Pathway to Victory provides practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through clear, Biblical teaching.
#Forgiveness
#Sin
#Prayer
#Gospel
#Politics
#Government
#WordofGod
#PersonalStory
#Revival
#RobertJeffress
Closed captions
Show Timecode
Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Can We Survive Another 250 Years (Part 2) | July 2, 2026
- (triumphant music)
- 00:00:00.156 --> 00:00:05.595
- From the pulpit of the first baptist church
- 00:00:06.496 --> 00:00:08.565
- Of dallas, texas,
- 00:00:08.565 --> 00:00:10.066
- This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
- 00:00:10.066 --> 00:00:13.870
- Hi, i am robert jeffress
- 00:00:14.370 --> 00:00:15.672
- And welcome again to "pathway to victory."
- 00:00:15.672 --> 00:00:18.074
- America has been uniquely blessed by god from the beginning,
- 00:00:18.074 --> 00:00:21.511
- But as we celebrate 250 years as a nation,
- 00:00:21.511 --> 00:00:25.215
- How do we ensure that blessing continues?
- 00:00:25.215 --> 00:00:28.284
- Today, i'm going to share four practical steps
- 00:00:28.284 --> 00:00:31.121
- Christians can take right now
- 00:00:31.121 --> 00:00:33.156
- To stand for righteousness, support our nation,
- 00:00:33.156 --> 00:00:36.693
- And extend god's blessing on america.
- 00:00:36.693 --> 00:00:39.696
- My message is titled, "america at the crossroads:
- 00:00:39.696 --> 00:00:43.032
- Can we survive another 250 years?"
- 00:00:43.032 --> 00:00:47.137
- On today's special edition of "pathway to victory."
- 00:00:47.137 --> 00:00:51.007
- ♪ mine eyes have seen the glory ♪
- 00:00:51.007 --> 00:00:54.811
- ♪ of the coming of the lord ♪
- 00:00:54.811 --> 00:00:59.616
- ♪ he is trampling out the vintage ♪
- 00:00:59.616 --> 00:01:04.387
- ♪ where the grapes of wrath are stored ♪
- 00:01:04.387 --> 00:01:09.092
- ♪ he hath loosed the fateful lightning ♪
- 00:01:09.092 --> 00:01:14.330
- ♪ of this terrible swift sword ♪
- 00:01:14.998 --> 00:01:19.068
- ♪ his truth is marching on ♪
- 00:01:19.068 --> 00:01:26.543
- ♪ gloria ♪
- 00:01:26.876 --> 00:01:30.280
- ♪ glory! glory! hallelujah! ♪
- 00:01:30.280 --> 00:01:35.785
- ♪ gloria ♪
- 00:01:36.119 --> 00:01:40.056
- ♪ glory! glory! hallelujah! ♪
- 00:01:40.056 --> 00:01:45.395
- ♪ gloria! gloria ♪
- 00:01:45.862 --> 00:01:50.833
- ♪ glory! glory! hallelujah! ♪
- 00:01:50.833 --> 00:01:56.105
- ♪ gloria ♪
- 00:01:56.439 --> 00:01:58.541
- ♪ his truth is marching on ♪
- 00:01:58.541 --> 00:02:06.182
- ♪ glory! glory! hallelujah! ♪
- 00:02:06.849 --> 00:02:12.121
- ♪ glory! glory! hallelujah! ♪
- 00:02:12.789 --> 00:02:17.460
- ♪ glory! glory! hallelujah! ♪
- 00:02:18.127 --> 00:02:23.132
- ♪ his truth is marching on ♪
- 00:02:23.766 --> 00:02:28.605
- ♪ glory! glory! hallelujah! ♪
- 00:02:29.272 --> 00:02:34.577
- ♪ glory! glory! hallelujah! ♪
- 00:02:35.245 --> 00:02:40.550
- ♪ glory! glory! hallelujah! ♪
- 00:02:41.217 --> 00:02:46.589
- ♪ his truth is marching on ♪
- 00:02:47.223 --> 00:02:52.595
- ♪ glory! glory! ♪
- 00:02:53.062 --> 00:03:07.477
- (congregation applauding)
- 00:03:08.044 --> 00:03:10.913
- As our nation marks 250 years,
- 00:03:10.913 --> 00:03:13.416
- America stands at a crossroads.
- 00:03:13.416 --> 00:03:15.652
- Will we return to the god who blessed us
- 00:03:15.652 --> 00:03:18.054
- Or continue down a path that leads to ruin?
- 00:03:18.054 --> 00:03:20.723
- Through the in god we trust matching challenge,
- 00:03:20.723 --> 00:03:23.326
- Your gift today will be doubled in ministry impact.
- 00:03:23.326 --> 00:03:26.162
- For 30 years,
- 00:03:26.162 --> 00:03:27.664
- "pathway to victory" has pierced the darkness of our nation
- 00:03:27.664 --> 00:03:30.366
- With the light of god's word by sharing biblical truth
- 00:03:30.366 --> 00:03:33.069
- That transforms hearts.
- 00:03:33.069 --> 00:03:35.138
- Join us in this critical hour by giving
- 00:03:35.138 --> 00:03:37.173
- Toward the in god we trust matching challenge today.
- 00:03:37.173 --> 00:03:41.444
- (bright uplifting music)
- 00:03:41.444 --> 00:03:50.720
- A gallup poll found that only 32% of americans
- 00:03:51.654 --> 00:03:56.025
- Supported israel's attack against hamas
- 00:03:56.025 --> 00:04:00.630
- That was residing in gaza.
- 00:04:00.630 --> 00:04:02.498
- Only 32% believe israel has a right to protect itself
- 00:04:02.498 --> 00:04:06.969
- From those barbarians who came into israel in 2023
- 00:04:06.969 --> 00:04:12.308
- And did things to men and women and babies
- 00:04:13.209 --> 00:04:15.845
- That are unmentionable.
- 00:04:15.845 --> 00:04:17.580
- We can't talk about what they did,
- 00:04:17.580 --> 00:04:19.649
- But it was so horrific, it defies imagination.
- 00:04:19.649 --> 00:04:22.852
- And yet, in spite of that,
- 00:04:22.852 --> 00:04:24.954
- Only a few percent of americans believe
- 00:04:24.954 --> 00:04:27.457
- Israel has the right to defend herself.
- 00:04:27.457 --> 00:04:30.626
- The bible predicts that in the last days,
- 00:04:30.626 --> 00:04:32.929
- Every nation in the world,
- 00:04:32.929 --> 00:04:34.764
- Including the united states,
- 00:04:34.764 --> 00:04:36.432
- Will turn her back on israel.
- 00:04:36.432 --> 00:04:38.501
- It's easy to see how that's going to happen.
- 00:04:38.501 --> 00:04:40.837
- Interestingly, turning our back on israel
- 00:04:40.837 --> 00:04:44.374
- Will result in the decimation of the every country
- 00:04:44.374 --> 00:04:46.976
- Including the united states,
- 00:04:46.976 --> 00:04:48.711
- But it will have no impact on israel.
- 00:04:48.711 --> 00:04:51.114
- Did you know israel is the only nation in the world
- 00:04:51.114 --> 00:04:53.783
- That has the promise of endurance?
- 00:04:53.783 --> 00:04:56.119
- Because israel was a nation created by god.
- 00:04:56.119 --> 00:04:59.255
- Israel is the nation that is the apple of god's eye.
- 00:04:59.255 --> 00:05:03.393
- And yet, in spite of that,
- 00:05:03.393 --> 00:05:04.827
- America will turn her back on israel.
- 00:05:04.827 --> 00:05:08.431
- That is going to be a cause of judgment.
- 00:05:09.298 --> 00:05:12.668
- Don't forget, regardless of what the polls say,
- 00:05:12.668 --> 00:05:15.204
- Regardless of what the politicians say,
- 00:05:15.204 --> 00:05:17.473
- God made a covenant with israel.
- 00:05:17.473 --> 00:05:19.375
- In genesis 12:3, he said to abraham,
- 00:05:19.375 --> 00:05:22.078
- "i will bless those
- 00:05:22.078 --> 00:05:23.646
- Who bless you and your descendants.
- 00:05:23.646 --> 00:05:25.415
- I will curse those
- 00:05:25.415 --> 00:05:26.916
- Who curse you and your descendants."
- 00:05:26.916 --> 00:05:29.352
- I believe, i believe one reason god has so uniquely
- 00:05:29.352 --> 00:05:33.589
- And richly blessed america
- 00:05:33.589 --> 00:05:35.291
- Has been because of our historic support of israel.
- 00:05:35.291 --> 00:05:38.761
- Bipartisan support, i might mention.
- 00:05:38.761 --> 00:05:41.464
- It was in 1948 that a democrat president harry truman
- 00:05:41.464 --> 00:05:46.369
- Was the first to recognize the new nation of israel.
- 00:05:46.369 --> 00:05:50.740
- And in 2018, our country showed its support for israel
- 00:05:50.740 --> 00:05:55.445
- By moving our embassy from tel aviv to jerusalem
- 00:05:55.445 --> 00:05:59.415
- To say to the whole world,
- 00:05:59.415 --> 00:06:00.683
- "we believe israel has the right to exist
- 00:06:00.683 --> 00:06:03.753
- And determine its own capital."
- 00:06:03.753 --> 00:06:05.555
- And one of the great honors of my life
- 00:06:05.555 --> 00:06:07.457
- Was to be giving the opening prayer
- 00:06:07.457 --> 00:06:10.293
- For the dedication of that embassy.
- 00:06:10.293 --> 00:06:13.963
- We've talked about america's past, you can't change it.
- 00:06:13.963 --> 00:06:17.233
- We've talked about america's future, it's already set.
- 00:06:17.233 --> 00:06:20.036
- You're not going to change it.
- 00:06:20.036 --> 00:06:21.504
- But i want to talk about america's present,
- 00:06:21.504 --> 00:06:24.006
- What we can do to prolong god's blessing on our country,
- 00:06:24.006 --> 00:06:28.177
- Even if it's a temporary time?
- 00:06:28.177 --> 00:06:30.246
- As a country, we face the same choice that israel faces,
- 00:06:30.246 --> 00:06:34.183
- They prepared to enter the promised land.
- 00:06:34.183 --> 00:06:36.652
- Remember in deuteronomy 30:19, god said,
- 00:06:36.652 --> 00:06:40.056
- "i call heaven and earth to be witness against you today
- 00:06:40.056 --> 00:06:43.426
- That i have set before you life and death,
- 00:06:43.426 --> 00:06:46.262
- The blessing and the curse.
- 00:06:46.262 --> 00:06:47.897
- So choose life in order that you may live
- 00:06:47.897 --> 00:06:51.367
- And your descendants."
- 00:06:51.367 --> 00:06:53.202
- In the same way, god has said to america,
- 00:06:53.202 --> 00:06:55.571
- "i'm placing before you a blessing or a curse.
- 00:06:55.571 --> 00:06:58.241
- You choose: a blessing if you follow after me;
- 00:06:58.241 --> 00:07:01.277
- A curse, if you disobey me."
- 00:07:01.277 --> 00:07:04.247
- What can we do
- 00:07:04.247 --> 00:07:05.681
- To make the right choice for america's present?
- 00:07:05.681 --> 00:07:08.451
- I'm going to suggest for action steps for every believer
- 00:07:08.451 --> 00:07:12.121
- Who truly loves his god and love his country.
- 00:07:12.121 --> 00:07:15.691
- Number one: take a stand.
- 00:07:15.691 --> 00:07:18.828
- Take a stand, remember, we are the restrainers of evil,
- 00:07:18.828 --> 00:07:22.198
- But that means we have to push back
- 00:07:22.198 --> 00:07:23.866
- Against the flood of evil
- 00:07:23.866 --> 00:07:25.434
- That is trying to envelop our world right now.
- 00:07:25.434 --> 00:07:28.170
- That means you need to take a stand
- 00:07:28.170 --> 00:07:30.306
- Wherever god has placed you.
- 00:07:30.306 --> 00:07:32.108
- Maybe it's a school board meeting.
- 00:07:32.108 --> 00:07:34.176
- Maybe it's a city council meeting.
- 00:07:34.176 --> 00:07:36.379
- Maybe it's a neighborhood association.
- 00:07:36.379 --> 00:07:40.149
- Maybe it's your school.
- 00:07:40.149 --> 00:07:42.218
- Maybe it's your work
- 00:07:42.218 --> 00:07:43.619
- When an employer tries to force
- 00:07:43.619 --> 00:07:45.021
- An ungodly practice on the workforce.
- 00:07:45.021 --> 00:07:49.058
- Whatever it is, we need to stand up and push back.
- 00:07:49.058 --> 00:07:53.663
- We need to say no.
- 00:07:53.663 --> 00:07:54.830
- We need to take a stand,
- 00:07:54.830 --> 00:07:56.666
- Especially take a stand against those who would seek
- 00:07:56.666 --> 00:08:00.336
- To diminish our freedom of worship.
- 00:08:00.336 --> 00:08:02.838
- What others have called the first freedom
- 00:08:02.838 --> 00:08:05.708
- Found in the constitution,
- 00:08:05.708 --> 00:08:07.977
- Our right to worship and practice our faith.
- 00:08:07.977 --> 00:08:11.080
- Anybody who tries to curtail that freedom
- 00:08:11.080 --> 00:08:13.382
- Needs to be stopped.
- 00:08:13.382 --> 00:08:15.785
- I remember so well many years ago
- 00:08:15.785 --> 00:08:17.887
- When our oldest daughter, julia, was eight years old,
- 00:08:17.887 --> 00:08:21.490
- She was very evangelistic back then
- 00:08:21.490 --> 00:08:23.192
- Just as she is right now.
- 00:08:23.192 --> 00:08:25.828
- And she was passing out water bottles
- 00:08:25.828 --> 00:08:29.799
- To her classmates that had a bible verse printed on them,
- 00:08:29.799 --> 00:08:33.369
- John 4:14 that says,
- 00:08:33.369 --> 00:08:35.338
- "whoever drinks of the water i give will never thirst."
- 00:08:35.338 --> 00:08:39.275
- And so, she was sharing her faith,
- 00:08:39.275 --> 00:08:40.710
- Giving out those water bottles.
- 00:08:40.710 --> 00:08:43.245
- Well, she was told by the school administrator
- 00:08:43.245 --> 00:08:46.315
- That she couldn't do that
- 00:08:46.315 --> 00:08:48.284
- Because that violated school policy.
- 00:08:48.284 --> 00:08:51.587
- And so, she asked me what she should do
- 00:08:51.587 --> 00:08:54.390
- And i decided it's time for a civics lesson.
- 00:08:54.390 --> 00:08:57.560
- And so, i called our good friend
- 00:08:57.560 --> 00:08:59.562
- Kelly shackelford at first liberty institute,
- 00:08:59.562 --> 00:09:02.732
- Got some information about recent court rulings,
- 00:09:02.732 --> 00:09:05.167
- About similar actions.
- 00:09:05.167 --> 00:09:07.203
- I brought julia into my study
- 00:09:07.203 --> 00:09:08.738
- And we called the administrator.
- 00:09:08.738 --> 00:09:10.806
- And by the way, he was a godly good man.
- 00:09:10.806 --> 00:09:12.942
- He was just misinformed.
- 00:09:12.942 --> 00:09:14.510
- And so i thanked him, first of all,
- 00:09:14.510 --> 00:09:16.445
- For what he was doing for our family,
- 00:09:16.445 --> 00:09:18.247
- For what he did to our community,
- 00:09:18.247 --> 00:09:20.082
- But then brought up this ruling and i said,
- 00:09:20.082 --> 00:09:22.284
- "i know it violates your school policy,
- 00:09:22.284 --> 00:09:25.054
- But your policy violates the constitution and here's why
- 00:09:25.054 --> 00:09:29.458
- And we need you to reinstate her right."
- 00:09:29.458 --> 00:09:31.627
- And surprisingly, he agreed and understood.
- 00:09:31.627 --> 00:09:35.264
- Now, that's not a major legal victory
- 00:09:35.264 --> 00:09:37.166
- That you'll read about in the news.
- 00:09:37.166 --> 00:09:39.535
- It did not have the standing of a supreme court ruling
- 00:09:39.535 --> 00:09:42.171
- And i understood that.
- 00:09:42.171 --> 00:09:43.539
- But in that west texas town,
- 00:09:43.539 --> 00:09:45.408
- We decided to take a stand where we were at that time
- 00:09:45.408 --> 00:09:48.944
- To push back against those
- 00:09:48.944 --> 00:09:50.780
- Who would violate the constitution.
- 00:09:50.780 --> 00:09:52.948
- I'm saying if we're going to be restrainers of evil,
- 00:09:52.948 --> 00:09:55.551
- We need to take a stand.
- 00:09:55.551 --> 00:09:58.320
- Secondly, if we care about america,
- 00:09:58.320 --> 00:10:01.257
- We need to cast a vote.
- 00:10:01.257 --> 00:10:03.626
- Cast a vote.
- 00:10:03.626 --> 00:10:04.827
- Now, i know some of you are saying,
- 00:10:04.827 --> 00:10:06.629
- "where is that in the bible?
- 00:10:06.629 --> 00:10:08.864
- Where is anything about voting?"
- 00:10:08.864 --> 00:10:11.167
- Honestly, nowhere.
- 00:10:11.167 --> 00:10:13.269
- But there's a reason it's not found in scripture.
- 00:10:13.269 --> 00:10:16.272
- In biblical times, you didn't get to choose your leader.
- 00:10:16.272 --> 00:10:18.674
- They didn't send around ballots,
- 00:10:18.674 --> 00:10:20.076
- "i'd like for emperor so-and-so."
- 00:10:20.076 --> 00:10:22.378
- You know, you didn't get to choose the emperor.
- 00:10:22.378 --> 00:10:24.213
- That was imposed upon you.
- 00:10:24.213 --> 00:10:26.282
- But john jay, who is a great christian
- 00:10:26.282 --> 00:10:28.984
- And the first supreme court justice
- 00:10:28.984 --> 00:10:31.654
- In the united states, said this.
- 00:10:31.654 --> 00:10:33.823
- He said, "in this christian nation,"
- 00:10:33.823 --> 00:10:37.993
- By the way, isn't that interesting?
- 00:10:37.993 --> 00:10:39.628
- The first supreme court chief justice
- 00:10:39.628 --> 00:10:41.497
- Said america is a christian nation.
- 00:10:41.497 --> 00:10:44.200
- He'd be accused of being a christian nationalist today.
- 00:10:44.200 --> 00:10:47.837
- But he said, without doubt, "in this christian nation,
- 00:10:47.837 --> 00:10:50.606
- God has given us the privilege
- 00:10:50.606 --> 00:10:53.309
- Of choosing our leaders."
- 00:10:53.309 --> 00:10:56.245
- We get to choose our leaders.
- 00:10:56.245 --> 00:10:58.514
- Every time we go into the voting booth,
- 00:10:58.514 --> 00:11:00.850
- We get to cast a vote.
- 00:11:00.850 --> 00:11:02.718
- We're casting a vote for righteousness or unrighteousness.
- 00:11:02.718 --> 00:11:06.622
- Now, i know.
- 00:11:06.622 --> 00:11:07.990
- There are no perfect candidates.
- 00:11:07.990 --> 00:11:10.226
- There are no perfect pastors.
- 00:11:10.226 --> 00:11:11.827
- That's not the issue.
- 00:11:11.827 --> 00:11:13.562
- When we go to vote, we ought to ask,
- 00:11:13.562 --> 00:11:16.298
- Who is best equipped
- 00:11:16.298 --> 00:11:18.934
- To fulfill god's purpose for government?
- 00:11:18.934 --> 00:11:21.771
- Which candidate?
- 00:11:21.771 --> 00:11:22.972
- That's what we ought to be asking.
- 00:11:22.972 --> 00:11:24.673
- You see, we need to remember,
- 00:11:24.673 --> 00:11:26.342
- God didn't just create one institution, the church.
- 00:11:26.342 --> 00:11:29.545
- He actually created three institutions
- 00:11:29.545 --> 00:11:31.714
- To accomplish his purpose on earth.
- 00:11:31.714 --> 00:11:34.416
- First of all, he established the family.
- 00:11:34.416 --> 00:11:36.952
- In genesis 2, the family was first created by god.
- 00:11:36.952 --> 00:11:40.055
- Then, in genesis 9, he created government
- 00:11:40.055 --> 00:11:42.491
- To bring order to society.
- 00:11:42.491 --> 00:11:44.293
- And then, in acts 2, he created the church of jesus christ
- 00:11:44.293 --> 00:11:48.030
- To share the gospel.
- 00:11:48.030 --> 00:11:49.632
- And people get all mixed up
- 00:11:49.632 --> 00:11:51.000
- When they try to confuse those responsibilities.
- 00:11:51.000 --> 00:11:53.235
- God has not called on government
- 00:11:53.235 --> 00:11:55.437
- To lead a revival in america.
- 00:11:55.437 --> 00:11:57.673
- God has not asked government to raise our families.
- 00:11:57.673 --> 00:12:00.442
- God has not asked the church to enforce discipline
- 00:12:00.442 --> 00:12:03.913
- Against those outside the church.
- 00:12:03.913 --> 00:12:07.082
- Every institution has its own responsibility.
- 00:12:07.082 --> 00:12:11.787
- What is god's responsibility for government?
- 00:12:11.787 --> 00:12:14.957
- The bible says there are two things
- 00:12:14.957 --> 00:12:16.892
- We elect leaders to do.
- 00:12:16.892 --> 00:12:19.128
- When choosing a leader,
- 00:12:19.128 --> 00:12:21.063
- Two responsibilities government has:
- 00:12:21.063 --> 00:12:23.599
- Number one isn't on your outline,
- 00:12:23.599 --> 00:12:25.201
- Just write it down.
- 00:12:25.201 --> 00:12:26.502
- The number one responsibility of government
- 00:12:26.502 --> 00:12:28.971
- Is to protect citizens from evildoers.
- 00:12:28.971 --> 00:12:33.042
- It's to protect citizens from evildoers.
- 00:12:33.042 --> 00:12:34.977
- Romans 13:4 says,
- 00:12:34.977 --> 00:12:37.146
- "for government does not bear the sword for nothing."
- 00:12:37.146 --> 00:12:40.916
- Now, what does that mean?
- 00:12:40.916 --> 00:12:43.118
- To bear the sword means to execute,
- 00:12:43.118 --> 00:12:45.921
- To kill somebody.
- 00:12:46.355 --> 00:12:48.090
- God has given government the right to bear the sword.
- 00:12:48.090 --> 00:12:52.962
- That means capital punishment.
- 00:12:52.962 --> 00:12:54.463
- If somebody takes another person's life,
- 00:12:54.463 --> 00:12:56.498
- Government has the right to take that person's life.
- 00:12:56.498 --> 00:12:59.401
- That went back to genesis 9:6.
- 00:12:59.401 --> 00:13:01.237
- God has authorized government to do that.
- 00:13:01.237 --> 00:13:03.806
- God has authorized government to stop evildoers,
- 00:13:03.806 --> 00:13:09.078
- Doesn't matter where they are,
- 00:13:09.712 --> 00:13:10.980
- To keep evildoers from practicing evil.
- 00:13:10.980 --> 00:13:15.251
- And we need to remember that
- 00:13:15.851 --> 00:13:17.553
- In this present situation.
- 00:13:17.553 --> 00:13:19.889
- What iran is doing, ladies and gentlemen, is evil.
- 00:13:20.890 --> 00:13:25.794
- It is evil to kill 45,000 of your citizens
- 00:13:26.662 --> 00:13:31.433
- For being dissidents.
- 00:13:31.433 --> 00:13:33.369
- -that is absolute evil. -(congregation applauding)
- 00:13:33.369 --> 00:13:36.038
- And we need to call it what it is.
- 00:13:36.038 --> 00:13:38.474
- And make no mistake about it,
- 00:13:38.474 --> 00:13:40.576
- The leaders of iran want to destroy
- 00:13:40.576 --> 00:13:43.212
- Every one of us in this room.
- 00:13:43.212 --> 00:13:46.415
- They will not stop until they have succeeded in doing that.
- 00:13:46.415 --> 00:13:50.319
- You remember the words of the ayatollah khomeini
- 00:13:50.319 --> 00:13:52.922
- Back in 1979?
- 00:13:52.922 --> 00:13:54.924
- He called america the great satan.
- 00:13:54.924 --> 00:13:58.661
- He called israel the little satan.
- 00:13:58.661 --> 00:14:01.096
- And he said, both of us
- 00:14:01.096 --> 00:14:02.464
- Need to be wiped off the face of the earth.
- 00:14:02.464 --> 00:14:06.068
- And i want to say this as clearly as i know how.
- 00:14:06.068 --> 00:14:08.871
- I've said it to him privately,
- 00:14:08.871 --> 00:14:10.606
- I said it publicly at the white house,
- 00:14:10.606 --> 00:14:12.841
- "thank god we have a president who understands
- 00:14:12.841 --> 00:14:16.045
- He not only has the god-given right,
- 00:14:16.045 --> 00:14:18.914
- But the god-given responsibility
- 00:14:18.914 --> 00:14:20.449
- To protect this nation from those who would destroy us."
- 00:14:20.449 --> 00:14:24.853
- God help him as he does that.
- 00:14:24.853 --> 00:14:27.890
- That is the function of government.
- 00:14:28.657 --> 00:14:30.993
- And when we are looking for a leader, we're not asking
- 00:14:30.993 --> 00:14:33.195
- Who's going to be the best bible school teacher.
- 00:14:33.195 --> 00:14:35.731
- We're not asking who's qualified to be pastor.
- 00:14:35.731 --> 00:14:37.800
- We're saying who's going to do
- 00:14:37.800 --> 00:14:39.969
- What is government's right and responsibility
- 00:14:39.969 --> 00:14:42.905
- And that is to protect us.
- 00:14:42.905 --> 00:14:44.940
- The second function of government
- 00:14:44.940 --> 00:14:46.775
- Is to protect citizens' right to practice their faith.
- 00:14:46.775 --> 00:14:51.013
- Where do you find that in scripture very clearly?
- 00:14:51.013 --> 00:14:52.848
- 1 timothy 2:1-2, paul said,
- 00:14:52.848 --> 00:14:56.885
- "i pray that prayers and entreaties
- 00:14:56.885 --> 00:14:58.554
- And thanksgiving be made for kings
- 00:14:58.554 --> 00:15:01.290
- And all those who are in authority,
- 00:15:01.290 --> 00:15:03.959
- That we may lead a quiet and tranquil life
- 00:15:03.959 --> 00:15:07.296
- In all godliness and dignity."
- 00:15:07.296 --> 00:15:10.199
- Thirdly, in addition to taking and stand and casting a vote,
- 00:15:10.199 --> 00:15:13.702
- We need to say a prayer
- 00:15:13.702 --> 00:15:15.971
- Or maybe more than one prayer for our country
- 00:15:15.971 --> 00:15:18.707
- And those who inhabit it.
- 00:15:18.707 --> 00:15:20.943
- There's a verse you may not be familiar with.
- 00:15:20.943 --> 00:15:23.846
- Jeremiah 29:7, god was speaking
- 00:15:23.846 --> 00:15:27.216
- To those who were about to be sent to babylon and to exile.
- 00:15:27.216 --> 00:15:31.186
- He was talking to the jews
- 00:15:31.186 --> 00:15:32.755
- And he was instructing them
- 00:15:32.755 --> 00:15:34.223
- How to handle their surroundings,
- 00:15:34.223 --> 00:15:35.958
- What to do for the city
- 00:15:35.958 --> 00:15:37.860
- And the nation to where they're going to be sent.
- 00:15:37.860 --> 00:15:39.895
- And notice jeremiah 29:7,
- 00:15:39.895 --> 00:15:42.631
- God said, "seek the welfare of the city
- 00:15:42.631 --> 00:15:46.201
- Where i've sent you into exile,
- 00:15:46.201 --> 00:15:48.237
- And pray to the lord on its behalf
- 00:15:48.237 --> 00:15:51.173
- For in its welfare, you will have welfare."
- 00:15:51.173 --> 00:15:56.512
- Christians, again, are confused about this.
- 00:15:57.413 --> 00:15:58.847
- They think they're supposed
- 00:15:58.847 --> 00:16:00.115
- To isolate themselves from the culture.
- 00:16:00.115 --> 00:16:02.484
- Stay in their holy huddle
- 00:16:02.484 --> 00:16:04.453
- And hope nothing bad happens to them.
- 00:16:04.453 --> 00:16:06.722
- No, he said be involved in the welfare of the city.
- 00:16:06.722 --> 00:16:10.926
- Seek the peace of the city.
- 00:16:10.926 --> 00:16:12.795
- It also means prosperity.
- 00:16:12.795 --> 00:16:14.163
- Seek the prosperity of the city for in its welfare,
- 00:16:14.163 --> 00:16:18.333
- In its peace, in its prosperity,
- 00:16:18.333 --> 00:16:20.335
- You will have peace.
- 00:16:20.335 --> 00:16:22.771
- We're to be concerned about the world
- 00:16:22.771 --> 00:16:25.174
- Into which we're sent,
- 00:16:25.174 --> 00:16:26.175
- The nation in which we live.
- 00:16:26.175 --> 00:16:28.010
- And, of course, the best way we seek welfare
- 00:16:28.010 --> 00:16:31.080
- For those around us
- 00:16:31.080 --> 00:16:32.681
- Is to lead them to faith in christ.
- 00:16:32.681 --> 00:16:35.150
- And that ought to be our prayer for them.
- 00:16:35.150 --> 00:16:37.553
- Remember 2 chronicles 7:14,
- 00:16:37.553 --> 00:16:39.455
- "if my people, who are called by my name,
- 00:16:39.455 --> 00:16:42.057
- Will humble themselves and pray
- 00:16:42.057 --> 00:16:44.526
- And seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
- 00:16:44.526 --> 00:16:47.763
- Then i will hear from heaven.
- 00:16:47.763 --> 00:16:50.766
- I will forgive their sin and i will heal their land."
- 00:16:50.766 --> 00:16:55.070
- John adams said it this way,
- 00:16:55.070 --> 00:16:56.805
- "the american union will last as long as god pleases.
- 00:16:56.805 --> 00:17:01.210
- It is the duty of every american citizen
- 00:17:01.210 --> 00:17:04.713
- To exert his utmost abilities and endeavors
- 00:17:04.713 --> 00:17:08.417
- To preserve the country as long as possible,
- 00:17:08.417 --> 00:17:11.987
- And to pray."
- 00:17:11.987 --> 00:17:15.324
- Seek the welfare of the city,
- 00:17:15.324 --> 00:17:17.659
- Pray, take a stand,
- 00:17:17.659 --> 00:17:19.061
- Cast a vote, say a prayer.
- 00:17:19.061 --> 00:17:21.396
- And number four, the most important thing we can do
- 00:17:21.396 --> 00:17:23.899
- Is share the gospel.
- 00:17:23.899 --> 00:17:26.468
- Ladies and gentlemen,
- 00:17:26.468 --> 00:17:27.703
- The only way we're going to change america
- 00:17:27.703 --> 00:17:29.872
- Is by changing the hearts of americans.
- 00:17:29.872 --> 00:17:33.642
- And no political party can do that.
- 00:17:33.642 --> 00:17:36.678
- The democrat party and the republican party
- 00:17:37.579 --> 00:17:41.083
- Are corrupt and spiritually bankrupt.
- 00:17:41.083 --> 00:17:44.987
- They have no answers
- 00:17:44.987 --> 00:17:46.588
- -for our country. -(congregation applauding)
- 00:17:46.588 --> 00:17:47.890
- Only the church of jesus christ has the answer.
- 00:17:47.890 --> 00:17:52.094
- And if we want to see god's blessing on this country,
- 00:17:52.094 --> 00:17:55.631
- We must do everything we can to share the gospel
- 00:17:55.631 --> 00:17:58.867
- With as many people and as quickly as possible.
- 00:17:58.867 --> 00:18:01.203
- And that's the mission of first baptist church dallas,
- 00:18:01.203 --> 00:18:03.739
- Transforming the world with god's word one life at a time.
- 00:18:03.739 --> 00:18:08.277
- And you know we're seeing that happen.
- 00:18:08.277 --> 00:18:10.279
- Every day of every week,
- 00:18:10.279 --> 00:18:12.381
- We hear from people around the world,
- 00:18:12.381 --> 00:18:14.316
- In our country and around the world,
- 00:18:14.316 --> 00:18:16.051
- Who are coming to faith in christ,
- 00:18:16.051 --> 00:18:17.920
- Who are rededicating their lives to christ
- 00:18:17.920 --> 00:18:20.389
- Because of the word they've heard preached from this pulpit.
- 00:18:20.389 --> 00:18:24.026
- I was getting a hamburger friday
- 00:18:24.026 --> 00:18:26.628
- And i was on the way out of the restaurant
- 00:18:26.628 --> 00:18:28.564
- A man stopped me.
- 00:18:28.564 --> 00:18:29.865
- He said, "could i take a selfie with you?"
- 00:18:29.865 --> 00:18:32.901
- I said i can't imagine why he'd want to,
- 00:18:32.901 --> 00:18:35.304
- But i said yes.
- 00:18:35.304 --> 00:18:36.505
- And he explained about himself.
- 00:18:36.505 --> 00:18:38.106
- He said he was from romania.
- 00:18:38.106 --> 00:18:40.275
- And he said he has friends in romania
- 00:18:40.275 --> 00:18:42.744
- That talk about our church
- 00:18:42.744 --> 00:18:44.379
- And "pathway to victory" and our message.
- 00:18:44.379 --> 00:18:46.648
- And he said it would be such an encouragement
- 00:18:46.648 --> 00:18:48.617
- For them to see this picture.
- 00:18:48.617 --> 00:18:50.319
- We hear that all the time.
- 00:18:50.319 --> 00:18:52.688
- The best investment you can make
- 00:18:52.688 --> 00:18:54.223
- And the investment you are making is in this church
- 00:18:54.223 --> 00:18:57.926
- That has the power through god's word
- 00:18:57.926 --> 00:19:00.162
- To transform the world.
- 00:19:00.162 --> 00:19:01.964
- So thank you for doing that.
- 00:19:01.964 --> 00:19:04.299
- -you know... -(congregation applauding)
- 00:19:04.299 --> 00:19:09.605
- When i was a little boy growing up in this church,
- 00:19:10.606 --> 00:19:14.243
- I remember we had a week-long revival
- 00:19:14.243 --> 00:19:18.113
- At southern methodist university
- 00:19:18.113 --> 00:19:20.249
- On the smu campus mcfarland auditorium.
- 00:19:20.249 --> 00:19:24.219
- It was an evangelistic outreach.
- 00:19:24.219 --> 00:19:27.089
- And our guest preacher for the week
- 00:19:27.089 --> 00:19:29.024
- Was a man named dr. angel martinez.
- 00:19:29.024 --> 00:19:32.461
- He was known for having memorized all of the new testament,
- 00:19:32.461 --> 00:19:35.464
- But he was a powerful preacher
- 00:19:35.464 --> 00:19:37.199
- And i remember those meetings.
- 00:19:37.199 --> 00:19:39.301
- But what i remember even more than the meetings
- 00:19:39.301 --> 00:19:41.637
- Were the weeks of spiritual preparation
- 00:19:41.637 --> 00:19:43.939
- Our church went through
- 00:19:43.939 --> 00:19:45.807
- To prepare for that great evangelistic effort.
- 00:19:45.807 --> 00:19:49.211
- And during that time,
- 00:19:49.211 --> 00:19:50.979
- We learned a little chorus
- 00:19:50.979 --> 00:19:52.347
- We sang in every worship service.
- 00:19:52.347 --> 00:19:54.783
- It came from the old testament "book of habakkuk."
- 00:19:54.783 --> 00:19:58.587
- I bet some of you know the chorus.
- 00:19:58.587 --> 00:20:00.289
- It went like this:
- 00:20:00.289 --> 00:20:02.457
- ♪ lord, send a revival ♪
- 00:20:02.457 --> 00:20:07.696
- ♪ lord, send a revival ♪
- 00:20:08.230 --> 00:20:17.673
- ♪ and let it begin with me ♪
- 00:20:18.307 --> 00:20:21.877
- Sing it with me.
- 00:20:21.877 --> 00:20:23.145
- ♪ lord, send a revival ♪
- 00:20:23.145 --> 00:20:28.450
- ♪ lord, send a revival ♪
- 00:20:28.984 --> 00:20:34.323
- ♪ lord, send a revival ♪
- 00:20:34.856 --> 00:20:40.028
- ♪ and let it begin with me ♪
- 00:20:40.662 --> 00:20:46.335
- Back in 1976,
- 00:20:46.702 --> 00:20:48.470
- When our country was celebrating its bicentennial,
- 00:20:48.470 --> 00:20:52.841
- Our 200th birthday,
- 00:20:52.841 --> 00:20:54.943
- I look back to see what was preached here from our church
- 00:20:54.943 --> 00:20:58.347
- During the bicentennial.
- 00:20:58.347 --> 00:21:00.215
- And dr. criswell, our former pastor,
- 00:21:00.215 --> 00:21:02.751
- Preached a message entitled,
- 00:21:02.751 --> 00:21:04.853
- "turning america back to god."
- 00:21:04.853 --> 00:21:08.490
- And this is how he closed the sermon:
- 00:21:08.490 --> 00:21:10.659
- "i am part of a nation,
- 00:21:10.659 --> 00:21:12.894
- Maybe a small part,
- 00:21:12.894 --> 00:21:14.563
- But i am part of the nation.
- 00:21:14.563 --> 00:21:17.099
- And the nation cannot repent
- 00:21:17.099 --> 00:21:19.868
- Until i repent.
- 00:21:19.868 --> 00:21:21.837
- The nation cannot believe
- 00:21:21.837 --> 00:21:24.072
- Unless i believe.
- 00:21:24.072 --> 00:21:25.907
- The nation cannot be baptized
- 00:21:25.907 --> 00:21:28.210
- Unless i am baptized.
- 00:21:28.210 --> 00:21:30.879
- The nation cannot turn to god
- 00:21:30.879 --> 00:21:33.382
- Unless i turn to god.
- 00:21:33.382 --> 00:21:35.684
- The nation cannot be saved
- 00:21:35.684 --> 00:21:38.320
- Unless i am saved.
- 00:21:38.320 --> 00:21:40.822
- The devotion and the fire and the flame
- 00:21:40.822 --> 00:21:44.292
- Must start with me.
- 00:21:44.292 --> 00:21:47.662
- Lord, send a revival
- 00:21:47.662 --> 00:21:51.166
- And let it begin with me."
- 00:21:51.166 --> 00:21:53.602
- That's the prayer.
- 00:21:53.602 --> 00:21:54.736
- That's the hope of every christian
- 00:21:54.736 --> 00:21:57.406
- Who loves god and loves america.
- 00:21:57.406 --> 00:22:00.609
- Let's bow together in prayer.
- 00:22:01.243 --> 00:22:06.715
- If america is going to be more moral,
- 00:22:07.549 --> 00:22:10.519
- Then i must be more moral.
- 00:22:10.519 --> 00:22:13.688
- If america is going to be kinder,
- 00:22:13.688 --> 00:22:16.658
- Then i need to be kinder.
- 00:22:16.658 --> 00:22:18.760
- If america is going to be saved,
- 00:22:19.394 --> 00:22:22.564
- Then i need to be saved.
- 00:22:22.564 --> 00:22:24.699
- Do you know with absolute certain
- 00:22:25.367 --> 00:22:27.269
- That your name is written
- 00:22:27.269 --> 00:22:28.570
- In that lamb's book of life right now?
- 00:22:28.570 --> 00:22:31.239
- The most important issue is not political,
- 00:22:32.107 --> 00:22:34.943
- It is a spiritual issue.
- 00:22:34.943 --> 00:22:37.612
- Do you know your sins have been forgiven?
- 00:22:38.513 --> 00:22:41.349
- If you want that assurance,
- 00:22:41.950 --> 00:22:44.052
- You must accept god's free gift of salvation now.
- 00:22:44.052 --> 00:22:48.757
- And i believe that's why god has you here
- 00:22:48.757 --> 00:22:50.759
- Or watching this worship service
- 00:22:50.759 --> 00:22:52.060
- So you can receive that gift of forgiveness.
- 00:22:52.060 --> 00:22:56.565
- Would you pray this prayer with me?
- 00:22:56.565 --> 00:22:58.266
- Dear god, thank you for loving me.
- 00:22:58.266 --> 00:23:00.635
- I know i have failed you in so many ways
- 00:23:00.635 --> 00:23:03.905
- And i'm truly sorry for the sins in my life,
- 00:23:04.806 --> 00:23:08.443
- But i believe what i've heard today,
- 00:23:09.244 --> 00:23:11.146
- That you love me so much.
- 00:23:11.146 --> 00:23:13.682
- You sent your son jesus to die on the cross for me,
- 00:23:13.682 --> 00:23:17.419
- To take the penalty of sin that i deserve.
- 00:23:18.320 --> 00:23:21.890
- And right now, i'm trusting in what jesus did for me
- 00:23:21.890 --> 00:23:25.193
- Not in my good works,
- 00:23:25.193 --> 00:23:27.062
- But in what jesus did for me
- 00:23:27.062 --> 00:23:29.464
- To save me for my sins.
- 00:23:29.965 --> 00:23:32.601
- Thank you for forgiving me
- 00:23:33.168 --> 00:23:35.637
- And help me to live the rest of my life for you.
- 00:23:35.637 --> 00:23:38.473
- In jesus' name, amen.
- 00:23:38.473 --> 00:23:40.976
- (triumphant music)
- 00:23:41.409 --> 00:23:45.747
- Lord, send a revival and let it begin with me.
- 00:23:46.681 --> 00:23:51.219
- I hope that becomes your prayer as well
- 00:23:51.219 --> 00:23:53.889
- As you seek god's blessings on this great nation.
- 00:23:53.889 --> 00:23:57.792
- And one practical step you can take today
- 00:23:57.792 --> 00:24:00.395
- Is to become a "pathway to victory" partner
- 00:24:00.395 --> 00:24:03.031
- To help us get god's word to as many people as possible
- 00:24:03.031 --> 00:24:06.635
- As soon as possible.
- 00:24:06.635 --> 00:24:08.537
- The in god we trust matching challenge ends july 5th.
- 00:24:08.537 --> 00:24:12.908
- That means that every gift you give
- 00:24:12.908 --> 00:24:14.476
- Between now and then will be matched dollar for dollar
- 00:24:14.476 --> 00:24:18.580
- Until we reach our $1.5 million goal.
- 00:24:18.580 --> 00:24:21.983
- As america celebrates 250 years,
- 00:24:21.983 --> 00:24:25.353
- Your generosity, doubled in impact,
- 00:24:25.353 --> 00:24:28.089
- Will help us proclaim the only message
- 00:24:28.089 --> 00:24:30.525
- That can truly transform a life,
- 00:24:30.525 --> 00:24:33.128
- The gospel of jesus christ.
- 00:24:33.128 --> 00:24:35.130
- Now, please stay right there.
- 00:24:35.130 --> 00:24:36.765
- I'll be back with more "pathway to victory"
- 00:24:36.765 --> 00:24:39.534
- In just a moment.
- 00:24:39.534 --> 00:24:41.469
- As our nation celebrates 250 years,
- 00:24:42.270 --> 00:24:45.674
- Do we still remember the faith that built america?
- 00:24:45.674 --> 00:24:49.277
- Dr. robert jeffress has created a beautiful book
- 00:24:49.277 --> 00:24:52.113
- To make sure that we and our families never forget.
- 00:24:52.113 --> 00:24:54.983
- The brand new 250th commemorative edition
- 00:24:54.983 --> 00:24:57.919
- Of "america is a christian nation"
- 00:24:57.919 --> 00:25:00.155
- Is an 88-page, full color, large print coffee table book
- 00:25:00.155 --> 00:25:04.092
- Packed with inspiring stories from our nation's history,
- 00:25:04.092 --> 00:25:07.462
- Breathtaking imagery of america,
- 00:25:07.462 --> 00:25:09.097
- Select portraits of our founding fathers,
- 00:25:09.097 --> 00:25:12.100
- And powerful truth from god's word.
- 00:25:12.100 --> 00:25:14.669
- America was founded on the principles
- 00:25:14.669 --> 00:25:16.571
- Of the judeo-christian faith as revealed in the bible
- 00:25:16.571 --> 00:25:20.408
- And our future depends on returning
- 00:25:20.408 --> 00:25:22.577
- To that biblical foundation.
- 00:25:22.577 --> 00:25:24.946
- Request the 250th commemorative edition
- 00:25:24.946 --> 00:25:27.716
- Of "america is a christian nation"
- 00:25:27.716 --> 00:25:29.918
- When you give a generous ministry gift
- 00:25:29.918 --> 00:25:31.753
- To "pathway to victory."
- 00:25:31.753 --> 00:25:34.189
- You'll also receive the in god we trust dvd video
- 00:25:34.189 --> 00:25:37.292
- And mp3 format audio disc set,
- 00:25:37.292 --> 00:25:40.528
- Featuring two powerful messages from dr. jeffress
- 00:25:40.528 --> 00:25:44.065
- And 12 patriotic performances
- 00:25:44.065 --> 00:25:45.900
- By the first baptist dallas choir and orchestra.
- 00:25:45.900 --> 00:25:49.504
- And with your ministry gift of $100 or more,
- 00:25:49.504 --> 00:25:52.374
- We'll also send you
- 00:25:52.374 --> 00:25:53.775
- The complete america and the bible teaching series
- 00:25:53.775 --> 00:25:56.978
- On dvd video and mp3 format audio disc.
- 00:25:56.978 --> 00:26:00.949
- Your gift today will be doubled in impact
- 00:26:00.949 --> 00:26:03.551
- Through the in god we trust matching challenge as, together,
- 00:26:03.551 --> 00:26:07.622
- We pierce the darkness with the light of god's word.
- 00:26:07.622 --> 00:26:12.093
- The same choice god placed before israel,
- 00:26:12.994 --> 00:26:15.797
- Blessing or cursing,
- 00:26:15.797 --> 00:26:17.732
- Is the choice america faces today.
- 00:26:17.732 --> 00:26:20.769
- And as our nation stands at the historic crossroads,
- 00:26:20.769 --> 00:26:24.039
- I pray we choose to walk in god's blessing.
- 00:26:24.039 --> 00:26:28.343
- Well, when alarm bells sound,
- 00:26:28.343 --> 00:26:30.145
- That means it's time to evacuate or to take cover.
- 00:26:30.145 --> 00:26:34.082
- And next time, we're going to look
- 00:26:34.082 --> 00:26:35.650
- At a prophetic passage from daniel 7
- 00:26:35.650 --> 00:26:39.454
- That should send the sirens screaming in our country.
- 00:26:39.454 --> 00:26:43.491
- Stay tuned for a preview
- 00:26:43.491 --> 00:26:44.759
- Of what's coming up next in our series,
- 00:26:44.759 --> 00:26:46.461
- America and the bible.
- 00:26:46.461 --> 00:26:49.397
- The bible says that there is another kind of storm coming.
- 00:26:50.565 --> 00:26:54.269
- It's going to be a severe storm,
- 00:26:54.903 --> 00:26:56.738
- But it's not going to be a storm that is a surprise.
- 00:26:56.738 --> 00:27:01.009
- It's a storm that will have many signs
- 00:27:01.009 --> 00:27:03.311
- That will accompany its arrival.
- 00:27:03.311 --> 00:27:06.114
- In a way, the prophet daniel was a spiritual meteorologist.
- 00:27:06.114 --> 00:27:11.419
- Set your dvr and join us next time for the message,
- 00:27:12.420 --> 00:27:15.323
- "america's coming storm"
- 00:27:15.323 --> 00:27:17.592
- Here on "pathway to victory."
- 00:27:17.592 --> 00:27:19.427
- (triumphant music fades)
- 00:27:19.427 --> 00:27:19.427
