Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - Christians In The Crosshairs (Part 1)

June 15, 2026 | 27:29

Robert Jeffress

#Persecution #Rejoice #Evil #Prophet/Prophets #WordofGod #Overcoming #Authority #Respect #Faith #Tradition-American #Religion #Suffering

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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Christians In The Crosshairs (Part 1) | June 15, 2026

...
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♪♪♪
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Male announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist church of
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Dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory"
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With dr. robert jeffress.
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Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress and welcome
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Again to "pathway to victory."
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Around the world christians are being imprisoned, driven
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From their homes, and killed for their faith, and here in america
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The pressure is growing in ways that most believers
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Have never experienced before.
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Today i'm going to show you what the scripture says about
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Persecution and why every follower of christ
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Needs to be prepared.
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My message is titled, "christians in the crosshairs"
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On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
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♪♪♪
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Jeffress: before today's program begins, i want to invite you
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To join me for a special message about america's future.
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Our nation is celebrating 250 years, but can we survive
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250 more?
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Mark your calendar for june 21 and june 28 to hear this timely
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Message: "america at the crossroads: can we survive
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Another 250 years" on "pathway to victory."
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Announcer: as our nation marks 250 years, america
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Stands at a crossroads.
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Will we return to the god who blessed us or continue down a
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Path that leads to ruin?
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Through the in god we trust matching challenge, your gift
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Today will be doubled in ministry impact.
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For 30 years, "pathway to victory" has pierced the
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Darkness of our nation with the light of god's word by sharing
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Biblical truth that transforms hearts.
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Join us in this critical hour by giving toward the in god we
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Trust matching challenge today.
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♪♪♪
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Jeffress: you're probably familiar with the name of
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Miriam ibrahim.
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She's the sudanese woman, a 27 year old medical doctor who was
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Arrested in the sudan and tried and convicted for apostasy
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And adultery.
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Apostasy because she converted from islam to christianity.
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Even though she never personally embraced the muslim faith, they
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Still accused her of apostasy.
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She was accused and found guilty of adultery because she had sex
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With her husband who happened to be a christian and the muslims
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Did not recognize that marriage.
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After her trial, she was sentenced to death by hanging
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For apostasy and for 100 lashes for adultery.
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She stood before the sudanese prosecutor.
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Time and time again he gave her the opportunity to recant of her
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Faith in jesus christ.
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And each time she uttered those words that have now
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Become famous.
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When asked to renounce jesus christ as her savior, she said,
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"i am a christian and i will always be a christian."
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As a result, she was sent to prison.
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She was placed in shackles and the prison officials refused to
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Unchain her even when she gave birth to her child.
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As a result of the outcry of millions of people around the
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World, miriam ibrahim was finally released from that sudan
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Prison and she traveled to america where i had the chance
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To meet her.
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When she was interviewed by megyn kelly on the kelly file,
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Miriam ibrahim said that her heart breaks for the women
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Of sudan.
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And then she added these words, "there are many miriams in sudan
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And throughout the world, it's just not me."
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We're looking at the signs that jesus said would precede his
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Literal visible return to this earth.
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And one of those signs jesus talked about was an increase in
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Both the intensity and frequency of persecution for those who
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Follow him.
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Jesus said it this way in john 16:33, "in the world, you will
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Have tribulation, but take courage: i have overcome
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The world."
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And today when we hear stories like that of miriam ibrahim, we
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Seem to think well, that's for the middle east.
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That happens in other places, but that would never
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Happen here.
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Ladies and gentlemen, there is absolutely no guarantee in
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Scripture that we who live in this country will be exempt
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From persecution.
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In fact, there's every guarantee that we will
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Experience persecution.
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Jesus said as much in matthew chapter 5, in verses 1 to 10, he
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Gives those qualities of a disciple that we call
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The beatitudes.
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But then he begins in verse 11 and says, if you exhibit those
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Qualities, if you're a true follower of mine, be ready
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For persecution.
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Verse 11, jesus said, "blessed are you," not if, but "when men
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Cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds
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Of evil against you falsely, on account of me.
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Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for
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So they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
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Let's take a moment and briefly survey what is happening around
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The world to christians.
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First of all, let's talk about the christians in iraq.
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On june the 10th, the islamic state of iraq and syria, we call
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Them isis, captured the city of mosul on june the 10th.
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Now, mosul may not mean much to you, but mosul is the ancient
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City of nineveh where jonah ministered.
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And for the last 2000 years, it has been a christian community
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And yet isis came in and as a result of a purge of all
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Christians today, there are no christians remaining in mosul.
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They've all fled.
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Homes and churches have been turned into bomb factories and
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Torture chambers.
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All of the christian sites have been shuttered.
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They have had all of their assets taken away from them and
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They have been sent into the desert.
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In many ways, these christians in iraq and the middle east are
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Experiencing what the writer of hebrews talked about in hebrews
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11 beginning with verse 35, "and others were tortured, not
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Accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a
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Better resurrection: and others experienced mocking and
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Scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment.
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They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they
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Were put to death with the sword: they went about in
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Sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill
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Treated, men of whom the world was not worthy, wandering in
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Deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground."
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That's the fate that is the experience right now of our
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Brothers and sisters in christ in the middle east.
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You look at what is happening in china.
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Yes, the christian movement is growing exponentially in china,
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But so is persecution against christians.
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Bob fu who is the founder of chinaaid said that christians in
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China face the worst persecution since the cultural revolution.
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He said quote, "there have been forced demolitions.
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The removal of crosses over 300 churches have been attacked.
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Pastors have been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
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Multiple believers have been attacked and hospitalized and
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Thousands of police were mobilized to attack a church.
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This has not been since the time of the cultural revolution.
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It is overwhelming."
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Bob fu has been tortured for his own faith in christ.
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He had to flee beijing in the middle of the night.
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He knew that at some point he would have to take some prison
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Theology behind bars.
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He added, "that's the experience of chinese christians.
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We were always told that if you wanted to be a faithful follower
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Of jesus, you would have to take that course."
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We're seeing persecution around the world.
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You say, "well, it's always been that way since the beginning
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Of time."
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Yes it has, but there is an increase in this persecution.
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Did you know there were more martyrs in the 20th century than
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All the other centuries combined together?
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Open doors usa has reported that in 2014, the level of
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Persecution against christians in the world was at the highest
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Level it's been in the last 20 years.
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Jesus said, "these things are going to be like the birth pains
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Of a woman.
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They will increase in intensity and in frequency."
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Persecution was part of the christian movement at
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The beginning.
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We're seeing it around the world today.
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Did you know persecution will escalate and reach its zenith
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During a future period of time, we call the tribulation?
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Christians will be slaughtered by the millions for their faith
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In jesus christ.
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You say, "now, wait a minute.
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During the tribulation, i thought all christians were
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Gonna be raptured.
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We were gonna get out of here that there weren't gonna be
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Any christians."
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It's true.
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The church will be raptured before the final seven years of
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Earth's history, but during that final seven years, many people
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Will come to faith in christ but they will pay a terrible price
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To do so.
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And john said, as he looked forward through the corridor of
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History that many of those who become christians will
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Be martyred.
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In revelation 6:9, he says, "and when he broke the fifth seal, i
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Saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been
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Slain because of the word of god, and because of the
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Testimony which they had maintained."
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The catalyst for this persecution will be the rule of
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The final world dictator that we commonly call antichrist.
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He will launch an attack against both the jews and christians.
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He sees them as one just as radical islam sees them as one
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The people of the book.
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So the anti christ will see jews and christians alike and will
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Announce an attack against them.
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In revelation 13:7, john says, "and it was given to him," that
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Is the antichrist, "to make war with the saints and to overcome
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Them and the authority over every tribe and people and
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Tongue and nation was given to him."
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During that period of time, no one will be able to buy or sell
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Goods or services.
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Whether it's food, water, health care, you won't be able to have
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That unless you take the identification code called the
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Mark of the beast.
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Look at revelation 13 verses 16 and 18, "and he causes all, the
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Small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free
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Men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on
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Their forehead, and he provides that no one should be able to
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Buy or to sell except the one who has the mark, either the
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Name of the beast or the number of his name.
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Here is wisdom.
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Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the
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Beast, for the number is that of a man: and his number is 666."
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Now think about that.
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Unless you take that mark that shows your allegiance to
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Government and to government's leader, you won't be able to buy
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Food for yourself or your children.
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You won't be able to have the medication you need for yourself
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Or for your children.
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You will be denied health care access unless you show
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Allegiance to this one world government.
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You say, how is such a thing possible?
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How could government control our lives like that?
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You know, all you have to do is take out your smartphone and
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Look at it right now.
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Please don't do it 'cause you'll never put it up again.
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But if you were to pick up your smartphone, embedded in that
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Smartphone is a chip and that chip connects to a gps that
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Allows you to know where you are and where you're going.
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It also allows other people to know where you are and where
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You're going.
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That same technology allows you to track packages that you have
00:12:39.348 --> 00:12:43.586
Shipped for delivery and pretty soon that same technology will
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Be able to track every action that we have.
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I came across an article entitled, "nine real
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Technologies that will soon be inside you."
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And in this article, michael ether describes implantable
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Smartphones, healing chips, cyber pills that will actually
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Communicate to your doctor.
00:13:10.145 --> 00:13:12.114
He talked about something called smart dust which will be placed
00:13:12.114 --> 00:13:16.785
Inside of us.
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Smart dust, he describes as arrays of full computers with
00:13:18.120 --> 00:13:23.158
Antennas each much smaller than a grain of sand.
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And the smart computers inside of you will be able to organize
00:13:28.464 --> 00:13:31.901
Themselves into the body, into as needed networks to power a
00:13:31.901 --> 00:13:37.006
Whole range of complex internal processes.
00:13:37.006 --> 00:13:40.709
Now, many of these things will be for good.
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These things will be able to attack cancer or bring pain
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Relief or store advanced medical data inside of us.
00:13:46.482 --> 00:13:51.353
But even this article closes with these words, this
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Technology could be used also to id every single human being.
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And where does that lead?
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I think we know where it's leading.
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If you take the bible seriously, i mean, if you really believe
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What revelation 13 and 16 says that there is gonna be a mark
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That will be given to everyone who shows allegiance to the
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Beast, and without that mark you won't be able to buy or sell,
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Then you have to take this seriously.
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There'll be all kind of rationalization for why we need
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To take this mark.
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National security, for example.
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We need to id, everyone.
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Or more efficient taxation to make sure there are no black
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Market transactions, everything gets recorded so that the
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Government can tax it.
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All--there'll be all kind of logical reasons for this
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Identification system, but we know where it is leading.
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Look, the bible says, we know that in the beginning there was
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Persecution against believers.
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We've seen that persecution right now is the norm around the
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World, the greatest level it's been in history.
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We also know that in the future there is gonna be a worldwide
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Persecution of christians.
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Why do we think that we are going to be exempt here in the
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United states?
00:15:07.329 --> 00:15:08.797
Listen, i believe personally in the rapture of the church, but
00:15:08.797 --> 00:15:12.668
Contrary to what some people say about the rapture, that doesn't
00:15:12.668 --> 00:15:15.537
Mean we get a pass on persecution.
00:15:15.537 --> 00:15:17.873
I think things could be very, very, very terrible before the
00:15:17.873 --> 00:15:21.510
Church is finally raptured.
00:15:21.510 --> 00:15:23.212
There's no guarantee of exemption from persecution.
00:15:23.212 --> 00:15:26.382
There is every guarantee of it and we need to be prepared
00:15:26.382 --> 00:15:30.152
For it.
00:15:30.152 --> 00:15:31.520
Well, what is persecution?
00:15:31.520 --> 00:15:32.855
Let's talk about what persecution is.
00:15:32.855 --> 00:15:36.058
One dictionary defines it this way, hostility or ill treatment,
00:15:36.058 --> 00:15:41.163
Especially because of race or political or religious beliefs.
00:15:41.163 --> 00:15:47.836
Applied to the christian faith, being persecuted means enduring
00:15:47.836 --> 00:15:52.775
Unfair treatment because of either your words or your deeds
00:15:52.775 --> 00:15:57.379
That you do in the name of jesus christ.
00:15:57.379 --> 00:16:00.816
And that kind of ill treatment you receive, well, it's on
00:16:00.816 --> 00:16:04.119
A spectrum.
00:16:04.119 --> 00:16:05.487
It can be anything from ridicule that you endure for wearing a
00:16:05.487 --> 00:16:09.825
Cross to school or work all the way to the other end of
00:16:09.825 --> 00:16:12.928
The spectrum.
00:16:12.928 --> 00:16:14.296
And that means martyrdom for the faith and anything in between
00:16:14.296 --> 00:16:17.433
Those two extremes.
00:16:17.433 --> 00:16:19.601
Now, if you never take a stand for your faith, if you never act
00:16:19.601 --> 00:16:23.872
Differently than those around you, you never have to worry
00:16:23.872 --> 00:16:27.042
About persecution.
00:16:27.042 --> 00:16:28.477
It's only those who stand for their faith.
00:16:28.477 --> 00:16:31.947
For example, students if you remain quiet when a professor is
00:16:31.947 --> 00:16:35.617
Standing up and ridiculing the bible and blaspheming god, if
00:16:35.617 --> 00:16:39.988
You remain quiet, you never have to worry about experiencing a
00:16:39.988 --> 00:16:43.759
Lower grade.
00:16:43.759 --> 00:16:45.360
If you're a pastor listening to this message and you never speak
00:16:45.360 --> 00:16:48.397
Out against moral issues in the world today, you'll never have
00:16:48.397 --> 00:16:52.501
To worry about being criticized by people outside the church or
00:16:52.501 --> 00:16:55.604
Even inside the church.
00:16:55.604 --> 00:16:56.939
Nobody's gonna bother you.
00:16:56.939 --> 00:16:58.307
They'll leave you alone.
00:16:58.307 --> 00:16:59.975
If your parents are not a christian and you talk to them
00:16:59.975 --> 00:17:05.147
About their need for christ in a respectful way, if you choose
00:17:05.147 --> 00:17:09.418
Never to talk to them about their need for christ, you'll
00:17:09.418 --> 00:17:11.987
Never have to worry about being thrown out of the house or
00:17:11.987 --> 00:17:14.690
Suffering their wrath.
00:17:14.690 --> 00:17:16.792
If you're married to a non-christian and you surrender
00:17:16.792 --> 00:17:22.698
To his or her desire that you quit going to church or that you
00:17:22.698 --> 00:17:26.135
Not take the children to church, if you surrender to those
00:17:26.135 --> 00:17:28.704
Wishes, you will never have to worry about disharmony in
00:17:28.704 --> 00:17:31.707
Your marriage.
00:17:31.707 --> 00:17:33.142
But if you do take a stand for jesus christ, get ready, you are
00:17:33.142 --> 00:17:37.913
Going to suffer.
00:17:37.913 --> 00:17:39.248
It is inevitable.
00:17:39.248 --> 00:17:40.749
Again, jesus talked about that in matthew 24 verses 8 and 9. he
00:17:40.749 --> 00:17:44.520
Said, "but all of these things are merely the beginning of
00:17:44.520 --> 00:17:47.556
Birth pangs.
00:17:47.556 --> 00:17:48.924
Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you,
00:17:48.924 --> 00:17:53.595
And you will be hated by all the nations on account of my name."
00:17:53.595 --> 00:17:58.367
That's something you can bank on.
00:17:58.367 --> 00:18:00.903
Well, what should we be doing in order to prepare for this
00:18:00.903 --> 00:18:04.640
Coming persecution?
00:18:04.640 --> 00:18:06.341
Some of you are experiencing it already, but what are we to do
00:18:06.341 --> 00:18:09.645
To prepare for it?
00:18:09.645 --> 00:18:11.480
I want you to turn in your bibles to 1 peter chapter 4.
00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:16.251
1 peter chapter 4.
00:18:16.251 --> 00:18:17.786
Most scholars believe that peter wrote this
00:18:17.786 --> 00:18:20.822
Letter while nero was the emperor of rome.
00:18:20.822 --> 00:18:24.893
However, he wrote this letter one year before the empire wide
00:18:24.893 --> 00:18:31.166
Ban on christianity began.
00:18:31.166 --> 00:18:33.569
In other words, before nero began persecuting all christians
00:18:33.569 --> 00:18:36.972
For every reason, peter wrote this letter.
00:18:36.972 --> 00:18:40.609
So as peter wrote this letter, things were beginning to heat up
00:18:40.609 --> 00:18:43.912
In the culture.
00:18:43.912 --> 00:18:45.280
Christians were sporadically being targeted but the worldwide
00:18:45.280 --> 00:18:49.318
Ban had not yet begun.
00:18:49.318 --> 00:18:52.187
In many ways, the situation then mirrors our situation here
00:18:52.187 --> 00:18:55.824
In america.
00:18:55.824 --> 00:18:57.159
People aren't being beheaded yet in america for their faith.
00:18:57.159 --> 00:19:00.796
They're not going to prison yet, but things are starting to
00:19:00.796 --> 00:19:03.832
Heat up.
00:19:03.832 --> 00:19:05.200
That's the direction things are going.
00:19:05.200 --> 00:19:06.535
And so peter has a strong word for us today as well.
00:19:06.535 --> 00:19:09.938
Look at verses 12 and 13, he says, "beloved, do not be
00:19:09.938 --> 00:19:14.209
Surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you
00:19:14.209 --> 00:19:19.448
For your testing as though some strange thing were happening to
00:19:19.448 --> 00:19:24.253
You: but to the degree that you share the sufferings of christ,
00:19:24.253 --> 00:19:28.090
Keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of his glory
00:19:28.090 --> 00:19:32.894
You may rejoice with exultation."
00:19:32.894 --> 00:19:37.499
I want you to look at that phrase, "don't be surprised."
00:19:37.499 --> 00:19:41.236
You know, sometimes, and i'll put myself in this category, we
00:19:41.236 --> 00:19:43.972
Get surprised when we suffer for christ's sake.
00:19:43.972 --> 00:19:46.742
We think, "wait a minute, i'm supposed to get rewarded for
00:19:46.742 --> 00:19:50.979
Doing right.
00:19:50.979 --> 00:19:52.314
I'm not supposed to suffer for doing right."
00:19:52.314 --> 00:19:54.383
And yet peter says, don't be surprised when you suffer for
00:19:54.383 --> 00:19:57.819
Christ as though it were odd that it were strange.
00:19:57.819 --> 00:20:00.989
And then he adds that word at the beginning, beloved.
00:20:00.989 --> 00:20:04.126
That word means literally as those deeply loved by god.
00:20:04.126 --> 00:20:09.698
When you suffer in your workplace, when you suffer in a
00:20:09.698 --> 00:20:12.668
Relationship, when you suffer at school for following christ,
00:20:12.668 --> 00:20:16.505
Remember you're deeply loved by god.
00:20:16.505 --> 00:20:18.807
Your suffering doesn't mean god has forgotten about you or that
00:20:18.807 --> 00:20:21.943
He doesn't care about you.
00:20:21.943 --> 00:20:23.679
This is just part of the price for following christ.
00:20:23.679 --> 00:20:27.049
And frankly, it's the price we don't hear that often
00:20:27.049 --> 00:20:30.385
About today.
00:20:30.385 --> 00:20:31.720
You know, one reason i think we get so surprised when we suffer
00:20:31.720 --> 00:20:34.389
For being a christian is we think, "now wait a minute, this
00:20:34.389 --> 00:20:37.326
Isn't what i signed up for.
00:20:37.326 --> 00:20:39.294
I thought following christ means i would have a better life.
00:20:39.294 --> 00:20:44.099
I thought following christ means an improved self-image, a
00:20:44.099 --> 00:20:48.003
Happier marriage, an increase in my income.
00:20:48.003 --> 00:20:51.206
That's what i signed up for.
00:20:51.206 --> 00:20:53.141
I thought being a christian would eliminate my problems."
00:20:53.141 --> 00:20:57.612
Ladies and gentlemen, being a christian doesn't eliminate
00:20:57.612 --> 00:21:00.816
Problems, in many ways, it creates new problems you would
00:21:00.816 --> 00:21:04.319
Never have if you weren't a christian, at least in the
00:21:04.319 --> 00:21:07.422
Short term.
00:21:07.422 --> 00:21:08.790
Now, in the end, it all works out and christ rewards us, but
00:21:08.790 --> 00:21:11.426
In the short time, there is a price to pay for being
00:21:11.426 --> 00:21:14.930
A christian.
00:21:14.930 --> 00:21:16.298
Don't think of it as unusual and you know, inherent in this idea
00:21:16.298 --> 00:21:20.769
Of persecution is being treated unfairly.
00:21:20.769 --> 00:21:24.639
You say, "well, it's not fair that somebody would do that to
00:21:24.639 --> 00:21:27.609
Me, it's just not fair."
00:21:27.609 --> 00:21:28.977
That's part of suffering.
00:21:28.977 --> 00:21:30.312
Look at 1 peter chapter 2, turn back two chapters to verses 21
00:21:30.312 --> 00:21:34.349
And 23.
00:21:34.349 --> 00:21:35.684
If we're following christ, we're gonna have the same experience
00:21:35.684 --> 00:21:38.954
That christ experienced.
00:21:38.954 --> 00:21:40.322
And what was that experience?
00:21:40.322 --> 00:21:41.890
Look at verse 21, "for you have been called for this purpose."
00:21:41.890 --> 00:21:46.294
What purpose?
00:21:46.294 --> 00:21:47.662
For suffering.
00:21:47.662 --> 00:21:48.997
"since christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for
00:21:48.997 --> 00:21:52.768
You to follow in his steps."
00:21:52.768 --> 00:21:54.936
And who was this christ?
00:21:54.936 --> 00:21:56.304
Look at verse 22.
00:21:56.304 --> 00:21:57.672
"who committed no sin.
00:21:57.672 --> 00:22:00.642
Nor was any deceit found in his mouth."
00:22:00.642 --> 00:22:03.712
That is he suffered for no reason.
00:22:03.712 --> 00:22:06.982
He did nothing that merited his suffering.
00:22:06.982 --> 00:22:10.352
Verse 23.
00:22:10.352 --> 00:22:11.720
"and while being reviled, he did not revile and return: while
00:22:11.720 --> 00:22:15.090
Suffering, he uttered no threats, but he kept entrusting
00:22:15.090 --> 00:22:18.326
Himself to him who judges righteously."
00:22:18.326 --> 00:22:21.763
Jesus was treated unfairly.
00:22:21.763 --> 00:22:26.168
You know, peter reminds us in verse 20, if you're a christian
00:22:26.168 --> 00:22:31.573
And you do something wrong and you suffer the consequences, you
00:22:31.573 --> 00:22:36.278
Don't get any credit for that.
00:22:36.278 --> 00:22:37.612
Did you know that?
00:22:37.612 --> 00:22:38.980
You don't get credit for suffering for doing wrong.
00:22:38.980 --> 00:22:42.384
Look at verse 20, "for what credit is there if, when you sin
00:22:42.384 --> 00:22:46.788
And are harshly treated, you endure it with patience?
00:22:46.788 --> 00:22:50.225
But if when you do what is right and suffer for it patiently
00:22:50.225 --> 00:22:53.261
Endure it, this finds favor with god."
00:22:53.261 --> 00:22:56.565
If you're a christian who doesn't pay your income tax, for
00:22:56.565 --> 00:22:59.367
Example, and the irs comes and hauls you off to jail, you say,
00:22:59.367 --> 00:23:03.538
"well, i'm a christian.
00:23:03.538 --> 00:23:04.873
I'm suffering for my faith."
00:23:04.873 --> 00:23:06.241
No, you're suffering for being a crook and not paying the
00:23:06.241 --> 00:23:07.709
Government what you owe them.
00:23:07.709 --> 00:23:09.077
You're not suffering because you're a christian.
00:23:09.077 --> 00:23:11.012
You're suffering--you're getting what you deserve.
00:23:11.012 --> 00:23:13.482
That doesn't count.
00:23:13.482 --> 00:23:14.816
You don't get any credit with god for that.
00:23:14.816 --> 00:23:16.218
No, peter is saying what gets favor with god is when you
00:23:16.218 --> 00:23:20.288
Suffer for doing what is right, not for doing what is wrong.
00:23:20.288 --> 00:23:24.493
Think about christ.
00:23:24.493 --> 00:23:25.827
He did nothing wrong yet he was betrayed, reviled, and
00:23:25.827 --> 00:23:29.130
Ultimately crucified.
00:23:29.130 --> 00:23:31.099
The call to be a christian is the call to suffer for christ.
00:23:31.099 --> 00:23:36.104
Paul said to timothy in 2 timothy 2:11 and 12,
00:23:36.104 --> 00:23:38.940
"for if we died with him, we shall also live with him.
00:23:38.940 --> 00:23:43.311
If we endure with him, we shall reign with him."
00:23:43.311 --> 00:23:47.516
♪♪♪
00:23:47.516 --> 00:23:52.654
Jeffress: because jesus suffered, none of us should be
00:23:52.654 --> 00:23:55.423
Surprised when persecution shows up on our doorstep.
00:23:55.423 --> 00:23:59.661
And it falls to every believer in jesus christ to get ready.
00:23:59.661 --> 00:24:04.633
Well, as america reaches this remarkable 250th milestone,
00:24:04.633 --> 00:24:09.471
We need to ask, what is the real hope for our nation?
00:24:09.471 --> 00:24:13.308
The only way we can change the direction of america is by
00:24:13.308 --> 00:24:16.711
Changing the hearts of americans, and that is
00:24:16.711 --> 00:24:20.081
Something only the gospel of jesus christ can do.
00:24:20.081 --> 00:24:23.952
Right now, through the in god we trust matching challenge,
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Your gift will be matched and therefore doubled in impact
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Up to $1.5 million.
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Your gift today will help us reach people across our nation
00:24:33.862 --> 00:24:37.432
With the gospel of jesus christ.
00:24:37.432 --> 00:24:40.235
Now, please stay right there, i'll be back with more
00:24:40.235 --> 00:24:42.504
"pathway to victory" in just a moment.
00:24:42.504 --> 00:24:45.173
Announcer: as our nation celebrates 250 years, do we
00:24:46.808 --> 00:24:50.712
Still remember the faith that built america?
00:24:50.712 --> 00:24:53.848
Dr. robert jeffress has created a beautiful book to make sure
00:24:53.848 --> 00:24:57.385
That we and our families never forget.
00:24:57.385 --> 00:24:59.754
The brand new 250th commemorative edition
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Of "america is a christian nation" is an 88 page, full
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Color, large print coffee table book packed with inspiring
00:25:06.328 --> 00:25:09.864
Stories from our nation's history, breathtaking imagery of
00:25:09.864 --> 00:25:13.301
America, select portraits of our founding fathers, and powerful
00:25:13.301 --> 00:25:17.372
Truth from god's word.
00:25:17.372 --> 00:25:19.274
Jeffress: america was founded on the principles of the
00:25:19.274 --> 00:25:21.810
Judeo-christian faith as revealed in the bible, and our
00:25:21.810 --> 00:25:25.313
Future depends on returning to that biblical foundation.
00:25:25.313 --> 00:25:29.718
Announcer: request the 250th commemorative edition of
00:25:29.718 --> 00:25:32.954
"america is a christian nation" when you give a generous
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Ministry gift to "pathway to victory."
00:25:36.157 --> 00:25:38.893
You'll also receive the "in god we trust" dvd video and mp3
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Format audio disc set featuring two powerful messages from
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Dr. jeffress and 12 patriotic performances by the
00:25:47.502 --> 00:25:51.106
First baptist dallas choir and orchestra.
00:25:51.106 --> 00:25:53.775
And with your ministry gift of $100 or more, we'll also send
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You the complete "america and the bible" teaching series on
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Dvd video and mp3 format audio disc.
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Your gift today will be doubled in impact through the in god we
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Trust matching challenge as together we pierce the darkness
00:26:09.424 --> 00:26:13.461
With the light of god's word.
00:26:13.461 --> 00:26:15.730
Jeffress: christians are being targeted, marginalized,
00:26:17.832 --> 00:26:20.235
And in some cases martyred, not only in distant countries,
00:26:20.235 --> 00:26:24.039
But in america as well.
00:26:24.039 --> 00:26:26.107
Peter warned believers today not to be surprised by fiery
00:26:26.107 --> 00:26:30.111
Trials, and that warning is just as applicable today as it was
00:26:30.111 --> 00:26:34.315
2,000 years ago.
00:26:34.315 --> 00:26:36.184
And next time i'm going to show you exactly how scripture
00:26:36.184 --> 00:26:39.854
Call us to respond when persecution comes knocking.
00:26:39.854 --> 00:26:44.192
Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
00:26:44.192 --> 00:26:46.394
In our series, "america and the bible."
00:26:46.394 --> 00:26:49.631
Jeffress: do you remember paul's words in philippians 2 verses 15
00:26:50.899 --> 00:26:54.002
And 16?
00:26:54.002 --> 00:26:55.370
He was writing to a culture that was even more decadent
00:26:55.370 --> 00:26:58.006
Than ours.
00:26:58.006 --> 00:26:59.374
He said, "philippians, it's getting dark out there.
00:26:59.374 --> 00:27:02.377
But remember this, the darker the background, the brighter
00:27:02.377 --> 00:27:06.247
The light."
00:27:06.247 --> 00:27:07.582
As this world, ladies and gentlemen becomes darker and
00:27:07.582 --> 00:27:10.418
Darker, the light of the gospel shines even more brightly.
00:27:10.418 --> 00:27:15.190
Announcer: set your dvr and join us next time for part two of the
00:27:15.256 --> 00:27:18.393
Message, "christians in the crosshairs"
00:27:18.393 --> 00:27:21.029
Here on "pathway to victory."
00:27:21.029 --> 00:27:21.029

Robert Jeffress - Christians In The Crosshairs (Part 1)

June 15, 2026 | 27:29

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