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Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - The Crux of Christianity

December 29, 2024 | S

Robert Jeffress - The Crux of Christianity
Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.
#Relationships #WalkwithGod #RelationshipwithGod #SeekGod #Passion #Christianity #Religion #SpiritualGrowth #Peopleinyourlife #inActive #Dr.RobertJeffress #RobertJeffress

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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - The Crux of Christianity | December 29, 2024
  • ♪ music ♪
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  • [narrator] from the pulpit
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  • Of the first baptist church of dallas, texas,
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  • This is "pathway to victory with dr. robert jeffress."
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  • Hi, i am robert jeffress and welcome again to
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  • "pathway to victory."
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  • In his famous sermon on the mount, jesus delivered a
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  • Brief message that contains a sequence of paradoxes.
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  • "blessed are the poor in spirit
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  • For theirs is the kingdom of god."
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  • "blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
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  • Sounds completely backwards, doesn't it?
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  • Well, maybe from our point of view,
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  • But when you view things from jesus' perspective,
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  • These statements start to make a lot more sense.
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  • My message is titled, "the crux of christianity"
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  • On today's edition of pathway to victory.
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • [narrator] the celebration of jesus' birth each christmas
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  • Marks the moment when god's radiant hope
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  • Entered our world and jesus calls us
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  • To share this light with others.
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  • You can help pierce the darkness
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  • With the light of god's word
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  • Through the "pathway to victory,
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  • Light the darkness matching challenge."
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  • Since 1996, "pathway to victory" has been boldly sharing
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  • The gospel of jesus christ and your gift
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  • Doubled the impact will be used to proclaim god's truth
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  • Here in america and around the world.
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • Chuck swindoll tells a great story about a couple
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  • That lived in new orleans.
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  • The husband loved his wife desperately,
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  • But he hated his wife's cat, some of you can relate.
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  • Every night he'd come home from work
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  • And that cat would curl itself around his leg.
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  • The cat would jump up in his lap
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  • While he was trying to eat dinner.
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  • At night the cat would insist on sleeping
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  • At the end of the bed.
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  • One weekend his wife had to leave town
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  • For a few days to go visit her mother.
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  • And husband thought this was his big chance.
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  • So while his wife was gone, he took a burlap sack,
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  • Loaded it with rocks, put the cat in there,
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  • Went down to the mississippi river
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  • And threw the cat and bag into the mississippi river.
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  • He knew his problem was over, comes back home
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  • Sunday night his wife returns from visiting her mother
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  • And of course the first thing she wanted to know
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  • Was where was her cat?
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  • He said, "well, i guess the cat ran away."
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  • She burst into tears.
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  • And so trying to console his wife, he said,
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  • "look, i'll try to retrieve your cat for you."
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  • And so the next day he put an ad in the newspaper,
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  • $500 reward for missing cat,
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  • And he put his phone number in there.
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  • Of course, there was no response.
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  • That night his wife again began to sob uncontrollably
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  • And so he said,
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  • "well, let me put another ad in the newspaper."
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  • So the next day he took out an ad, $1,000 for missing cat
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  • And put his telephone number.
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  • Later in the day, a coworker said,
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  • "hey, i saw that ad in the newspaper for the missing cat
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  • And i recognized your phone number.
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  • That sure is a lot of money to offer for a cat."
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  • The husband smiled and said,
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  • "when you know what i know, you can afford to be generous."
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  • (congregation laughing)
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  • Some of you can't get past the cat in the river.
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  • I know that,
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  • (congregation laughing)
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  • But just try for a moment, okay?
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  • You know, jesus said something very similar
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  • In luke 6, not about cats,
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  • But the message of luke 6 is very clear.
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  • When you know what jesus knows,
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  • You can afford to be generous in your attitude
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  • Toward difficult circumstances and difficult people,
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  • And that's the theme of the message
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  • We're going to look at today.
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  • If you have your bibles turned to luke 6.
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  • We've come in our study of luke
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  • To some of jesus' most familiar words.
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  • We call them the sermon on the mount,
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  • And there's some of jesus' most familiar teachings,
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  • But also some of his most misunderstood words.
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  • He talks about love your enemies, turn the other cheek.
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  • Jesus is talking about how we are to act as christians
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  • And yes, it's difficult.
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  • If you believe this world is all that there is.
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  • These commands are impossible to keep.
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  • There's no motivation for keeping them
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  • If this is all that there is, but remember the theme.
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  • When you know what jesus knows about the future,
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  • You can be generous in your attitude
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  • Toward difficult circumstances and difficult people.
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  • Now let me remind you,
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  • This is just a summary of the sermon on the mount.
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  • You find a longer version in matthew 5-7.
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  • This is a short version of it.
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  • Now, having said that, remember the theme.
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  • When we know what jesus knows,
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  • We can be generous, first of all,
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  • In our attitude toward difficult circumstances.
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  • Let's just look at some of these.
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  • Verse 20 "and turning his gaze on his disciples,
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  • He began to say, blessed," literally
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  • "happy are you who are poor
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  • For yours is the kingdom of god."
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  • Now he's not talking about material poverty.
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  • There's nothing blessed
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  • About being poor financially, automatically.
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  • Matthew adds the words,
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  • "blessed are the poor in spirit."
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  • That is blessed, happy are those of you
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  • Who recognize your spiritual poverty.
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  • I like the way one commentator says it.
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  • Blessed are those who realize they are spiritual zeroes.
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  • For one day, yours will be the kingdom of god.
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  • Do you ever feel like a spiritual zero?
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  • You just feel like you're not succeeding
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  • In your christian life.
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  • You know you ought to pray more and read the bible more,
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  • But you just can't do it and you don't react like you should
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  • And you wish you could be better than you are.
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  • He said, relax, be happy
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  • Because one day that struggle you have
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  • In your christian life is going to be satisfied.
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  • Yours is going to be the kingdom of god.
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  • Verse 21, "blessed, happy are you who hunger now
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  • For you shall be satisfied."
  • 00:06:24.373 --> 00:06:27.276
  • Again, another version says,
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  • "blessed are you who hunger and thirst for righteousness."
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  • He's talking about a spiritual hunger
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  • And thirst for righteousness.
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  • Do you ever wish we lived in a world where justice reigned?
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  • Do you wish we had a world where there was no dallas
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  • Or baton rouge or terrorist attacks?
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  • Do you wish there was a world
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  • In which evil would be overcome by good every time?
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  • That's what he's talking about.
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  • Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
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  • For one day you will be satisfied.
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  • One day the tables are going to be turned
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  • And god is going to right the wrongs of this world.
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  • He goes on to say, "blessed, happy,
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  • Are those of you who weep now, for you shall laugh."
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  • There's nothing more painful than losing a loved one.
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  • Losing a loved one through death is painful.
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  • I've come to believe even more painful
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  • Is losing a loved one through defection,
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  • Their heart turns cold towards you.
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  • They desert you, they leave you.
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  • Many of you have suffered a loss of a loved one
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  • Either through death or defection.
  • 00:07:36.946 --> 00:07:38.814
  • He said, "blessed are those of you who weep right now
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  • For one day, eventually you will laugh."
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  • Remember, when you know what jesus knows about the future,
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  • You can be generous even about loss.
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  • Verse 22, "happy are you when men hate you and ostracize you
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  • And cast insults at you and spurn your name is evil
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  • For the sake of the son of man."
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  • Verse 23 "for great is your reward in heaven."
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  • Students, teenagers, do you ever feel
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  • Like you're ostracized from the rest of the group
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  • Because you want to live for god?
  • 00:08:09.812 --> 00:08:12.682
  • Do you ever feel like in your business
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  • You've been passed over for a promotion
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  • Because you won't bend your christian principles?
  • 00:08:15.751 --> 00:08:19.021
  • Do you ever feel like there's a division in your family
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  • Between you and your mate or you and your children
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  • Or you and your parents because of your christian faith?
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  • That's all part of the price for living for christ,
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  • But he goes on to say,
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  • "great, one day will be your reward in heaven."
  • 00:08:32.668 --> 00:08:38.307
  • And that's what jesus is saying here.
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  • Yes, your difficult circumstances
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  • Are real and they're painful, but remember
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  • When you know what jesus knows about the future,
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  • You can be generous in your attitude
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  • Toward those difficult circumstances.
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  • You can also be generous in your attitude
  • 00:08:52.488 --> 00:08:54.357
  • Toward difficult people.
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  • Look at verse 27-30,
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  • "but i say to you, who hear love your enemies.
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  • Do good to those who hate you. bless those who curse you.
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  • Pray for those who mistreat you."
  • 00:09:05.368 --> 00:09:08.404
  • Now, don't read into this what jesus isn't saying
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  • About your enemies.
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  • He's not saying you have to hang around your enemies.
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  • It doesn't mean you have to have them as your best friends.
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  • He says love them, pray for them, do good to them.
  • 00:09:17.947 --> 00:09:23.252
  • You know the best way to pray for your enemies
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  • Is to pray god's best in their life.
  • 00:09:25.621 --> 00:09:30.292
  • If they're your enemies and they're not christians,
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  • Pray for god's best that they would be saved.
  • 00:09:32.128 --> 00:09:36.032
  • If they're your enemies and they're christians
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  • Who are acting unjustly,
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  • Pray that they would come back to god.
  • 00:09:38.968 --> 00:09:40.636
  • That's what it means, to love your enemies,
  • 00:09:40.636 --> 00:09:44.073
  • Means to wish and pray for god's best in their lives.
  • 00:09:44.073 --> 00:09:48.644
  • It goes on in verse 29 and says,
  • 00:09:48.644 --> 00:09:50.212
  • "whoever hit you on the cheek, offer him the other, also."
  • 00:09:50.212 --> 00:09:55.317
  • Again, people misinterpret this
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  • When he talks about people hitting you on the cheek
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  • He's not talking about somebody threatening your life
  • 00:10:01.857 --> 00:10:04.560
  • In jesus' day, part of the middle eastern culture
  • 00:10:04.560 --> 00:10:06.996
  • Was if you wanted to insult somebody,
  • 00:10:06.996 --> 00:10:09.031
  • You would slap them on the face.
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  • It was a way of insulting somebody.
  • 00:10:10.666 --> 00:10:13.335
  • He's talking about returning insult for insult.
  • 00:10:13.335 --> 00:10:16.472
  • He says, "whoever takes your coat,
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  • Do not withhold your shirt from him either.
  • 00:10:18.441 --> 00:10:20.810
  • Give to everyone who asks of you
  • 00:10:20.810 --> 00:10:22.745
  • And whoever takes away what is yours, don't demand it back."
  • 00:10:22.745 --> 00:10:28.784
  • And again, let's not go to extremes
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  • Of what jesus is saying or not saying here.
  • 00:10:30.419 --> 00:10:33.622
  • If somebody cheats you out of money,
  • 00:10:33.622 --> 00:10:35.725
  • Is it ever wrong to try to get that back
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  • And go to court to try to settle the issue?
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  • No.
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  • In luke 18, jesus told a story about a woman
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  • Who was being mistreated, a widow,
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  • And she went to a judge to seek relief
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  • For the financial mistreatment she was experiencing.
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  • Jesus didn't condemn her for going to the judge,
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  • He commended her for going to the judge.
  • 00:10:57.546 --> 00:11:00.850
  • Here's what i think jesus is saying is,
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  • He's saying, when somebody wrongs you
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  • Don't let it be the consuming passion of your life
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  • To get back what was taken from you.
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  • There's some of you right now
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  • Who are just eaten up with bitterness
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  • Over what somebody has done to you.
  • 00:11:17.032 --> 00:11:19.935
  • You know the greatest key to forgiveness, i believe
  • 00:11:19.935 --> 00:11:23.539
  • It's realizing that nothing ever happens to a child of god
  • 00:11:23.539 --> 00:11:29.411
  • That has not first of all passed
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  • Through the perfect loving will of god.
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  • Nobody is free to do to you whatever they want to do.
  • 00:11:34.817 --> 00:11:39.688
  • God is sovereign, he's in control even of that person
  • 00:11:39.688 --> 00:11:42.758
  • Who has hurt you and wronged you so deeply
  • 00:11:42.758 --> 00:11:45.161
  • And he is able to take what was absolute evil
  • 00:11:45.161 --> 00:11:48.164
  • That's been done to you and use it for your good
  • 00:11:48.164 --> 00:11:51.700
  • And for his glory.
  • 00:11:51.700 --> 00:11:53.469
  • That's why jesus was able to say, "father, forgive them.
  • 00:11:53.469 --> 00:11:56.405
  • They know not what they are doing."
  • 00:11:56.405 --> 00:11:58.507
  • But you know what you're doing
  • 00:11:58.507 --> 00:11:59.775
  • You're working out your plan
  • 00:11:59.775 --> 00:12:01.677
  • For the redemption of the world.
  • 00:12:01.677 --> 00:12:04.046
  • When you know what jesus knows,
  • 00:12:04.046 --> 00:12:06.148
  • You can afford to be generous in your attitude
  • 00:12:06.148 --> 00:12:08.317
  • Toward difficult circumstances and difficult people.
  • 00:12:08.317 --> 00:12:12.221
  • Now, jesus closes with three quick parables
  • 00:12:12.221 --> 00:12:16.525
  • About the importance of listening
  • 00:12:16.525 --> 00:12:19.428
  • And acting upon his words in this message.
  • 00:12:19.428 --> 00:12:22.932
  • First of all, a parable about sight.
  • 00:12:22.932 --> 00:12:25.835
  • It's so easy to hear a message like this today
  • 00:12:25.835 --> 00:12:28.103
  • And say, i know somebody who needs to hear this message.
  • 00:12:28.103 --> 00:12:31.774
  • I'm going to buy a cd for them, i'm going to give them out,
  • 00:12:31.774 --> 00:12:34.143
  • 'cause i know people who, no, this is a message for us
  • 00:12:34.143 --> 00:12:37.580
  • First of all, and that's what jesus says in verse 41.
  • 00:12:37.580 --> 00:12:40.349
  • "and why do you look at the speck
  • 00:12:40.349 --> 00:12:42.451
  • That is in your brother's eye,
  • 00:12:42.451 --> 00:12:44.186
  • But do you not notice the log that is in your own eye?
  • 00:12:44.186 --> 00:12:47.556
  • Or how can you say to your brother,
  • 00:12:47.556 --> 00:12:49.225
  • Brother, let me take the speck out that is in your eye
  • 00:12:49.225 --> 00:12:52.127
  • When you yourself do not see the log
  • 00:12:52.127 --> 00:12:53.863
  • That is in your own eye.
  • 00:12:53.863 --> 00:12:55.264
  • You hypocrite first take the log out of your own eye
  • 00:12:55.264 --> 00:12:59.869
  • And then you will see clearly to take out the speck
  • 00:12:59.869 --> 00:13:02.571
  • That is in your brother's eye."
  • 00:13:02.571 --> 00:13:04.340
  • Just imagine you've got this speck in your eye.
  • 00:13:04.340 --> 00:13:07.142
  • You go to the ophthalmologist, "doc, can you help me?
  • 00:13:07.142 --> 00:13:10.045
  • I've got something in my eye and it's just killing me."
  • 00:13:10.045 --> 00:13:12.381
  • And the doctor says, "i'm sorry i don't do that.
  • 00:13:12.381 --> 00:13:15.417
  • I don't do that, i don't remove specs from eyes
  • 00:13:15.417 --> 00:13:18.254
  • Because that would require me to make a judgment
  • 00:13:18.254 --> 00:13:20.222
  • And i don't judge anybody or anything."
  • 00:13:20.222 --> 00:13:23.092
  • What kind of doctor would that be?
  • 00:13:23.092 --> 00:13:24.860
  • I mean that's why he exists, to help people like you.
  • 00:13:24.860 --> 00:13:28.030
  • But imagine you're sitting there and you're waiting
  • 00:13:28.030 --> 00:13:29.765
  • For the ophthalmologist to come in and he walks in
  • 00:13:29.765 --> 00:13:32.434
  • And he's got a 2 x 4 coming out of his eye and he says,
  • 00:13:32.434 --> 00:13:36.238
  • "well, let me see if i can help you get this thing here."
  • 00:13:36.238 --> 00:13:39.174
  • And you're ducking trying to miss the 2 x 4.
  • 00:13:39.174 --> 00:13:42.077
  • You'd want that doctor
  • 00:13:42.077 --> 00:13:43.379
  • To take the plank out of his own eye first
  • 00:13:43.379 --> 00:13:45.915
  • Before he tried to perform a delicate operation on you.
  • 00:13:45.915 --> 00:13:49.184
  • And that's what jesus is saying.
  • 00:13:49.184 --> 00:13:51.186
  • If you see somebody overtaken in sin, you need to help them,
  • 00:13:51.186 --> 00:13:54.957
  • But before you can see clearly to help them
  • 00:13:54.957 --> 00:13:57.960
  • Make sure you've dealt with unconfessed sin
  • 00:13:57.960 --> 00:14:00.462
  • In your life as well.
  • 00:14:00.462 --> 00:14:02.464
  • Second parable is one about fruit, verses 43-45,
  • 00:14:02.464 --> 00:14:06.235
  • "for there is no good tree which produces bad fruit,
  • 00:14:06.235 --> 00:14:09.939
  • Nor on the other hand a bad tree which produces good fruit
  • 00:14:09.939 --> 00:14:13.976
  • For each tree is known by its own fruit."
  • 00:14:13.976 --> 00:14:20.616
  • Imagine you have an apple tree in your backyard
  • 00:14:20.616 --> 00:14:25.020
  • And it's producing delicious red apples.
  • 00:14:25.020 --> 00:14:28.557
  • What do you know about that apple tree?
  • 00:14:28.557 --> 00:14:31.126
  • You know it's alive, because it's producing fruit.
  • 00:14:31.126 --> 00:14:34.763
  • However, if you go out doing fruit bearing season
  • 00:14:34.763 --> 00:14:38.667
  • And there's no fruit, just dried up withered limbs
  • 00:14:38.667 --> 00:14:42.604
  • On that tree, what do you know about the tree?
  • 00:14:42.604 --> 00:14:45.941
  • The tree's dead. where there is no fruit, there's no life.
  • 00:14:45.941 --> 00:14:53.649
  • Now, all of these things jesus has said
  • 00:14:53.649 --> 00:14:55.751
  • About loving your enemies, praying for those who do wrong,
  • 00:14:55.751 --> 00:14:58.520
  • Standing firm in times of trial.
  • 00:14:58.520 --> 00:15:01.523
  • These are not the means
  • 00:15:01.523 --> 00:15:03.125
  • By which we become a christian doing these things,
  • 00:15:03.125 --> 00:15:06.261
  • But they are the proof that we are a christian.
  • 00:15:06.261 --> 00:15:10.432
  • If we are truly saved and born again,
  • 00:15:10.432 --> 00:15:12.901
  • Our life will be producing the fruit
  • 00:15:12.901 --> 00:15:16.038
  • That jesus describes in luke 6.
  • 00:15:16.038 --> 00:15:20.009
  • If there is no fruit in our life,
  • 00:15:20.009 --> 00:15:23.212
  • It means there is no faith.
  • 00:15:23.212 --> 00:15:25.514
  • That's why james said,
  • 00:15:25.514 --> 00:15:26.982
  • "faith without works is a dead, non-existent faith."
  • 00:15:26.982 --> 00:15:34.556
  • The third parable is a parable about construction.
  • 00:15:34.556 --> 00:15:37.793
  • Verse 46, luke 6, "and why do you call me lord, lord
  • 00:15:37.793 --> 00:15:41.830
  • And do not do what i say?"
  • 00:15:41.830 --> 00:15:44.366
  • Jesus is not just interested in professions of faith.
  • 00:15:44.366 --> 00:15:48.404
  • He's interested in the practice of faith.
  • 00:15:48.404 --> 00:15:50.873
  • That's the theme you see over and over again.
  • 00:15:50.873 --> 00:15:53.108
  • And to illustrate that, he gives this parable.
  • 00:15:53.108 --> 00:15:55.044
  • Look at verse 47.
  • 00:15:55.044 --> 00:15:56.545
  • "everyone who comes to me and hears my words
  • 00:15:56.545 --> 00:15:59.915
  • And acts upon them, i will show you whom he is like.
  • 00:15:59.915 --> 00:16:03.352
  • He is like a man building the house
  • 00:16:03.352 --> 00:16:05.721
  • Who dug deep and laid a foundation upon a rock.
  • 00:16:05.721 --> 00:16:08.891
  • And when the flood rose, the torrent burst against
  • 00:16:08.891 --> 00:16:11.393
  • That house and he could not shake it
  • 00:16:11.393 --> 00:16:13.429
  • Because he had been well built.
  • 00:16:13.429 --> 00:16:15.631
  • But the one who has heard my words
  • 00:16:15.631 --> 00:16:17.633
  • And not acted accordingly, he is like a man
  • 00:16:17.633 --> 00:16:21.937
  • Who built a house up on the ground without any foundation
  • 00:16:21.937 --> 00:16:26.608
  • And the torrent burst against it
  • 00:16:26.608 --> 00:16:28.444
  • And immediately it collapsed.
  • 00:16:28.444 --> 00:16:30.179
  • And the ruin of that house was great."
  • 00:16:30.179 --> 00:16:34.483
  • Two men, both building a house, both experiencing storms
  • 00:16:34.483 --> 00:16:40.689
  • That's what they had in common.
  • 00:16:40.689 --> 00:16:42.724
  • But one house stood, the other house fell.
  • 00:16:42.724 --> 00:16:47.963
  • What was the difference?
  • 00:16:47.963 --> 00:16:49.765
  • It all had to do with the foundation.
  • 00:16:49.765 --> 00:16:53.268
  • Jesus said,
  • 00:16:53.268 --> 00:16:54.636
  • The one who listens to my words and builds upon it
  • 00:16:54.636 --> 00:17:00.409
  • Is like the man who built his house upon the rock.
  • 00:17:00.409 --> 00:17:04.079
  • Every one of us here today is building some kind of life.
  • 00:17:04.079 --> 00:17:07.649
  • We have a limited amount of time, energy, resources.
  • 00:17:07.649 --> 00:17:12.521
  • You can build a life built around
  • 00:17:12.521 --> 00:17:14.756
  • Pleasure, recognition, material accumulation
  • 00:17:14.756 --> 00:17:20.863
  • That's a life built upon the sand.
  • 00:17:20.863 --> 00:17:24.166
  • And when the storm comes into your life,
  • 00:17:24.166 --> 00:17:27.069
  • Especially the storm of death that we're all going to face,
  • 00:17:27.069 --> 00:17:31.006
  • Nothing will remain.
  • 00:17:31.006 --> 00:17:33.408
  • Or, you can build your life around not just hearing,
  • 00:17:33.408 --> 00:17:37.779
  • But applying jesus' words.
  • 00:17:37.779 --> 00:17:42.017
  • I heard an illustration from chuck swindoll
  • 00:17:42.017 --> 00:17:46.221
  • And then i later read it in a book by john ortberg
  • 00:17:46.221 --> 00:17:50.692
  • And i can't tell who stole from whom.
  • 00:17:50.692 --> 00:17:54.363
  • I spent all week trying to tell who stole this from whom
  • 00:17:54.363 --> 00:17:57.900
  • I couldn't figure it out.
  • 00:17:57.900 --> 00:17:59.301
  • So i just decided to steal it from both of them.
  • 00:17:59.301 --> 00:18:01.637
  • (congregation laughing)
  • 00:18:01.637 --> 00:18:03.972
  • How many of you have ever played monopoly before?
  • 00:18:03.972 --> 00:18:07.209
  • It was my favorite game as a child, monopoly.
  • 00:18:07.209 --> 00:18:10.679
  • I used to play it with julia and dorothy too.
  • 00:18:10.679 --> 00:18:13.582
  • You know monopoly, you get the board out,
  • 00:18:13.582 --> 00:18:15.884
  • You have the little pieces you move around the board,
  • 00:18:15.884 --> 00:18:18.353
  • You have all of this pretend money.
  • 00:18:18.353 --> 00:18:20.055
  • The idea is to gain as much property as you can,
  • 00:18:20.055 --> 00:18:22.891
  • Build as many houses and hotels as you can,
  • 00:18:22.891 --> 00:18:25.928
  • And extract as much money from your children as possible,
  • 00:18:25.928 --> 00:18:29.164
  • You know in the game and leave them frustrated.
  • 00:18:29.164 --> 00:18:31.833
  • It's a lot of fun.
  • 00:18:31.833 --> 00:18:33.368
  • And at the end, whoever ends up with the most money wins.
  • 00:18:33.368 --> 00:18:37.806
  • The problem is, it's all a fantasy. none of it's real.
  • 00:18:37.806 --> 00:18:42.411
  • And eventually everything has to be folded up
  • 00:18:42.411 --> 00:18:45.247
  • And put back in the box.
  • 00:18:45.247 --> 00:18:48.951
  • You know life is like that.
  • 00:18:48.951 --> 00:18:51.053
  • We spend our time trying to accumulate
  • 00:18:51.053 --> 00:18:53.689
  • Recognition, pleasure, material assets
  • 00:18:53.689 --> 00:18:56.625
  • It's all a fantasy, folks, it's all a fantasy.
  • 00:18:56.625 --> 00:19:00.696
  • Everything you've experienced, achieved, or accumulated
  • 00:19:00.696 --> 00:19:04.666
  • Is either going to be burned up one day or left behind,
  • 00:19:04.666 --> 00:19:09.238
  • And you are going in the box.
  • 00:19:09.238 --> 00:19:12.741
  • And the only thing that remains
  • 00:19:12.741 --> 00:19:16.311
  • Is your relationship with god.
  • 00:19:16.311 --> 00:19:18.814
  • Isn't that what the bible says?
  • 00:19:18.814 --> 00:19:20.582
  • It's appointed unto every one of us wants to die
  • 00:19:20.582 --> 00:19:24.586
  • Then the judgment,
  • 00:19:24.586 --> 00:19:26.521
  • The wise person is the one who understands that.
  • 00:19:26.521 --> 00:19:31.827
  • Hears jesus' words and builds his life upon it.
  • 00:19:31.827 --> 00:19:37.199
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:19:37.199 --> 00:19:42.304
  • Life is like a fictional game of monopoly
  • 00:19:42.304 --> 00:19:45.507
  • When our time comes, fame and fortune will evaporate
  • 00:19:45.507 --> 00:19:49.011
  • And only our relationship with god will stand.
  • 00:19:49.011 --> 00:19:52.714
  • This is the crux of christianity
  • 00:19:52.714 --> 00:19:55.917
  • And it's the very reason "pathway to victory" exists.
  • 00:19:55.917 --> 00:19:59.721
  • Well, the new year is just a few days away,
  • 00:19:59.721 --> 00:20:02.324
  • And that means we're closing in
  • 00:20:02.324 --> 00:20:03.825
  • On the final hours of the "pathway to victory
  • 00:20:03.825 --> 00:20:06.895
  • Light thee darkness matching challenge."
  • 00:20:06.895 --> 00:20:09.464
  • All month long we've been working toward the goal
  • 00:20:09.464 --> 00:20:12.100
  • Of raising $1.5 million, which will be matched
  • 00:20:12.100 --> 00:20:16.038
  • And therefore doubled in impact.
  • 00:20:16.038 --> 00:20:18.473
  • These funds will be deployed in the new year
  • 00:20:18.473 --> 00:20:20.876
  • To reach more and more people
  • 00:20:20.876 --> 00:20:22.778
  • With the life-changing gospel of jesus christ.
  • 00:20:22.778 --> 00:20:26.014
  • It'll help us bring "pathway to victory" into communities
  • 00:20:26.014 --> 00:20:29.451
  • And cities where darkness prevails
  • 00:20:29.451 --> 00:20:31.820
  • And where people are searching for the light of god's truth.
  • 00:20:31.820 --> 00:20:35.557
  • So please, before time runs out
  • 00:20:35.557 --> 00:20:37.559
  • At midnight on new year's eve,
  • 00:20:37.559 --> 00:20:39.695
  • Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity
  • 00:20:39.695 --> 00:20:42.631
  • To double the impact of your year end gift.
  • 00:20:42.631 --> 00:20:46.335
  • Thanks so much for standing with "pathway to victory."
  • 00:20:46.335 --> 00:20:49.271
  • As we enter a brand new year together,
  • 00:20:49.271 --> 00:20:52.007
  • We couldn't provide this ministry without friends like you.
  • 00:20:52.007 --> 00:20:55.911
  • Now stay right there, i'll be back
  • 00:20:55.911 --> 00:20:57.612
  • With more "pathway to victory" in just a moment.
  • 00:20:57.612 --> 00:21:00.982
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:21:00.982 --> 00:21:02.317
  • [narrator] the one thing god wants
  • 00:21:02.317 --> 00:21:03.852
  • More than anything else in this world, is time with you.
  • 00:21:03.852 --> 00:21:07.556
  • Make god your priority by spending quality time
  • 00:21:07.556 --> 00:21:10.359
  • In his word with the brand new
  • 00:21:10.359 --> 00:21:11.927
  • 2025 "pathway to victory daily devotional."
  • 00:21:11.927 --> 00:21:15.130
  • This year's devotional
  • 00:21:15.130 --> 00:21:16.365
  • Has a beautiful navy blue leather cover
  • 00:21:16.365 --> 00:21:18.166
  • With inlaid brown and gold foil accents.
  • 00:21:18.166 --> 00:21:20.569
  • And now with larger print,
  • 00:21:20.569 --> 00:21:21.970
  • The 260 practical insights from dr. robert jeffress
  • 00:21:21.970 --> 00:21:25.307
  • Are easier to read.
  • 00:21:25.307 --> 00:21:26.708
  • This stunning 532 page devotional
  • 00:21:26.708 --> 00:21:29.311
  • Makes an ideal christmas gift
  • 00:21:29.311 --> 00:21:30.746
  • For loved ones who want to grow in their faith too.
  • 00:21:30.746 --> 00:21:33.415
  • Of all the ways god could have revealed himself to us,
  • 00:21:33.415 --> 00:21:36.852
  • He chose to do it through the written word.
  • 00:21:36.852 --> 00:21:39.888
  • And that's why it's so important for you and for me
  • 00:21:39.888 --> 00:21:42.157
  • To set aside regular time to read the word of god.
  • 00:21:42.157 --> 00:21:46.862
  • [narrator] every season carries an uplifting theme.
  • 00:21:46.862 --> 00:21:49.731
  • Begin the new year by exploring god's will for your life.
  • 00:21:49.731 --> 00:21:54.269
  • In spring and summer, grow stronger in christ
  • 00:21:54.269 --> 00:21:56.405
  • With insights from colossians.
  • 00:21:56.405 --> 00:21:58.507
  • And in the fall and winter
  • 00:21:58.507 --> 00:21:59.741
  • Embrace the father who loves you
  • 00:21:59.741 --> 00:22:01.643
  • With inspirational readings
  • 00:22:01.643 --> 00:22:03.145
  • Based on the parable of the prodigal son.
  • 00:22:03.145 --> 00:22:06.782
  • When the day-to-day problems of life feel overwhelming,
  • 00:22:06.782 --> 00:22:09.251
  • Take a moment to anchor yourself in the calming truth
  • 00:22:09.251 --> 00:22:11.920
  • Of god's word with the brand new
  • 00:22:11.920 --> 00:22:13.655
  • 2025 "pathway to victory daily devotional."
  • 00:22:13.655 --> 00:22:17.392
  • Your gift of support not only provides you
  • 00:22:17.392 --> 00:22:19.594
  • With this life-giving resource, it empowers us
  • 00:22:19.594 --> 00:22:22.364
  • To spread the hope-filled message of jesus christ as well.
  • 00:22:22.364 --> 00:22:26.034
  • Thank you for supporting the ministry
  • 00:22:26.034 --> 00:22:28.003
  • Of "pathway to victory."
  • 00:22:28.003 --> 00:22:29.871
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:22:29.871 --> 00:22:33.074
  • Every one of us is building some kind of life.
  • 00:22:33.074 --> 00:22:36.378
  • Is your life built around hearing the words of jesus
  • 00:22:36.378 --> 00:22:39.915
  • Or around applying those words?
  • 00:22:39.915 --> 00:22:42.884
  • Those who hear, but don't apply
  • 00:22:42.884 --> 00:22:44.586
  • Are building their life on sand,
  • 00:22:44.586 --> 00:22:47.055
  • But those who hear and apply are building their life
  • 00:22:47.055 --> 00:22:50.559
  • On the rock of jesus christ.
  • 00:22:50.559 --> 00:22:53.628
  • Well, if we're honest, every one of us
  • 00:22:53.628 --> 00:22:55.430
  • Has questions about our faith.
  • 00:22:55.430 --> 00:22:57.566
  • Questions like,
  • 00:22:57.566 --> 00:22:58.867
  • How can i know i'm going to heaven when i die?
  • 00:22:58.867 --> 00:23:01.336
  • Or how can i know the bible is really true?
  • 00:23:01.336 --> 00:23:04.306
  • And next time i'm going to combine the best modern research
  • 00:23:04.306 --> 00:23:07.709
  • With the truth of scripture
  • 00:23:07.709 --> 00:23:09.344
  • To give you practical answers that you need.
  • 00:23:09.344 --> 00:23:12.614
  • Stay tuned for a preview of my newly updated series
  • 00:23:12.614 --> 00:23:16.351
  • "how can i know?"
  • 00:23:16.351 --> 00:23:19.221
  • We often ask question, and if there's a god,
  • 00:23:19.221 --> 00:23:20.922
  • Why hasn't he revealed himself?
  • 00:23:20.922 --> 00:23:23.658
  • Fails to take into account all the ways
  • 00:23:23.658 --> 00:23:25.760
  • He has revealed himself,
  • 00:23:25.760 --> 00:23:27.462
  • Starting with the cosmos, with nature.
  • 00:23:27.462 --> 00:23:30.232
  • The psalm was declared in psalm 19:1
  • 00:23:30.232 --> 00:23:32.834
  • "the heavens declare the glory of god
  • 00:23:32.834 --> 00:23:36.071
  • And the skies proclaim the work of his hand."
  • 00:23:36.071 --> 00:23:40.242
  • [narrator] set your dvr and join us next time
  • 00:23:40.242 --> 00:23:42.077
  • For the message, how can i know there is a god?
  • 00:23:42.077 --> 00:23:45.413
  • Part of the series, how can i know?
  • 00:23:45.413 --> 00:23:47.716
  • Here on "pathway to victory"
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • Carl and ruthie rodinsky live in rosedale, indiana,
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  • A town one hour west of indianapolis
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  • With a population of 725.
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  • [ruthie] as we were watching dr. jeffres
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  • Preach on forgiveness, i said to carl,
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  • "the ladies at rockville need to see this."
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  • [narrator] the rockville correctional facility
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  • Is 14 miles north of carl and ruthie's home.
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  • It's a state prison and the largest female
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  • Penitentiary in indiana with about 1,200 women.
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  • The average age of the women at intake is 33 years old,
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  • [carl] so we started to volunteer at rockville
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  • And our bible study group was born.
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  • This past tuesday we had 28 ladies attending.
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  • [ruthie] we watched the dvd and we used dr. jeffress' book
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  • And bible study guide as we discuss god's word together.
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  • [rhonda] i've been incarcerated here in rockville since 2009.
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  • "second chance, second act" had a profound impact on me.
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  • Dr. jeffress opened my eyes to see how god has forgiven me
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  • And how god loves me, even in my worst failure.
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  • God can turn my messes into success.
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  • [ruthie] last month we had almost 90 in worship
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  • And eight ladies accepted jesus christ as their savior.
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  • [latisha] dr. jeffress makes the bible relevant
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  • No matter where a person is in their journey.
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  • I mean, it's like he's talking straight to me.
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  • I may still be in prison, but i've been set free.
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  • [narrator] in luke 4:18, jesus, quoting the prophet isaiah
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  • Said "he has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives."
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  • [shay] 21 years i've been inside the rock.
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  • I just got over three years left.
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  • I feel like i know dr. jeffress 'cause you all been teaching
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  • Me the bible for so long. without those study
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  • Materials from dr. jeffress, i would've given up years ago.
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • [ruthie] we are so grateful to dr. jeffress
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  • And the "pathway to victory" family
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  • And family is the right word, the ladies feel that too.
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  • When they heard about that horrible fire
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  • At first baptist, dallas, they decided amongst themselves
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  • That they wanted to take up an offering
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  • To show their support.
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  • [narrator] 10 ladies gave $197.
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  • Susan, serving a life sentence for murder
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  • Gave $1 and said in her letter.
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  • [susan] at this moment, i have $1.12 cents in my account.
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  • I know most people would think, what difference would $1 make?
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  • I have no doubt in my mind, that through the power of god,
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  • He is more than able to perform a miracle with $1.
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  • Thank you dr. jeffress, for your ministry to the
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  • Ladies here at rockville, lives are being changed
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  • For all eternity.
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  • [narrator] carl and ruth ann continue to lead
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  • Their bible study inside the walls of rockville
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  • Correctional facility every tuesday night.
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