
  • 00:12:47.690 --> 00:12:50.993
  • The mark of the beast.
  • 00:12:50.993 --> 00:12:52.528
  • Look at revelation 13,
  • 00:12:52.528 --> 00:12:54.029
  • Verses 16 to 17.
  • 00:12:54.029 --> 00:12:56.265
  • "and he," that is, the false prophet, "causes all, the small
  • 00:12:56.265 --> 00:13:01.337
  • And the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and
  • 00:13:01.337 --> 00:13:04.673
  • The slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or
  • 00:13:04.673 --> 00:13:09.144
  • On their forehead,
  • 00:13:09.144 --> 00:13:10.479
  • And he provides that no one should be able to buy
  • 00:13:10.479 --> 00:13:14.383
  • Or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name
  • 00:13:14.383 --> 00:13:19.488
  • Of the beast or the number of his name."
  • 00:13:19.488 --> 00:13:23.492
  • In order to be able to buy or sell anything, you're gonna have
  • 00:13:23.492 --> 00:13:28.163
  • To have this mark.
  • 00:13:28.163 --> 00:13:30.699
  • Now, what is this mark?
  • 00:13:30.699 --> 00:13:32.067
  • Some have speculated, perhaps it's a piece of technology,
  • 00:13:32.067 --> 00:13:35.638
  • Hopefully one that works better than the government technology
  • 00:13:35.638 --> 00:13:38.340
  • Right now, for the healthcare system, but it's supposed to be
  • 00:13:38.340 --> 00:13:41.543
  • A piece of technology.
  • 00:13:41.543 --> 00:13:43.245
  • I was reading in the "new scientist magazine" an article
  • 00:13:43.245 --> 00:13:46.348
  • From 2008, that says right now they have developed microchips
  • 00:13:46.348 --> 00:13:50.619
  • That contain all kind of personal information that can be
  • 00:13:50.619 --> 00:13:53.589
  • Inserted underneath your skin.
  • 00:13:53.589 --> 00:13:55.991
  • And right now, wealthy residents in mexico are choosing to have
  • 00:13:55.991 --> 00:13:59.862
  • This information inserted under their skin, so that,
  • 00:13:59.862 --> 00:14:02.865
  • In case they are kidnapped by drug lords,
  • 00:14:02.865 --> 00:14:05.034
  • Their location can be noted and they can be rescued.
  • 00:14:05.034 --> 00:14:08.437
  • Maybe it's going to come in the form of that, or maybe
  • 00:14:08.437 --> 00:14:11.540
  • It's actually gonna be a literal mark, a barcode on the forehead
  • 00:14:11.540 --> 00:14:15.945
  • Or on the hand.
  • 00:14:15.945 --> 00:14:17.446
  • You know that's not implausible.
  • 00:14:17.446 --> 00:14:19.815
  • Do you realize, up until recently, the idea of having a
  • 00:14:19.815 --> 00:14:23.152
  • Mark or a tattoo on your body, well, that's only something that
  • 00:14:23.152 --> 00:14:27.456
  • Was done by lower class people or drunken sailors, you know?
  • 00:14:27.456 --> 00:14:31.226
  • But today, tattoos are readily accepted by the elite, by young
  • 00:14:31.226 --> 00:14:35.764
  • Adults, by movie stars, it's not ludicrous to think that people
  • 00:14:35.764 --> 00:14:40.302
  • Would have a small tattoo with the right information
  • 00:14:40.302 --> 00:14:43.439
  • Either on their head or on their hand as well.
  • 00:14:43.439 --> 00:14:46.308
  • We've got the technology, right now, to do that.
  • 00:14:46.308 --> 00:14:49.945
  • But more disturbingly, we also have the precedent for
  • 00:14:49.945 --> 00:14:54.016
  • Government taking over the major areas of our life and
  • 00:14:54.016 --> 00:14:58.120
  • Determining what's gonna happen, just think about this.
  • 00:14:58.120 --> 00:15:00.889
  • I mean, we accept, now, without any question whatsoever, that
  • 00:15:00.889 --> 00:15:04.626
  • You can't get on an airplane unless you go through a scanner,
  • 00:15:04.626 --> 00:15:09.031
  • Not to mention that personalized pat down from the tsa, that
  • 00:15:09.031 --> 00:15:12.901
  • You have to go through that if you're gonna get on an airplane.
  • 00:15:12.901 --> 00:15:15.371
  • We accept that because of, what?
  • 00:15:15.371 --> 00:15:17.139
  • National security, we just accept that.
  • 00:15:17.139 --> 00:15:20.809
  • Now, i'm not here to advocate for or against government
  • 00:15:20.809 --> 00:15:23.746
  • Healthcare, but the fact is, the argument has been made,
  • 00:15:23.746 --> 00:15:26.849
  • The government ought to take over that large area of our life
  • 00:15:26.849 --> 00:15:30.219
  • For the national well being.
  • 00:15:30.219 --> 00:15:32.054
  • Is it really a stretch to imagine that at some point in
  • 00:15:32.054 --> 00:15:35.457
  • The future, the government is going to say, "for efficiency,"
  • 00:15:35.457 --> 00:15:40.396
  • To make sure everybody pays their taxes, "for national
  • 00:15:40.396 --> 00:15:45.134
  • Security," which is a catch-all for whatever the government
  • 00:15:45.134 --> 00:15:47.903
  • Wants to do, "because of all of these reasons, you have to have
  • 00:15:47.903 --> 00:15:52.541
  • A code, you have to have a mark, if you want to buy clothes,
  • 00:15:52.541 --> 00:15:57.913
  • Food or healthcare."
  • 00:15:57.913 --> 00:16:00.115
  • Is that beyond the realm of possibility?
  • 00:16:00.115 --> 00:16:02.384
  • Of course not, we're already seeing the harbinger of that
  • 00:16:02.384 --> 00:16:05.587
  • Take place right now.
  • 00:16:05.587 --> 00:16:07.489
  • But notice what will happen.
  • 00:16:07.489 --> 00:16:09.158
  • The bible says the only way you get this mark is if you pledge
  • 00:16:09.158 --> 00:16:14.563
  • Allegiance to the world dictator known as antichrist.
  • 00:16:14.563 --> 00:16:18.367
  • Without it, you don't receive the mark.
  • 00:16:18.367 --> 00:16:21.036
  • And the bible says people, in order to buy and sell food and
  • 00:16:21.036 --> 00:16:24.440
  • Clothing and medical care for themselves, will take the mark
  • 00:16:24.440 --> 00:16:28.811
  • Of the beast, the only ones who refuse it are genuine believers.
  • 00:16:28.811 --> 00:16:33.315
  • Now, let me say something right now that i think
  • 00:16:33.315 --> 00:16:36.452
  • Is very important.
  • 00:16:36.452 --> 00:16:38.120
  • We all love our country, we all appreciate those men and women
  • 00:16:38.120 --> 00:16:43.559
  • In our military who have and continue to fight for our
  • 00:16:43.559 --> 00:16:46.428
  • Freedom, but ladies and gentlemen, we never are to exalt
  • 00:16:46.428 --> 00:16:51.166
  • Our allegiance to our country above our allegiance to god.
  • 00:16:51.166 --> 00:16:55.537
  • You know, there is an old saying back in the sixties
  • 00:16:55.537 --> 00:16:58.273
  • Or seventies, during the vietnam war, you saw it
  • 00:16:58.273 --> 00:17:00.909
  • On bumper stickers, "my country, right or wrong."
  • 00:17:00.909 --> 00:17:05.814
  • Ladies and gentlemen, our country, and especially
  • 00:17:05.814 --> 00:17:07.950
  • Our government, is more wrong than right these days.
  • 00:17:07.950 --> 00:17:11.153
  • And that's why we better teach people, and especially
  • 00:17:11.153 --> 00:17:14.056
  • Christians, that when the day comes, and it is coming,
  • 00:17:14.056 --> 00:17:18.227
  • That we have to choose whether we are going to serve god
  • 00:17:18.227 --> 00:17:21.930
  • Or serve country, there is no choice for us.
  • 00:17:21.930 --> 00:17:25.434
  • As peter said, "we must always obey god rather than man."
  • 00:17:25.434 --> 00:17:30.973
  • And there is a future generation that is going to have to make
  • 00:17:30.973 --> 00:17:34.042
  • That choice, about whether their allegiance is going to be to
  • 00:17:34.042 --> 00:17:37.346
  • The government, whatever it is, or it's going to be to man.
  • 00:17:37.346 --> 00:17:40.883
  • Only those who take this mark of the beast, who pledge their
  • 00:17:40.883 --> 00:17:44.786
  • Allegiance and bow down to worship the beast, will be able
  • 00:17:44.786 --> 00:17:48.524
  • To buy and sell.
  • 00:17:48.524 --> 00:17:50.225
  • The third thing that happens during this time is the sealing
  • 00:17:50.225 --> 00:17:53.762
  • Of the 144,000.
  • 00:17:53.762 --> 00:17:55.898
  • Look at revelation 7, verses 3 and 4.
  • 00:17:55.898 --> 00:17:58.901
  • "'do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees
  • 00:17:58.901 --> 00:18:02.204
  • Until we have sealed the bond-servants of our god
  • 00:18:02.204 --> 00:18:05.474
  • On their foreheads.'
  • 00:18:05.474 --> 00:18:07.242
  • And i heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred
  • 00:18:07.242 --> 00:18:09.811
  • And forty-four thousand sealed from every tribe of the sons
  • 00:18:09.811 --> 00:18:15.384
  • Of israel."
  • 00:18:15.384 --> 00:18:16.752
  • We don't have time to look at it in detail, but the bible
  • 00:18:16.752 --> 00:18:19.588
  • Indicates that at the beginning of the tribulation,
  • 00:18:19.588 --> 00:18:22.524
  • 144,000 people will be selected, they will be saved
  • 00:18:22.524 --> 00:18:27.529
  • And they will be selected to be evangelists
  • 00:18:27.529 --> 00:18:30.098
  • During this final seven-year period of time.
  • 00:18:30.098 --> 00:18:32.968
  • Who are these 144,000?
  • 00:18:32.968 --> 00:18:35.237
  • Well, the jehovah's witnesses think it's their people,
  • 00:18:35.237 --> 00:18:38.340
  • The seventh day adventists believe it's their people,
  • 00:18:38.340 --> 00:18:40.943
  • Who are remaining faithful to keep the sabbath,
  • 00:18:40.943 --> 00:18:43.178
  • Post-tribulationists believe it is christians
  • 00:18:43.178 --> 00:18:45.747
  • Who are alive during that time.
  • 00:18:45.747 --> 00:18:48.083
  • But we don't have to wonder, we don't have to engage
  • 00:18:48.083 --> 00:18:50.485
  • In conjecture, the bible tells us very clearly,
  • 00:18:50.485 --> 00:18:53.422
  • In revelation chapter 7, that these are from the tribes
  • 00:18:53.422 --> 00:18:56.825
  • Of israel, 12,000 from each of the tribes,
  • 00:18:56.825 --> 00:19:00.329
  • These are jews who are saved and selected
  • 00:19:00.329 --> 00:19:04.233
  • To be christ's emissaries.
  • 00:19:04.233 --> 00:19:06.668
  • People ask, "well, pastor, you said, last time, that the
  • 00:19:06.735 --> 00:19:10.305
  • Holy spirit and the person of christians have been removed
  • 00:19:10.305 --> 00:19:13.742
  • From the earth.
  • 00:19:13.742 --> 00:19:15.110
  • If there is no holy spirit, how can people be saved during
  • 00:19:15.110 --> 00:19:17.479
  • This final seven years of time?"
  • 00:19:17.479 --> 00:19:19.147
  • Listen, it's true, the holy spirit possessing believers,
  • 00:19:19.147 --> 00:19:22.884
  • Believers are gone, the restraining influence against
  • 00:19:22.884 --> 00:19:25.921
  • Evil is gone, but it doesn't mean the holy spirit is gone
  • 00:19:25.921 --> 00:19:28.657
  • From the earth.
  • 00:19:28.657 --> 00:19:30.058
  • The holy spirit can't be gone because god's not gone, he's
  • 00:19:30.058 --> 00:19:33.629
  • Everywhere, and he will be doing his work, as he does today,
  • 00:19:33.629 --> 00:19:37.666
  • Of convicting people and regenerating people so that
  • 00:19:37.666 --> 00:19:40.335
  • They can come to faith.
  • 00:19:40.335 --> 00:19:42.137
  • And when you get down to revelation 7, in verses 9
  • 00:19:42.137 --> 00:19:45.207
  • And 14, you see the result of the witness of these 144,000.
  • 00:19:45.207 --> 00:19:49.945
  • John says, "after these things i looked, and behold, a great
  • 00:19:49.945 --> 00:19:52.948
  • Multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all
  • 00:19:52.948 --> 00:19:57.252
  • Tribes and peoples and tongues, were standing before the throne
  • 00:19:57.252 --> 00:20:00.422
  • And before the lamb, clothed in white robes."
  • 00:20:00.422 --> 00:20:03.792
  • He is talking about millions of people who will come to faith
  • 00:20:03.792 --> 00:20:08.463
  • In christ during the tribulation because of these 144,000.
  • 00:20:08.463 --> 00:20:12.668
  • Most of them, many of them, will be martyred, and john saw
  • 00:20:12.668 --> 00:20:16.004
  • The picture of these tribulation saints standing before
  • 00:20:16.004 --> 00:20:19.141
  • The throne of god.
  • 00:20:19.141 --> 00:20:20.475
  • I'm often asked the question, "well, pastor, if it's possible
  • 00:20:20.475 --> 00:20:23.845
  • To be saved during the tribulation time, why don't i
  • 00:20:23.845 --> 00:20:27.115
  • Just wait until then and see if all this really happens and then
  • 00:20:27.115 --> 00:20:31.620
  • I'll make my choice whether or not to trust in christ
  • 00:20:31.620 --> 00:20:34.423
  • As savior?
  • 00:20:34.423 --> 00:20:36.291
  • Well, first of all, there's no guarantee that just because
  • 00:20:36.291 --> 00:20:39.728
  • Your heart is open, right now, to accept christ,
  • 00:20:39.728 --> 00:20:42.297
  • That it will be open then.
  • 00:20:42.297 --> 00:20:44.132
  • But even more basic than that is, if you are not willing to
  • 00:20:44.132 --> 00:20:48.437
  • Trust in christ as savior right now, when it is so easy to do
  • 00:20:48.437 --> 00:20:52.774
  • So, when there is no general persecution in our country
  • 00:20:52.774 --> 00:20:56.411
  • Against believers, if you're unwilling to do so now,
  • 00:20:56.411 --> 00:20:59.681
  • Why would you think you would be ready to do so
  • 00:20:59.681 --> 00:21:01.950
  • During this intense time of persecution?
  • 00:21:01.950 --> 00:21:05.020
  • "today," the bible says, "is the day of salvation."
  • 00:21:05.020 --> 00:21:09.558
  • These events, the rise of the antichrist, the rise of the
  • 00:21:09.558 --> 00:21:13.395
  • False prophet, the sealing of the 144,000, are the beginning
  • 00:21:13.395 --> 00:21:16.865
  • Point of the tribulation.
  • 00:21:16.865 --> 00:21:18.800
  • Interestingly, the first 3 1/2 years of the tribulation
  • 00:21:18.800 --> 00:21:23.004
  • Will be relatively peaceful, people will celebrate
  • 00:21:23.004 --> 00:21:27.342
  • The antichrist and his ability to bring peace in the world.
  • 00:21:27.342 --> 00:21:30.645
  • In fact, in 1 thessalonians 5, verse 3, it says, "while they
  • 00:21:30.712 --> 00:21:34.383
  • Are saying, 'peace and safety!'
  • 00:21:34.383 --> 00:21:37.386
  • Then destruction will come upon them suddenly like the birth
  • 00:21:37.386 --> 00:21:40.922
  • Pangs upon a woman, and they shall not escape."
  • 00:21:40.922 --> 00:21:45.394
  • What will happen?
  • 00:21:45.394 --> 00:21:46.728
  • The bible says, halfway through this first seven-year period of
  • 00:21:46.728 --> 00:21:50.799
  • Time, at the 3 1/2 year mark, at the midpoint of the tribulation,
  • 00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:55.270
  • Is act two of the tribulation.
  • 00:21:55.270 --> 00:21:58.206
  • It occurs after the first 3 1/2 years.
  • 00:21:58.206 --> 00:22:00.675
  • It doesn't matter if it was daniel or the apostle john
  • 00:22:00.675 --> 00:22:03.945
  • Or jesus himself, all three testified of the fact that after
  • 00:22:03.945 --> 00:22:08.617
  • The first 3 1/2 years, there's gonna be a major occurrence
  • 00:22:08.617 --> 00:22:13.121
  • That is going to change the world forever.
  • 00:22:13.121 --> 00:22:15.257
  • And that is, antichrist is going to break that peace covenant
  • 00:22:15.257 --> 00:22:19.327
  • With israel, and turn against israel and those who become
  • 00:22:19.327 --> 00:22:23.031
  • Christians during that period of time.
  • 00:22:23.031 --> 00:22:24.966
  • You see it in daniel 9, verse 27, "and he will make a firm
  • 00:22:24.966 --> 00:22:28.703
  • Covenant with the many for one week," that is, seven years,
  • 00:22:28.703 --> 00:22:32.107
  • "but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice
  • 00:22:32.107 --> 00:22:36.011
  • And grain offering," that is, he'll stand in the temple
  • 00:22:36.011 --> 00:22:39.548
  • And he will put a stop to israel worshiping them temple;
  • 00:22:39.548 --> 00:22:42.551
  • "and on the wing of abominations will come
  • 00:22:42.551 --> 00:22:44.553
  • One who makes desolate,
  • 00:22:44.553 --> 00:22:46.021
  • Even until a complete destruction, one that is
  • 00:22:46.021 --> 00:22:49.558
  • Decreed, to pour out on the one who makes desolate."
  • 00:22:49.558 --> 00:22:52.761
  • Daniel 7:21, daniel says, "i kept looking, and that horn,"
  • 00:22:52.761 --> 00:22:56.932
  • That is, antichrist, "was waging war with the saints
  • 00:22:56.932 --> 00:23:00.669
  • And overpowering them."
  • 00:23:00.669 --> 00:23:02.270
  • In revelation 13, verse 5, it says, "and there was given to
  • 00:23:02.270 --> 00:23:05.407
  • Him," the antichrist, "a mouth speaking arrogant words and
  • 00:23:05.407 --> 00:23:09.744
  • Blasphemies, and the authority to act for," how long?
  • 00:23:09.744 --> 00:23:13.381
  • "forty-two months," that is, 3 1/2 years.
  • 00:23:13.381 --> 00:23:17.452
  • Over and over again, you see something different about these
  • 00:23:17.452 --> 00:23:21.356
  • Final 3 1/2 years, sometimes it's called,
  • 00:23:21.356 --> 00:23:23.658
  • "42 months," sometimes,
  • 00:23:23.658 --> 00:23:25.093
  • "1,260 days," sometimes, "a time, times, and half a time,"
  • 00:23:25.093 --> 00:23:29.231
  • "a year, plus two years, plus half a year," but the bible says
  • 00:23:29.231 --> 00:23:32.868
  • These final 3 1/2 years will be a time of persecution.
  • 00:23:32.868 --> 00:23:37.973
  • Jeffress: well, today is one of those days when i wish
  • 00:23:42.110 --> 00:23:44.446
  • We had more time together, and we'll continue our study
  • 00:23:44.446 --> 00:23:47.816
  • Of the great tribulation, next time on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:23:47.816 --> 00:23:51.786
  • Before we wrap up today's program, i'd like to share
  • 00:23:51.853 --> 00:23:54.389
  • A letter i received from one of our radio listeners.
  • 00:23:54.389 --> 00:23:57.759
  • Cindy wrote, "i listen to 'pathway to victory'
  • 00:23:57.759 --> 00:24:00.529
  • On my way to a very stressful job every weekday morning.
  • 00:24:00.529 --> 00:24:04.900
  • I cannot tell you how much your messages--
  • 00:24:04.900 --> 00:24:07.836
  • Filled with understandable and encouraging wisdom coming
  • 00:24:07.836 --> 00:24:11.439
  • From the word of god--helps me get through the workday.
  • 00:24:11.439 --> 00:24:15.443
  • I just wanted to say thank you."
  • 00:24:15.443 --> 00:24:18.580
  • Well, thank you for that kind note, cindy, i'm so glad
  • 00:24:18.647 --> 00:24:21.917
  • That "pathway to victory" is an encouragement to you.
  • 00:24:21.917 --> 00:24:25.520
  • And to those of you who support "pathway to victory,"
  • 00:24:25.520 --> 00:24:28.089
  • I hope cindy's note inspires you as well, because you are
  • 00:24:28.089 --> 00:24:32.427
  • Truly making an eternal impact.
  • 00:24:32.427 --> 00:24:35.430
  • Together, we are piercing the darkness
  • 00:24:35.497 --> 00:24:38.166
  • With the light of god's word.
  • 00:24:38.166 --> 00:24:40.468
  • Now, stay right there, i'll be back
  • 00:24:40.468 --> 00:24:42.170
  • With more "pathway to victory" in just a moment.
  • 00:24:42.170 --> 00:24:46.174
  • Announcer: with everything happening in our world today.
  • 00:24:46.241 --> 00:24:49.144
  • It's natural to wonder, are we living in the end-times?
  • 00:24:49.144 --> 00:24:53.415
  • In his brand-new book "ask dr. jeffress about the end times,"
  • 00:24:53.481 --> 00:24:57.586
  • Dr. robert jeffress answers the 20 questions people ask the
  • 00:24:57.586 --> 00:25:00.989
  • Most about the future.
  • 00:25:00.989 --> 00:25:02.390
  • Jeffress: in my 40+ years as a pastor, i've answered countless
  • 00:25:02.390 --> 00:25:05.627
  • Questions about the end-times, and that's why i wrote this
  • 00:25:05.627 --> 00:25:09.464
  • Book, to give you clear, biblical answers that will fill
  • 00:25:09.464 --> 00:25:13.268
  • Your life with peace, joy, and excitement as we look forward to
  • 00:25:13.268 --> 00:25:17.339
  • Our lord's return.
  • 00:25:17.339 --> 00:25:18.974
  • Announcer: request your copy of "ask dr. jeffress about the
  • 00:25:18.974 --> 00:25:22.010
  • End times" when you give a generous gift to support
  • 00:25:22.010 --> 00:25:25.113
  • "pathway to victory" or when you become a pathway partner.
  • 00:25:25.113 --> 00:25:28.917
  • And when your ministry gift is $125 or more,
  • 00:25:28.917 --> 00:25:32.954
  • You'll also receive dr. jeffress's bestselling book
  • 00:25:32.954 --> 00:25:36.057
  • "perfect ending," also the stunning full-color resource
  • 00:25:36.057 --> 00:25:39.728
  • "the end times illustrated," and the complete "perfect ending"
  • 00:25:39.728 --> 00:25:43.264
  • Teaching series on both cd and dvd.
  • 00:25:43.264 --> 00:25:46.334
  • Jeffress: the end-time events are going to be
  • 00:25:46.334 --> 00:25:47.669
  • Very frightening.
  • 00:25:47.669 --> 00:25:49.037
  • It's going to consist of economic turmoil.
  • 00:25:49.037 --> 00:25:51.039
  • There'll be wars, there'll be unprecedented persecution.
  • 00:25:51.039 --> 00:25:55.010
  • But fortunately christians don't have to fear that period
  • 00:25:55.010 --> 00:25:58.046
  • Of time.
  • 00:25:58.046 --> 00:25:59.381
  • Announcer: your generous support of "pathway to victory" helps us
  • 00:25:59.381 --> 00:26:01.983
  • Proclaim the hope of christ's return through television,
  • 00:26:01.983 --> 00:26:05.353
  • Radio, and online streaming to people across the country and
  • 00:26:05.353 --> 00:26:09.157
  • Around the world.
  • 00:26:09.157 --> 00:26:10.492
  • Together we're piercing the darkness with the light of
  • 00:26:10.492 --> 00:26:13.361
  • God's word.
  • 00:26:13.361 --> 00:26:14.729
  • Jeffress: we have been living in the church age since the time
  • 00:26:17.866 --> 00:26:20.435
  • Of jesus, but there's no telling when god is going to hit
  • 00:26:20.435 --> 00:26:23.705
  • The button on a stopwatch and let those final seven years,
  • 00:26:23.705 --> 00:26:27.776
  • Known as the great tribulation, begin.
  • 00:26:27.776 --> 00:26:30.879
  • And i believe the groundwork for the rise of the antichrist
  • 00:26:30.879 --> 00:26:33.982
  • Is already being laid.
  • 00:26:33.982 --> 00:26:36.284
  • Well, we've looked at acts one and two
  • 00:26:36.284 --> 00:26:38.386
  • Of the great tribulation,
  • 00:26:38.386 --> 00:26:40.055
  • A period of time that will be surprisingly peaceful,
  • 00:26:40.055 --> 00:26:43.058
  • Before the world as we know it comes to an end,
  • 00:26:43.058 --> 00:26:46.394
  • But there's a third act, 3 1/2 years of intense persecution,
  • 00:26:46.394 --> 00:26:51.166
  • And we'll learn about earth's final hours next time.
  • 00:26:51.166 --> 00:26:55.370
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
  • 00:26:55.370 --> 00:26:57.405
  • In our series, "perfect ending."
  • 00:26:57.405 --> 00:27:00.875
  • Jeffress: now, hear me this morning, what god desires
  • 00:27:00.942 --> 00:27:02.811
  • For israel in those final seven years, that they turn back
  • 00:27:02.811 --> 00:27:06.114
  • To him, is what god desires for your life right now.
  • 00:27:06.114 --> 00:27:10.719
  • He loves you, he doesn't hate you.
  • 00:27:10.785 --> 00:27:13.588
  • More than anything, god desires to have a relationship with you.
  • 00:27:13.588 --> 00:27:17.358
  • Male announcer: set your dvr, and join us next time
  • 00:27:17.425 --> 00:27:19.427
  • For part two of the message, "the beginning of the end,"
  • 00:27:19.427 --> 00:27:22.931
  • Here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:27:22.931 --> 00:27:27.202